New Battle Action title coming from Rebellion?

By John Freeman on February 14, 2023 • ( 2 )

*A solicit for a new Battle Action title, which has since disappeared from the 2000AD web shop listings*

Could a new Battle Action title be in the works from 2000AD publishers Rebellion? That certainly seems a possibility, after a solicit listing for Battle Action 1 appeared, briefly, on the official 2000AD web shop.

SEE OUR UPDATE BELOW

The solicitation suggested a May launch, with a cover price of £4.99, midway between 2000AD (£3.50) and Judge Dredd Megazine (£6.99) so if this is indeed on the cards, expect comic shop distributor Diamond to confirm it in upcoming catalogues.

An adventure comic from Rebellion, owners of the IPC-Fleetway archive of characters stretching back decades, has been rumoured for several years.

An adventure title would complement their other regular titles – 2000AD, Monster Fun and Judge Dredd Megazine – on the news stand. Not only would it serve as the means to relaunch new characters as well as revive old ones; it could also serve as a useful promotional device for Rebellion’s games catalogue, such as Sniper Elite, which has already spun out into comics.

Battle Picture Weekly, at various times also known as Battle Action, Battle Action Force, Battle and Battle with Storm Force, was published by IPC Magazines between March 1975 and to January 1988, when it merged with the new incarnation of Eagle.

Battle Action Special Treasury of British Comic Webshop Exclusive

The possible launch of a new title follows on the heels of the success of the Battle Action special Rebellion published last year, written by Garth Ennis (Preacher, The Boys), presenting his own take on the classic characters of Battle and Action, copies still available from the Treasury of British Comics web shop.

The line-up included strips featuring new takes on strips such as “Johnny Red”, “The Sarge”, “Crazy Keller” and “Dredger”, with art from the late Kevin O’Neill, Chris Burnham and John Higgins.

• Copies of Battle Action are still available from the Treasury of British Comics web shop

UPDATE A Monthly, five issue mini series is on the way – more news soon!

With thanks to Reuben Willmott for spotting the listing

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. 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.