Another decent Prog. Two Alan Grant penned strips for the first time in a long time. His Dredd is a passable effort with a handful of good lines, but the lack of any real substance highlights the way a lot of the newer writers have overtaken the old master. Teenage Anderson doesn't do much for me.
Not a great cover this week. Much as I like him, particularly on Dante, this flags up the variability of Fraser's art. Compare some of the gorgeous interior work on this current story with the depictions of the same characters on this cover. Elena always seems to get the worst of this. The Dante story within marches on triumphantly with a not unexpected betrayal. Ace.
The first of those cameos Tharg promised pops up in Absalom and it's an intriguing one. Can't quite decide if this supplants Dante in my affections this week but, either way, that means I think it's bloody good. Interesting as well that Rennie manages to give Harry just the right amount of the sort of earthy dialogue that Edginton always seems to overdo these days.
Red Seas bored me. Not something I could've imagined a couple of serieses ago.
A decent enough issue with for me Dante the pick of the bunch. Really loving this story arc and will be gutted when it finally finishes. Will have to keep on reading the trade pressings for the fix... It certainly gave out one or two indications as to where it may end when Nikolai is talking to his mother The Pirate Queen and a great deception at the end although not unexpected.
Also enjoyed the Dredd story in this issue and well paced for a complete story arc.
Absalom - more of the same and getting better by the week. Hope there are more series planned.
Now for the two disapointments - Cadet Anderson - just can't really get into this one yet. Maybe it will be a grower but to date - nothing.
Red Seas - seems to be going backwards - others may enjoy but I have lost the plot with it. I hope it comes back!!
Well I'll defend Rea Seas then. Okay so it felt a little light weight after the build up last week but was still fun and moved things along well. I believe read as one this story will be a bit of a hidden gem and I for one have really enjoyed it. Really looking forward to the climax in the next week or two.
The rest is all good solid stuff, with one exception. Absalom continues to entertain without blowing me away. Two Alan Grant stories in the prog is really nice to see. A good solid Dredd and a good solid Anderson. Both with lovely touches, both expertly crafted neither quite knocking it out the park.
That leads us to the exception. Dante which not only gives it a hefty wack that sails out the park but sends it flying at break neck speed into orbit with enough side spin to send it charging at an angle you just can't predict. I mean really this strip as always been superb and at the moment its as good as its ever been. Its simply brilliant... wonder what it was?!?
Good Prog
Cover is really nice, but could be more eye catching. Bit of a poor pun, too. I liked all of the strips, but LOVED two. Dante, of course and Absalom, which gets better each week. Both those strips are chocfull of perfect 2000AD goodness. Enjoyed both Alan Grant strips. The Dredd had a nice punchline with the baby and I enjoyed the Anderson one. Liked the justice met out to the knife weilding thug in the Hottie Emporium, in particular....
Also really enjoyed Red Seas. looks like next weeks will be an action packed episode. :D
So far I've read Judge Dredd, Cadet Anderson and The Red Seas.
Judge Dredd was alright if was a bit retro and followed a very old plot template. The first punchline was feeble and the joke is antique, so it's just as well there was a back-up one. When I first heard the 'baby's first words' joke 30 years ago it went like this:
BABY: "Muh, muh, muh..."
MOTHER: "He's going to say Mummy!"
BABY: "Da, da, da..."
FATHER: "He's going to say Daddy!"
BABY: "Muh- muh- more dumplings!"
Cadet Anderson's a bit better and has more of that old-style thrill power. If it hadn't been pointed out here I wouldn't have noticed that her gun is a Mk II. It's still a retro model, isn't it? I presume the judges are using a Mk III these days.
The Red Seas does seem a bit slow instalment by instalment, but I'm sure it'd be quite a lively adventure with all the parts run together continuously.
The Ezquerra droid doesn't bother with the finer details of Lawgiver design - and I love him for it. And whose going to argue with Dredd's co-creator? ;) I've never liked the MK2. Ezquerra inspired my adaptation of the MK2 as a chunky hybrid of both the MK1 and MK2.
Loved it all.
Great storytelling from Alan Grant, and the two swashbuckling stories are great. Absalom's dark and funny.
I can't fault any of it.
- Trout
In the Dredd did anyone else think the fat money lender with the big nose was a bit too much of a stereotype to be comfortable? I'm not saying money lenders can't be fat and have large noses but it would be no more subtle if he was called Shylock and said 'oy' a lot.
Dredd was ok - the semetic look of the loan shark passed me by completely (I don't recall any mentions judasism in MC1)
Absalom - great
Dante - a perfect thrill pushing forward the story
Anderson was better than Dredd bur not terribly exciting
Red Seas - automaton ancient Greeks attacking a sailing ship of demons - smashing !
Dredd was a bit of a tired formula and didn't really pack any punch because I'd read the same story 100 times before. Still competently done though. Andersons' 'film tie in graphic novel material' is going ok. Not burning out my thrill circuits but solid stuff. I'm interested to see where Absalom is going, Great art and good story, not sure Im missing something tho having not ever read Cabs. Red Seas continues to be in the prog. Dante .. wow. This is where it's all at. Not an unsurprising twist all things considered but none the less arsom. I'd been looking forward to the return of Dante since.. well since it was last in the prog, and whereas a few of the recent arcs have felt like treading water or covering old ground, this one is heading at breakneck isn't it.
Karl Richardson's art is growing on me more and more with each outing. I expecially love his interpretation of the helmet and eagle pad, very stylish. His faces have real character too, and are becoming very accomplished in a Dylan Teague sort of way.
I absolutely adore Absalom. Both script and art are pitch-perfect. Nothing more to report!
However, much to my own surprise, standout strip this week was Dante.
Nikolai Dante and Absalom were also good. I'd venture so far as to say Absalom was the best thing in the Prog. I liked the sudden appearance of the [spoiler]'supervillain team'[/spoiler], two of whom turned out to be... [spoiler]wait a minute! What?? Robots![/spoiler]
I didn't see that coming.
Good Prog.
I thought the cover was very reminiscent of some superhero team type thing, which is apt I suppose...
Always forget to mention Droid Life - made me chuckle! Good stuff as ever.
Dredd - top art on a straight MC1 tale. The 'third nostril' line made me laugh and pine a bit for Grant and Wagner together...also noticed the money lender's features combined with job, but MC1 is filled with freaky featured people. Remember Citizen Snork?
Red Seas - Quite liked this episode. Fair enough that it might read better in one sitting, many yarns do, but it is appearing weekly!
Dante - Ok for me.
Adolescent Anderson - I'm waiting for this to get it's groove on. The episiode seemed too short, I wanted more.
Absalom - top thrill again this week. Am I right in thinking
that was Chapter and Verse with the pram? I think I am, so was excited by the 'future casework' line! That's a yarn I'd like to read GRennie - get to it!
Quote from: James Stacey on 23 May, 2011, 09:30:29 AM
not sure Im missing something tho having not ever read Cabs.
I wouldn't say so - this is certainly standing alone at the moment. Well, you're missing out by not reading Cabs because it's lush and Harry first appeared in it, but there's no direct lift over beyond the world it's set in.
A fine prog, but felt a bit muted to me.
M.
Quote from: Mikey on 24 May, 2011, 09:27:53 AM
Absalom - top thrill again this week. Am I right in thinking that was Chapter and Verse with the pram?
Nah, it's Demon Jenny and Solomon Ravne. She was pregnant with his EVIL SEED.
:-[ D'oh! Of course it was! Hannah has dark hair...and is a lesbian, but that's what made me especially raise me eyebrows!
I'm such a tube.
M.
Quote from: Lee Bates on 24 May, 2011, 10:06:02 AM
Quote from: Mikey on 24 May, 2011, 09:27:53 AM
Absalom - top thrill again this week. Am I right in thinking that was Chapter and Verse with the pram?
Nah, it's Demon Jenny and Solomon Ravne. She was pregnant with his EVIL SEED.
I thought it was Jenny and Verse. On account of Ravne not being black.
The confusion continues!
My reasoning, flawed though it may be, was that the woman was wearing wee square glasses and a coat like Hanna wore once and the man looked like Laurence. I saw the wisdom of it being Jenny & Ravne, until The Cosh made the obvious observation. Who in the name of buggeryment is it?![spoiler]Ryan Giggs [/spoiler] and...oops!
M.
I didn't see him as black, just darker skinned. It's definitely Jenny and Ravne, I'd stake my reputation on it.
Where's Gordon with my no-prize?
You sure I'm not missing something :lol:
Well I was sure until just recently James!
M.
I'm loving Harry Absalom (though does he need to keep reminding people of his name all the time?). I'm not familiar with Tiernen Trevallion but the guy is an absolute master of gray tones. The variation in shades give the beautiful linework real depth, and it's a particular skill that I think is overlooked when people talk about full-colour vs b/w art.
Cover- Great! [spoiler]Nice foreshadowing with Lulu in the background there. Look at that expression! That's just asking for a smacked botty, (although I suspect she'd like that kind of thing.)[/spoiler]
Droids Life- Heh.
Dredd- I largely liked it. I actually thought Dredd was quite lenient with his sentencing there. You could argue the man was guilty of pursuading his family to commit suicide but it's not as if the baby had a choice in the matter. That could have ended up as murder.
The Red Seas- Not bad. I'd say it's my least favourite strip at the moment but this is purely a comparison with the other good stuff we've got.
Anderson - Isn't she as cute as a button?* And I'm enjoying it. That's an amusing expression in the last panel.
Absalom - More great stuff. This has become a favourite. Only thing I'm not sure of is the use of that particular kind of henchman in a strip set in the present day. I'm sure there were plenty of other nasties to pick from in this world. (That's a small issue though.) I wondered about the couple with the pram. I'll admit, I didn't pick up on the connection with Cabs, but now you mention it... If they do take that case in this world I wonder how it will translate considering the differences. [spoiler]I.e. is she possessed like in the Cabs world, or is the 'demon within' more of the genetic nature like the aristocrat hybrids? We'll see.[/spoiler]
That reminds me, there's a lot of Cabs Inc I've missed. I've read the last two runs to feature in the prog and one rather good GN. (I've forgotten the specifics but the main story involved a film studio and strange VR time related stuff. Incidentally, my forgetfulness shouldn't be taken as an indication of a dislike of the story. Merely need of a brain transplant.)
Nikolai Dante- Saw it a mile off. Kinda daft Dante didn't That being said, it was still highly enjoyable. I suspect [spoiler]she isn't actually trying to kill him though, merely incapacitate him. She could have sent lots of bugs to tear him to bits, but instead went the strangulation route...[/spoiler]
*Although I wonder about buttons being cute. I suppose they are, when you think about it, but I tend to consider them rather functional items.
Quote from: Mardroid on 24 May, 2011, 10:01:36 PM
Absalom - More great stuff. This has become a favourite. Only thing I'm not sure of is the use of that particular kind of henchman in a strip set in the present day. I'm sure there were plenty of other nasties to pick from in this world. (That's a small issue though.)
Eh?
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 24 May, 2011, 10:10:41 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 24 May, 2011, 10:01:36 PM
Absalom - More great stuff. This has become a favourite. Only thing I'm not sure of is the use of that particular kind of henchman in a strip set in the present day. I'm sure there were plenty of other nasties to pick from in this world. (That's a small issue though.)
Eh?
[spoiler]Robots.[/spoiler]
They're actually clockwork automata - possibly magically powered - although, quite obviously now, the story so far isn't managing to convey that.
Quote from: GordonR on 25 May, 2011, 08:28:30 AM
They're actually clockwork automata - possibly magically powered - although, quite obviously now, the story so far isn't managing to convey that.
I got that, what with all the clockwork bits flying out of them when they get shot but is that Ravne and Jenny with the pram?
I reckon thats Ravne, Verse is way taller than that.
I had another look at me prog and I concur it's Ravne and Jenny. It's the more likely given Harry's statement too - I was being a bit daft with my suggestion I think!
M.
Quote from: GordonR on 25 May, 2011, 08:28:30 AM
They're actually clockwork automata - possibly magically powered - although, quite obviously now, the story so far isn't managing to convey that.
Well if it's any consolation Gordon, that was my reading of it. Mechanical golem of some sort or other.
I'd agree that the bowler hatted prizefighter seems slightly anachronistic but then he might have been in the family for a good while. Still my favourite thing in the Prog at the moment and I'm going to get the Cab' Inc' trades to add to the collection because this reminds me of how much I loved that.
Definitely Jenny and Ravne.
Dredd, good. Dante, excellent. Anderson, very good. Red Sea's, liked it though Steve Yeowell has reached the point now where his economy of line is making some panels virtually indecipherable.
DROID LIFE. How did I nearly forget Droid Life. MAGNIFICENT. Dustbuster...hur hur hur.
Dredd: It good one, just one of odd Judge Dredd stories, wonder when the next epic will be?
The Red Seas: Nice action, and it okay so far, but still wait for [spoiler]the return of Jim [/spoiler]
Anderson - it good one, as nice arms cut! hehe! thought it would be nice twist if (not as thanks to Nerve Centre for give out the date of this strip) that Cadet Anderson is clone of Anderson in current timeline! Like young Rico to Dredd...
Absalom: Nice one, and it great to see Demon Jenny and Solomon Ravne and Ethan Kostabi as the baby!
Nikolai Dante: [spoiler]Damn Lulu!!! hopefully next week she would says you my brother and not hurt him, or got killed by rifle? Or by Elena?[/spoiler] anyone wonder why Elena smiling??
As I says it two years ago, I still thinking that the new Tsar [spoiler]would be Viktor! Could be one of bestest Tsars???[/spoiler] Hehe!
Quotewonder when the next epic will be?
Soon, according to John Wagner...
Quote from: radiator on 25 May, 2011, 10:17:45 PM
Quotewonder when the next epic will be?
Soon, according to John Wagner...
Good to know as I had also been wondering bout this.
Oh and Abs is my very fave thing in the prog at the mo!
QuoteGood to know as I had also been wondering bout this.
I've posted this before, but for those that missed it, Mr Wagner has stated that he is working on a new Dredd series, the first arc of which is starting soon and will be drawn by Ben Willsher. He said that the structure of the new story will be similar to Tour of Duty, but that the subject matter would be very different.
Best way to tackle lengthy stories, an overall arc explored through different premises - nothing worse than the commencement of a mega-epic that fails to please, then having to endure the same plot and characters for five months.
Quote from: radiator on 26 May, 2011, 07:58:49 PM
QuoteGood to know as I had also been wondering bout this.
I've posted this before, but for those that missed it, Mr Wagner has stated that he is working on a new Dredd series, the first arc of which is starting soon and will be drawn by Ben Willsher. He said that the structure of the new story will be similar to Tour of Duty, but that the subject matter would be very different.
That's seriously good news. Though I've gotta say this period of stories we've had from Al and Mike has been scrotnig. Old Stoney Face is in some capable hands right now.
When they put NEXT: THE PUSHER under THE END, that makes me wonder if a mini epic/ prefix to an epic is on its way. Is this not often the case? If not why do they do it in the first place? An anchor character comic standard?
The Pusher is a one-off by Alan Grant and Peter Doherty.
Had these for a week, just waiting for my lie-in read this morning :)
Cover - Solid, but nothing too noteworthy I thought.
Dredd - A pretty forgettable story, but great art. Teague gives very good Dredd.
Anderson - Good old school fun, and Ezquerra is always a joy.
Red Seas - I don't really like this magic tiny-but-now-massive boat full of robo-spartans maguffin. Just a problem I have with some things set in fantastical worlds, where solutions are often pretty random. I really like Edginton in general though so not in any doubt about his writing chops, but that seemed a bit Russell T. Davis to me.
Absolom - Best thing in the prog this month I reckon. The golem idea was conveyed fine, I'm sure it was mentioned (or at least made clear) in the first episode that they weren't human. I'd assumed they were made of clay for some reason but now realize that was a bit of madness on my part.
Dante - Another one of them blasted double crosses! Dante's back on form to me and the conversation with his mum was poignant considering things are coming to a close.
Not a wowzer of a prog, but a damn good one.
Late to the party, but happy to see a Prog that grabbed me, after a few weeks when my faith was a little tested.
Cover: Superb.
Droid Life: Nice.
Dredd: What's this? An Alan Grant Dredd that I really enjoyed? Blimey! Richardson turns in some great character art, and a really classic action sequence on page 3. Splitch Splutch indeed.
Red Seas: -sigh- I used to rave about this series, now it's just annoying me. Last week the demon Captain ordered the sweeps run out. This week there's still no sign of them, but the Bireme on the same hand seems to find its ones useful. No wonder they can't stop Jack's crew, at least his bright boys and robot allies can (generally) follow simple orders. Or could it be that Edginton thinks sweeps on a ship are something other than long oars? Because there's a lot of that going on, mixed up terminology, ancient Greek warriors using Latin words ("Aggress!"), that sort of thing. I'll take my whining over to the pedantry thread, but I think I'm basically bored with The Red Seas. Bah.
Cadet Anderson: Enjoyed this a lot more than last week, an interesting tale. Like that Young Cass is hard as nails. However, some of the colouring, especiallly on Anderson's white helmet, is pretty weak. The terrible sign lettering is back too. Sorry Ezquerras!
Absalom: Finally finds a place in my heart. Thought that was great throughout, perfect art, and good to see Ravne, Jenny and Junior. Loved the recitation of family trees.
Dante: The main event. A story that's mature, assured, very cool and knows it. Masterpiece stuff.
heh. Grumpy auld sod, them mystical self-repairing amazing-shrinko warriors, if only they had paid more attention in their classics course eh?
The Red Seas is fabulous - Its a beautiful kids yarn with wit and smarts for the adult. More importantly Yeowell's art is probably the finest thing in 2000ad - he has long since graduated into the pantheon of perfect pen-men, a fluid economy of style, beautiful line work and suggestion over detail where the human eye can frame the rest of an image. Fans may prefer muscle-work artists (the generic ones that end up in America) or ultra-modern stylists but Yeowell would be the classicists choice. I can see people who are new to comics not getting it when it sits beside coloured work or ultra detailed stuff but would have thought 2000ad's mature readers would savour every elegant panel.
As for the story - well this outing we've had visits to two different sets of gods, a major coup in the heroes ranks, the reveal of immortality, the Devil kicking seven shades out of his own henchmen, a naval battle and now indestructo-bots fighting for the forces of good - Dr Brian Cox would officially say 'amazing'.
The Prog continues its fine run, with only Dredd being a tad below-10 but not so meh as to warrant complaint. Notably only Cabs UnInc. seems 'mature' in content - Dredd, Anderson, Red Seas and Dante atm would all be uncontroversial for a younger audience.
With The Red Sea's the mythos is from all aspects of the known earth covering many belief's and religions thus confusion will, I suppose, occur.
Agree with BPP. The Yeowell Droid's art is masterful and I am enjoying both stroy and art.
Still waiting for Red Sea's to bleed into Stickleback.
V
Quote from: vzzbux on 30 May, 2011, 10:14:08 PM
Still waiting for Red Sea's to bleed into Stickleback.
Notes presence of what seems to be Hephaestus' miniature ship in the Library of the Brotherhood of the Book in Stickleback: Mother London.
Am I the only one that thinks that Dante looks like Jeremy Beadle on this cover?! :lol: