Rebellion’s Action 50th Anniversary Special is on sale on Wednesday 15th April – and we have a sneak preview of the incoming all-new “Hook Jaw” adventure for you, by Steve White and Staz Johnson!
Before 2000AD there was Action, a weekly adventure title initially ahead of the curve, that fell foul of the establishment when it was decided it had pushed the envelope too far, in terms of what was then considered acceptable in a boys comic in the 1970s. Even now, some stories and arcs might raise eyebrows.
Now, fifty years later, Rebellion Publishing are proud to revive Action for a new Special featuring an incredible lineup of creators, and some of its most famous – and infamous characters – back on shelves and ready to inspire a whole new generation to anarchy…
One of the most eagerly anticipated stories in the Special’s lineup is “Hook Jaw” by Steve White and Staz Johnson, a new adventure featuring the deadly Great White Shark whose bloodcurdling attacks to defend its territory, inspired by the success of the book and movie, Jaws, were integral to Action’s success… and downfall…
There’s a killer out at sea! The vicious Hook Jaw has been seen in the depths of the ocean again, the killer shark with no regard for human life – and he’s heading out on the hunt! As a crew of drug dealers attempt to complete a sale in lawless international waters, they attract the attention of the legendary shark… this isn’t going to be pretty!
The Action 50th Anniversary Special is on sale from Wednesday 15th April 2026, and you can preorder a copy directly from 2000AD here
Meet the Creators…
Steve White has been a comics editor, writer, colourist, inker, and artist for almost four decades, starting at Marvel UK in 1986, where he worked on the likes of Action Force, Thundercats, Captain Britain, Transformers and Dragon’s Claws. He worked on Sonic The Comic, notably drawing “Ecco the Dolphin”; he also drew a number of cards for Magic: The Gathering. Other comics work includes Lords of Misrule and HyperSonic. As senior editor at Titan Publishing, he helped launch Titan Comics and edited numerous titles, including Rivers of London and Johnny Red.
Steve White was the co-creator of “Black Light” for 2000AD, and has also written “Rogue Trooper”, “Flesh”, “Vector 13” and “Venus Bluegenes”.
He has also edited the critically acclaimed Dinosaur Art series for Titan Books, and Mesozoic Art for Bloomsbury. He now a full-time artist well known for his palaeontology- and fantasy-themed art.
Stewart “Staz” Johnson, who cites Action as his favourite comic when he was a kid, started his artistic career working on RPG magazines. From there he got work at Marvel UK, where he worked on weekly comic book series such as Transformers and Action Force. Having worked on the majority of Marvel’s A-list titles such as Thor, The Avengers and Spider-Man, he moved over to DC Comics, working on several Batman titles. His work for 2000AD includes “Judge Dredd”, “Future Shocks”, “Rogue Trooper” and the strip “Killer”, which he co-created with Steve Moore.
The Action 50th Anniversary Special is on sale from Wednesday 15th April 2026, and you can preorder a copy directly from 2000AD here
The Special also features…
Dredger by Garth Ennis and John Higgins. Britain’s deadliest secret agent returns, hitting the vengeance trail after the death of his partner, Breed. Dredger kills and maims his way across London, intent on delivering his own brand of justice. How much of London will be left when he’s finished?
Hellman of Hammer Force by Garth Ennis and Mike Dorey. Blazing battle action on the Eastern Front in 1944, as Panzer commander Kurt Hellman leads a small German armoured unit against massed Soviet forces. As the tank men struggle to survive in this frozen hell, they face a new and terrible savagery from their vengeance-crazed Russian enemies.
Look Out For Lefty by Rob Williams and Patrick Goddard. Footballer Kenny “Lefty” Lampton has the most dangerous left foot in the game, blazing the ball through the net. But Lefty doesn’t play fair, and his temper constantly flares up on the pitch, boiling over into fury and violence! After his anger leaves him stranded on the subs bench, he finally gets his chance – this could be his big comeback, a chance to regain his lost glory! As The Royal Family watch on from the stand, can Lefty keep it under control for ninety minutes?
Featuring a powerhouse lineup of writers and artists, Action is taking no prisoners on its return to the newspaper stand! You thought it was controversial before? You haven’t seen anything yet!
Action is back, and more hard-hitting than ever!
• The 50th Anniversary Special is on sale from Wednesday 15th April 2026, and you can preorder a copy directly from 2000AD here
• Bear Alley Books has just published Action: The Sevenpenny Nightmare, a superb comprehensive history of Britain’s most infamous boys’ comic. Read our news story here | Head to Bear Alley Books for more information about their books
• The Sevenpenny Nightmare downthetube micro site compiled by Moose Harris
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.
He’s the writer of comics such as 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: British Comics, British Comics - Current British Publishers, Comic Previews, Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News
Warlord leaps back into action in new Commando tale! 
Future War – fought in Commando past! 
2000AD extends supermarket distribution to ASDA 
EXCLUSIVE Trigan Empire Sneak Peek: Michael Carroll teases Rebellion’s new graphic novel!
Leave a Reply