Name: Scott Montgomery
Blog or web site: www.commandocomics.com
Currently working as:
Deputy Editor, Commando
First memory of 2000AD?
The first issue I got was Prog 231, in September 1981. I was aged nine at the time and it was the best 16p ever spent! Rogue Trooper and a big tank on the cover. I couldn’t get my head around the idea that Rogue’s gun (and backpack and helmet) could talk!
Favourite Character or Story?
It’s got to be Judge Dredd, really. Sorry if that’s a bit of an obvious choice. The character and his world was just mind-blowing, with amazing stuff like Block Mania and The Apocalypse War. I also loved Strontium Dog, Nemesis The Warlock, Rogue Trooper and Bad Company.
What do you like most about the 2000AD?
The fact that each week there will always be something new. And ultraviolent. And darkly humorous.
What would you most like to see in 2000AD as it heads to its Forties?
It’s just reassuring that it’s still going strong, and doing what it does best. Happy birthday to Tharg and the droids, past and present!
If you worked on 2000AD, do you have an anecdote you’d like to share about your experience of Tharg and his minions?
Just over 15 years ago, when I was a young freelance journo, would-be comic writer and 2000AD geek, I was thrilled when the phone rang one day and Tharg himself (disguised as editorial droid John Tomlinson) asked if I’d be interested in writing an article about the complete chronology of everyone’s favourite blue-skinned super soldier for the 1996 Rogue Trooper Action Special. Of course I said yes. And the rest was future history.
• This post is one in a series of tributes to 2000AD to mark its 35th birthday on 26th February 2012. More about 2000AD at www.2000adonline.com
2000AD © Rebellion
John Freeman
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. Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Star Trek Explorer (previously known as Star Trek 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
Upcoming Rebellion Releases, and an Art Stars Judge Dredd competition, too 
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2000AD anniversary celebrations continue with latest Prog 
Rebellion Releases: 2000AD Prog 2320 out now