Hooray! Now that we've had all of this year's glorious 2000AD covers, it's time for the annual cover of the year vote! You can see all the covers here, and of course, click 'em to enlarge 'em:
https://shop.2000ad.com/catalogue/2000-ad/2018 (https://shop.2000ad.com/catalogue/2000-ad/2018)
I'd like you to CLEARLY list your THREE favourites, in order. THREE points will be awarded to your fave, TWO points for second and ONE point for third. Please try and be explicit with this and maybe give a little comment to say why you chose each cover as it makes it a bit more interesting for the rest of us!
The closing date is midnight on Wednesday 2nd January 2019...
A Meg thread will be along shortly...
1. 2075
2. 2078
3. 2083
1. 2089. Chris Weston. Because everything is better with monkeys.
2. 2078. All hail Carlos the king.
3. 2106. Culbard. Just a beautiful image.
1. 2078
2. 2079
3. 2089
Quote from: Pete Wells on 09 December, 2018, 05:29:01 PM
https://shop.2000ad.com/catalogue/2000-ad/2018 (https://shop.2000ad.com/catalogue/2000-ad/2018)
I'd like you to CLEARLY list your THREE favourites, in order. THREE points will be awarded to your fave, TWO points for second and ONE point for third. Please try and be explicit with this and maybe give a little comment to say why you chose each cover as it makes it a bit more interesting for the rest of us!
The easiest way to avoid the usual confusion is to expend the extra effort needed to type the word
POINTS, rather than just listing numbers. Of course, if we used the Eurovision system of
DOUZE POINTS, rather than the multi-valent 1-2-3, there'd be no ambiguity whatsoever - but, as a native of Sunderland (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-21/the-city-that-defined-brexit-has-given-up), Pete Wells wants no more to do with Europeans and their foreign muck.
(https://i.imgur.com/rnI1VY0.png?1)
I'd like to give Alex Ronald one.
ONE POINT for his up-above-the-streets-and-houses cover for April's prog 2076, in which Glasgow's real-life Alec Trench threw caution to the wind and pushed the slider on the colour saturation all the way up to 11, making John Higgins's retina-searing palette on the original printing of The Killing Joke look like the great Brian Bolland's drab colours for the reprint of The Killing Joke. Beyond making Dr Who's braces and the LGBT flag look like the first 20 minutes of The Wizard Of Oz, Ronald's recent work sees him introducing painterly textures to his already fine composition and draughtsmanship, adding new dimensions to his art and assuring him a place on this list for as long as Pete's good enough to organise the annual vote. Ronald's also embraced the tilt, lending his exquisitely rendered images fresh energy and dynamism. I like a tilt as much as any Dutchman.
(https://i.imgur.com/0CifqAr.png?1)
DEUX POINTS
The Sauchie jury's TWO POINTS go to Chris-Journey-To-The-Weston's overly Dian Fossey (https://youtu.be/-7caGCKECO4) rendering of that time Judge Dredd fought a monkey for some reason (2089). It's a chimp, not a monkey, but SHUT-UP! In reality, my second slot was doubly penetrated by Weston-super-Mare's Skittles-themed cover (https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/06/76/00.default.jpg) for last week's comic, but after choosing Ronald's cover for the colours, I don't want to look like a complete colour tart (or someone who can only remember last week). If the older cover has an edge over the gremlins, it's in the quality of the draughtsmanship. Look how solid an object that Lawrod is, how Dredd's shifting weight is conveyed in his stance, and how the entire composition, even the background, bends to reflect and reinforce the movement this illustrates. That's where this image wins out over the more static gremlin art, while it's the sense of fun and energy in both those images that elevate them above Weston's meticulously rendered but ultimately pedestrian cover for January's 2065 (https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/8b/5d/00.default.jpg). Like Bolland, you get the best out of Weston when he's given a weird image to sink his impressive creative chops into.
(https://i.imgur.com/aB8aCAn.png?1)
Born in 1947, in the Zaragoza region of Spain, Carlos Sanchez Robo-Stogie Ezquerra IS CARLOS-FUCKING-EZQUERRA. Which would be reason enough to make the THREE POINT turn in his direction, but fortunately, the last cover the King left us is a real beauty. I almost prefer the obnoxious old-punk energy BLAM! of Rey Carlos's 2078 (https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/15/61/00.default.jpg) image and its hairy-leg shading, where Ezquerra's constant evolution of the character's look saw him incorporate a flaccid penis into the design of Alpha's helmet, but the classic handshake pose and that wonderful image of Wulf's cascading locks radiating out like the rays of the (red) sun, conferring his blessing upon the union like a saint from on high, win the day. One last red circle as the compositional focus of a cover before he took his leave, ending as he began all those years ago (http://www.2000ad.org/covers/2000ad/hires/10.jpg).Sorry to go on at such length.
No I'm not.
Honourable mentions:(https://i.imgur.com/7dgme8E.png?1) (https://i.imgur.com/ASXGsFA.png?1) (https://i.imgur.com/zvm1hFA.png?1)
... especially new-old-boy Pye Parr's arsetastic cover and its depth of field, which pushes it out ahead of its more static rivals, like a twerking Boris Johnson. Like my top three (and the Carlos BLAM! cover), Parr's image uses that depth and perspective to draw your eye into the image and (imaginatively) inside the comic itself. If you're considering the cover as a means to entice readers to look inside at the contents, it's such an obvious and effective technique it seems odd that all artists aren't mandated to utilise this effect on every cover image.
3 Points. Prog 2072 - Weapon Master. Stunning picture of Joe Pineapples with a blade, gun and leather jacket. A cover that screams "Pick me up and read me you Thrill-Starved fool!"
2 Points. Prog 2097 - Psychos A-Go-Go. Striking cover featuring three murderous nutters with some screaming teens in the foreground. Again, a cover that demands the contents inside be read.
1 Point. Prog 2108 Germ Warfare. Beautifully drawn home made Dune-Buggy/Go-Cart racing through a forest of hair across a Human body. At the risk of sounding like a broken record (Hammer Time!) a cover that stands proud on the shelf.
Cheers
1st. 2089 Weston... who can resist a grapple with a Space Monkey?
2nd. 2102 Robinson
3rd. 2074 Zeinner
1st: 2065 - I like seeing Joe on his knees...
2nd: 2089 - JD and monkeys, you gotta buy that surely?
3rd: 2092 - I'm not seeing enough love for Death around here.
honourable mention goes to 2086 for the gratuitous boob shot.
3: 2101 (https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/42/6d/00.thumb.jpg) This Fiends cover felt a fresh subject matter.
2: 2110 (https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/06/76/00.thumb.jpg) I just love the multicoloured mini-men on the shiny background.
1: 2083 (https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/70/63/00.thumb.jpg) Where's Wally time travel characters. The highlight of the year for discussion and fun! Well done Neil Googe!
3 points: 2081 ALL HAIL KING CARLOS!
(https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/50/62/00.large.jpg)
2 points: 2089. cause nobody apes the Law... and a Steinbeck pun too
(https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/2f/65/00.default.jpg)
1 point: 2075. jaegir returns and Future war is the hell we were promised. Colby at his bestest.
(https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/6a/60/00.default.jpg)
Nul poq: Shirley we're passed this type of thing?
(https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/ba/61/00.large.jpg)
My votes:
1st Place; Prog 2078 by Ezquerra. An iconic shot of Johnny dishing out some death. Great colouring and detail by the much missed King.
2nd Place; Prog 2087 by McCarthy. Dunno why I like this so much. The bizarreness of it? The unusual colouring? I just dig it man.
3rd Place; Prog 2098 by Millgate. Great 90's-tastic painted Dredd. Get this Droid back in the Prog.
1. 2078. RIP Carlos.
2. 2102. Cliff remains the cover master.
3. 2092. Langley does a great Death.
1st. 2082
2nd. 2081
3rd. 2089
Hmmm, cheating a bit as I mostly buy collected/ TPB etc and I'm not familiar with some of the current line up.
But...a good cover is a good cover.
And this thread will just highlight how subjective to the reader the choice of what's a "good" cover is.
So my crusty, crunchie pals here's my 2 galactic groats worth.
3. 2074- Emily Zeinner. I'm somewhat envious of her digital jiggery pokery here. (PJ Holden has inspired me to go back and try again with digital work which I abandoned last year in favour of scratchy dip pens.)
2. 2084- Michael Dowling. (If he's not an occultist he should be with a name like that!!) And working some magic here with old boney and a couple of undead hotties. Lovely, horrible stuff.
And the winner is.....
1. 2078- Carlos Ezquerra- Just simply the best cover of the year. Not slighting anyone else's contributions but this is amazing.
Notable mention to 2079- McMahon! (It's been mentioned his influence on my art contributions here, but I wasn't aware of his stuff till earlier this year. Hell, I wasn't aware of most of this till end of last year...lol. But I'm flattered that it's been mentioned....even if I was channelling Alfreda Alcala...lol)
1) 2000 AD PROG 2078: AGENT OF DESTRUCTION! - King Carlos! An awesome, highly detailed pose of Johnny in action. I was also pleased to see this cover reprinted as a full page in the Warlord Games Stront game rules book. I'd really like to see it in B&W.
2) 2000 AD PROG 2089" THE APES OF WRATH! - I love apes and Weston draws great apes! Also, Dredd's space costume is awesome!
3) 2000 AD PROG 2075: IN THE FIELD OF BATTLE - I'm always happy to see anything Rogue Trooper related. This cover with the Norts is great and the colours create a claustrophobic environment that makes those suits look necessary. Coleby has quickly become one of my favorite artists.
1. Prog 2074 (https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/40/60/00.large.jpg) by Emily Zeinner
A powerful analogous color scheme; dreamlike with strong symmetry threatened by the slanting, sickly light. Anderson here looks powerful but wary.
(https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/40/60/00.default.jpg)
2. Prog 2097 (https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/37/69/00.large.jpg) by Neil Googe & Gary Caldwell
Great dynamic composition: it really tells a story.
(https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/37/69/00.default.jpg)
3. Prog 2096 (https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/8f/68/00.large.jpg) by Neil Roberts
This reminds me of Starblazer and it's got a giant robot, a demonic horse, an astounding haircut and a collection of amazing coiture. It makes me hugely curious about the story inside.
(https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/8f/68/00.default.jpg)
Quote from: Eamonn Clarke on 09 December, 2018, 06:20:01 PM
1. 2089. Chris Weston. Because everything is better with monkeys.
2. 2078. All hail Carlos the king.
3. 2106. Culbard. Just a beautiful image.
Sorry, to be clearer that's 3 points for Chris Weston, 2 points for King Carlos, and 1 point for The Culbard droid.
First Place/Number One/3 Points/Top Marks : Prog 2110 - A self imposed 'one pick per artist' rule for me and this is my favourite of Chris Weston's formidable entries. A real fun 'Cor, what's happening there?' effort and it reminds me of Jelly babies. Mmm Jelly babies...
Second Place/Numero Duo/ 2 Points/ Close but no cigar : Prog 2079 Sweet how this was planned ahead for Prog 2079 for the Class of 2079 tale. Mike McMahon is always welcome on my Prog cover and indeed in my house, if he so chooses.
Third Place/Bronze Medal time/1 Point : Prog 2076 - I love the depth, the dynamism and the colours of this cracker. One for the ages!
3 POINTS- 2073
2 POINTS - 2076
1 POINTS - 2078
3 POINTS- 2098 (David Millgate)
2 POINTS - 2092 (Clint Langley)
1 POINTS - 2084 (Michael Dowling)
(https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/f6/6a/00.large.jpg)
(https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/3a/66/00.large.jpg)
(https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/8e/63/00.large.jpg)
3 points: 2081, Homies under the hammer
2 points: 2074, Psiren song
1 point: 2097, Pyschos a go go
Honourable mention: 2075, In the field of battle
Looking forward to the results!
A year of some belters and a few stinkers. Hard to choose, but here we go:
1. 2081 - Carlos did so few covers recently, but when he did, they were the real thing from the king
2. 2102 - Dredd / Shark - Cliff Robinson. Second only to Carlos in the overall 2000AD history cover artistry
3. 2082 - Durham Red by Jim Broxton. Nice to see a smile from Red & Broxton's a wonderful artist
HM's: The return of David Roach was very welcome on Anderson
Simon Colbey's Nu Earth was fabulous
Mike McMahon's Dredd is always revered
David Millgate doing the real paint thing was glorious
Well I'll dilly dally no more (I keep doing that with the Spinies and other votes - so no more I'll make my mind up on this one).
3rd = Prog 2090 - such a sharp image, really enhanced by the design.
2nd = Prog 2078 - I shrink the view of the page featuring the images to see which ones pop out. So I double checked this one to make sure it wasn't driven by sentiment. Its not the image screams off the page and up close its an exceptional examination of Johnny. Thank you one last time Carlos.
1st = Prog 2066 - Not only does this one pop off the page, its such an arresting engaging image it hard to imagine seeing it and not be drawn in to see what's going on. Superb.
Very surprised about a couple which didn't make it, McMahon's 2079, 2104 and 2106 in particular.
1st. 2089 - those Weston monkeys, ridiculous Dredd tale stunningly drawn
2nd. 2078 - that giant Johnny Alpha close-up, uncompromising
3rd. 2099 - those Richardson demons, loved the Mechastopholes run
HMs:
2092 - Langley Death
2084 - Dowling Death
2070 - Taylor Dredd/Lamia
2079 - McMahon Dredd
+++ Just over 24 hours to vote Earthlets! +++
Many, many wonderful covers this year. My top 3 are:
First Place with 3 Points: King Carlos, Prog 2078.
(https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/18/61/00.large.jpg)
Such a wonderful image of Johnny, it's Rage all over again, it's Prog 339 (http://2000ad.org/functions/cover.php?choice=339&Comic=2000ad (http://2000ad.org/functions/cover.php?choice=339&Comic=2000ad)) and it's Prog 469 (http://2000ad.org/functions/cover.php?choice=469&Comic=2000ad (http://2000ad.org/functions/cover.php?choice=469&Comic=2000ad)) Carlos drawing Alpha looking furious is, sorry, was always a joy, and this is just wonderful. I LOVE how it seems to be an amalgamation of his older and newer styles.
My second place is classic Dredd 2110 by Chris Weston:
(https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/06/76/00.large.jpg)
I love the design work that has gone into this (particularly the way the gremlins interact with the logo), I love the colours, I love the fact that it pays homage to Prog 23 (http://2000ad.org/functions/cover.php?choice=23&Comic=2000ad (http://2000ad.org/functions/cover.php?choice=23&Comic=2000ad),) I love the gratuitous nudity on the cover and the fact that Dredd is getting kicked in the nads. Marvellous!
In third place, Jake Lynch's Prog 2104...
(https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/fb/6e/00.large.jpg)
I love the design work here and Jake is certainly one of my favourites of the newer droids.
There were sooooo many that were bubbling under; I started to list them but it just got silly!
Results tomorrow at midnight!!!
If I'm not too late
1st 2078
2nd 2079
3rd 2110
+++ VOTING IS CLOSED, RESULTS TO FOLLOW !!! +++
Arse, somehow managed to miss this thread. Actually it's probably just as well, because looking at the 2018 covers there are far too many excellent ones to choose a top three.
However if I had a Lawgiver held to my head I'd have gone for
3. (https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/3b/5f/00.large.jpg)
2. (https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/6a/60/00.large.jpg)
1. (https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/70/63/00.large.jpg)
With very honourable mentions to prog 2106 End Times (https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/20/71/00.large.jpg), 2806 Bet On Red (https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/00/64/00.large.jpg) and 2108 Germ Warfare (https://images.rebellion.co.uk/productVersion/27/73/00.large.jpg); and well, of course, to Carlos Ezquerra's phenomenal Strontium Dog covers.
I'm ready! Is this year's thread coming yet? (this thread was begun on dec 9th last year)
I'll do it tonight!
Quote from: Pete Wells on 19 December, 2019, 03:23:58 PM
I'll do it tonight!
And after that, you can do this year's thread ;)
Quote from: Pete Wells on 19 December, 2019, 03:23:58 PM
I'll do it tonight!
Your a good man Pete Wells a good ma... what Judgement Day better than Cursed Earth damn you and your evil ways...
I REGRET NOTHING COLIN!!!