Award-winning comics writer John Wagner is returning to 2000AD for its special 45th birthday issue in February, with a brand new Judge Dredd story, “The Citadel”, drawn by Dan Cornwell.
Within the intimidating walls of Iso-Block 1, a prisoner is scheduled to die after decades in isolation. But he has a tale to tell – one that may blow Judge Dredd’s world apart!
“The Citadel” takes Judge Dredd back to the events of The Apocalypse War, in which he led the desperate fight against the invading armies of the Sov mega-cities.
As the Apocalypse War rages, Judge Dredd leads a squad of Cadet Judges into battle – launching an assault upon The Citadel, where the invading Sov forces have set up base.
But now, 40 years later and on the day of his execution, former Cadet Judge Winterton will tell the truth about what happened during the war, why the mission was subsequently covered up, and reveal the secret that Judge Dredd himself has been hiding for the past 40 years.
Master writer and co-creator of Judge Dredd, John Wagner, returns to 2000AD in its anniversary year with this thrilling new Judge Dredd story, drawn by Dan Cornwell (Rok of the Reds), with colours by Dylan Teague (Madi) and letters by Annie Parkhouse, the new story begins in 2000AD’s 45th birthday issue, on sale in February.
“The Citadel” will begin in 2000AD Prog 2270, the landmark issue celebrating forty-five years of the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic. The special 48-page issue hits newsstands on 23rd February 2022.
The story will also be collected in an eponymous 128-page paperback graphic novel edition in July 2022 (ISBN: 9781786185686), also crediting Colin MacNeil and John Higgins, available from all good book and comic book stores, as well as online retailers and the 2000AD webshop and app.
Matt Smith, editor of 2000AD, said: “’The Citadel’ is a rip-roaring, unmissable story that will have readers on the edges of their seats. Serving up action and intrigue in the only way John Wagner can, and with Dan Cornwell providing some career-best artwork, it proves that even after forty-five years that 2000AD and Judge Dredd can still deliver the goods.”
The first issue of 2000AD hit newsstands in mid-February 1977 and Rebellion plans to mark forty-five years of groundbreaking comics with special collections, signing events, and online celebrations.
John Wagner has been scripting for 2000AD for more years than he cares to remember. His creations include Judge Dredd, Strontium Dog, Ace Trucking, Al’s Baby, Button Man and Mean Machine. Outside of 2000AD, his credits include Star Wars, Lobo, The Punisher and the critically acclaimed A History of Violence.
Dan Cornwell’s early work was on titles such as Futurequake, Dogbreath, 100% Biodegradable. His big break came in 2014, when John Wagner and Alan Grant spotted his work and offered him the chance to illustrate a new sci-fi story, Rok of the Reds. Since then, he’s worked on characters including Judge Dredd, Judge Fear, Max Normal and others for 2000AD and Judge Dredd The Megazine. He also illustrated Dredd for the Cursed Earth card game and Crime Files mobile game.
Recent work includes the critically acclaimed sequel to Rok of the Reds – Rok the God, again written by John Wagner, and Roy of the Rovers illustrations for Rebellion’s fiction novels. He continues to work with 2000AD on stories including “Department K” – and is also working with former Tharg, Steve MacManus, on his latest comic, Blazer!
• 2000AD Prog 2270, a 52-page Special issue celebrating 45 years of the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic goes on sale on 23rd February 2022
• Judge Dredd: The Citadel will be collected in an eponymous 128-page paperback graphic novel edition in July 2022 (ISBN: 9781786185686), also crediting Colin MacNeil and John Higgins, available from all good book and comic book stores, as well as online retailers and the 2000AD webshop and app
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, Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events
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