A major death hits the pages of 2000AD in Prog 2349 this week, as the final chapter of “Hershey” by Rob Williams, Simon Fraser and Simon Bowland concludes with the death of Former Chief Judge Barbara Hershey.
Created by John Wagner and Brian Bolland in 1980, Hershey has been a mainstay of Judge Dredd’s world ever since – a street Judge who attained the city’s highest position, a friend and foe to Dredd, and someone whose lifetime of service is ending with a tale of revenge and retribution.
Having previously faked her death, Hershey was seriously ill from an incurable virus as she attempted to deal with an alien outbreak that could destroy her beloved city. Her past and uncertain future fused together in the third and final book of Rob Williams, Simon Fraser and Simon Bowland’s “Hershey”, as seen in the concluding chapter of their run in Prog 2349 – out today.
Only a few people knew that Hershey was still alive, but her death will have a lasting impact both on and off the pages of 2000AD.
In 2000AD Prog 2351, out on the 27th September, Judge Dredd will begin his new mission: to find out who infected the Former Chief Judge and bring them to justice…
2000AD Prog 2349
UK and DIGITAL: 13th September 2033 £3.50
NORTH AMERICA: 1st November
DIAMOND: JUL231919
COVER: Simon Fraser
In this issue:
• Judge Dredd: A Fallen Man by Ken Niemand (Writer) Tom Foster (Artist) Chris Blythe (Colourist) Annie Parkhouse (Letterer)
Mega-City One, 2145 AD. Home to over 200 million citizens, this urban hell is situated along the east coast of post-apocalyptic North America. Crime is rampant, and only future cops the Judges — empowered to dispense instant justice — can stop total anarchy. Toughest of them all is JUDGE DREDD — he is the Law! Now, former Judge Kyle Asher is attempting to flee the city, having betrayed his Mob employers..
• Azimuth: A Job For Suzi Nine by Dan Abnett (Writer) Tazio Bettin (Artist) Matt Soffe (Colourist) Jim Campbell (Letterer)
Welcome to the city of AZIMUTH , a data-driven metropolis, where anything is possible. Ruled by an aristocracy of the New Flesh, such concepts of life, death, and body-forms are fluid. Anyone can take any shape, if it can be conceived by the imagination. The New Flesh masters have been troubled by strange dreams and portents, which have predicted the coming of a stranger — none other than Ramone Dexter…
• “Tharg’s 3rillers: Die Hoard” by Eddie Robson (Writer) Nick Brokenshire (Artist) Annie Parkhouse (Letterer)
Three episodes, one complete, self-contained story — a condensed hit of super-charged Thrill-power beamed to you directly from the Nerve Centre! Earth, the twenty-second century, in the aftermath of a brutal war with an alien race called the Imishoi. A house-clearance team are assessing the hundreds of items that have been hoarded in a reclusive millionaire’s mansion — but the house’s A.I. is still active…
• Hershey: The Cold in the Bones by Rob Williams (Writer) Simon Fraser (Artist) Simon Bowland (Letterer)
Barbara Hershey was a respected young officer before she became Chief Judge. Leading the city through numerous challenges, the ‘Small House’ affair and the revelation of Judge Smiley’s clandestine operations on her watch made her re-evaluate her position. Seriously ill from a microbial virus, she’s faked her death to deal with his legacy, and now, with the case closed, her time is almost up…
Available in print from: newsagents and comic book stores via Diamond | Available in digital from: 2000AD webshop, 2000AD apps for Apple and Android
The Thirteenth Floor Volume Four
Creative Team: Guy Adams, Keith Richardson (Writers) John Stokes, Frazer Irving, Henrik Sahlstrom, Tom Paterson, Abigail Harding, Vince Locke, Jimmy Broxton, VV Glass, Kelley Jones, Andreas Butzbach, José Ortiz (Artists) Quinton Winter (Colourist) Simon Bowland, Ozvaldo Sanchez (Letterer)
Out: 14th September | Paperback, 80 pages | £14.99 | ISBN: 9781837860180
Max, the A.I. superintendent of Maxwell Towers has found a kindred soul in one of his residents, a young, disturbed boy call Sam Bowers. Together they work to rid the building of all the ne’er do wells who lurk in the dark corridors of the block, luring them to the dreaded thirteenth floor. But this power has started to corrupt Sam, surprising even Max – and their activities have not gone unnoticed, as WPC Hester Benedict becomes more aware of the sinister events taking place at the building.
The breakout star of legendary British comic Scream! Max and his thirteenth floor are back in a brand-new story written by Guy Adams (Heavens Gate) and includes art by Frazer Irving (Batman and Robin), John Stokes (Star Wars), Tom Paterson (Sweeny Toddler), Kelley Jones (The Sandman), VV Glass (Doctor Who) and Vince Locke (A History of Violence).
• Available in print from: Treasury of British comics webshop, book stores, Amazon, and UK comic book stores via Diamond | Available in digital from: Treasury of British Comics webshop, 2000AD app for Apple and Android
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.
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