IDW Publishing has a Star Trek movie prequel and two new ongoing G.I. Joe series launching soon.  Star Trek: Countdown to Darkness is a four-issue prequel to the new Star Trek movie, Star Trek Into Darkness, which premieres May 17th (see "Benedict Cumberbatch in New 'Star Trek' Photo").  The miniseries is written by Mike Johnson with a story by screenwriter Roberto Orci and art by David Messina.  Launching in January, it will bridge the gap between the two films leading up to the May release of the sequel.  IDW did a very successful Countdown series for the first J.J. Abrams Star Trek film as well (the collection also sold well, see "'Star Trek' Cracks Top Five").

IDW is also re-launching its G.I. Joe comics, timed to coincide with the release of G.I. Joe: Retaliation on March 29, 2013 (see "New 'Joe' Trailer").  Two new ongoing series are planned.  G.I. Joe, by Fred Van Lente and Steve Kurth, will launch in February with covers by Juan Doe, Steve Kurth, and Jamal Igle, a special G.I. Joe "comics history" cover by Ryan Dunlavey, and a subscription variant cover by Arthur Adams.

G.I. Joe Special Missions, a new ongoing series by Chuck Dixon and Paul Gulacy, will launch in March.  The first issue will feature a cover by Brandon Peterson, a wraparound cover by Jamal Igle, and a special Untold Tales of G.I.Joe cover by Jim Rugg.