Author Hiroyuki Morioka created an entire constructed language called Baronh for the Abh, complete with its own alphabet named Ath, and almost all written text in the anime uses this invented script.

The original work is technically a single three-volume novel rather than a trilogy of separate books, though it is commonly referred to as a trilogy.

The Crest of the Stars novel appeared in 1996 during a period when the Japanese science fiction novel genre was considered by many to be in decline, and its success in this context earned it the Seiun Award.

A radio drama adaptation aired on FM Osaka and was released on CD in three volumes, featuring practically the same voice cast as the anime but with some changes.

A video game adaptation for the PlayStation, released in 2000, blended story elements and characters from both the Crest of the Stars and Banner of the Stars novels, featuring 67 different space battles across two story paths with three possible endings each.

The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction highlights the series for subverting typical genre expectations by not portraying the Galactic Empire as simply evil nor the rebel alliance as simply virtuous.

A recap movie titled Crest of the Stars Special Edition was released in 2000, condensing the original 13-episode TV series.