The latest issue of 2000AD is on sale now (alongside the latest Judge Dredd Megazine and The Vigliant) in all good newsagents and comics shops (and digitally), with a dramatic cover from Kei Zama coloured by Kelly Fitzpatrick, highlighting some all-out mechanical action in the latest episode of “The Order” from writer Kek-W and artist John M. Burns.
Favourite thrill? It’s a toss up between Judge Dredd, with its terrific art from Leonardo Manco, as the Judges finally catch up with the would-be super villains plaguing MegaCity One – and the twists and turns of this Prog’s “Grey Area” from Dan Abnett and Mark Harrison. I can’t decide, although Mark’s design work on the latter might just clinch it.
One item I can’t really let past is a mention for the female semi-nudity in this Prog’s “Mechastopheles“. I know it’s not the first time for this in 2000AD, but after the big push about the all-female creators 2000AD Special earlier, these scenes, even in the setting of an artist’s studio as they are, just seem at odds with that.
The latest Prog isn’t the only new thrill from Rebellion this week. Judge Dredd Megazine 399 is out too, alongside the eagerly-anticipated special reviving many classic British superheroes The Vigilant, the main story scripted by Simon Furman and illustrated by Simon Coleby.
As expected, given how many people hold characters they grew up with in their hearts, it’s already stirring plenty of discussion. As an addendum, I have to say it’s not quite how I’d have gone with such a book, but I’m out of the loop with superheroes these days, despite my Marvel credentials and love of “team books”.
The fast pace of the book and huge cast involved – which includes The Leopard from Lime Street, Death Wish’s Blake Edmonds, the Steel Commando, Doctor Sin and Pete’s Pocket Army – may be de rigeur to gain traction Stateside. Check out my review here, where I go into more detail, with only minor spoilers and do feel free to comment there – be interesting to know what you think.
The Megazine 399 sees Devlin Waugh, The Returners, Strange Brigade and Chopper all come to their zarjaz climaxes, alongside a complete Dredd thriller from Rory McConville and Staz Johnson, clearing the decks for a brand-new line-up to commence in the milestone Meg 400, coming your way on 19th September.
In this week’s 2000AD…
2000AD Prog 2094 is Available in print from: book stores, Amazon, and comic book stores via Diamond | Digital delivery: 2000AD webshop, 2000AD iPad app, 2000AD Android app, 2000AD Windows 10 app
Judge Dredd » A better class of criminal (part 4)
by Rory McConville (Writer) Leonardo Manco (Artist) Chris Blythe (Colourist) Annie Parkhouse (Letterer)
Mega-City One, 2140 AD. Home to over 100 million citizens, this urban hell is situated along the east coast of post-apocalyptic North America. With unemployment endemic and boredom universal, tensions are always on a knife-edge. Crime is rampant, and only the Judges — future law-enforcers empowered to dispense instant justice — can stop total anarchy. Toughest of them all is JUDGE DREDD — he is The Law!
The Order » The New World (part 8)
By Kek-W (Writer) John M. Burns (Artist) Annie Parkhouse (Letterer)
Throughout history, mankind has been under threat of extermination by the Wyrms, creatures from another plane that systematically break into our reality. Defending humanity are the men and women of THE ORDER, a secret band of warriors that have fought the entities across the centuries. But the Wyrms have fractured time, noble robot knight Ritterstahl has been lost, and The Order themselves are splintering…
Tharg’s 3rillers Present » Appetite (part 2)
By James Peaty (Writer) Andrea Mutti (Artist) Eva De La Cruz (Colourist) Ellie De Ville (Letterer)
Three episodes, one complete, self-contained story — a condensed hit of super-charged Thrill-power beamed to you directly from the Nerve Centre! Adrian Jones had always had a hunger for fame and fortune, and by setting up successful celebrity gossip site MrJones.com he’s on his way to achieving a certain level of notoriety. But he’s finding it unfulfilling, and has an appetite from something more substantial…
Mechastopheles » True Faith (part 3)
by Gordon Rennie, Lawrence Rennie (Writers) Karl Richardson (Artist) Simon Bowland (Letterer)
It is over a year since the Fall, when the demons rose and society collapsed, and humanity fights a daily battle in a world where hellish creatures stalk the land. A band of survivors have sought refuge in a demonically powered robot called MECHASTOPHELES, and they use this infernal ark as a means to seek sanctuary and find others that need rescuing. But Lord Mechastopheles is not easily controlled…
Grey Area » The laundry room (part 1)
By Dan Abnett (Writer) Mark Harrison (Artist) Ellie De Ville (Letterer)
The mid 21st century. Earth has a heavily armed defence network, and any ETs arriving on the planet are housed in the Exo Segregation Zone, known as the GREY AREA, which is policed by squads of Exo Transfer Control officers like Captain Adam Bulliet and his team — wife Birdy, linguist Kymn, weapons expert Feo, and alien transfer Resting Bitch Face. But Kymn and Bitch have been killed, and the team is getting back to work…
• 2000AD Prog 2094 is Available in print from: book stores, Amazon, and comic book stores via Diamond | Digital delivery: 2000AD webshop, 2000AD iPad app, 2000AD Android app, 2000AD Windows 10 app
- About the Author
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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
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