Rebellion, publishers of 2000AD, has issued a statement about how the Coronavirus Pandemic will affect publication of its comics and graphic novels, which we publish in full here, but for now the good news is that they plan to continue with most their publications – although Best of 2000 AD #1 has been delayed.
As the UK government brings in restrictions on movement in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rebellion would like to reassure readers that 2000 AD will continue to be published.
We are working closely with our printers and distributors to ensure that the supply of Thrill-power continues through this difficult time.
This is a rapidly-changing situation so please bear with us – our top priority is the safety of all our staff, as well as those at our printers and distributors, and delivery staff. We are constantly monitoring developments and reappraise our operations on a daily basis, taking both government advice and common sense into account when making decisions.
It is important to us that comics, which can provide distraction and entertainment at a time when people are unable to leave their homes, continue to reach those who need them.
As things stand at 12 noon on Tuesday 24th March, 2000 AD and the Judge Dredd Megazine will continue to be printed and sent to subscribers. Non-subscribers can order physical copies of both titles from the 2000 AD webshop. Newsagents and retailers will receive comics as well, with some exceptions outlined below.
Physical copies of our specials, such as this week’s Action 2020 Special and the forthcoming Cor!! Buster Easter Special, will still go out to customers and stockists, and will be available to buy from the 2000 AD and Treasury of British Comics webshops.
While newsagent chains such as WH Smith are closing selected stores, we will continue to support independent newsagents, comic book stores, and supermarkets that remain open and which stock our titles. Comic book stores especially face a huge challenge as Diamond Distribution is ceasing all deliveries of new titles, please support them through this difficult time where you can with mail order custom or the purchase of gift certificates etc.
Due to the closure of Diamond’s distribution network, we have taken the difficult decision to postpone the publication of Best of 2000 AD #1, which was due to go on sale on 29th April. This title is postponed until further notice.
All titles will be available digitally on their existing publication dates from 2000 AD and the Treasury of British Comics webshop. All pre-orders of physical paperback and hardback editions will also be supplied.
Our huge backlist of titles will continue to be available to order from the 2000 AD and Treasury of British Comics webshop. There will be unfortunate but understandable delays to overseas deliveries. Please consult your government’s advice on postal services for information about local deliveries and border closures.
The 2000 AD webshop and apps will continue to be updated with our latest titles. Go to 2000ad.com/get-the-app to download our apps for Apple, Android, and Windows 10 devices.
Please stay safe, Earthlets: follow the advice to stay home where possible, wash your hands regularly, and maintain social distancing, but ensure you help vulnerable members of your community as much as you safely can.
We may often deal in dystopias, but if our 43 years of stories have taught us anything it’s to work together and look out for one another.
• 2000AD is online at 2000ad.com | 2000 AD Shop | Apps
• Free to download: 400 pages of epic Judge Dredd! Find out more here on the 2000AD web site
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: 2000AD, British Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News