“The Vigilant” saga to conclude in Judge Dredd Megazine

Those of you wondering why the finale of The Vigilant hadn’t been announced along with other special projects from the Treasury of British Comics will be pleased to hear it’s on its way – but in the pages of Judge Dredd Megazine, this June.

I have some thoughts on this development, but would like to thank Simon Furman, Simon Coleby, editor Keith Richardson and many others who’ve poured a huge amount of creative energy into bringing us this project.

The Vigilant: Maelstrom -CoverWhile the first two chapters in the saga reviving some classic British comic heroes (and introducing some new ones, too) were released as distinct Specials, Rebellion has chosen to conclude the series in the Megazine.

This may disappoint fans who would have preferred to read the story in the same format throughout from start to finish, but perhaps this new home might boost awareness of The Vigilant and associated classic characters.

So, while a conclusion to the intriguing story arc is being touted, a positive reaction in the Megazine might yet pave the way for further stories.

That’s my hope, any way, because it strikes me that the Megazine might provide a great platform to road test other classic strips and characters – but only time and sales will tell…

SMASH! Special 2020 - CoverIt’s abundantly clear Rebellion is committed to finding the best way to make the most of the massive archive of characters and brands it now owns, from the number of Specials being published and its impressive and varied publishing program – but in a fractured and complex marketplace, finding the best ways to do this cannot be easy.

The work of the creative team behind The Vigilant project has been remarkable at every level, and it’s quite clear from interviews that writer Simon Furman, has developed a fascinating approach and backstory to the whole multiverse-spanning history of the (largely) Fleetway heroes, along with editor Keith Richardson and artist Simon Coleby. I sincerely hope we have not seen the last of his ideas and there is much more to come.

THE VIGILANT CONCLUDES!

They’ve battled the greatest threat to the universe and now the story of The Vigilant comes to an end with an explosive grand finale.

The story of Rebellion’s super-team of classic British comic book characters, The Vigilant, will come to a reality-shattering conclusion in the pages of the Judge Dredd Megazine #421, on sale 17th June 2020.

After two spellbinding special issues, these home-grown superheroes – Dr. Sin, Blake Edmonds, Thunderbolt the Avenger, The Steel Commando, Pete’s Pocket Army, Death-Man, Yāo and The Leopard from Lime Street – leap forth once again from the Treasury of British Comics archive of more than a century of classic comics.

Writer Simon Furman (Transformers), artist Simon Coleby (Judge Dredd), colourist Len O’Grady (Jaegir), and letterer Simon Bowland (The Boys) reunite for this explosive climax to The Vigilant saga.

In the finale, Nightcomer Beth Rogan has had a vague vision that one of the team will betray his or her comrades, and that’ll allow the evil Doktor Von Hoffman to usher in a Hell on Earth.

Can Dr Sin’s crew stop the demon Mazoul’s terrifying Blood Rapture from becoming a reality?

Readers will once again get the chance to enjoy the return of these iconic British characters as they face their deadliest threat – one that may destroy them for good!

This issue of the Judge Dredd Megazine will also come bagged with a 64-page graphic novel featuring stories from the original incarnations of these legendary comic book heroes, giving readers fascinating context to The Vigilant’s final mission.

The Vigilant
As we’ve reported, the complete story of The Vigilant, featuring work by Simon Furman, Simon Coleby, DaNi, Henrik Sahlstrom, Warwick Fraser-Combe, Staz Johnson, Will Sliney, and Jake Lynch, will be collected in a 128-page paperback graphic novel this September.

“It has been an honour to usher in the new era of exciting stories featuring some of the greatest adventure characters in British comics,” commented Editor Keith Richardson, “created by the best of British talent. Stay Vigilant!”

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Pre-order The Vigilant collection – due for release 15th September 2020 (AmazonUK Affiliate Link)



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