Book 2: Accused!
There’s been a brazen theft, and all signs point to the Cadets’ guilt! Blast off to a colorful adventure full of mystery and intrigue!
While the crew of the ESS Khonsu is negotiating a treaty with the reclusive residents of an important nebula, someone attacks their hosts and makes off with a cultural artifact… and every piece of evidence suggests Nishika is the thief! Now it’s up to the Cadets and their new friend Rax to investigate the crime and prove her innocence, all while dodging station security. But can they find the true culprit before their diplomatic mission is ruined forever? And what if they discover that the situation in this beautiful nebula is not as perfect as their hosts would have them believe?
Releasing December 9, 2025
Book 1: Contact!
Humanity has gone to the stars, and the ESS Khonsu and its crew are leading the charge to explore the galaxy. As the son of the ship’s captain, Jimmil might not always live up to his mom’s expectations… but right now he and his friends might be the galaxy’s only hope.
After they’re stranded on a strange alien planet, they’ll have to do what their parents couldn’t: explore the surface, discover the secrets of the terrifying race that lives there, and try to prevent a full-scale war!
Working together, these Cadets will discover that sometimes being a hero means learning to see new perspectives, and sometimes bravery means admitting when you’re wrong.
Available NOW at your favorite bookstore or comic book shop from Top Shelf Productions and IDW.
Praise for COSMIC CADETS
“A stellar choice for middle-grade comics fans.” —Booklist
“A rambunctious space adventure.” —Publishers Weekly
“A thrilling and heartfelt adventure.” —School Library Journal top weekly pick
“Brimming with hijinks, mystery and a ton of heart, Accused flies further and funnier past its predecessor. Cosmic Cadets is everything I want in a ‘kids off on their own’ sci-fi adventure story.” —Mike Maihack, Cleopatra in Space, Spiderman: A Mighty Marvel Team-Up
“Cosmic Cadets is the perfect adventure for anyone who’s dreamed of making first contact. Fun, fast-paced, and with a ton of heart.” —Conor McCreery, The Last Witch
“Take the best of Star Trek (which I love) and mash it up with The Goonies (which I love), and you’ve got Cosmic Cadets (which, it turns out, I LOVE)! Heartfelt, thoughtful, and surprising, this is a story that’ll give as much to parents as it does to kids.” —Justin Peniston, Sonic Prime
“Why wouldn’t kids make friends with the first alien they meet? Cosmic Cadets is a prescient and charming story for all ages about respecting differences and the consequences of acting out of fear.” —Tilly & Susan Bridges, Monster High, Star Trek: Voyager Homecoming
Book 1 available NOW! Links below, or support your favorite local shop!
Book 2 preorders are now open!
Ben Crane 