Farewell, Peter David: The Writer Who Gave Me Imzadi

Peter David, the prolific and beloved author of novels, comics, and screenplays, has passed away.

Best known for his work across franchises like Star Trek, The Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man, and Babylon 5, David had a rare ability to blend humor, heart, and high-stakes storytelling. Over his remarkable career, he authored more than 100 novels, wrote countless comic book issues, and contributed to TV scripts, including for Babylon 5 and Space Cases.

“Peter David didn’t just write stories—he gave fans reasons to care. He found the beating heart behind larger-than-life characters.”

For me, his legacy is forever tied to what I still consider the definitive Star Trek novel: Imzadi.

A Personal Tribute to Imzadi

It’s hard to express just how much Imzadi meant to me. Time may have wrapped it in nostalgia, but I remember being completely captivated. The book wasn’t just an extension of The Next Generation – it felt personal, romantic, and surprisingly profound.

“You are the part of me I never knew was missing.”
— Imzadi, Peter David

That novel still sits on my shelf, the only Star Trek book that still does. I’ve thought about re-reading it, but part of me wants to preserve the memory of that first experience.

The Riker Phase

I first read Imzadi during what I call my “Riker phase.” I wore my beard in the style of Commander Riker (as played by Jonathan Frakes), and I was all-in on The Next Generation. My fandom ran deep – I joined the Austrek fan club, went to conventions, cosplayed (before I even knew the word), and even helped produce the club newsletter The Captain’s Log (as readers might remember from earlier posts).

Adding to that special time, I was dating a woman of Greek descent who bore a striking resemblance to Marina Sirtis – Counselor Deanna Troi – and was a fellow TNG fan.

More Than Just a Writer

That time in my life – the conventions, the club, the beard, the love of the show and of someone who shared it – feels like a lifetime ago. But Imzadi still sits quietly on my shelf, a symbol of passion, memory, and storytelling that mattered.

Peter David gave that to me. And to so many others.

Thank you, Peter.

_{Featured image: Writer Peter David, at the February 7, 2007 signing of The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born at Midtown Comics in Times Square, New York City. Photo by Luigi Novi. Used under CC BY 3.0.}