Top draw thrills! Latest 2000AD, Battle Action #3 out today

By John Freeman on July 26, 2023

2000AD Prog 2342 - Sinister Dexter cover by Tazio Bettin

Battle Action #3 cover by Keith Burns (Final, Rebellion 2023)

Rebellion are spoiling comic fans today, with two cracking new comics – the latest edition of 2000AD, the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic, available from comic shops and newsagents, featuring a cover by Tazio Bettin; and Battle Action #3, cover by Keith Burns, available from comic shops.

The lineup for 2000AD Prog 2342 features “Judge Dredd: A Fallen Man”, written by Ken Niemand, with art by Tom Foster, coloured by Chris Blythe and letters by Annie Parkhouse, in which a former Judge, Kyle Asher has returned from Titan, and is working for the Mob. Ken and Tom cleverly give what could have simply been a crime report call in to Dredd something much more fun as he ponders the call-in while dealing with a very unusual arrest…

2000AD 2342 - “Judge Dredd: A Fallen Man”, written by Ken Niemand, with art by Tom Foster, coloured by Chris Blythe and letters by Annie Parkhouse

We’re also treated to the latest episode of “Portals & Black Goo”, written by John Tomlinson, with art by Eoin Coveney, coloured by Jim Boswell, lettered by Simon Bowland, set in contemporary London. Amongst the regular people living in the capital, there are also denizens of the dark – creatures of myth and legend that have embedded themselves in society. Vampires, werewolves, demons – they’re part of the population now (and more often than not are the victims of prejudice and discrimination). They also have their own particular diets, which is where Devouroo comes in…

2000AD 2342 - “Portals & Black Goo”, written by John Tomlinson, with art by Eoin Coveney, coloured by Jim Boswell, lettered by Simon Bowland

Also in this Prog: “Azimuth: A Job For Suzi Nine” written by Dan Abnett, with art by Tazio Bettin, coloured by Matt Soffe and lettered by Jim Campbell; the finale of the awesome “Void Runners”, written by David Hine, with art by Boo Cook, lettered by Annie Parkhouse; and “Hershey: The Cold in the Bones” by Rob Williams, drawn by Simon Fraser, lettered by Simon Bowland. Top draw thrills!

As we’ve previously reported, Rebellion has revived the popular war and adventure comic, Battle Action, as an all-new, five-issue mini-series of thrilling tales. Spearheaded by writer Garth Ennis, the new title is going down a storm with fans of the original weekly, and gaining new followers aplenty.

In Issue Three, Garth Ennis (The Boys, Preacher) and John Higgins (Hellblazer, Before Watchmen) take a break from war stories to bring you a brutal tale set in 1981, featuring brutal secret agent Dredger tracking down kidnappers and delivering justice in his own unique way.

Battle Action #3 - Dredger by Garth Ennis and John Higgins

Dredger originally featured in the controversial Action comic and you can find out more about his earlier adventures on The Sevenpenny Nightmare downthetubes micro site compiled by Moose Harris.

Battle’s Major Eazy makes a comeback in this action-packed edition, too, in a brand-new story written by Rob Williams (Suicide Squad, Sword of Hyperborea), as Eazy must ensure that his soldiers survive the Battle of El Alamein, drawn by Henry Flint (Hawk the Slayer, Judge Dredd).

Battle Action #3 -Major Eazy by Rob Williams and Henry Flint

• 2000AD Prog 2342 is available in print from newsagents and comic book stores via Diamond | Available in digital from: 2000AD webshop, 2000AD apps for Apple and Android

• Battle Action #3 is available in print comic shops via Diamond | Available in digital from 2000AD webshop, 2000AD apps for Apple and Android

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.