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Spoilers => Prog => Topic started by: JamesC on 06 April, 2013, 09:53:04 AM

Title: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: JamesC on 06 April, 2013, 09:53:04 AM
Cover - Rather an odd one but it's pretty striking and I think it would appeal to teenage boys that like gorey stuff (which is probably a good thing).

Dredd - Fantastic episode. Really enjoyed this. A nice creepy, suspenseful script and the art is absolutely ace. It's like a mash up of McMahon and McNeill with a bit of Anthony Williams thrown in. The storytelling is really clear but the action is still dramatic. Top quality.

Dandridge - Still a good fun romp - very enjoyable.

3Riller - Absolutely loved this. It's a really fun adventure strip and the art is brilliant. Not a massive fan of Inaki Miranda's art on Dredd but it suits this strip down to the ground. The character designs are wonderful.

Stickleback - I'm still finding it difficult to care. Great art as ever though.

Zombo - I'm finding this pretty much unreadable and so didn't make it all the way through this episode. It just doesn't appeal to my sense of humour. It's too self consciously wacky. I find the art really ugly too. I know it's a quality strip and so don't begrudge its inclusion in the prog at all, it's just not for me.
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Darren Stephens on 06 April, 2013, 10:10:53 AM
Agree with James above, mostly, but.....

Dredd:  Gripping story and the art is very good, too. Davidson does a terrific Judge Dredd chin, which is 90% of the challenge (I'm exaggerating, but you know what I mean, heh.)

3riller: Love this. As James said, some great design work going on here, especially the young Marble.

Zombo: Just bloody marvelous on all fronts. Hilarious script and Flint on fire. Not literally, I hope. Best thrill in years.
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Fisticuffs on 06 April, 2013, 10:40:05 AM
Another cracking prog.

'Condolences on your loss citizen' - Genuine laugh out loud moment. :D
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Mabs on 06 April, 2013, 11:09:01 AM
Ahem, any letters page by any chance, guys?  ;)
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Harry 20 on 06 April, 2013, 11:19:44 AM
Overall a strong prog. Odd cover but would definitely draw attention on the shelf! Zombo still the strongest story in my opinion.
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: JamesC on 06 April, 2013, 11:39:49 AM
There is indeed a letters page - one of them is accompanied by a photograph.
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Mabs on 06 April, 2013, 11:42:23 AM
Cheers for that, JamesC!
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: IndigoPrime on 06 April, 2013, 11:45:00 AM
Good to see Dredd's still strong. Interesting that Rennie gets top 'billing' but I guess that doesn't really mean anything (what with the short Guardian piece saying it was quite obviously a mash-up collaboration). Here's hoping Beeby doesn't lose interest and might do some Dredd (or something else) of her own in future—2000 AD could really do with more women contributing, especially in terms of scripts.
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Darren Stephens on 06 April, 2013, 01:49:35 PM
Congrats on the letter Mabs! :)
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Mabs on 06 April, 2013, 01:52:28 PM
Quote from: Darren Stephens on 06 April, 2013, 01:49:35 PM
Congrats on the letter Mabs! :)

Thanks Darren! Appreciate it.  :)
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Eamonn Clarke on 06 April, 2013, 02:24:22 PM
Letter of the week!
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: moly on 06 April, 2013, 02:47:40 PM
Good prog this week, really enjoyed dandridge and dredd was on top form
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Mabs on 06 April, 2013, 02:47:58 PM
Yep, so i've been told by the mighty Tharg in writing! Can't wait to pick up my copy on Wednesday!  :)

Oh, regarding the cover, is it a Zombo or Dandridge cover, guys?
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Steve Green on 06 April, 2013, 02:56:25 PM
Dandridge
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Mabs on 06 April, 2013, 03:01:20 PM
Quote from: Steve Green on 06 April, 2013, 02:56:25 PM
Dandridge

Cheers, Steve.
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: moly on 06 April, 2013, 03:24:17 PM
Really loved this weeks cover
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Darren Stephens on 06 April, 2013, 05:49:08 PM
Quote from: moly on 06 April, 2013, 03:24:17 PM
Really loved this weeks cover
Yeh, love to see Percival back inside the prog.....
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Pete Wells on 06 April, 2013, 11:27:51 PM
Quote from: Darren Stephens on 06 April, 2013, 05:49:08 PM
Quote from: moly on 06 April, 2013, 03:24:17 PM
Really loved this weeks cover
Yeh, love to see Percival back inside the prog.....

Just finished writing the post for the covers blog, it'll go live on Tuesday. There's LOTS of Percival goodness on it!
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Darren Stephens on 07 April, 2013, 09:09:19 AM
Quote from: Pete Wells on 06 April, 2013, 11:27:51 PM
Quote from: Darren Stephens on 06 April, 2013, 05:49:08 PM
Quote from: moly on 06 April, 2013, 03:24:17 PM
Really loved this weeks cover
Yeh, love to see Percival back inside the prog.....

Just finished writing the post for the covers blog, it'll go live on Tuesday. There's LOTS of Percival goodness on it!

Hurrah! :P
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Proudhuff on 07 April, 2013, 10:42:22 AM
Cover - Rather an odd one, not really my cuppa but it takes alsorts

Dredd - Highly enjoyable liked the ghosts and GReenies approach to The Big Meg: De-Hab zones and the horror of the remaining citz, artwork works a treat too

Dandridge - Kinda gone off this, the art's not to my liking and this is a bit heavy on the basil this week

3Riller - Enjoyable stuff avoids the pitfalls that a story set like this can fall into and hints of Treasure Island, whats not to like?

Stickleback - great artwork and a bit of a set up for what's to come

Zombo - Loving the madness of it all, art top notch


a hearty 8 out of 10 for this week
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: James Stacey on 07 April, 2013, 01:50:04 PM
Really like the art on Dredd. Channeling McMahon so well it's almost like he's back in the Prog. Enjoying Dandridge more than expected too. Especially the cheeky wink to Dante
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: JUDGE BURNS on 07 April, 2013, 08:31:14 PM
I dont think much of this weeks cover, very odd looking.

Dredd was the highlight for me this week again. Love the artwork with this story.

The rest of the prog I have just scanned roughly through as I cant get peace from the kids being off school for the easter break, and wanting their ol' dad to take them to places and spend my money  :-(
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Colin YNWA on 07 April, 2013, 09:22:08 PM
Well that's a step in the right direction. Dredd continues much as it started, I'm not blown away but its not bad. Dandridge is much the same. I'm not massively into it but it doesn't offend. So a shaky start, not bad but these days I expect more.

From here on in though the Prog kicks into top gear.

3riller is a blinding opening, so much ground covered and its bloody entertaining, well drawn ground to boot(y), fantastic. Only word of warnign from me is I've seen this happen before with 3rillers, great opening, but then things can tail off. Fingers crossed this fella keeps it up throughout. Stickleback looks astonishing, while never my favourite thrill this is good stuff and we're getting into the meat of the story, rather than what gone before which has felt like getting the house in order before the story itself.

Zombo is just utter class again, utter class.

Oh and while many might not be I'm chuffed to see Greysuit finally in its way back. Looking forward to it.
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: vzzbux on 07 April, 2013, 10:56:39 PM
Can't believe many of you are not digging the cover. This is a perfect 2000ad cover, a headless corpse crushing automaton's from the skill of Nick Percival, Whats not to like.




V
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: McNulty on 08 April, 2013, 01:23:46 PM
Cover: Not my cup of tea either, the robots don't even look like those in the strip.

Dredd: I didn't initially get what was happening with the psi judge. I thought here iman had met up with the entity with the creepy smile and was erased. Is that not what happened?

Dandridge: A good strip with plenty of good development in it.

3rillers: good fun. Always like to see plenty of weird aliens.

Stickleback: Shades of Starship UK this week.

Zombo: I know it's been said before, but with the possilbe exception of Miss Lawyer, everyone is bat-crap crazy in this strip!
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Dandontdare on 08 April, 2013, 04:12:48 PM
Quote from: McNulty on 08 April, 2013, 01:23:46 PM
Dredd: I didn't initially get what was happening with the psi judge. I thought here iman had met up with the entity with the creepy smile and was erased. Is that not what happened?

I hadn't thought about that - interesting idea, but i think not. The creature seems to wipe entire existences, including anybody's memories (and even photos) of the victims. Although she doesn't actually mention him again (so i suppose he could've been zapped mid conversation), I got the impression it was just her psi-enhanced memory/imagination - she's having this hypothetical conversation with him in a bustling shopping area - and then we come back to reality and we realise that she's alone and the whole area is deserted. Fine bit of dramatic narrative, but maybe not so good if it's confused people!
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Mister Macheath on 09 April, 2013, 07:13:19 AM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 08 April, 2013, 04:12:48 PMI got the impression it was just her psi-enhanced memory/imagination

Yeah this, surely. That's certainly how I read it anyway, making that pull-focus into the harsh post-DOC reality (prog 1826) all the more poignant. Easily my favourite moment so far of a story which, although ticking along nicely, is yet to truly grab me. Love the art though, apart from those occasionally wonky shoulders.

The stand out strip for me is undoubtedly the 3riller, a great exposition with plenty of action crammed into a few short pages. Perfect pacing for a three parter and breathtaking art from Inaki Miranda whose work I'm really hoping to see much more of in the prog.

Elsewhere, the current status quo is maintained. Dandridge isn't outstanding but perfectly readable and the golem soliloquy got a chuckle out of me (even if it wasn't meant to); Stickleback is very pretty to look at but - although picking up slightly - the plot is dragging its heels somewhat; Zombo is batshit crazy but it's meant to be, so that's grand.

In the case of the latter, I know it is divisive but I'm perfectly content for Ewing to out-Ewing himself and go really wild with it (even at the expense of a sensible narrative), but I do wish it looked as pretty as the earlier ones.
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 09 April, 2013, 08:42:41 AM
Narrative has never been Zombo's strong point, it's batshit insanity and glories humour have been. A true gem.
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: sheldipez on 09 April, 2013, 10:50:48 AM
Quote from: vzzbux on 07 April, 2013, 10:56:39 PM
Can't believe many of you are not digging the cover. This is a perfect 2000ad cover, a headless corpse crushing automaton's from the skill of Nick Percival, Whats not to like.
V

Nick Percival's variant covers are the best thing about IDW Dredd's series IMO, it's great that he's doing 2000 AD covers too!
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Goaty on 10 April, 2013, 11:33:23 AM
Wow the prog been brilliant this week even Dredd and Zombo!

I like how the 3hrillers going...

And yesterday I create this; I know eyes not needs...

(http://i.imgur.com/9yUPKpW.jpg)
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: coastguardjackuk on 10 April, 2013, 03:09:15 PM
A medium to lower end of high dose of thrill power for me this week. It's taken me a few days for the cover to grow on me but I love it now and people on the train have been staring at me more weirdly than they normally do. The Davidson droid is a revelation and I hope we see a lot more of him. Agree the "condolences on your loss" line the out loud funny moment this week. Also, as an old Wham! fan from back in the day it's niced to see Drew Ridgely block. This Dredd story is excellent.
Dandridge is fine, Ghostship Mathematica looks extremely interesting and Stickleback is of course excellent.
Zombie just doesn't do it for me anymore. The insanity is all good I suppose but I'm not laughing like I have done. Having said that it's worth it just for the SC4RABS.
Letters excellent as always. Top marks to Adrian Banfield and Mabs Ahmed both making extremely valid and good points.
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Albion on 10 April, 2013, 09:25:08 PM
The Octopus's Garden gags in Zombo were hilarious.  :lol:
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Bat King on 10 April, 2013, 11:39:03 PM
My review.

Not enjoying Zombo as much as I feel I should... could be me...

http://judgetutorsemple.wordpress.com/2013/04/10/960/
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Alien Goodness on 11 April, 2013, 05:26:27 PM
Cover - Didn't do anything for me, but I can see its appeal to a certain type of mind!
Dredd - Enjoying this story. I think it's good that Muslim references are being used to reflect the multi-cultural world we live in
Dandridge - This character, and the world he inhabits, is growing on me. I didn't like his previous run in 2000AD
3hrillers - My favourite story of the Prog this week (like the previous 3 weeks). I sometimes get the feeling that writers for regular strips drag out their stories (for example Wagner on the recent SD). In the 3hriller, the writer has to cram everything, thus increasing the thrill-power quota on each page IMHO.
Stickleback - D'Israeli's artwork is fantastically unique. Having said that, I find it a little hard to read, with all the mottled greys and white lines. But I'm willing to put up with it as it's refreshingly idiosyncratic.
Zombo - Makes me titter rather than laugh. Gags are fired out with the accuracy of Sir Les Patterson with a machine gun. Some hit the mark, while others whistle pass the studio lights to ricochet ineffectively in the high roof.
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 11 April, 2013, 10:36:57 PM
Anyone think the good doctor in Stickleback is related to Max Winwood at all?
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: ChickenStu on 12 April, 2013, 04:20:19 PM
Liked the Dredd and am enjoying the Dandridge story. Ain't had much of a chance to look at the 3hriller yet. The Stickleback story isn't really doing it for me I'm afraid. I WANT to get into the Zombo one, but I know other readers are finding it a bit inpenetrable. I want to see the previous graphic novels to get up to date on what this thing is all about...
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Mister Macheath on 12 April, 2013, 04:25:02 PM
Quote from: ChickenStu on 12 April, 2013, 04:20:19 PMI want to see the previous graphic novels to get up to date on what this thing is all about...

Anticipating the return of Zombo I picked up the first one in order to get clued in (or as clued in as it is possible to be with Zombo), and lordy it is very good. Unlike the current stuff there is at least a semblance of a narrative, and the art is much tighter than the recent ones, very pretty. There's still a massive gaping hole in my Zombo knowledge though as I believe the second TPB isn't out until October.

I quite like the latest stuff too, I should add, even if it is utterly loopy. As someone up above mentioned, it fires a lot of gags out and not all of them stick, but for me enough of them get the laffs. I just really wish it looked as lovely as the early stuff.
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Mabs on 12 April, 2013, 05:31:18 PM
Prog 1927

We've discussed the cover in length in the other thread but i'll stick by my initial thoughts -  which is i think it's a great cover! I love the fact it's created a lot of talk, some for and some against Nick Percival's artwork. It's quite evocative of horror tales from the past (Washington Irving's 'Sleepy Hollow' comes to mind). I love the look of the two 'tin men' getting their heads bashed together, not to mention the use of colour and detail. Definitely one of my favourite covers of the last few weeks.

Judge Dredd (Suicide Watch Part 2) was a great read. We're slowly getting closer to uncovering the mysterious figure who seems to erase people from history (and apparently it's not who i thought it was in the last issue). Again, Paul Davidson's artwork is really great as is the story by Gordon Rennie & Emma Beeby, i'm really enjoying this story. Again we have some stand out moments such as Judge Hamida's encounter with the ghosts of the past atop the underpass, and the chilling last panels.

Dandridge (The Copper Conspiracy Part 4) was really great. The first week or two i wasn't too sure about the strip, but since last week the story has really picked up, and i found myself enjoying it quite a bit. Of course Warren Pleece's artwork is a large part of the reason why i'm enjoying it, but so's the story by Alec Worley. I loved the macabre/funny scene of a headless body (Shelley) pummelling the robot hordes to oblivion! As for the rest, well lets just say the mystery is deepening, conspiracy indeed.

Tharg's 3rillers (The Ghostship Mathematica Part 1) was an absolute joy to read! Seeing all the animal/alien characters sitting around in the opening page was like the Mos Eisley Cantina scene in Star Wars; in a word, awesome. The story is also very interesting and it had my attention from the start (Treasure Island comes to mind). Just as his work on Judge Dredd was fantastic a few Prog's back, so is Inaki Miranda's artwork just as good here. I must say i'm starting to become a big fan of his work. The panel where we see the Ghostship for the first time was absolutely brilliantly potrayed. Very atmospheric for a single panel i must say, and i couldn't help but drool over it. Again the character designs are awesome, i love the look of the lizard/robot captain and his 'Blacksmith' sidekick (who strangely reminds me of Orko from the He-Man cartoon series i loved watching as a kid!).

Stickleback (Part 4) was okay. Interesting to learn more about the Lizard Queen and her offspring from the mad doctor! As for the spotting game, didn't spot anything that floated my boat, but the Eye of Hastur reference was interesting. Hastur being the demon which i remember from another of Edginton's story, Leviathan.

As for Zombo (Part 4), sadly there was no such enjoyment for me in this weeks instalment, as there was in the last. I just found it very....uninteresting (too put it kindly). Henry Flint's artwork was very well done, but that was as far as i could enjoy in regards to thrill factor. I hope the story picks up next week. Also, having read the collected trade (and loved it) i must say seeing Zombo in a grey colour palette somewhat detracts from the 'awesome' factor for me...

Last but not least, the letters page! I always love its inclusion in the Prog. But this week i'm particularly honoured to see my letter up there - i still feel in awe of seeing my name in the Galaxy's Greatest, It's a special feeling indeed and one i shall treasure....so thank you Tharg!

Overall a strong Prog with Judge Dredd, Dandridge and Tharg's 3riller being the standout for me.

4/5

Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Mister Macheath on 12 April, 2013, 05:44:28 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 12 April, 2013, 05:31:18 PM....the Eye of Hastur reference was interesting. Hastur being the demon which i remember from another of Edginton's story, Leviathan.

I'm unfamiliar with Leviathan, and up until this current run unfamiliar with Stickleback, but Hastur is a name most often associated with the Lovecraft/Cthulhu Mythos, originated by Robert W. Chambers.

It has been used to refer to both places and supernatural characters, although in modern parlance (in Cthulhu Mythos RPGs/board games for instance) generally refers to an Elder deity, also known as The King In Yellow.

Not that any of that has any real relevance, just thought it was worth mentioning as an aside, given that Stickleback is incredibly reference heavy as it is.
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Dredd Head on 13 April, 2013, 09:06:50 AM
Loved this prog. Ghostship Mathematica is a great story and love the art. Zombo was awesome this week as well.
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Zarjazzer on 13 April, 2013, 09:59:09 AM
the Thrillers tale is just so good I can hardly praise it enough. Will have to steel myself to wait for the next episode. Dredd was fun as was Stickleback. Zombo finally began to kick into gear for me but still seems too much of a scattergun but the line "you're not really a traitor if your side wins" made me lol.  :D
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Mabs on 13 April, 2013, 11:13:40 AM
My panel of the week;

http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/04/13/2000ad-panel-of-the-week-prog-1827/
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: chris_askham on 13 April, 2013, 04:29:38 PM
Quote from: Fisticuffs on 06 April, 2013, 10:40:05 AM
Another cracking prog.

'Condolences on your loss citizen' - Genuine laugh out loud moment. :D

This was my panel of the week - a great line, and a cracking action shot.
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Mabs on 13 April, 2013, 05:29:23 PM
Quote from: Mister Macheath on 12 April, 2013, 05:44:28 PM

I'm unfamiliar with Leviathan, and up until this current run unfamiliar with Stickleback, but Hastur is a name most often associated with the Lovecraft/Cthulhu Mythos, originated by Robert W. Chambers.


I highly recommend you pick up the Leviathan trade, it's an awesome story and D'Israeli's artwork is something else.
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Mister Macheath on 13 April, 2013, 05:58:38 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 13 April, 2013, 05:29:23 PM
Quote from: Mister Macheath on 12 April, 2013, 05:44:28 PM

I'm unfamiliar with Leviathan, and up until this current run unfamiliar with Stickleback, but Hastur is a name most often associated with the Lovecraft/Cthulhu Mythos, originated by Robert W. Chambers.


I highly recommend you pick up the Leviathan trade, it's an awesome story and D'Israeli's artwork is something else.

Aye I've been meaning to since this story started. Maybe next week, already splashed out on £60+ worth of trades this week, a habit I'm rather keen not to get back into!

Also...

Quote from: chris_askham on 13 April, 2013, 04:29:38 PM
Quote from: Fisticuffs on 06 April, 2013, 10:40:05 AM
Another cracking prog.

'Condolences on your loss citizen' - Genuine laugh out loud moment. :D

This was my panel of the week - a great line, and a cracking action shot.

^ This!
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: M.I.K. on 14 April, 2013, 04:54:45 AM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 11 April, 2013, 10:36:57 PM
Anyone think the good doctor in Stickleback is related to Max Winwood at all?

Nope. (http://youtu.be/K7AKLKQqfj4)
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: MercZ on 14 April, 2013, 05:14:37 AM
Enjoyed the prog. Its got me interested to see where the Dredd storyline goes and I liked the 3hriller's setting.
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Spikes on 16 April, 2013, 10:12:06 PM
After a slight dip last week, the prog was largely firing on all cylinders this week.
Dredd continues in fine form. Some nice writing from Rennie and Beeby, and liking the art too. Nice little touches abound, in this story.
Another fine episode from Dandridge. After a slowish start, or maybe i just wasnt that familar which the character, this is the strip i most enjoy after Dredd. Thought the 3riller was a really good one - as indeed most of these 3rillers are. Though perhaps it felt a little too compressed? Maybe thats understandable, given the '3 episode only' format.
Stickleback was an enjoyable read this week. And some just superb art from Diz.
And i quite enjoyed Zombo this week. Still not sure about, or can even fathom, this strip, but things seem to be hotting up nicely.
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: DreddRunner on 17 April, 2013, 12:36:46 AM
I love this Dredd storyline.  I am new to reading the progs, and am constantly amazed at how much they can fit in in so few pages.
I am speaking of Dredd solely, as I have only glanced at the other stories so far.   They are very smartly written, and I find myself immersed in them.

I did read the Zombo stories from prog 1825/1826 and found them interesting, but still have to wrap my  head around it.
Title: Re: Prog 1827 - Heavy Metal Headbang!
Post by: Dan Banks on 28 April, 2013, 02:04:43 PM
What better way to spend a sunday than getting caught up on 2000AD?

Cover

Best cover yet! I can understand some of the reactions to the gore but for me, it is fantastic. I'll even forgive the coppers not really looking like the coppers from the strip because it just looks so badass. I think I am a little biased as well because Dandridge has been on average my favourite strip so far.

Dredd

This one just ramped up a whole lot. Hamida and Dredd working together looks a good partnership. Between Hamida and Pax, Dredd could have some interesting and varied buddy-cop stories coming up. The single plotline is a lot easier to follow and helps to clear up the previous issue for me perfectly. The Jinn looks a right creepy fellow and the notion of being wiped from existence is frightening in itself. Looks like Hamida is almost sympathising with those swayed by the suicide cult. She seems to be struggling with her own loss which is something anyone can relate to. I have a feeling the conclusion to this tale will be quite powerful. One annoyance in this chapter was the overuse of that one line of dialogue, it served a purpose but 9 uses may have been overkill.

Dandridge

Fantastic. This is what I've been waiting for. We get inside Shelleys (decapitated) head, we see Shelleys body destroying some robots, the heros have found the dagger and are closing in on the villain of the piece (sort of, the plot obviously outreaches the mad scientist). "But before I claim victory, we need to think about what I'm going to wear" was a great little line as well, right on the back of Dandridge actually doing some sensible detective work. I'm a big fan of this character and look forward to the rest of the tale.

The Ghostship Mathematica

A new 3hriller and a massive step up. Loved every single panel of this, the plot is right up my alley, the concepts are simple but rendered fantastically. The sight of the Ghostship is really something to behold. Only one chapter in and I'm already hoping that this becomes a recurring story. Glad to see I'm not the only one shouting "More please!"

Stickleback

It's all beginning to fall into place now. This is a good story but not especially 'thrilling' so far. This chapter is entirely exposition but the plot is interesting enough to allow for a moment like this. Enjoyed this in that it has greatly progressed the story but it's probably the weakest strip of this week. Art as always, superb, particularly the crying lobotomized queen. Quite a depressing view of humanity but arguably not far from the truth.

Zombo

Same problems as last week for me. The John Lennon stuff just doesn't quite come off, the rest of it is excellent. It's a bit weird that it took 4 chapters for Zombo to actually get involved as well. A little bit unusual? Still enjoyable but it's losing a bit of steam for me as a new reader.