Comics Review: "2000AD" Prog 1900

- by Ninja Ross, 24 September 2014

Today, 2000AD hits its 1900th Prog! 2000AD has been running since 1977 and has spawned several movies, video games, toys, spin offs and whatever else you can make. Creators like Garth Ennis, Neil Gaiman, John Wagner, Steve Dillon, Carlos Ezquerra and Grant Morrison all made their name in this weekly series. But with a book running for so long, with so many different stories in each issue, it can be hard to pick a place to jump in. A jumping on point would probably be a good idea! AND THAT’S WHAT 2000AD HAVE GIVEN US!

The issue cover.

With this brand new Prog, we have three brand new stories. Three brand new thrills to make your day explode.

First up, of course, is Judge Dredd in “Block Judge.” In this, Dredd takes over the duties of a slain Block Judge at Gramercy Heights. Here he needs to keep the law in a single block, making sure nobody stabs anyone or shaves anything they shouldn’t. Working with a skeleton staff and very limited resources, Dredd finds the job a little more difficult than expected. With crime running rampant, will Dredd be able to keep everything under control? Yes. Yes, he will.

It’s a pretty good start to the issue, with Dredd taking more of a back seat to start with, before being forced to get his hands dirty. And it’s written by John Wagner, the co-creator of Judge Dredd and writer of most of the greatest Dredd stories ever told. So, of course it’s well written.

Joining Wagner is Carlos Ezquerra, the other co-creator of Dredd. So, not only is it a great read but it looks fantastic, too! As always, Ezquerra brings Dredd to life and adds a truck load of grit while keeping things light and enjoyable.

From the list of things you shouldn't say to Judge Dredd...

Next up is “Stickleback: The Thru’Penny Opera.” It’s a Steampunk supernatural horror story following the titular Stickleback, a London based master criminal also known as the Pope of Crime.

The story opens with a dashing gentleman by the name of Ophidian banishing Mother London and Father London. That’s different. Following the interesting introduction, we’re reintroduced to Stickleback as he’s attacked by rival thugs with axes to grind, looking for some runaway prostitutes. I’ve never been, but I think this is all pretty common in London.

Stickleback is actually completely new to me; I’ve never once come across him in 2000AD before. So, this is a good test of just how easy it is to jump on with this issue. Turns out, pretty easy! It’s an interesting first chapter to a clearly interesting story. Ian Edginton’s script is well paced with an interesting plot and the character of Stickleback is an immediately likeable bad guy.

D’Israeli’s art perfectly suits the tone of the script, too; it’s well defined and blocky, adding a cartoon-ish touch to a horror based steampunk story. It’s well done, with great uses of shading and light.

Just like the regular Pope.

Finishing off the prog is “Kingdom: Aux Rift” which sees the return of Gene the Hackman (no, seriously), a genetically modified dog, who spends a lot of time fighting an enemy known as “them.” “Them” are, of course, giant insects because what else could all but wipe out the human race?

While trying to avoid a big cluster of “them,” Gene’s stealthy skulking is disturbed by another dog flying a plane with a human woman manning the gun, tearing these monsters to bits.

It’s absurd but awesome, which is exactly what makes 2000AD so fantastic in the first place. It’s colourful and imaginative and a joy to read. Dan Abnett’s script is tight and entertaining, keeping the action going at a perfect pace while allowing our hero Gene to look about as badass as you can get.

The art, provided by Richard Elson, goes a long way to making this story as fun and exciting as it is. It’s colourful and full of life, with plenty of detail.

Gene-ius.

Overall, this is a pretty fantastic issue of 2000AD. It’s the perfect place for new and lapsed readers to jump on and it has more than enough awesomeness for long time readers.


So now you know where to start your "2000AD" reading! No need to thank us! But if you really do want to thank us, there's a comment section below! You're welcome.

Tagged: comics, Reviews.

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