There’s a new issue of Judge Dredd Magazine, Issue 408, on sale this week, sporting a cover by Cliff Robinson and Dylan Teague, a release that includes the first volume of the classic Starlord story, “Mind Wars” by Alan Hebden, with art largely by Redondo, as a reprint extra.

On sale from Wednesday 15th May in newsagents and comic shops across the UK, it’s great to see a such a classic SF strip getting an outing as part of the Meg’s line-up.

Above: pages from the opening episode of “Mind Wars” first published in Starlord Issue Two in 1978, a story written by Alan Hebden, art by Redondo

With an uncompromising script from Alan Hebden (whose credits also include stories for Commando, “Crazy Keller” and “Major Eazy” for Battle, “Angry Planet” for 2000AD, to name but few), with art by Jesus Redondo (“Future Shocks”, “Time Twisters”) and Ian Gibson (“Robo-Hunter”, “The Ballad of Halo Jones”), this SF story remains one of my all-time British comic favourites.

Starlord 28th July 1978- Cover by Bob Wakelin

“Mind Wars” character studies by Redondo

This cracking space opera, whose contributors also included Mike White, began its run in the second issue of Starlord back in 1978 and ran in every issue of the short-lived title, best known for “Strontium Dog”, which was merged with 2000AD.

“Mind Wars” tells the story of twins Ardeni Lakam and twin brother Arlen, teenagers from a human colony world in the far future, who develop awesome and slightly sinister psychic powers. They become unwilling pawns in a deadly chess game between the human-led Stellar Federation and the alien Jugla… and the consequences are bad for all concerned.

It’s a powerful tale, well deserving of collection, its space opera themes providing the basis for a thought-provoking tale backed by terrific art.

The story concludes with a second reprint volume as part of next month’s Megazine.

As well as this fabulous reprint bonus, the issue includes interviews with artists Abigail Bulmer and Geoff Senior, Plus these all-new strips…

JUDGE DREDD: THE CRAZY
by Kenneth Niemand (Writer) Nick Dyer (Art) John Charles (Colour) Annie Parkhouse (Letters)

Mega-City One, 2141 AD. This vast urban hell on the east coast of post-apocalyptic North America is home to over 130 million citizens. Crime is rampant and stemming the tide of chaos are the Judges, empowered to dispense instant justice. Toughest of all is Judge Dredd – he is the Law!

Now, he’s confronting ex-Judge Harrigan, who’s been broadcasting conspiracy theories…

LAWLESS: ASHES TO ASHES
by Dan Abnett (Writer) Phil Winslade (Art) Ellie De Ville (Letters)

Colonial Marshal Metta Lawson was appointed to the frontier township of Badrock on the planet 43 Rega, intent on stamping her authority on the colony. But in doing so, Lawson made many enemies, including Munce, Inc., the mega-corporation that funds Badrock. Now, Justice Department has flown in back-up, saving the town from being obliterated by Munce…

The art for “Lawless” continues to amaze… simply stunning!

STORM WARNING: GREEN & PLEASANT LAND
by John Reppion, Leah Moore (Writers) Tom Foster (Art) Eva De La Cruz (Colour) Simon Bowland (Letters)

Brit-Cit, 2141 AD. Much like its Mega-City counterpart, Brit-Cit Justice Department has its various divisions, from Tek to plainclothes, Tactical to Psi, and one of its more prickly operatives in the latter is Lillian Storm, who has the ability to talk to the dead, and is often accompanied by her ghostly helpers. Now, she’s pursuing the prime suspect in a spate of mysterious murders…

TALES FROM THE BLACK MUSEUM: JUST BUSINESS
by Rory McConville (Writer) Neil Googe (Art) Annie Parkhouse (Letters)

Deep in the heart of the Grand Hall of Justice lies the Black Museum, Justice Department’s permanent exhibition of the relics from bygone crimes. Whether it’s a notorious serial killer’s trophies or the weapons of the Dark Judges, the violent history of the Big Meg is laid bare here. Let undead guide Henry Dubble show you around…

THE DARK JUDGES: THE TORTURE GARDEN
by John Wagner (Writer) Nick Percival (Art) Annie Parkhouse (Letters)

After the events on the Mayflower, the cargo ship the Solips discovered the Dark Judges Death, Fire and Mortis floating in space, and the alien superfiends murdered the crew. Landing on a remote Mega-City colony world called Dominion, Death and co used their powers to decimate the population.

Now, Mega-City marines must rescue the survivors and destroy Dominion…

Judge Dredd Megazine 408 Dark Judges

MIND WARS: A GALAXY AT WAR!

THE HUMAN-DOMINATED STELLAR FEDERATION HAS COLLIDED HEADLONG WITH the mysterious Jugla Empire. The conflict has been devastating but now a cosmic stalemate is in place. However, two young twin siblings, Arlen and Ardeni, are about to be imbued with psychic abilities that may tip the balance of power…

Ripped from the pages of sci-fi anthology Starlord, Mind Wars is a sprawling, explosive galactic adventure from writer Alan Hebden (“Meltdown Man”, “El Mestizo”) and artist Jesus Redondo (“Nemesis the Warlock”, “Return to Armageddon”)!

• Judge Dredd Megazine Issue 408 on sale in print from Wednesday 15th May 2019 in newsagents and comic book stores via Diamond, and vis various digital platforms

Judge Dredd Megazine © 2019 Rebellion 2000 AD Ltd. Judge Dredd® is a registered trademark

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.

Categories: British Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News

Tags: Alan Hebden, Dark Judges, downthetubes News, Judge Dredd, Judge Dredd Megazine, Lawless, Mind Wars, Redondo, SF Comics, Starlord, Storm Warning, Tales from the Black Museum