Out Now: 2000AD Prog 2051

The latest issue of 2000AD, on sale now in all good newsagents and comic shops, comes wrapped in a smashing cover from David Millgate and features the following Thrills (and plenty of spills...)

Favourite story this issue? Well, apart from the way “Judge Dredd” is developing into a thoroughly nasty affair harking back to the days when robots ran amok in Mega City One, and that Dan Abnett is slowly taking over the comic (another fun “Sinister Dexter” tale this week!), I’m simply loving the ramping up of SF concepts we’re getting - without forgetting some good old roustabout head bashing and mythology in “Slaine”.

If you came aboard afresh with Prog 2050 after a break, it was the right decision!

Judge Dredd - Icon (Part 2) Writer: T.C Eglington Art: Colin MacNeil Colour: Chris Blythe Letters: Annie Parkhouse

Mega-City One, 2139 AD. Home to 72 million citizens, this urban hell is situated along the east coast of post-apocalyptic North America, where unemployment is endemic, boredom universal, and crime is rampant. Tensions run a constant knife-edge, and only the zero-tolerance Judges — empowered to dispense instant justice — can stop total anarchy. Toughest of them all is JUDGE DREDD — he is the Law!

Sláine - Archon (Part 2) Writer: Pat Mills Art: Simon Davis Letters: Ellie de Ville

Albion. Celtic warrior SLÁINE united the tribes of the Earth Goddess and became the first High King of Ireland, but is now a wanderer. Having journeyed to Monadh to rescue Sinead from the Drune Lords, he’s discovered that they have been experimenting on their own creations, much to the displeasure of the Cyths’ jailer, the Archon Yaldabaoth. Now, the Archon has awoken and unleashed his army of stone warriors...

Indigo Prime - A Dying Art (Part 2) Writer: John Smith Art: Lee Carter Letters: Simon Bowland

The multiverse. There are an infinite number of parallel realities, and all need managing in case of dimensional instability. This is where INDIGO PRIME comes in, the multiverse’s troubleshooters, whose agents — recruited post-death — are trained to deal with space/time catastrophes. Now, the majority of IP’s Imagineers have been sent into psychic toxic shock following the Christhulhu event...
 

Sinister Dexter - Snake-Skinned (Part 1) Writer: Dan Abnett Art: Jake Lynch Colour: John Charles Letters: Ellie de Ville

Gun-sharks Finnigan SINISTER and Ramone DEXTER are the best hitmen money can buy in the future city of Downlode. Having spent the last year offworld hunting for Holy Moses Tanenbaum, a ganglord from an alternate dimension whose presence threatened the fabric of reality, they’ve returned home, and are getting back to business. But whacking Tanenbaum has reset the continuum, meaning no one knows who they are...

Grey Area - Homeland Security (Part 2) 
Writer: Dan Abnett Art: Mark Harrison Letters: Annie Parkhouse

The mid 21st century. Earth has a heavily armed defence network, and any ETs arriving on the planet are housed in the Exo Segregation Zone, known as the GREY AREA, which is policed by squads of Exo Transfer Control officers like Captain Adam Bulliet and his team — wife Birdy, linguist Kymn, weapons expert Feo, and alien transfer Resting Bitch Face. They have to keep the peace amongst all manner of off-world life forms...

Trevor Hairsine returns to Dredd

Fan favourite artist Trevor Hairsine is returning to 2000AD next week for the first time in 13 years.

First appearing in the Judge Dredd Megazine in 1994, Hairsine has gone on to become one of the hottest artists in the industry, working on titles such as Cla$$war, Captain America and X-Men.

‘Judge Dredd: Skulls’ in 2000AD Prog 1836, out on Wednesday 12 June, marks his first work for the weekly anthology in more than a decade.

Written by Cla$$war collaborator Rob Williams, the one-part story sees the legendary lawman pinned down by a Judge-killing gang of thieves, only to receive help from an unexpected - and unwelcome - quarter.

“It was seeing the Dredd movie," explains Trevor Hairsine of his return. "I thought ‘that looks like fun.’ It made me want to draw him again. Dredd’s just such a badass. Far more so than the majority of characters I draw these days. There’s so much about his world
that’s gritty and fun. That’s the appeal, really.

“Rob had asked me a few times over the years if I wanted to come back and draw a Dredd again. Finally I gave in. Even though I hadn’t drawn him for probably ten years or more, it just felt like putting on an old glove again. It felt completely natural.”

Judge Dredd by Trevor Hairsine - for Prog 1836
“Trev and I have worked together a few times over the years. Most notably on my first ever comic work, Cla$$war. I nagged him to do a Dredd a few times and eventually he caved and agreed. And I’m delighted he did. I got the first page through from him and it just looked right, if you know what I mean.

“I think, whether he wants to admit it or not, Dredd’s in his DNA. You can see the hint of Mick McMahon’’s influence in the way he draws the Judges. And his Dredd just has the feel of a classic Dredd about it.

“And I asked him to design bikes for the SJS in the strip too. I asked Matt Smith, the editor, if that had been done before and he didn’t think so. So now Trev’s designed a little bit of Justice Department lore. Bikes with bloody great big skulls on the front. They look great.”

• 2000AD Online: http://shop.2000adonline.com

Also available through the 2000 AD Apple Newsstand App, from all major magazine retailers and comic stores in the UK and
Europe, and from all good comic stores across the US

Complete Zenith Collection finally on its way from 2000AD

2000AD is to publish a complete - if strictly limited - collection of Grant Morrison and Steve Yeowell’s ground-breaking superhero series Zenith for the first time in December.

The 2000AD marketing team have been teasing fans with the possibility of a collection for weeks, starting, it appears, by wearing Zenith t-shirts at CE2 and running Zenith covers and other art on the comic's official tumblr. The official announcement was embargoed until today.

The limited edition hardback book will only be available from the 2000AD online shop. Restricted in 1,000 copies, it will be available for pre-order from 1 July 2013 and will be published on 1 December.

Although Titan Books published five collections, Zenith has never collected in its entirety before due to copyright issues, so this is a unique opportunity to own the whole of Morrison’s first superhero series in a never-to-be-repeated format.

Zenith is the world’s first “Superbrat” - a vain, self-obsessed, egotistical pop singer whose only interests are girls, partying, and where he is in the charts. Yet he does not realise that there are mighty forces at work which seek to enslave the Earth - and use him to do it!

Zenith on the cover of 2000 AD
prog 792, by Steve Yeowell

Starting in 1987, Zenith heralded the arrival of a talent to 2000AD who has since gone on to become one of the biggest names in comic books. A very cynical British take on superheroes, Zenith showcases themes and ideas found throughout Morrison’s later work for Marvel and DC, and demonstrates his remarkable depth and maturity as a writer.

Steve Yeowell’s striking black and white artwork - based on Zenith's character design by Brendan McCarthy - gave the strip a vitality and rawness that still shines through today.

The collection will feature all four series, or ‘phases’, the latter two of which have never been reprinted - and will also include later stories by Morrison and Mark Millar.

Both Grant Morrison and Steve Yeowell have been informed of the exciting plans for The Complete Zenith, and this new edition is being handled with the same respect and close attention to detail that 2000AD gives all its much-praised archive reproductions.

Brendan McCarthy's character design for Zenith

The Complete Zenith is one of more than 30 graphic novels that 2000AD will release in 2013.

The cover of Titan Books
Zenith Book 1

Titan Books published five trade paperbacks of Zenith between 1988 and 1990 collecting Phase I through III but previous attempts to republish the series (including the never collected Phase IV) were prevented by a copyright dispute between the publisher and Morrison.

"Fleetway have no paperwork to confirm their ownership of Zenith," Morrision told David Bishop in 2007 during interviews for David's book Thrill Power Overload, "so I'm currently involved in legal proceedings to clear things up."

(Titan did get as far as printing a Phase IV collection but had to warehouse the entire print run, hoping a deal could be worked out between Morrison and Rebellion. When nothing was forthcoming, Bleeding Cool reported back in 2010 that they pulped the entire run rather than pay the warehouse fees any longer. A few copies did escape, and were sold on eBay.

• The Complete Zenith will be available to pre-order 1st July 2013 only from the 2000AD online shop: shop.2000ADonline.com

• Background to the Zenith stories on International Hero

Be Pure, Be Vigilant... Be the first to get some great signed Nemesis prints from 2000AD

2000AD has announced that copies of the special ‘Termight’ edition of the forthcoming colour Nemesis the Warlock book will include two exclusive art prints signed by creators Pat Mills and Kevin O’Neill.

The hardback, with its two editions, is the first ever collection of the extremely rare Eagle Comics editions from the 1980s, with Kevin O’Neill (League of Extraordinary Gentlemen) colouring and adapting his original artwork.

The standard ‘Deviant’ edition, without art prints, is now available for pre-order and will be available through book and comic stores in September. Both editions include the hard-to-find ‘Nemesis Poster Prog’ story 'The Tomb of Torquemada'.

However, the ‘Termight’ edition is available only through the 2000AD online shop. Each copy will be individually numbered, carry a marker ribbon, have a different cover and dust jacket, and is strictly limited to only 200 copies, with many of those already reserved on pre-orders.

One of 2000AD’s most successful and famous characters by two of its greatest creators - and black-and-white bestsellers for decades - this colour limited-edition collection of the original Nemesis stories is an absolute must for new and old fans alike.

2000AD partners witb Plastic Head for new t-shirt, tote-bag range

With summer fast approaching now is the perfect time to get yourself a funky fresh new look-or some new t-shirts and bags, at least!

Plastic Head, in conjunction with 2000AD have a fabulous line in tees-long and short,hoodies and even tote or shoulder bags,ideal for the beach or town.

Sporting your favourite 2000AD characters by all the top creators,and very high quality,you’ll be the envy of all your friends and family...

Currently ranked the UK’s 10th largest distributor, Plastic Head has come a long way in its 15 year existence. Started from Director Steve Beatty’s bedroom at his parent's house, the company currently employs 40 people, exclusively handles sales and distribution in the UK for 170 record and DVD labels (over 30,000 titles), a range of over 3,000 titles of merchandise and 4,000 titles of specialist vinyl from limited edition 7 inch box sets, picture discs to electronic 12’s.

• Prices start at £7 for cotton tote bag,up to £40 for a heavy cotton hoodie,with t-shirts about £15-so don’t be a grexnix and stand out from all the jealous non-scrots!!

Judge Minty takes the Long Walk to YouTube success

Judge Minty is a fan film, inspired by the world of 2000AD's Judge Dredd, based on an old story from the comics and follows a Judge forced to take the ‘Long Walk’ into the irradiated, post-apocalyptic wasteland of ‘The Cursed Earth’.

The project has been in the works since 2008. Starring Edmund Dehn as Minty, It's a great-looking movie and has the blessing of 2000AD's owners Rebellion - and it's already attracted nearly 59,000 YouTube viewers since its release earlier this month.

Judge it for yourselves...

Cast:

Judge Minty Edmund Dehn
Judge Dredd Greg Staples
Director Steven Sterlacchini
Director of Photography and Digital Imagery Stephen Green
Prop and Costume Creator Daniel Carey-George of Custom Creations
Storyboards & Concepts Barry Renshaw
Written By Steven Sterlacchini & Michael Carroll, based on the work of John Wagner

Judge Minty is a NOT FOR PROFIT fan film, shown with the kind permission of 2000 AD and Rebellion Judge Dredd® is a registered trademark, © Rebellion A/S®, All rights reserved. Judge Dredd is the Creation of John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra. 

Ian Gibson at Gosh London today

The artist behind one of 2000AD’s most ground-breaking series will be signing at Gosh Comics today

Ian Gibson’s work with Alan Moore on The Ballad of Halo Jones is lauded as some of the legendary weekly comic book’s greatest.

And to celebrate the latest edition of Halo Jones, complete with a new introduction by Zoo City author Lauren Beukes, Gibson will be signing at Gosh Comics on Berwick Street in London from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday 27th April.

The new UK edition of The Ballad of Halo Jones, due for release in May 2013, will have a brand new design-led cover by 2000AD head designer Simon Parr.

Dubbed “possibly the first feminist heroine in comics” by The Observer, the ground-breaking series introduced readers to a poignant, fascinating, and at times heartbreaking story of an ordinary woman who lives an extraordinary life.

Set in a future where the unemployed are herded into the Hoop, a floating ghetto off the coast of Manhattan, Halo is a young woman who dreams of escaping her boring life. When she gets the chance to do so aboard a luxury space cruiser as a hostess, it catapults her into an uncaring galaxy that will take her from the lap of luxury to a time-bending war of atrocity.

 

2000AD nominated for Eisner Award

2000AD has been nominated for an Eisner Award for the first time.

Last night, the weekly sci-fi and fantasy comic was announced as one of the five nominations in the ‘Best Anthology’ category.

It is the first time that 2000AD has ever been nominated for an Eisner, which are named after ground-breaking American cartoonist and writer Will Eisner, and are the comic book industry’s most prestigious awards (web:www.eisnerawards.org).

The winners will be announced at the famous San Diego Comic Convention in July.

The editor of 2000AD, Matt Smith, said: “I’m delighted that 2000AD has been nominated in the Best Anthology category for the 2013 Eisner Awards, the first time in its 36-year history that its made the prestigious list.

"It’s testament to the amazing work the creators and everyone associated with the UK weekly title put into making it truly the Galaxy’s Greatest, and I hope its appearance here encourages more people to check out the incredible stories found within this British institution.”

Other Brit-related nominees include artist Tom Gauld for his graphic novel Goliath, artist Sean Phillips, publisher NoBrow and writer-artist Luke Pearson.

The full list of nominations are as follows:

Best Short Story

• “A Birdsong Shatters the Still,” by Jeff Wilson and Ted May, in Injury #4 (Ted May/Alternative)
• “Elmview” by Jon McNaught, in Dockwood (Nobrow)
• “Moon 1969: The True Story of the 1969 Moon Launch,” by Michael Kupperman, in Tales Designed to Thrizzle #8 (Fantagraphics)
• “Moving Forward,” by drewscape, in Monsters, Miracles, & Mayonnaise (Epigram Books)
• “Rainbow Moment,” by Lilli Carré, in Heads or Tails (Fantagraphics)

Best Single Issue (or One-Shot)

• Lose #4: “The Fashion Issue,” by Michael DeForge (Koyama Press)
• The Mire, by Becky Cloonan (self-published)
• Pope Hats #3, by Ethan Rilly (AdHouse Books)
• Post York #1, by James Romberger and Crosby (Uncivilized Books)
• Tales Designed to Thrizzle #8, by Michael Kupperman (Fantagraphics)

Best Continuing Series

• Fatale, by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips (Image)
• Hawkeye, by Matt Fraction and David Aja (Marvel)
• The Manhattan Projects, by Jonathan Hickman and Nick Pitarra (Image)
• Prophet, by Brandon Graham and Simon Roy (Image)
• Saga, by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples (Image)

Best New Series

• Adventure Time, by Ryan North, Shelli Paroline, and Braden Lamb (kaboom!)
• Bandette, by Paul Tobin and Colleen Coover (Monkeybrain)
• Fatale, by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips (Image)
• Hawkeye, by Matt Fraction and David Aja (Marvel)
• Saga, by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples (Image)

Best Publication for Early Readers (up to age 7)

• Babymouse for President, by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm (Random House)
• Benny and Penny in Lights Out, by Geoffrey Hays (Toon Books/Candlewick)
• Kitty & Dino, by Sara Richard (Yen Press/Hachette)
• Maya Makes a Mess, by Rutu Modan (Toon Books/Candlewick)
• Zig and Wikki in The Cow, by Nadja Spiegelman and Trade Loeffler (Toon Books/Candlewick)

Best Publication for Kids (ages 8-12)

• Adventure Time, by Ryan North, Shelli Paroline, and Braden Lamb (kaboom!)
• Amulet Book 5: Prince of the Elves, by Kazu Kibuishi (Scholastic)
• Cow Boy: A Boy and His Horse, by Nate Cosby and Chris Eliopoulos (Archaia)
• Crogan’s Loyalty, by Chris Schweizer (Oni)
• Hilda and the Midnight Giant, by Luke Pearson (Nobrow)
• Road to Oz, by L. Frank Baum, adapted by Eric Shanower and Skottie Young (Marvel)

Best Publication for Teens (ages 13-17)

• Adventure Time: Marceline and the Scream Queens, by Meredith Gran (kaboom!)
• Annie Sullivan and the Trials of Helen Keller, by Joseph Lambert (Center for Cartoon Studies/Disney Hyperion)
• Ichiro, by Ryan Inzana (Houghton Mifflin)
• Spera, vol. 1, by Josh Tierney et al. (Archaia)
• A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L’Engle, adapted by Hope Larson (FSG)

Best Humor Publication

• Adventure Time, by Ryan North, Shelli Paroline, and Braden Lamb (kaboom!)
• BBXX: Baby Blues Decades 1 & 2, by Jerry Scott and Rick Kirkman (Andrews McMeel)
• Darth Vader and Son, by Jeffrey Brown (Chronicle)
• Naked Cartoonists, edited by Gary Groth (Fantagraphics)

Best Digital Comic

• Ant Comic by Michael DeForge
• Bandette by Paul Tobin and Colleen Coover
• It Will All Hurt by Farel Dalrymple
• Our Bloodstained Roof by Ryan Andrews
• Oyster War by Ben Towle

Best Anthology

• Dark Horse Presents, edited by Mike Richardson (Dark Horse)
• No Straight Lines: Four Decades of Queer Comics, edited by Justin Hall (Fantagraphics)
• Nobrow #7: Brave New World, edited by Alex Spiro and Sam Arthur (Nobrow)
• 2000AD, edited by Matt Smith (Rebellion)
• Where Is Dead Zero?, edited by Jeff Ranjo (Where Is Dead Zero?)

Best Reality-Based Work

• Annie Sullivan and the Trials of Helen Keller, by Joseph Lambert (Center for Cartoon Studies/Disney Hyperion)
• The Carter Family: Don’t Forget This Song, by Frank M. Young and David Lasky (Abrams ComicArts)
• A Chinese Life, by Li Kunwu and P. Ôtié (Self Made Hero)
• The Infinite Wait and Other Stories, by Julia Wertz (Koyama Press)
• Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo & Me, by Ellen Forney (Gotham Books)
• You’ll Never Know, Book 3: A Soldier’s Heart, by C. Tyler (Fantagraphics)

Best Graphic Album—New

• Building Stories, by Chris Ware (Pantheon)
• Goliath by Tom Gauld (Drawn & Quarterly)
• The Hive, by Charles Burns (Pantheon)
• Unterzakhn by Leela Corman (Schocken)
• You’ll Never Know, Book 3: A Soldier’s Heart, by C. Tyler (Fantagraphics)

Best Adaptation from Another Medium

• Chico and Rita, by Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal (Self Made Hero)
• Homer’s Odyssey, adapted by Seymour Chwast (Bloomsbury)
• Richard Stark’s Parker: The Score, adapted by Darwyn Cooke (IDW)
• Road to Oz, by L. Frank Baum, adapted by Eric Shanower and Skottie Young (Marvel)
• A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L’Engle, adapted by Hope Larson (FSG)

Best Graphic Album — Reprint

• Cruisin’ with the Hound, by Spain (Fantagraphics)
• Ed the Happy Clown, by Chester Brown (Drawn & Quarterly)
• Everything Together: Collected Stories, by Sammy Harkham (PictureBox)
• Heads or Tails, by Lilli Carré (Fantagraphics)
• King City, by Brandon Graham (TokyoPop/Image)
• Sailor Twain, or The Mermaid in the Hudson by Mark Siegel (First Second)

Best Archival Collection/Project—Strips

• Alex Raymond’s Flash Gordon and Jungle Jim, vol. 2, edited by Dean Mullaney (IDW/Library of American Comics)
• Mister Twee Deedle: Raggedy Ann’s Sprightly Cousin, by Johnny Gruelle, edited by Rick Marschall (Fantagraphics)
• Percy Crosby’s Skippy, vol. 1, edited by Jared Gardner and Dean Mullaney (IDW/Library of American Comics)
• Pogo, vol. 2: Bona Fide Balderdash, by Walt Kelly, edited by Carolyn Kelly and Kim Thompson (Fantagraphics)
• Roy Crane’s Captain Easy: The Complete Sunday Newspaper Strips, vol. 3, edited by Rick Norwood (Fantagraphics)

Best Archival Collection/Project—Comic Books

• Crime Does Not Pay Archives, edited by Philip Simon and Kitchen, Lind & Associates (Dark Horse)
• David Mazzucchelli’s Daredevil Born Again: Artist’s Edition, edited by Scott Dunbier (IDW)
• Wally Wood’s EC Stories: Artist’s Edition, edited by Scott Dunbier (IDW)
• Walt Disney’s Uncle Scrooge: Only a Poor Old Man, by Carl Barks, edited by Gary Groth (Fantagraphics)
• Young Romance: The Best of Simon & Kirby’s Romance Comics, edited by Michel Gagné (Fantagraphics)

Best U.S. Edition of International Material

• Abelard, by Régis Hautiere and Renaud Dillies (NBM)
• Athos in America, by Jason (Fantagraphics)
• Blacksad: Silent Hell, by Juan Diaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido (Dark Horse)
• The Making of, by Brecht Evens (Drawn & Quarterly)
• Monsieur Jean: The Singles Theory, by Philippe Dupuy and Charles Berberian (Humanoids)
• New York Mon Amour, by Benjamin LeGrand, Dominique Grange, and Jacques Tardi (Fantagraphics)

Best U.S. Edition of International Material—Asia

• Barbara, by Osamu Tezuka (Digital Manga)
• A Chinese Life, by Li Kunwu and P. Ôtié (Self Made Hero)
• Naoki Urasawa’s 20th Century Boys, by Naoki Urasawa (VIZ Media)
• Nonnonba, by Shigeru Mizuki (Drawn & Quarterly)
• Thermae Romae, by Mari Yamazaki (Yen Press/Hachette)

Best Writer

• Ed Brubaker, Fatale (Image)
• Matt Fraction, Hawkeye (Marvel); Casanova: Avaritia (Marvel Icon)
• Brandon Graham, Multiple Warheads, Prophet (Image)
• Jonathan Hickman, The Manhattan Projects (Image)
• Brian K. Vaughan, Saga (Image)
• Frank M. Young, The Carter Family (Abrams ComicArts)

Best Writer/Artist

• Charles Burns, The Hive (Pantheon)
• Gilbert Hernandez, Love and Rockets New Stories, vol. 5 (Fantagraphics)
• Jaime Hernandez, Love and Rockets New Stories, vol. 5 (Fantagraphics)
• Luke Pearson, Hilda and the Midnight Giant, Everything We Miss (Nobrow)
• C. Tyler, You’ll Never Know, Book 3: A Soldier’s Heart (Fantagraphics)
• Chris Ware, Building Stories (Pantheon)

Best Penciller/Inker

• David Aja, Hawkeye (Marvel)
• Becky Cloonan, Conan the Barbarian (Dark Horse); The Muse (self-published)
• Colleen Coover, Bandette (Monkeybrain)
• Sean Phillips, Fatale (Image)
• Joseph Remnant, Harvey Pekar’s Cleveland (Zip Comics/Top Shelf)
• Chris Samnee, Daredevil (Marvel); Rocketeer: Cargo of Doom (IDW)

Best Painter/Multimedia Artist (interior art)

• Brecht Evens, The Making Of (Drawn & Quarterly)
• Juanjo Guarnido, Blacksad (Dark Horse)
• Teddy Kristiansen, The Red Diary/The RE[a]D Diary (MAN OF ACTION/Image)
• Lorenzo Mattotti, The Crackle of the Frost (Fantagraphics)
• Katsuya Terada, The Monkey King vol. 2 (Dark Horse)

Best Cover Artist

• David Aja, Hawkeye (Marvel)
• Brandon Graham, King City, Multiple Warheads, Elephantmen #43 (Image)
• Sean Phillips, Fatale (Image)
• Yuko Shimizu, The Unwritten (Vertigo/DC)
• J, H. Williams III, Batwoman (DC)

Best Coloring

• Charles Burns, The Hive (Pantheon)
• Colleen Coover, Bandette (Monkeybrain)
• Brandon Graham, Multiple Warheads (Image)
• Dave Stewart, Batwoman (DC); Fatale (Image); BPRD, Conan the Barbarian, Hellboy in Hell, Lobster Johnson, The Massive (Dark Horse)
• Chris Ware, Building Stories (Pantheon)

Best Lettering

• Paul Grist, Mudman (Image)
• Troy Little, Angora Napkin 2: Harvest of Revenge (IDW)
• Joseph Remnant, Harvey Pekar’s Cleveland (Zip Comics/Top Shelf)
• C. Tyler, You’ll Never Know, Book 3: A Soldier’s Heart (Fantagraphics)
• Chris Ware, Building Stories (Pantheon)

Best Comics-Related Periodical/Journalism

• Alter Ego, edited by Roy Thomas (TwoMorrows)
• ComicsAlliance, edited by Joe Hughes, Caleb Goellner, and Andy Khouri
• The Comics Reporter, edited by Tom Spurgeon
• Robot Six, produced by Comic Book Resources
• tcj.com, edited by Timothy Hodler and Dan Nadel (Fantagraphics)

Best Comics-Related Book

• The Art of Daniel Clowes: Modern Cartoonist, edited by Alvin Buenaventura (Abrams ComicArts)
• Marie Severin: The Mirthful Mistress of Comics, by Dewey Cassell (TwoMorrows)
• Marvel Comics: The Untold Story, by Sean Howe (HarperCollins)
• Mastering Comics, by Jessica Abel and Matt Madden (First Second)
• Team Cul De Sac: Cartoonists Draw the Line at Parkinson’s, edited by Chris Sparks (Andrews McMeel)
• Woodwork: Wallace Wood 1927–1981, edited by Frédéric Manzano (CasalSolleric/IDW)

Best Educational/Academic Work

• Autobiographical Comics: Life Writing in Pictures, by Elisabeth El Refaie (University Press of Mississippi)
• Comics Versus Art, by Bart Beaty (University of Toronto Press)
• Crockett Johnson & Ruth Krauss: How an Unlikely Couple Found Love, Dodged the FBI, and Transformed Children’s Literature, by Philip Nel (University Press of Mississippi)
• Lynda Barry: Girlhood Through the Looking Glass, by Susan E. Kirtley (University Press of Mississippi)
• The Poetics of Slumberland, by Scott Bukatman (University of California Press)

Best Publication Design

• Building Stories, designed by Chris Ware (Pantheon)
• Dal Tokyo, designed by Gary Panter and Family Sohn (Fantagraphics)
• David Mazzucchelli’s Daredevil Born Again: Artist’s Edition, designed by Randy Dahlk (IDW)
• Mister Twee Deedle: Raggedy Ann’s Sprightly Cousin, designed by Tony Ong (Fantagraphics)
• Wizzywig, designed by Ed Piskor and Chris Ross (Top Shelf)

 

Dundee Comic Expo: A Creator's View by MontyNero

Comics writer and artist MontyNero was one of many at the Dundee Comic Expo last weekend, and, complementing Jeremy Briggs' Photo Report on the event, offers his take on the event...

For some reason I don't often take tables at cons, but Dundee Expo was an exception for three reasons. Firstly, it's free to the public and a family event which is admirable. Secondly it's barely ten minutes from my home, a distance even a lazy artist like me can handle. Thirdly, the good work of Dundee University in promoting the comics medium is something I wanted to support in my own modest way.

On arriving at my table it became clear that I was surrounded by Expo experts with banners and hoardings and plates of enticing cakes to attract a crowd. In contrast, my own self-published wares were meagre and rudimentary. A lot of guests sell comics, merchandise or do sketches for cash which is commendable. I'm frankly too unsure of myself for the latter, and there are technical issues with the former. I've got stuff in 2000AD and Clint this very month but I can't very well sell that as both Rebellion and Mark Millar get annoyed when I post them coins through the post. I'm doing a six issue series - Death Sentence, with Mike Dowling - which Titan aren't releasing until October so it's too early to sell that. I decide the best thing is to do is get on with finishing the short story I'm drawing for 2000AD and chat to anyone that stops by.

Gary Erskine (left) with MontyNero (right) at the Expo. Photo courtesy Joe Gordon.
More of Joe's pictures form the Expo here

The Expo takes place over three main rooms, and my seat near the door of College Hall is cold. As I spend most of my life protesting to friends that Dundee is a sunny place - a veritable Scottish Marbella - this is somewhat disappointing. My fingers freeze up a little and I'm shivering, despite wearing a coat and scarf, which makes drawing tricky. The public all seem happy enough, and I eye their warming perambulations with envy. So many people stop to enquire about my work - perhaps intimidated by my perplexingly narrow-eyed stare - that there's barely time to draw comics anyway.

The people I meet can be roughly defined as twenty per cent curious newcomers to the medium, fifty per cent mainstream comic fans, and thirty per cent indie comic enthusiasts. There's a constant buzz of chatter and bonhomie, with a fairly equal male/female split and a sprinkling of young kids/babies and pensioners. A lot of the convention veterans around me are doing good business, and I enjoy hours of interesting chats with the steady stream of visitors to my table. Most people seem politely intrigued by Death Sentence and volunteer their email address so I can let them know how to buy the first issue in October. The day passes so quickly that I completely miss out on spending time in any of the other much warmer rooms at the Expo.

I eventually abandon my post to catch Mary and Bryan Talbot talk about their award winning graphic novel Dotter of my Father's Eyes. This splendid work concerns the lives of Lucia Joyce and Mary Talbot in conflict with their respective fathers, drawing resonances and parallels between two time periods. The Dundee Uni crowd ask a number of intelligent questions. Consequently we learnt a lot about how Mary's story emerged through research, dreams, intuition and hard work before Bryan brought the script to life in watercolour, pencil, ink and Photoshop.

Thrillingly, as I get me copy signed, Bryan casually mentions that he has 100 pages of their new graphic novel on his iPad. It's called Sally Heathcote: Suffragette and concerns a fictional maid at the heart of feminist activism in Edwardian Britain. I flick through the artwork, entranced, as Bryan's enthusiasm for his collaborator Kate Charlesworth bubbles over. I ask about the division of labour and Bryan explains how he breaks down and lays out Mary's script before Kate draws and paints her pages on top.

The end product is very similar in style and tone to Dotter but more refined and polished in its finish. Some of Kate's watercolour paintings of historic London are beautiful and emotionally stirring. The story's told within a nine panel grid structure, switching to narrow eight panel layouts for oppressive 'incarceration' scenes evoking prison bars. Look for it at the end of this year.

On the way out I spy a graphic novel and cake stall and eagerly stock up on both. As I greedily stuff my face with carrot sponge I reflect on what a wonderful environment for discussing comics the lecture hall is, with its modern sound and multimedia facilities, comfy seats, well informed audience and thoroughly effective heating system.

Back at my frosty table the Dundee students next to me have imaginatively cut through the frozen floor to search for fish in the frigid depths below Between triumphant whoops they're also selling an excellent compilation of university comics work, Anthology Three, which features a cover by visiting lecturer Dave Gibbons.

As the shadows begin to lengthen I spy a kettle, tea, fresh milk and a plate of what I immediately decide are complimentary biscuits. Manna from heaven! I make us all a brew and we huddle round a notional brazier munching Jaffa cakes and discussing our comic experiences. With so many skilful enthusiasts in one room - David Lloyd, Gary Erskine, Jim Alexander, Gary Gray, and the Accent and Black Hearted Press crew to name a few - it's impossible not to feel inspired.

Personally, I couldn't be happier with how it went. Roll on Dundee Comics Day, this October.

• MontyNero is a writer and artist for 2000AD and the co-creator of Death Sentence with Mike Dowling for Clint and from Titan in October 2013. You can buy Death Sentence 01 on Amazon, Itunes, Kobo or Graphicly. Check out his official web site at www.montynero.com or follow him on Twitter, follow his blog or Tumblr

 

Ron Smith joins other 2000AD for Free Comic Book day signing

Legendary 2000AD artist Ron Smith is to appear at a signing in London to mark Free Comic Book Day – his first signing for well over a decade.

Revered by Judge Dredd fans for his satirical and, at times, bizarre take on the world of Mega-City One, the 89-year-old artist will be joined by writers Dan Abnett (Sinister Dexter, Insurrection) and Al Ewing (Zombo), and artist Ben Willsher (Judge Dredd) for this signing.

The event will take place from 1pm on 4th May at the Forbidden Planet Megastore on Shaftesbury Avenue, London.

A former Spitfire pilot and animator, Ron first appeared in 2000AD in 1978 before helping define Dredd’s futuristic world, from the League of Fatties to the craze for Otto Sump’s ‘ugly’ products.

Considered one of the ‘big four’ Dredd artists alongside Carlos Ezquerra, Mick McMahon, and Brian Bolland, Ron is also one of the most prolific artists in 2000AD’s history and his work continues to delight fans thanks to the best-selling Judge Dredd: The Complete Case Files series.


Ron also drew many of the Judge Dredd newspaper strips for the Daily Star. Beyond 2000AD, his comics credits, which date back to the 1950s, also include "Codename Warlord" for DC Thomson's Warlord, and he is credited with the creation of the British hero "King Cobra" for Hotspur, now revived in STRIP Magazine.

Now retired from illustration, Ron has not attended a public signing for many years and fans should grab this opportunity to meet one of the greatest Judge Dredd artists of all time.

Free Comic Book Day is an annual event in May each year aimed at helping promote local comic book stores and the comics industry in general. Participating shops across the world give away special comic books free to anyone who comes into their stores.

• More about the Forbidden Planet Free Comic Book day evets here on the Forbidden Planet Megastore web site

• Download a copy of the "Thank You, Ron" comic given to Ron last year, organised by the Everything Comes Back to 2000AD web site (zip file)

Veteran comic artist Ron Smith focus of new podcasts

(With thanks to Graeme Neil Reid): Over on the Everything Comes Back to 2000AD site the team have produced two podcast interviews with artist Ron Smith which are pure gold.

Ron talks about his whole career: obviously the podcasts centre mainly on 2000AD but he covers loads of his work.

• Part One: http://2000ad.wordpress.com/2013/03/19/ep113-ecbt2000ad-ron-smith-interview-pt-1/

• Part Two: http://2000ad.wordpress.com/2013/03/25/ecbt2000ad-ep114-ron-smith-pt-2/

Zarjaz Postcards released

Judge Dredd by Alex Ronald

New from FutureQuake Press and only available in a limited quantity are the first set of high quality art cards from ZARJAZ, the 2000AD-inspired comic created by fans of the Galaxy's Greatest Comic.

Featuring Judge Dredd, Rogue Trooper, Slaine, Robo-Hunter and the A.B.C. Warriors these postcards are presentations of classic covers by some fantastic British comic artists from Zarjaz - and only 100 of each have been made.

The cards are Judge Dredd by Alex Ronald , Robo-Hunter by Nigel Dobbyn, A.B.C. Warriors by Clint Langley and Rogue Trooper by PJ Holden & Steve Denton.

• The cards are available singly for and as a pack of five from the FQP Webshop. For more info, head over to the FQP web site and check out this post.

Comic Classics in the Spotlight – 2000AD

By Matthew Charlton (re-published with permission from thefictionstroker.wordpress.com)

2000AD is one of the UK’s leading weekly comics. It has been publishing for 36 years now. The anthology approach and cast of colourful characters have been crucial to its longevity. Snarky Judge Dredd, effectively the comic’s lead character, has gone down in legend and was recently brought to life by Star Trek‘s Karl Urban in a critically acclaimed film.

2000AD doesn’t take itself too seriously. For example, its own brand of slang has become legendary throughout the comic world. Instead of issues, 2000AD does Progs and the all-mighty alien Tharg sits in the editor’s chair.

Jumping into an on-going comic at Prog 1824 might be daunting, but 2000AD regularly cleans the decks and has jumping on points for new or lapsed readers. Prog 1824 is one such point with four tantalising opening instalments.

Judge Dredd is the lynch pin of the comic. As the only regular fixture, stories take their time to develop and aren’t afraid to rock the established Dreddverse with their layered politics. It is with a little surprise then that ‘Cypher’, this week’s adventure is a punchy and fast moving episode with an assassination attempt and a thrilling chase sequence that sets up the next instalment nicely.

Dashing dandy Dandridge – a merger of Derek Acorah and Jason King – is being pursued by the Police who are in search of a stolen Faerie blade in ‘The Copper Conspiracy’. This highly entertaining strip is reminiscent of the flamboyant ITC series of the 70’s, and ought to be terrific fun if this first episode is anything to go by.

Next up is Tharg’s 3hrillers – three part stories akin to Tales of the Unexpected. With more than a touch of The Big Bang Theory about it Part 1 of ‘Survival Geeks’ entertains with its pop culture references and light tone. An unlikely cross-over between Skins and Sliders, it’s sure to raise a few chuckles.

The final strip is Ian Edginton and D’Isreali’s Stickleback. ‘Number of the Beast’ which re-introduces cover star Stickleback – the self-styled ‘Pope of Crime’ (How timely given this week’s news!) as he is brought back from the dead. But the world has changed whilst Stickleback has slept...

Easily my favourite of the four strips, Stickleback is slightly confusing due to the sometimes unclear, yet gorgeous, black and white art and assumed familiarity with the set-up. However, the strip drips atmosphere and the mayhem looks like it has only just begun.

Overall, this is a great jumping on point with reader-friendly entry points, and some damn-fine characters to meet. And with the return of fan-favourite Zombo next week, there’s even more Thrill-Power to tempt you over the coming weeks!

• More info: www.2000adonline.com

2000AD's Greatest Covers under the spotlight

It’s been setting the newsstands ablaze with pulse-pounding covers for 36 years and now 2000AD is teaming up with one of its biggest fans to bring you the Galaxy’s Greatest Covers.

Long-term fan Pete Wells of 2000AD Covers Uncovered and 2000ADonline.com are coming together to give you exclusive access to the process behind the covers of 2000AD, from sketches to pencils to inks and finished art.

The blog will be featured every week on 2000AD’s official website, so that fans can see the work behind the Prog’s latest covers.

Things kick off tomorrow (Thursday 14th March) at 11.00am (GMT) when the blog bids ‘bon voyage’ to Ian Edginton (Victorian Undead) and Steve Yeowell’s (Zenith) mythical pirate epic The Red Seas! The series comes to a close this week in 2000AD Prog 1823 with a double-length episode and a swashbuckling cover from Yeowell.

Pete's done some incredible work charting the creation of 2000AD's covers, such as this recent one by Simon Davis, inspired by a Saturday Eevning Post magazine cover from 1924 for his second Ampney Crucis cover of the current arc.

The cover features a mysterious, and somewhat disturbing Babbagist, as well as the Ampney Crucis strip's two hapless heroes.

Pete walks fans through every cover where possible, from inspiration and initial roughs through to inks and final cover. He's done this for both old and 'ancient' covers, uncovering a host of fascinating detail along the way.

2000AD © 2013 Rebellion

Will Simpson art in focus at W5, Belfast

Will Simpson at the W5. Photo: W5 Centre

The work of Will Simpson is the focus of an exhibition at Belfast's W5 Centre until 28th April 2013, highlighting the work of this internationally-known artist, whose career began in comic strip art.

Will grew up in Prehen, near Derry, and his earliest work was for the Belfast anthology Ximoc in the early 1980s. This led to professional work in the UK, drawing Big Ben in Warrior in 1984, and a run on Transformers for Marvel UK in 1985-1987. His first work for 2000AD, a Future Shock, came in 1985, and he was a regular on the magazine from 1987 to 1991, drawing Universal Soldier (1987), Judge Dredd, including episodes of the epic Oz (1987-88), Tale of the Dead Man, and Tyranny Rex (1988).

He provided painted art for several Judge Dredd stories, as well as the Rogue Trooper reboot The War Machine in 1989-90. In 1991 he created Sex Warrior with writers Pat Mills and Tony Skinner for Toxic!

In recent years he has developed his work in the film industry providing conceptual art and storyboards for a variety of feature films, such as: Reign of Fire, directed by Rob Bowman, Freeze Frame, directed by John Simpson, Neil Jordan's Breakfast on Pluto, and most recently, Game of Thrones for HBO, David Gordon Green and Danny McBride's Your Highness for Universal, Lord Richard Attenborough's 2006 production, Closing The Ring and the Tom Hanks produced City Of Ember.

This exhibition showcases some of William's incredible concept artwork for film and television. His original pencil drawings will be on display in the Centre's level 5 gallery and the exhibition gives visitors of all ages and backgrounds a truly unique opportunity to see these wonderful images up close.

Some of Will Simpson's Game of Thrones art will also be on display at the upcoming 2D Festival at the end of April (see news story)

• More info: www.w5online.co.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/item/14/the-art-of-william-simpson/

2000AD announces 2013 graphic album range

2012 was a truly zarjaz year for 2000AD – and the next 12 months looks set to be even better with the announcement of  their graphic novel collections schedule for the UK and Ireland.

With 19 titles collecting stories of some of the biggest characters from the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic – Judge Dredd, Sláine, Strontium Dog – to new series that have already become fan favourites – Zombo, Indigo Prime – the schedule is packed with Thrills from an incredible roster of top comics talent, including John Wagner, Alan Moore, Pat Mills, John Smith, Kevin O’Neill, Dave Gibbons, Henry Flint, and Glenn Fabry.

Here's the schedule:

Judge Dredd: Day of Chaos – The Fourth Faction
ISBN: 978-1-78108-108-2 Price: £17.99 Published: 14th February

Named by ComicBookResources.com as one of the top 15 best comics of 2012, Dredd co-creator John Wagner wowed 2000AD readers with this year-long storyline in which he tore the world of the future lawman apart in an orgy of intrigue, death, and destruction. Dredd’s actions 30 years ago in the Apocalypse War come back to haunt him as the Judges race against time to prevent a terrifying ‘day of chaos’, predicted by their psychic division. Day of Chaos: The Fourth Faction is the first collection of what is rightly acclaimed as one of the best Dredd stories of the past 35 years.

• Buy Judge Dredd Day of Chaos: Fourth Faction from amazon.co.uk

Judge Dredd: The Judge Child
ISBN: 978-1-78108-109-9 Price: £17.99 Published: 14th March

Continuing the popular run of pocket-sized black-and-white reprints of Dredd classics! Dredd and is sent on a mission to find The Judge Child who may be the only one powerful enough to stop the apocalypse.
Judge Dredd at its insane, imaginative best!

• Buy Judge Dredd: Judge Child Saga from amazon.co.uk

Mean Team
ISBN: 978-1-78108-110-5 Price: £13.99 Published: 14th March

In the year 2886, Death-Bowl is the most popular sport in the galaxy - men and machine pitted against each other in a brutal gladiatorial contest! Mean Team is another face-smashing, limb-tearing, gutbusting classic from the pages of legendary British comic, 2000AD.

• Pre-order Mean Team from amazon.co.uk

APRIL

Indigo Prime: Anthropocalypse
ISBN: 978-1-78108-111-2 Price: £14.99 Published: 11th April
Diamond Order Code: FEB131116

They’re the clock keepers of the multiverse - interdimensional troubleshooters who keep dimensional instability in check, and reality on the straight and narrow. They are Indigo Prime. And they have a problem.

John Smith teams up with fellow Cradlegrave creator Edmund Bagwell and Lee Carter (Judge Dredd), on one of 2000AD’s most imaginative series.

• Pre-order Indigo Prime@ Anthropocalypse from amazon.co.uk

Sláine: The Grail War
ISBN: 978-1-78108-112-9 Price: £17.99 Published: 11th April
Diamond Order Code: FEB131117

In the latest collection of the adventures of Pat Mills’ barbarian warrior, Sláine arrives in 13th Century France and must ally himself with his enemy to save his true love’s soul.

One of the most popular characters in 2000AD’s history encounters one of the bloodiest chapters in European history!

• Pre-order Slaine: The Grail War from amazon.co.uk

MAY

Rogue Trooper: Welcome to Nu-Earth
ISBN: 978-1-78108-113-6 Price: £6.99 Published: 9th May

He is the last of the genetic infantrymen and now the story of Rogue Trooper comes to the popular ‘pocket size’ format. With art by Dave Gibbons (Watchmen), this is the perfect introduction for new readers to one of 2000AD’s most popular characters.

•  Pre-order Rogue Trooper: Welcome to Nu Earth from amazon.co.uk

The Ballad of Halo Jones
ISBN: 978-1-78108-148-8 Price: £13.99 Published: 9th May

The all-time classic by Alan Moore (Watchmen, From Hell) and Ian Gibson in a brand new edition with a fresh design-led cover and an introduction by best-selling author of Zoo City, Arthur C. Clarke award-winner Lauren Beukes. When ‘ordinary’ Halo seeks to escape her boring life on Earth, she begins an incredible journey across the galaxy. Discover why this remains one of 2000AD’s greatest stories!

•  Pre-order The Ballad of Halo Jones from amazon.co.uk

JUNE

Judge Dredd: Complete Case Files #20
ISBN: 978-1-78108-141-9 Price: £19.99 Published: 20th June

The best-selling series of reprints continues with more tales of Mega-City madness from the ultimate future lawman. With stories by Mark Millar (Kick Ass) and Grant Morrison (Superman, Batman), plus the return of legendary artist Mick McMahon, Volume 20 sees
Dredd travel to Egypt and battle an abomination created from the bodies of his many victims!

•  Pre-order Judge Dredd: Volume 20: The Complete Case Files from amazon.co.uk  

ABC Warriors: Volgan War, Volume 3
ISBN: 978-1-78108-140-2 Price: £12.99 Published: 20th June

With stunning art by Clint Langley, after selling out in hardback and in response to popular demand this series is now available in paperback! Recruited to bring peace to the civil war-ravaged frontier colonies on Mars, the Mek-nificent Seven must stop the evil Volkhan and two of their ex-comrades from capturing the Red House!

• Pre-order ABC Warriors: Volgan War, Volume 3 from amazon.co.uk  

JULY

Judge Dredd: Day of Chaos - Endgame
ISBN: 978-1-78108-142-6 Price: £17.99 Published: 18th July

The concluding part of the biggest Judge Dredd epic ever! As Mega-City One crumbles beneath the Chaos Bug, the Judges desperately try to stay in control - but when the Dark Judges are unleashed, can even Judge Dredd rescue the city?

Millions die as John Wagner’s acclaimed year-long story races to its end and redefines Dredd’s entire world!

•  Pre-order Judge Dredd Day of Chaos: Endgame from amazon.co.uk 

Sláine: The King
ISBN: 978-1-78108-170-9 Price: £15.99 Published: 18th July

Sláine: Time Killer
ISBN: 978-1-78108-169-3 Price: £13.99 Published: 18th July

Two refreshed volumes from Pat Mills’ Celtic barbarian featuring art from Glenn Fabry (Preacher) and a fantastic host of extras.

The popular Time Killer not only features Fabry’s most celebrated artwork but also includes a missing three page prologue. Sláine: The King features a newly-restored cover.

• Pre-order Slaine The King from amazon.co.uk

• Pre-order Slaine Time Killer from amazon.co.uk  

AUGUST

Strontium Dog: Portrait of a Mutant
ISBN: 978-1-78108-143-3 Price: £6.99 Published: 15th August

Another 2000 AD icon comes to the ‘pocket size’ format! Featuring the stunning artwork of Carlos Ezquerra, Portrait of a Mutant details Strontium Dog Johnny Alpha’s tragic early years fighting for survival amongst the ranks of the Mutant Army against his hate-filled father Nelson Bunker Kreelman.

• Pre-order Strontium Dog: Portrait of a Mutant from amazon.co.uk  

Judge Dredd: Trifecta
ISBN: 978-1-78108-145-7 Price: £17.99 Published: 15th August

Named as one of the best stories of 2012, this critically-acclaimed crossover is now available in one collection! Writers Simon Spurrier (X-Men), Rob Williams (Cla$$war), and Al Ewing (Jennifer Blood) created an unprecedented comics event last year as Judge Dredd teams up with undercover Judges Jack Point and Dirty Frank to thwart a sinister plot. Not to be missed!

•  Pre-order Judge Dredd: Trifecta from amazon.co.uk  

SEPTEMBER

ABC Warriors: Return to Earth
ISBN: 978-1-78108-144-0 Price: £14.99 Published: 12th September

This is the origin story readers have been waiting 30 years for - a brand new collection featuring colour and B&W art by Clint Langley. The ABC Warriors have lost two of their number to the evil Volkhan’s army. Recounting a mission from the past that led
him back to Earth, team leader Hammerstein reveals how he betrayed robotkind, met Ro-Jaws and joined Ro-Busters!

Pre-order A.B.C Warriors: Return to Earth from amazon.co.uk  

Nemesis the Warlock: Deviant Edition
ISBN: 978-1-78108-171-6 Price: £30 Published: 12th September

An absolute must have for any 2000AD fan - Kevin O’Neill‘s original Nemesis series, coloured by the man himself, recently unearthed and collected for the very first time in a hardback edition! An alien freedom fighter battles against the despotic human ruler
Torquemada in an incredible whirlwind of insane imagination and imagery.
A special ‘Termight Edition’ will be available exclusively from the 2000ADonline.com shop.

• Pre-order Nemesis The Warlock: Deviant Edition from amazon.co.uk

OCTOBER

Zombo: You Smell of Crime and I am the Deodorant
ISBN: 978-1-78108-034-4 Price: £13.99 Published: 10th October

The follow-up to the critically-acclaimed series from Al Ewing and
Henry Flint! Zombo, the gentleman zombie, was seemingly dead - his
mind destroyed when his back-up personality (of a male stripper)
kicked in. But now he’s back - and you do NOT want to miss where
he’s headed.

• Pre-order Zombo: You Smell of Crime and I'm the Deodorant 

Judge Dredd: Complete Case Files #21
ISBN: 978-1-78108-175-4 Price: £19.99 Published: 10th October

The next volume of the best-selling reprints of Judge Dredd’s cases from the pages of 2000 AD. From encountering another 2000AD legend - Rogue Trooper - to Dredd’s disgrace and arrest, this is another slab of future law enforcement!

NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

Sláine 30th Anniversary Celebration
ISBN: 978-1-78108-176-1 Price: £19.99 Published: 7th November

Marking 30 years of the Celtic barbarian’s adventures, this special anniversary book brings together new work from creator Pat Mills and some of the biggest artists to have worked on Sláine over the past three decades. A great collector’s item and not to be missed by fans of warp spasms everywhere!

2000AD Presents: Sci-Fi Thrillers
ISBN: 978-1-78108-177-8 Price: £19.99 Published: 5th December

From alien invasions to man-hating dinosaurs, this bumper-sized anthology features a collection of work from industry legends Pat Mills (Marshal Law), Ian Gibson (The Ballad of Halo Jones), Grant Morrison (JLA), Will Simpson (Vamps), Peter Milligan (X-Statix) and Paul Cornell (Doctor Who) amongst many others.

ALREADY AVAILABLE THIS YEAR FROM 2000AD

Judge Anderson: The Psi Files Volume 03
ISBN: 978-1-78108-106-8 Price: £19.99 Published: OUT NOW!

Cassandra Anderson, Psi Divison’s finest Judge, has faced many tough challenges, from saving Mega-City One from the Dark Judges to dealing with a loss of faith in the Justice System. But her toughest challenge is still ahead - something evil from the depths of space is about to crash onto the “Big Meg,” presenting a bigger crisis than Cass has ever faced before.

The Ten-Seconders: The American Dream
ISBN: 978-1-78108-066-5 Price: £14.99 Published: OUT NOW!

They came to Earth as gods. But humanity must quickly find the answer to the vital question: what does it take to kill a god? One of the rising stars of American comics, Rob Williams, skewers the superhero myth with help from artists Mark Harrison (Durham Red), Ben Oliver (Nightwing) and Dom Reardon (Ichabod Azrael) and Shaun Thomas (Middenface McNulty).

IDW offers limited edition Bolland Dredd collection

IDW Limited has announced the launch of Judge Dredd: The Complete Brian Bolland, the first of a series of deluxe hardcover editions as part of their of the Judge Dredd reprint program.

Featuring signatures from top Judge Dredd talent and the original creators, the US publisher - which recently launched its own Judge Dredd comic in partnership with Rebellin - will be "the definitive line for fans of the smash 2000AD. series". This first offering includes signatures from iconic artist Brian Bolland as well as the co-creator of Judge Dredd, John Wagner.

"Back in the ‘70s, when 2000AD was first published, the stories were printed on low-grade newsprint paper, which has yellowed with age, so it's great to see Dredd published again in new formats," says legendary Judge Dredd artist Brian Bolland. "Fans should be delighted with this limited-edition book. John (Wagner) and I have signed every copy and the art portfolio that comes with it captures a dozen of our favourite moments from the series. It's a top-notch presentation of work we're very proud of."

This Red Label book, which has a $125 (£80) price tag, is limited to just 325 copies. Fans will receive a deluxe hardcover book housed in a hand-built, custom-designed slipcase featuring artwork from Brian Bolland. Not only has each book has been signed by Bolland and original Judge Dredd co-creator/writer John Wagner, they’re also accompanied by a hardcover artist’s portfolio containing a dozen limited-edition lithographs depicting key covers and the most memorable moments from Bolland’s iconic run on Judge Dredd. Stamped and hand-numbered, these collector’s-edition books push the boundaries of awesomeness to their legal limits.

"With strong design and packaging, plus the involvement of [Brian] Bolland and [John] Wagner, we've managed to do something special here," says IDW's Judge Dredd editor Justin Eisinger. "Which is no small feat, considering this material has been beloved by generations of fans and seen reprint in several forms. Hats off to everyone for their efforts!"

Available for pre-order now, these books will be rolling out the door faster than a high-explosive round. And don’t worry, there’s more than one round in this chamber: details on a limited-edition Carlos Ezquerra book won’t be far behind.

• Judge Dredd: The Complete Brian Bolland DELUXE LIMITED EDITION (RED-$125.00; 316 pages; 9.2" x 1" x 12"; hardcover)

 

Judge Dredd seeks the Judge Child in new collection

2000AD continues its popular run of pocket-sized black-and-white reprints of Judge Dredd classics with The Judge Child - as the lawman leaves Earth on an intergalactic mission to save Mega-City One!

When Justice Department’s oldest psychic has a terrifying vision of the future, Dredd and a select group of Judges are sent on a mission to find The Judge Child - an adolescent named Owen Krysler who may be the only being powerful enough to stop the foretold apocalypse. But at what cost?

Featuring some of the most iconic moments in the strip’s history, Dredd encounters a galaxy stranger than anything you could imagine - from alien voodoo priests to spaceship-eating planets and diseases that make their victims disappear piece by piece! The Judge Child truly is Judge Dredd at its insane, imaginative best.

Referenced in both Judge Dredd films, this epic story also introduced the famous Angel Gang – including headbutt-happy Mean Angel, whose dial controls his level of aggression.

With incredible artwork by the greatest names to have drawn Judge Dredd - Brian Bolland, Mick McMahon, and Ron Smith - the latest in 2000AD’s line of Dredd stories in B-format is an all-time classic, a must have that will appeal to old readers and those unfamiliar with the world of Mega-City One.