Connoisseur of all things Star Trek, author Dayton Ward is back next month with his next in-universe look at what makes the Federation tick in Star Trek Kirk Fu Manual: A Guide to Starfleet’s Most Feared Martial Art. It’s a comical look at everyone’s first (or second) favorite Captain, in his familiar 1960s (or 23rd century) uniform and scene stealing stances, rendered for the willing student or old-school fan by artist Christian Cornia. Providing a how-to manual of some of Captain James T. Kirk’s more eccentric hand-to-hand combat moves, it gives you some step-by-step instruction in being cool like Kirk, complete with excerpts from his personal log.

Who exactly is the Kirk Fu Manual for? It’s for those who listened to our recommendations of Ward’s past humorous inside looks at the franchise, seen in his Hidden Universe Travel Guide to Vulcan (reviewed here at borg) and his Hidden Universe Travel Guide to the Klingon Empire (reviewed here). And it’s exactly the right gift for your office party swap when you can’t figure what to buy, but you know your boss is a Star Trek addict.

Readers better pay attention, as they’ll find a check-yourself test at the end. And a certificate for those who pass. If Kirk Fu is not your thing, don’t worry–Spock steps in with alternative suggestions in a bonus section. Take a look at a preview of the Kirk Fu Manual below, courtesy of publisher Insight Editions.

Cornia, known for his artwork in Brina the Cat, Yogi Bear’s Guide to Plants, and When Unicorns Poop, brings in a nice spin on an animated Kirk that matches the ever youthful William Shatner. Check out some of his past work here.

Ward pulls from his decades as a Star Trek novelist and recent contributor to Star Trek Discovery and Star Trek Picard projects (and maybe even some of his days as a U.S. Marine) to provide a guide that can stand proudly next to your copy of the U.S. Army Survival Manual. Check out some of his past work here.

Here’s a look inside:

About twice as thick as a classic Little Golden Book and available in a colorful hardcover edition from Insight Editions, Star Trek Kirk Fu Manual: A Guide to Starfleet’s Most Feared Martial Art is available for pre-order now here at Amazon, shipping in March.

C.J. Bunce

Editor

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