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2000 AD => General => Topic started by: sheridan on 22 May, 2015, 09:15:28 PM

Title: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 22 May, 2015, 09:15:28 PM
At some point before the end of this year I'm going to embark on a prog slog (or possibly a back prog slog), but as it means I'll be devoting quite a chunk of my time to it, I want to make sure I start out doing it right.  A quick study of the experiences of others (on here and elsewhere) suggests that I can expect to spend one year per 500 progs.  As there will be 2,000 progs by the time I'm a quarter way into it, that's quite a time commitment.  But I don't want to stop at just the progs - I want to re-read my Megs as well.  And my Starlords.  I don't have Tornado yet (except for one single, solitary issue) so that might present a problem.  And not leaving out the Sci-Fi and Mega-Specials, Annuals and Yearbooks.  By the time I'm up to the mid-eighties the next volume of the Daily Dredds should also be out as well.

But there's just a few questions I'm trying to resolve in my mind.  In what order should I actually read them?  Cover-to-cover as they came out, living the thrill-powered life of someone just a little older than I am?  Or starting at prog one and reading the storylines as they start?  Should I stop the weeklies every time an annual or special is released?  What do I do when I get to the nineties - do I read the weekly Progs and the monthly (and sometimes fortnightly) Megs in between?

Any ideas?  From others who have taken this journey, or who might be about to?  Speaking of which - how many others are there out there who have enough Progs and Megs to join me?

As I intimated earlier - this isn't something I'm about to start straight away.  Due to various house moves  my collection is mostly complete but pretty fragmented, so the first order of the day is to get the thing in order (and then replace those precious Progs which have gone missing in the last three-and-a-bit decades).  I seem to remember there was quite a disastrous distribution problem around the time that film came out which could cause problems too...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dandontdare on 22 May, 2015, 10:06:19 PM
You should read one prog a week with a bag of sherbert lemons in your den behind the garage.

it's the only way to recreate that thrill power experience.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Albion on 22 May, 2015, 10:54:08 PM
I'm currently on a Prog Slog.
I started by reading all the Megs first as I stopped getting it for awhile and wanted to see what I had missed. I then started on the Prog from Prog 1.
I am missing out some stories, such as Dredd, Ace Trucking and Robo-hunter as I have read them in the collected books fairly recently. My next Prog is 250. This was such a golden era for 2000AD that I am getting through them quite quickly as I am skipping the previously mentioned classic stories.
The real joy for me has been the Future Shocks. I had forgotten a few of them and there are some real gems in there.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 22 May, 2015, 11:32:01 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 22 May, 2015, 10:06:19 PM
You should read one prog a week with a bag of sherbert lemons in your den behind the garage.

it's the only way to recreate that thrill power experience.

Nice idea - though for me I think Space Raiders would be more appropriate.  I can't even remember if I knew Brett did the packet designs at the time, but I cut out the comic strips on the back, oily and greasy as they were.  I wonder if I still have them lurking in a box somewhere?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 22 May, 2015, 11:39:04 PM
Quote from: Albion on 22 May, 2015, 10:54:08 PM
I'm currently on a Prog Slog.
I started by reading all the Megs first as I stopped getting it for awhile and wanted to see what I had missed. I then started on the Prog from Prog 1.
I am missing out some stories, such as Dredd, Ace Trucking and Robo-hunter as I have read them in the collected books fairly recently. My next Prog is 250. This was such a golden era for 2000AD that I am getting through them quite quickly as I am skipping the previously mentioned classic stories.
The real joy for me has been the Future Shocks. I had forgotten a few of them and there are some real gems in there.

How long ago did you start?  Thinking about it I think I should try to get the Tornado set before I get into it, it'll be pretty early into the slog.

I'm looking forward to a lot of the shorts (even if they're not good, they'll be over in 4-6 pages).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 23 May, 2015, 12:02:03 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 22 May, 2015, 11:32:01 PM
Nice idea - though for me I think Space Raiders would be more appropriate.  I can't even remember if I knew Brett did the packet designs at the time, but I cut out the comic strips on the back, oily and greasy as they were.

:lol: Me too!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Colin YNWA on 23 May, 2015, 07:17:59 AM
Yeah and you should have to fight with your brother about whose turn it is to read it first. If you don't have a brother just chose a random person in the street who looks about 3 1/2 years older then you.

Anyway its one of those things that you really have to decide for yourself (man maybe we can release a Prog Slog help guide like running a marathon guide or some such?). What is it your want to get from the experience. Last time I did a 'full' one I read a year of Dredd's then went back through that year reading individual stories as one, happily skipping stories here and there that didn't take my fancy. That's cos I just wanted to read the stories I hadn't read for years.

On my 'To Read' Spreadsheet about 1 year or more away I've put in re-read in but this time I'm going to read a year of Progs in a month (ish) have about 4 slots in my reading list 'section', 2 new material, 2 re-read if that makes sense, tends to take me a month to get through one of those, though with a year of progs in each section might take longer... anyway I digress that one I'm kinda thinking I'll be reading each prog as a whole, cos I want to know how each Prog read. I'd stick the relevent years annuals and specials at the end of the relevent year I'd guess but have over thought it.

I think some people read a Prog a day which always seemed a nice way to do it, but not sure I have the patience or time, I'd miss some etc etc.

Its all about what you want from the experience I'd say, why you doing it. Main thing of course is you'll have a bloody good time and remember to keep us informed!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Jock Savage on 23 May, 2015, 08:42:56 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 22 May, 2015, 09:15:28 PM
In what order should I actually read them?  Cover-to-cover as they came out?

I would say so. That way you get an impression of the history of the comic as well as the development of the strips themselves.

Throwing in annuals and specials sounds like a great way of adding a bit of variety, but I'm not sure the complicated business of coordinating the Megazine's erratic publishing schedule with the prog is worth the bother. There are 2 or 3 epics where the Dredd strips in both comics hook up, but for the rest of the 25 years they're just 2 comics from the same publisher.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dash Decent on 23 May, 2015, 10:52:27 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 22 May, 2015, 09:15:28 PM
At some point before the end of this year I'm going to embark on a prog slog (or possibly a back prog slog), but as it means I'll be devoting quite a chunk of my time to it, I want to make sure I start out doing it right.

Are you going to keep a prog slog blog too Sheridan, or are you rereading them just for pleasure?

I like the idea of reading Tornado or some other contemporaneous titles along with the weekly prog to get a sense of the past.  Nice one!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 23 May, 2015, 01:07:32 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 23 May, 2015, 07:17:59 AM
Yeah and you should have to fight with your brother about whose turn it is to read it first. If you don't have a brother just chose a random person in the street who looks about 3 1/2 years older then you.

Anyway its one of those things that you really have to decide for yourself (man maybe we can release a Prog Slog help guide like running a marathon guide or some such?). What is it your want to get from the experience. Last time I did a 'full' one I read a year of Dredd's then went back through that year reading individual stories as one, happily skipping stories here and there that didn't take my fancy. That's cos I just wanted to read the stories I hadn't read for years.

On my 'To Read' Spreadsheet about 1 year or more away I've put in re-read in but this time I'm going to read a year of Progs in a month (ish) have about 4 slots in my reading list 'section', 2 new material, 2 re-read if that makes sense, tends to take me a month to get through one of those, though with a year of progs in each section might take longer... anyway I digress that one I'm kinda thinking I'll be reading each prog as a whole, cos I want to know how each Prog read. I'd stick the relevent years annuals and specials at the end of the relevent year I'd guess but have over thought it.

I think some people read a Prog a day which always seemed a nice way to do it, but not sure I have the patience or time, I'd miss some etc etc.

Its all about what you want from the experience I'd say, why you doing it. Main thing of course is you'll have a bloody good time and remember to keep us informed!
Here's a few reasons I have for wanting to re-read the lot:
I'm thinking at the moment that I'll try to read them in the order they came out, including the erratic publishing schedule of the Meg (though excepting the Daily Dredds, as reading one weekly and five dailies in between progs would be a bit overcomplicated...)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 23 May, 2015, 01:10:50 PM
Quote from: Dash Decent on 23 May, 2015, 10:52:27 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 22 May, 2015, 09:15:28 PM
At some point before the end of this year I'm going to embark on a prog slog (or possibly a back prog slog), but as it means I'll be devoting quite a chunk of my time to it, I want to make sure I start out doing it right.

Are you going to keep a prog slog blog too Sheridan, or are you rereading them just for pleasure?

I like the idea of reading Tornado or some other contemporaneous titles along with the weekly prog to get a sense of the past.  Nice one!
I'm thinking of some sort of blog - trying to think of some sort of angle that others haven't covered before (though if I can't , I'll probably just do it anyway).  First things first - got to come up with a name for it...  Both ideas so far featuring travelling / journeying terms:
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Buttonman on 23 May, 2015, 01:18:32 PM
Prog Party? Issue Endeavour? Comic Quest?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Fungus on 23 May, 2015, 01:23:23 PM
Prog Peregrination
Box of Progs
Prog Blog
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 23 May, 2015, 01:43:56 PM
Quote from: Jock Savage on 23 May, 2015, 08:42:56 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 22 May, 2015, 09:15:28 PM
In what order should I actually read them?  Cover-to-cover as they came out?

I would say so. That way you get an impression of the history of the comic as well as the development of the strips themselves.

Throwing in annuals and specials sounds like a great way of adding a bit of variety, but I'm not sure the complicated business of coordinating the Megazine's erratic publishing schedule with the prog is worth the bother. There are 2 or 3 epics where the Dredd strips in both comics hook up, but for the rest of the 25 years they're just 2 comics from the same publisher.

I've also just thought that the Virgin and Abaddon shall need to fit in somewhere.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Buttonman on 23 May, 2015, 01:44:08 PM
Quote from: Fungus on 23 May, 2015, 01:23:23 PM
Prog Blog

This could reignite the old is it pronounced 'Pr-oag' or 'Pr-og'. I'm a 'Pr-oag' person as it is short for 'programme'.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Fungus on 23 May, 2015, 02:16:14 PM
Aware of this schism (hm, Skizzm?)... For the record, my progs rhyme with frogs. Always been aware it's shortened from 'programme' and still preferred 'prawg', see absolutely no problem with this and it just sounds better. In this bonkers-future world of podcasts, thrillcasts, etc. I detect 'prawgs' might be in the majority? But obviously I do hear both. Was it ever 'resolved' ?

"Prog Bloag" then  ?  :) That is kind of pleasing...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dandontdare on 23 May, 2015, 02:16:59 PM
Quote from: Buttonman on 23 May, 2015, 01:44:08 PM
Quote from: Fungus on 23 May, 2015, 01:23:23 PM
Prog Blog

This could reignite the old is it pronounced 'Pr-oag' or 'Pr-og'. I'm a 'Pr-oag' person as I'm wrong

FTFY
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Albion on 23 May, 2015, 02:37:41 PM
I'm not sure when I started my slog.
The amount of Progs I get through in a week varies. I read the issues before the Star Lord merger some time ago and then started from Prog 86 fairly recently.

Another fun part of it is recognising the names of some of the letter writers and fan artists who I now know or have gone on to work for Tharg.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Colin YNWA on 23 May, 2015, 05:00:25 PM
Quote from: Albion on 23 May, 2015, 02:37:41 PM
Another fun part of it is recognising the names of some of the letter writers and fan artists who I now know or have gone on to work for Tharg.

Yeah it certainly is. It for this reason and ones like it that I'll always prefer to have the original Progs (surely its always as in rhymes with frogs as the alternatiave are just uck! Even if it is short for Programme Pr-oags is just horrible!) over neat and easy trade collections. Another thing I love is the way the ads in the Progs really help give the stories a context about the time and environment they were created in.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Buttonman on 23 May, 2015, 06:08:38 PM
This fine thread (http://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php/topic,36119.0.html) (along with 'Letters to the Green Dude') contains of of the art and letters that could be scraped together for future creators - might spoil the fun of stumbling across them though!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 May, 2015, 09:05:07 PM
Well, the first bit was surprisingly easy - I now possess a set of 22 Tornado comics.

I could do with a checklist, with dates easily accessible and sortable. 

While Barney (http://www.2000ad.org/?zone=collector&page=checklist) and Termight (http://www.2000ad.nu/termight/collecting.html) are certainly going to come in handy, they're not quite what I'm looking for...

If there isn't already a Google Spreadsheet out there then I shall have to create one (and then share it, naturally).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dash Decent on 30 May, 2015, 04:08:57 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 23 May, 2015, 01:10:50 PM
I'm thinking of some sort of blog - trying to think of some sort of angle that others haven't covered before (though if I can't , I'll probably just do it anyway).  First things first - got to come up with a name for it... 

Strontium Blog
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: judda fett on 30 May, 2015, 07:31:36 AM
'Star-lag and the Torn-A-holes of 2000 Maniacs'

Nice and snappy like.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: judda fett on 30 May, 2015, 07:56:23 AM
... Or maybe just '2000 Maniacs'

Prog Busters
Proglodyte Review
Backprogs and Re-joggin' (oof)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: judda fett on 30 May, 2015, 08:09:15 AM
Re-Prog Man
Prog, All Bar None

I'm also throwing in a free blog title for anyone wishing to start a blog dedicated to the Dark Knight... 'Cowl Movements'.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 30 May, 2015, 11:04:29 PM
I've now started a blog (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2015/05/30/17/) (title possibly subject to change).

As I'm going along, I'll be updating the Wikia (http://2000ad.wikia.com) for all things 2000AD (one of three now, though the other two are centred on Dredd alone).  To this end I've put together a quick spreadsheet of the tales which were printed in Tornado (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Nu-nMEA4j_rsX9sIl23HzkIoh6E0P7jHY3_q3l9_NMg/edit?usp=sharing)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 12 September, 2015, 02:21:13 PM
Not got much on this weekend, weather lately has got a bit cold, so I'm going to start today (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2015/09/12/starting-today/%20start%20today).

Still not entirely sure where my Star Lords are, but I've got almost a year's worth of progs, the summer supercomic and the first annuals lined up.
I'm setting myself a few rules:

That's about it – time to make myself a coffee and get started – I won't go into the garden to play with the space spinner though.  Apart from anything else, I don't think the cat would play along (if only I had a dog!)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 12 September, 2015, 04:24:47 PM
Prog 1 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2015/09/12/prog-1/) - more a commentary than a review - I'm sure there's nothing in there that you lot don't already know
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 12 September, 2015, 06:29:41 PM
Well I didn't realise 'Drokk!' originated in Dan Dare, or that it was in Prog 1, so you're off to a good start! Any Betelgeusian expressions other than Galactic Groats?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 12 September, 2015, 08:55:59 PM
Quote from: Tordelback on 12 September, 2015, 06:29:41 PM
Well I didn't realise 'Drokk!' originated in Dan Dare, or that it was in Prog 1, so you're off to a good start! Any Betelgeusian expressions other than Galactic Groats?

Good point - there's no Borag Thungg, but he does sign off with a Splundig Vur Thrigg!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 12 September, 2015, 10:26:51 PM
The Nerve Centre makes it's first appearance in Prog 2 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2015/09/12/prog-2/).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 13 September, 2015, 12:41:53 AM
Onwards, to Prog 3 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2015/09/12/prog-3-shoot-me-boss-dont-let-it-eat-me-alive/), and the Belardinelli droid's first two-story prog (not that there are many - I think there's one coming up where he draws the Dredd as well as Dare).

p.s. we also get our first glimpse of what working conditions are like in the Command Module.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 13 September, 2015, 02:52:22 AM
Up to Prog 4 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2015/09/13/prog-4-logans-force-field-has-failed/) and Kevin O'Neill's first bona fide comics work in the Galaxy's Greatest (the background of one panel in the Dredd Brotherhood of Darkness story, and a full-page comic strip / advert for Flesh products).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Spikes on 13 September, 2015, 10:52:47 AM
O'Neill redrew/altered some of McMahon's work? Interesting. Which panel was that Sheridan?

(And didn't Kevin draw the little Tharg head on the cover of Prog 1?)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 13 September, 2015, 02:18:03 PM
Quote from: Spikes on 13 September, 2015, 10:52:47 AM
O'Neill redrew/altered some of McMahon's work? Interesting. Which panel was that Sheridan?

(And didn't Kevin draw the little Tharg head on the cover of Prog 1?)
I think he did draw that Tharg, but could stand to be corrected.

Bottom right panel of the third page - that's definitely an early O'Neill skull!  Looks like he just filled in what would otherwise be a blank background.

(http://41.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lkly2wQzbw1qi8laso1_500.jpg)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Spikes on 13 September, 2015, 07:16:28 PM
Cheers for that.
I did have a look-see before your reply, to see if I could spot the panel in question, and the one you've mention was the one that did catch my eye. So, was this stated for sure, or is this something you have felt was always the case?
Certainly over the years, artwork was altered a good few times before going to print.

But a great excuse to re-read that particular episode!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 13 September, 2015, 08:11:03 PM
Quote from: Spikes on 13 September, 2015, 07:16:28 PM
Cheers for that.
I did have a look-see before your reply, to see if I could spot the panel in question, and the one you've mention was the one that did catch my eye. So, was this stated for sure, or is this something you have felt was always the case?
Certainly over the years, artwork was altered a good few times before going to print.

But a great excuse to re-read that particular episode!

I don't remember noticing it myself, but can't work out where I read about it.  In the course of my failed research I did just find out that Kev had to bodge some Volg outriders into an Invasion! strip, because to the Argentinian artist who originally drew them an outrider is a guy on a horse.  That's something to look out for (assuming I haven't already missed it).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 13 September, 2015, 10:07:59 PM
Oops - posted the blogpost a few hours ago but completely forgot to update here, Dredd made the cover (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2015/09/13/prog-5-dredds-attacking-the-cyborg/) and we John Cooper joins the roster of art droids.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: glassstanley on 14 September, 2015, 08:05:54 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 13 September, 2015, 02:52:22 AM
Up to Prog 4 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2015/09/13/prog-4-logans-force-field-has-failed/) and Kevin O'Neill's first bona fide comics work in the Galaxy's Greatest (the background of one panel in the Dredd Brotherhood of Darkness story, and a full-page comic strip / advert for Flesh products).

In Prog 1's episode of Flesh, final page, final panel, the Trans Time base has always looked like O'Neill's work to me.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 14 September, 2015, 08:10:51 AM
Is that Satanus in Prog 6 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2015/09/14/prog-6-the-nazis-have-come-back-from-the-dead/)?  I'll wait until the Cursed Earth, then go back and compare scenes...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: AlexF on 15 September, 2015, 01:52:50 PM
Your ambition on covering EVERYTHING is to be greatly admired! Good luck to you.

As you say, it's tough to find new things to say about the very early Progs that hasn't been said before, but so far so good!
Title: Re: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dominic O'Rourke on 15 September, 2015, 03:35:14 PM
I'm up to prog 1234 on my slog.

There was an awful lull from around 750 onwards, but I pulled through.

I started off trying to read it all in order, but after the dune shark Dredd crossover, I've taken to reading a year of the prog and a year of the Meg.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 15 September, 2015, 11:46:39 PM
Quote from: AlexF on 15 September, 2015, 01:52:50 PM
Your ambition on covering EVERYTHING is to be greatly admired! Good luck to you.

As you say, it's tough to find new things to say about the very early Progs that hasn't been said before, but so far so good!
Thanks!  I probably won't include the phone cards ('coz I don't have them), but will include the movies - not sure what I'll do about the audio plays and books yet, but I'll fit 'em in somehow.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 17 September, 2015, 10:56:30 PM
Galactic Greetings, or as aliens say, Borag Thungg! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2015/09/17/prog-7-the-biogs-from-planet-zircon-are-on-the-rampage-for-their-main-fuel-supply-earthmen/) - yep, while Splundig Vur Thrigg was with us from the beginning, Prog 7 saw the first use of Tharg's now-familiar greeting.  Coincidentally, given recent previews, it also sees the first appearance of the Statue of Judgement too.  In later years it'll be surrounded by a sea of concrete, but in 2099 at least it still has some of Upper New York Bay behind it.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 17 September, 2015, 10:58:05 PM
Quote from: glassstanley on 14 September, 2015, 08:05:54 AM
In Prog 1's episode of Flesh, final page, final panel, the Trans Time base has always looked like O'Neill's work to me.

That one has crossed my mind in the past too, but it's not quite distinctive enough to be conclusive for me (probably is our Kev though).
Title: Re: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: glassstanley on 18 September, 2015, 07:06:40 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 15 September, 2015, 11:46:39 PM
Quote from: AlexF on 15 September, 2015, 01:52:50 PM
Your ambition on covering EVERYTHING is to be greatly admired! Good luck to you.

As you say, it's tough to find new things to say about the very early Progs that hasn't been said before, but so far so good!
Thanks!  I probably won't include the phone cards ('coz I don't have them), but will include the movies - not sure what I'll do about the audio plays and books yet, but I'll fit 'em in somehow.

The first series of phone cards can be found on the fantastic Cellar of Dredd site. Virgin novels are easy to place as the Meg printed a Prelude chapter for each; audios and the Black Flame novels have publication dates on Amazon. I spent a couple of years slowly compiling a publication order list of all Dredd World stories. Most of it is fairly easy to place..
Title: Re: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 18 September, 2015, 07:36:32 PM
Quote from: glassstanley on 18 September, 2015, 07:06:40 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 15 September, 2015, 11:46:39 PM
Quote from: AlexF on 15 September, 2015, 01:52:50 PM
Your ambition on covering EVERYTHING is to be greatly admired! Good luck to you.

As you say, it's tough to find new things to say about the very early Progs that hasn't been said before, but so far so good!
Thanks!  I probably won't include the phone cards ('coz I don't have them), but will include the movies - not sure what I'll do about the audio plays and books yet, but I'll fit 'em in somehow.

The first series of phone cards can be found on the fantastic Cellar of Dredd site. Virgin novels are easy to place as the Meg printed a Prelude chapter for each; audios and the Black Flame novels have publication dates on Amazon. I spent a couple of years slowly compiling a publication order list of all Dredd World stories. Most of it is fairly easy to place..
I got all the Virgin novels as they were coming out.  Do you still have that publication order list?
Title: Re: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 19 September, 2015, 10:46:06 PM
Quote from: glassstanley on 18 September, 2015, 07:06:40 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 15 September, 2015, 11:46:39 PM
Thanks!  I probably won't include the phone cards ('coz I don't have them), but will include the movies - not sure what I'll do about the audio plays and books yet, but I'll fit 'em in somehow.
The first series of phone cards can be found on the fantastic Cellar of Dredd site.

I thought I'd seen pictures of some of them before, and I knew John had them all so that must have been where I saw them.   Thanks for the reminder!

p.s. I've had a busy Saturday, but finally found time to read Prog 8 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2015/09/19/prog-8-8-full-colour-monster-pix/), which is now up.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 20 September, 2015, 12:51:06 PM
Roll on Sunday, and Prog 9 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2015/09/20/prog-9-goodbye-giant-the-mad-avenger-has-you-in-his-sights/) - the Harlem Heroes make the cover (for the only time), the word 'prog' is used and Dredd uses his respirator.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 20 September, 2015, 04:33:50 PM
Second post today and it turns out I have a bit more to say about Prog 10: "The Robot's Revolt has begun - all humans must die!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2015/09/20/2000ad-prog-10-the-robots-revolt-has-begun-all-humans-must-die/).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 21 September, 2015, 01:19:54 AM
Last post of this weekend takes me up to Prog 11: Follow Me into the Sun... you will Share the Death of a Martian Warrior! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2015/09/21/2000ad-prog-11-follow-me-into-the-sun-you-will-share-the-death-of-a-martian-warrior/) (Bolland's first appearance, the rules to the Flesh game and Dredd's first resignation of many).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 21 September, 2015, 02:55:34 PM
These are great reading, keep it up!  I'd no idea Tharg sheds his skin (although it explains a lot).  Is it really PVC, and not polystyrene,that Tharg eats originally? The kinky green divil!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dash Decent on 21 September, 2015, 11:17:46 PM
There's a bit in the very early progs - the letters page in prog 8, or something like that - where Tharg describes Betelguesian females as being very alien looking, with tentacles etc.  Of course, when one finally shows up in the prog (Marg?) she's just a female version of Tharg.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 September, 2015, 11:35:59 PM
Quote from: Dash Decent on 21 September, 2015, 11:17:46 PM
There's a bit in the very early progs - the letters page in prog 8, or something like that - where Tharg describes Betelguesian females as being very alien looking, with tentacles etc.  Of course, when one finally shows up in the prog (Marg?) she's just a female version of Tharg.
I don't think I've come across that bit yet, and I'm up to Prog 12, as of yesterday (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2015/09/26/2000ad-prog-12-the-return-of-mekon/).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 28 September, 2015, 12:41:29 AM
Hot on the tail of Prog 12 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2015/09/26/2000ad-prog-12-the-return-of-mekon/) comes Prog 13 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2015/09/27/2000ad-prog-13-from-out-of-my-alien-head-i-tharg-bring-you-the-future/) (the first prog to be called a prog instead of a programme).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: glassstanley on 29 September, 2015, 12:31:07 PM
FYI, Inferno is on the cover of Prog 68.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 05 October, 2015, 01:32:05 AM
Quote from: Albion on 22 May, 2015, 10:54:08 PM
I'm currently on a Prog Slog.

My next Prog is 250. This was such a golden era for 2000AD that I am getting through them quite quickly as I am skipping the previously mentioned classic stories.
The real joy for me has been the Future Shocks. I had forgotten a few of them and there are some real gems in there.

Which prog are you up to now?  After a week since the last one (my self-imposed deadline) I'm up to Prog 14 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2015/10/05/2000ad-prog-14-the-dinosaurs-have-got-us-the-pteranodons-have-got-us-and-now-the-spiders-have-got-us/).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Albion on 05 October, 2015, 07:57:05 AM
I'm on Prog 615. There's a dip in quality now.
The era of Zippy Couriers, Night Zero and Swifty"s Return (Sooner or Later).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dandontdare on 06 October, 2015, 04:11:33 PM
interesting note on the "furry tyrannosaurs" from prog 11:

QuoteIn the final talk session of the entire meeting, Jean Le Loeuff looked at Mathurin Meheut's artwork (in 1943 Meheut produced a fairly surreal painting titled Les Diplodocus), and Allison Ksiazkiewicz spoke about... about.. well, I'm not entirely sure, but it was something to do with how viewers interpret the gaze of ancient animals as depicted in artwork. And, in the very last talk of the conference, Jeff Liston provided an outstanding overview of how the dinosaur renaissance was depicted in the comics and books of the 1970s. A 1977 story from 2000 A.D., 'Flesh', has Late Cretaceous theropods ganging up on villainous humans who have come back in time to harvest herbivorous dinosaurs. Led by the matriarchal tyrannosaur Old One Eye, a coalition of tyrannosaurs and spinosaurs co-operated: where else could you hear the line 'From the north came the furry tyrannosaurs'? Important is that the story incorporated Deinonychus. So agile, furry dinosaurs had infiltrated popular culture pretty soon after Bakker's early articles (Bakker 1968, 1971, 1972, 1975).

From: http://scienceblogs.com/tetrapodzoology/2008/05/13/dahp-part-ii/ (http://scienceblogs.com/tetrapodzoology/2008/05/13/dahp-part-ii/)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: amines2058 on 06 October, 2015, 04:17:35 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 06 October, 2015, 04:11:33 PM
interesting note on the "furry tyrannosaurs" from prog 11:

QuoteIn the final talk session of the entire meeting, Jean Le Loeuff looked at Mathurin Meheut's artwork (in 1943 Meheut produced a fairly surreal painting titled Les Diplodocus), and Allison Ksiazkiewicz spoke about... about.. well, I'm not entirely sure, but it was something to do with how viewers interpret the gaze of ancient animals as depicted in artwork. And, in the very last talk of the conference, Jeff Liston provided an outstanding overview of how the dinosaur renaissance was depicted in the comics and books of the 1970s. A 1977 story from 2000 A.D., 'Flesh', has Late Cretaceous theropods ganging up on villainous humans who have come back in time to harvest herbivorous dinosaurs. Led by the matriarchal tyrannosaur Old One Eye, a coalition of tyrannosaurs and spinosaurs co-operated: where else could you hear the line 'From the north came the furry tyrannosaurs'? Important is that the story incorporated Deinonychus. So agile, furry dinosaurs had infiltrated popular culture pretty soon after Bakker's early articles (Bakker 1968, 1971, 1972, 1975).

From: http://scienceblogs.com/tetrapodzoology/2008/05/13/dahp-part-ii/ (http://scienceblogs.com/tetrapodzoology/2008/05/13/dahp-part-ii/)

Hmmm... One for the swipe file???
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dandontdare on 06 October, 2015, 04:28:25 PM
it's not a swipe - just pointing out that Pat Mills was bang up to date with current dino-research when he wrote Flesh!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Albion on 07 October, 2015, 10:49:54 PM
I've just read Prog 622. Not much variety of writers in this one!

Two stories by Alan Grant. Dredd and Anderson.
Three by Hilary Robinson. Zippy Couriers, Medivac 318 and a Future Shock.
A Daily Star Dredd by Grant and Wagner.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 12 October, 2015, 04:28:27 AM
Quote from: Albion on 07 October, 2015, 10:49:54 PM
I've just read Prog 622. Not much variety of writers in this one!

Two stories by Alan Grant. Dredd and Anderson.
Three by Hilary Robinson. Zippy Couriers, Medivac 318 and a Future Shock.
A Daily Star Dredd by Grant and Wagner.

I saw a kitten on someone's Tshirt the other day which made me think of Zippy Couriers (it was in the same style, but I don't think it was directly related).

I set myself an absolute minimum limit of one prog a week (apart from the latest, that is) and am pushing the definition this week, though I haven't gone to sleep yet, so this still counts as Sunday, right?

Prog 15: Mach One Plus One (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2015/10/12/2000ad-prog-15-mach-one-plus-one/)

I now have a few days off work so should be able to catch up...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Albion on 12 October, 2015, 08:19:35 AM
I'm on a minimum of one Prog a day. Sometimes it can be up to ten, if I'm doing a long printing job at work.  :D
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 14 October, 2015, 01:05:02 AM
Savage goes face-to-face against an Australian bounty hunter who uses the word 'sport' in two thirds of his sentences while Probe gets to wipe out a "nest of slant-eyed vipers".  Casual racism was more socially acceptable in the seventies you say?  I'd never have guessed!  Prog 16: We are Being Attacked by the Capitol Building (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2015/10/13/2000ad-prog-16-flight-z-40-location-devils-triangle-amber-alert-we-are-being-attacked-by-the-capitol-building/).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 14 October, 2015, 04:40:55 AM
QuoteWe get a second Dan Dare centrespread in portrait orientation next – I don't remember there being another one until the Torque-Armada spread in 1983, and I'm pretty sure there won't be any more after that.

Does the City of the Damned 'Next Prog' count? (Somewhere in the 390s).And am I misremembering, or did Mad George not get the Torque-Armada treatment first? Or was that technically a Star Scan? (Somewhere in the 130-150 range?).

Really enjoying the blog, Sheridan - keep at it!

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 14 October, 2015, 07:56:23 AM
Quote from: Tordelback on 14 October, 2015, 04:40:55 AM
QuoteWe get a second Dan Dare centrespread in portrait orientation next – I don't remember there being another one until the Torque-Armada spread in 1983, and I'm pretty sure there won't be any more after that.

Does the City of the Damned 'Next Prog' count? (Somewhere in the 390s).And am I misremembering, or did Mad George not get the Torque-Armada treatment first? Or was that technically a Star Scan? (Somewhere in the 130-150 range?).

Really enjoying the blog, Sheridan - keep at it!

Thanks - and good catch on both counts, just checked, there is the Mad George / ABC Warriors reporting for duty portrait.  I reckon we're well overdue for another centrespread (though good luck to anybody rotating the magazine on public transport...)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 15 October, 2015, 01:44:07 AM
Prog 17 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2015/10/15/2000ad-prog-17-oh-no-johnson-mills-and-shepherd-have-got-mixed-up-with-a-tyrannosaur-in-the-time-machine/) - the one with a dinosaur with three (human) heads on the cover.  Turns out that this is my favourite episode of Judge Dredd so far in the Back Prog Hack - love the styling of the back of the Lawmaster, Gibson's views of the city, Texas City gets a mention on the side of an oil tanker and more.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 19 October, 2015, 05:25:51 PM
Ma Mahaffy (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2015/10/19/2000ad-prog-18-by-stomm-now-theyre-even-growing-law-breakers-in-mega-city-1/) - the cover by Don Lawrence, which was famously bodged to replace Ma with Dredd...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 01 November, 2015, 10:46:12 PM
It's been a while, hopefully I'll speed up a bit (I've been updating a wiki (http://2000ad.wikia.com/) while I've been going along, which hasn't helped the frequency of my posts).  Prog 19 - Supercover No 1, A Robot's Best Friend... (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2015/11/01/2000ad-prog-19-supercover-1-a-robots-best-friend/)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 03 January, 2016, 03:50:49 AM
After taking November out to do NaNoWriMo, and then finding it difficult to get back into the swing of things with the 2000AD Summer Special Supercomic (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2016/01/03/2000ad-summer-special-supercomic/) I've finally managed to make my way though and update the blog.  I'm hoping Prog 20 won't take so long!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 28 March, 2016, 04:34:16 AM
Prog 20 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2016/03/28/2000ad-prog-20-supercover-2-the-man-who-stole-the-stars/) - will it take me less than three months to put up the next one?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 17 October, 2016, 11:35:52 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 28 March, 2016, 04:34:16 AM
Prog 20 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2016/03/28/2000ad-prog-20-supercover-2-the-man-who-stole-the-stars/) - will it take me less than three months to put up the next one?

...and the answer to that is yes, it took substantially more than three months!  I usually make some sort of birthday resolution each year, so I think this year's will be to update more regularly!  Enough chat - slog entry for Prog 21 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2016/10/17/2000ad-prog-21-supercover-3-emergency-the-alien-machine-is-about-to-destroy-our-world/).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 20 October, 2016, 12:39:34 AM
Hot on the heels of that one - here's Prog 22: Mutant on the Metro! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2016/10/19/2000ad-prog-22-supercover-4-mutant-on-the-metro/)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Albion on 20 October, 2016, 08:15:39 AM
My next Prog is 1055.
The quality is improving again now I'm in the late 1990's with early episodes of Sinister Dexter and Nikolai Dante.
I'd forgotten there were so many topless women in I Was A Teenage Tax Consultant! Saucy Tharg.  :o
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: AlexF on 20 October, 2016, 03:55:44 PM
Yes, along with the various efforts cataloguing female Judges, BAME characters and smiling Dredds, someone somewhere is compiling a list of all panels featuring nudity. I'm genuinely curious to know if the Prog displays more naked boobs or dangling wangs; I reckon it's a close thing.

And no, I'm not tackling this one!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 20 October, 2016, 05:01:06 PM
Quote from: AlexF on 20 October, 2016, 03:55:44 PM
Yes, along with the various efforts cataloguing female Judges, BAME characters and smiling Dredds, someone somewhere is compiling a list of all panels featuring nudity. I'm genuinely curious to know if the Prog displays more naked boobs or dangling wangs; I reckon it's a close thing.

And no, I'm not tackling this one!

"tackle" *hur-hur* shut up beavis :)

p.s. don't miss out Probe's bottom in the very first prog ;)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Albion on 20 October, 2016, 06:07:41 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 20 October, 2016, 05:01:06 PM
.....Probe's bottom......
:o

*hur-hur* shut up beavis
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 21 October, 2016, 09:42:00 PM
After that juvenile interlude (I'm sure there'll be more) it's back to the slog, with Prog 23: The Plague from Pluto! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2016/10/21/2000ad-prog-23the-plague-from-pluto/)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: ZenArcade on 22 October, 2016, 10:20:51 AM
Ok, 3 progs per day. I'm starting on 1st Nov. Z
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 23 October, 2016, 11:48:42 PM
Quote from: AlexF on 20 October, 2016, 03:55:44 PM
Yes, along with the various efforts cataloguing female Judges, BAME characters and smiling Dredds, someone somewhere is compiling a list of all panels featuring nudity. I'm genuinely curious to know if the Prog displays more naked boobs or dangling wangs; I reckon it's a close thing.

And no, I'm not tackling this one!
It's not full nudity, but Prog 24 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2016/10/23/prog-24-get-a-load-of-this-ancient-water-god-drawing/) features Shako tearing the clothes off of a trooper sent to kill him one at a time until he's in his underwear.  Other than that, Kev O'Neill starts to make an impact (that you can see on the page, that is).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 23 October, 2016, 11:51:16 PM
Quote from: ZenArcade on 22 October, 2016, 10:20:51 AM
Ok, 3 progs per day. I'm starting on 1st Nov. Z
Good luck, ZenArcade!  My tip - if you want to keep on schedule, don't update blogs and wikis as you go along!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: ZenArcade on 24 October, 2016, 05:31:22 PM
Any advice much appreciated Sheridan. Z
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 28 October, 2016, 04:30:17 AM
I'm getting pretty close to my first annual - not sure exactly which progs it will fall between, but it's a few weeks off yet.  In the meantime: Prog 25: Mega-City... Murder by Meteor! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2016/10/28/prog-25-mega-city-murder-by-meteor/)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 30 October, 2016, 09:22:24 AM
Mega-City One takes revenge (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2016/10/30/prog-26-greetings-earthmen-we-are-the-first-of-the-satan-horde/) in a pretty unsatisfactory way...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 10 February, 2017, 08:40:57 PM
Quote from: ZenArcade on 22 October, 2016, 10:20:51 AM
Ok, 3 progs per day. I'm starting on 1st Nov. Z
Did you get started?  And keep it up?

Spurred on by the upcoming celebrations, I've taken my latest out of drafts and published it.

Prog 27 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2017/02/10/prog-27-have-made-contact-with-aliens-facial-area-composition-flesh-conclusion-edible/)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 14 May, 2019, 12:51:04 AM
How not to do a prog slog!  I came to the first annual, and suddenly found almost anything else at all to do that was more interesting.  Can I go back to the weekly progs now? (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/05/13/2000-a-d-annual-1978/)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: AlexF on 14 May, 2019, 03:11:19 PM
I have a strong suspicion that the way to do a Prog Slog is NOT to read the Annuals! And maybe not the Specials, either - although there are bound to be some exceptions at some point, where there are key chapters in the sagas of Rogue Trooper and Tyranny Rex to name two examples.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 14 May, 2019, 04:32:18 PM
Quote from: AlexF on 14 May, 2019, 03:11:19 PM
I have a strong suspicion that the way to do a Prog Slog is NOT to read the Annuals! And maybe not the Specials, either - although there are bound to be some exceptions at some point, where there are key chapters in the sagas of Rogue Trooper and Tyranny Rex to name two examples.

I think the Judge Dredd annuals are all pretty good, and the 2000AD ones from 1985 onwards*, it's just everything prior to those that will drag...


* the one's I grew up with!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 24 May, 2019, 10:54:30 PM
You wait ages for a prog slog post, then two come along at once (well, within a week of each other).

Prog 28: Terror at 20,000 Fathoms! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/05/24/prog-28-terror-at-20000-fathoms/).  Better get started on the next one, or it'll be another two years...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dandontdare on 24 May, 2019, 11:27:39 PM
I enjoyed that, but c'mon mate, pick up the pace - my great-grandchildren will be reading witty reviews of Necropolis at this rate!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 25 May, 2019, 12:25:34 AM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 24 May, 2019, 11:27:39 PM
I enjoyed that, but c'mon mate, pick up the pace - my great-grandchildren will be reading witty reviews of Necropolis at this rate!

I should add that I'm also updating the 2000ADopedia (https://2000ad.fandom.com/wiki/2000ADopedia) while I'm going along, and finding out just how many characters called George (https://2000ad.fandom.com/wiki/George), Charlie (https://2000ad.fandom.com/wiki/Charlie), Alf (https://2000ad.fandom.com/wiki/Alf), Karl (https://2000ad.fandom.com/wiki/Karl) and Whitey (//http://) there are.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 25 May, 2019, 12:29:45 AM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 24 May, 2019, 11:27:39 PM
I enjoyed that, but c'mon mate, pick up the pace - my great-grandchildren will be reading witty reviews of Necropolis at this rate!

Not that any of that's an excuse - at my current rate around 70 or 80 progs, megs, specials and books have been released in the time it took me to cover the first annual and a prog.  Even if Rebellion stopped publishing tomorrow, it'd be one or two geological epochs until I caught up...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 25 May, 2019, 10:22:33 PM
And another - Prog 30: Destroy! Destroy! Destroy! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/05/25/prog-29-destroy-destroy-destroy/) (the Supercover Saga story all about a giant robot designed to kill pigeons*).


*it was the seventies...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 May, 2019, 06:26:34 PM
I would have posted this yesterday, but I had a birthday party to go to.

Prog 30 - the one with the Return of Rico! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/05/27/prog-30-time-travellers-from-titan/)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 May, 2019, 09:15:32 PM
I'm going to experiment on this one - to avoid posting two blogposts on the same day, I've scheduled the following to be published on wordpress tomorrow at 07:30 - let's see how it works!

Prog 31: Alert! Alert! Emergency touchdown - Pad 5, get the clean-up crew, fast! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/05/28/prog-31-alert-alert-emergency-touchdown-pad-5-get-the-clean-up-crew-fast).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 May, 2019, 10:36:10 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 27 May, 2019, 09:15:32 PM
I'm going to experiment on this one - to avoid posting two blogposts on the same day, I've scheduled the following to be published on wordpress tomorrow at 07:30 - let's see how it works!

Wordpress seems to have timezone problems - it knows I'm in London but doesn't understand how British Summer Time works, so it may go live at 08:30 instead of 07:30...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Tjm86 on 28 May, 2019, 02:39:06 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 27 May, 2019, 10:36:10 PM

Wordpress seems to have timezone problems - it knows I'm in London but doesn't understand how British Summer Time works, so it may go live at 08:30 instead of 07:30...

Not a major problem, most of my year 9 class have a similar problem with time full stop, never mind BST ...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 28 May, 2019, 09:13:26 PM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 28 May, 2019, 02:39:06 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 27 May, 2019, 10:36:10 PM

Wordpress seems to have timezone problems - it knows I'm in London but doesn't understand how British Summer Time works, so it may go live at 08:30 instead of 07:30...

Not a major problem, most of my year 9 class have a similar problem with time full stop, never mind BST ...

I have the same problem too - I may physically be present at work, but until I've had that first cup of the day my mind takes a while to catch up ;)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 29 May, 2019, 01:46:30 AM
Glad you're back at it! I had initially thought to update the wiki as well as the start of Spinner, but early on I learned about Barney so I didn't go forward with it. You're doing good work!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 29 May, 2019, 11:27:36 AM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 29 May, 2019, 01:46:30 AM
Glad you're back at it! I had initially thought to update the wiki as well as the start of Spinner, but early on I learned about Barney so I didn't go forward with it. You're doing good work!

Thanks!

I must confess that I've been listening to your early podcasts (covering the same annual and progs) to help give me inspiration, hence a link regarding the Star Warriors in today's post:

Prog 32: You will not defeat me, human! The Silver Cyborg shall destroy you and your planet! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/05/29/prog-32-you-will-not-defeat-me-human-the-silver-cyborg-shall-destroy-you-and-your-planet/)

Everything Comes Back to 2000AD started doing podcasts about early progs as well, though I'm not sure they made it as far as 32...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 30 May, 2019, 05:14:39 PM
Prog 33: Dangerous Android at Large (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/05/30/prog-33-dangerous-android-at-large/)

How long will I be able to keep this up daily?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 31 May, 2019, 11:18:55 AM
Prog 34: The Day the Earth Burned (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/05/31/prog-34the-day-the-earth-burned/).

The day in question was in 2010.  Mention is made in Judge Dredd about the how Weather Control hasn't been set to Winter since 2019...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 01 June, 2019, 11:13:36 AM
Prog 35: All Earthmen must die!  Take no prisoners! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/01/prog-35-all-earthmen-must-die-take-no-prisoners/)

Shako ends in a manner inconsistent with the 'no-shooting-or-the-capsule-might-break' constraints from preceding episodes, there's no starscan and I rediscover tags...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 02 June, 2019, 12:41:18 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 01 June, 2019, 11:13:36 AM
Prog 35: All Earthmen must die!  Take no prisoners! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/01/prog-35-all-earthmen-must-die-take-no-prisoners/)

Shako ends in a manner inconsistent with the 'no-shooting-or-the-capsule-might-break' constraints from preceding episodes, there's no starscan and I rediscover tags...

I only noticed after I'd finished reading Prog 38, but the first appearance of the Landraider is also in Prog 35 (though it's not called the Landraider, and it's in an advert).  Have added a paragraph to Prog 35's entry.

Prog 37 is scheduled to go out tomorrow, but today's post is Prog 36: Take 'em from behind – best way to kill those slimy aliens! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/02/prog-36-take-em-from-behind-best-way-to-kill-those-slimy-aliens/)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 03 June, 2019, 08:03:55 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 01 June, 2019, 11:13:36 AM
Prog 35: All Earthmen must die!  Take no prisoners! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/01/prog-35-all-earthmen-must-die-take-no-prisoners/)

Shako ends in a manner inconsistent with the 'no-shooting-or-the-capsule-might-break' constraints from preceding episodes, there's no starscan and I rediscover tags...

The jump straight from harpoon to bazooka is one of my favorite things ever!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 03 June, 2019, 09:23:30 AM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 03 June, 2019, 08:03:55 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 01 June, 2019, 11:13:36 AM
Prog 35: All Earthmen must die!  Take no prisoners! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/01/prog-35-all-earthmen-must-die-take-no-prisoners/)

Shako ends in a manner inconsistent with the 'no-shooting-or-the-capsule-might-break' constraints from preceding episodes, there's no starscan and I rediscover tags...

The jump straight from harpoon to bazooka is one of my favorite things ever!

Having been listening to your early podcasts - did you ever get to try shredded wheat?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 03 June, 2019, 12:47:02 PM
Today's post: Prog 37: Examining specimen now... soon we shall exterminate the plague of humans! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/03/prog-37-examining-specimen-now-soon-we-shall-exterminate-the-plague-of-humans/)


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 03 June, 2019, 06:04:26 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 03 June, 2019, 09:23:30 AM
Having been listening to your early podcasts - did you ever get to try shredded wheat?

I appreciate your willingness to listen to those formative shows! I have in fact now sampled by Shreddies AND Weetabix, as well as Sherbet and KP Space Raiders! My quest for the Bigfoot Ice Lolly will sadly probably end up like my quest for Bigfoot himself: In disappointment, with a lot of spoiled milk.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dandontdare on 03 June, 2019, 06:20:30 PM
ah but how's your stamp collection coming on?  :lol:
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 03 June, 2019, 07:32:24 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 03 June, 2019, 06:20:30 PM
ah but how's your stamp collection coming on?  :lol:

I have completed my stamp collection - when I got this one:

(https://www.collectgbstamps.co.uk/images/phq/large/phq362j.jpg)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 04 June, 2019, 01:52:50 PM
Prog 38: Killer Rock! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/04/prog-38-killer-rock/)

Spoiler warning - the twist on the supercover saga will not surprise anybody!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 05 June, 2019, 01:16:25 PM
Prog 39: Get it through your thick skull, Earthman... we don't have pointed ears! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/05/prog-39-get-it-through-your-thick-skull-earthman-we-dont-have-pointed-ears/)

I saw one of the pages in this prog at Lawless last month - can't remember which one it was, but it was from The Ape Gang (and had just been bought for an undisclosed amount of money).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 06 June, 2019, 01:43:39 PM
Prog 40: Secret of the microverse (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/06/prog-40-secret-of-the-microverse/)

There's not really any secret in the Supercover Story, and an ending that basic medical precautions could have done something about...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 07 June, 2019, 01:19:56 PM
Prog 41: Ah-aaarrh! Two more of those juicy Earth-sweets I always enjoy! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/07/prog-41-ah-aaarrh-two-more-of-those-juicy-earth-sweets-i-always-enjoy/)

Next one's in draft and I may have a busy weekend ahead of me, so there could be a delay until the next update.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 09 June, 2019, 12:27:22 PM
Yesterday's post was Prog 42: Sorry fellas, but with these odds I'm not sticking around to play games with that stinkin alien... (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/08/prog-42-sorry-fellas-but-with-these-odds-im-not-sticking-around-to-play-games-with-that-stinkin-alien/)  Dredd goes to the Moon, but due to the Supercover Saga we don't get any pictures of something like that on the cover.

Prog 43: Dial M for Monster (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/09/prog-43-dial-m-for-monster/) - we finally get to the end of the Supercover Saga, so the covers can have something to do with the contents of the prog again!

I'm stealing Space Spinner 2000 (http://spacespinner2000.com/)'s idea of including details of where you can read these stories if you don't have the original progs and Mega-City Book Club (https://megacitybookclub.blogspot.com/)'s idea of grail pages for each prog.  Concepts stolen without permission!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 10 June, 2019, 05:25:44 AM
J. Clough is a Mike Dorey pseudonym, in the Invasion collection it's credited "Mike Dorey as J. Clough"

Always happy to inspire a slogger, keep up the great work!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 10 June, 2019, 02:55:30 PM
Thanks Conrad - I'll update the wiki!

I'm going to continue (to attempt) to update daily, scheduling the posts for 11 (GMT) or 12 (BST) each day, but I'll probably only update this thread at weekends.

Prog 44: Too late, Judge Dwedd *sob* this is our last Christmas! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/10/prog-44-too-late-judge-dwedd-sob-this-is-our-last-christmas/)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 14 June, 2019, 09:57:09 PM
The week's posts, and they all have Dan Dare on the cover:

Prog 45: Dan Dare greets the galactic New Year (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/11/prog-45-dan-dare-greets-the-galactic-new-year/)
(Tuesday) The last prog of 1977.

Prog 46: Bodies, Dare, bodies of those who have dared to defy me — remember them well, for soon you will join them! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/12/prog-46-bodies-dare-bodies-of-those-who-have-dared-to-defy-me-remember-them-well-for-soon-you-will-join-them/)
(Wednesday) Dare takes to the cover, Eagle-style while Dredd takes centre page.

Prog 47: Give the order — commence the staking of the prisoners! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/13/prog-47-give-the-order-commence-the-staking-of-the-prisoners/)
(Thursday) The Visible Man starts...

Prog 48: Those escort ships will never fight again... but half the Starslayer fleet's closing in on us, Dare! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/14/prog-48-those-escort-ships-will-never-fight-again-but-half-the-starslayer-fleets-closing-in-on-us-dare/)
(Friday)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 15 June, 2019, 06:18:35 AM
I love that prog 46 cover, all the enemies of the Star Slayers, strapped to stars orbiting their home planet! Great scifi stuff!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 15 June, 2019, 05:08:06 PM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 15 June, 2019, 06:18:35 AM
I love that prog 46 cover, all the enemies of the Star Slayers, strapped to stars orbiting their home planet! Great scifi stuff!

What a way to launch their new format (Dare story page on the front cover)!  There's also a few alien races I don't think we ever saw before or since on those stars...

.

.

.

.

Saturday's post - Prog 49: Death to the intruders! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/15/prog-49-death-to-the-intruders/) - Dredd is believed dead (not for the first time) and quits the force (not for the first time).  And probably the biggest character death we've seen in the prog so far...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 19 June, 2019, 10:22:06 PM
Prog 50: More Starslayer ships — but they're opening fire on the battle fleet! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/16/prog-50-more-starslayer-ships-but-theyre-opening-fire-on-the-battle-fleet/)  Brit Cit's first mention (well, Brit Territories)!

Prog 51: You are fast, Dare — but it will take more than clever swordplay to beat the Killing Star! You are as good as dead! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/18/prog-51-you-are-fast-dare-but-it-will-take-more-than-clever-swordplay-to-beat-the-killing-star-you-are-as-good-as-dead/) Last episode of this Dare story...

Prog 52: If we weren't light years from the other side of nowhere... ...I'd say that thing was a coffin! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/19/prog-52-if-we-werent-light-years-from-the-other-side-of-nowhere-id-say-that-thing-was-a-coffin/) New Dare story, Visible Man ends, Colony Earth! begins.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 23 June, 2019, 01:14:40 AM
Prog 53: That thing already has my face, my voice, my memories! And now... it's got my ship! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/20/prog-53-that-thing-already-has-my-face-my-voice-my-memories-and-now-its-got-my-ship/) came out.

John Probe returns, we get to see where Walter's pleasure circuit was installed and I reveal my pet hate.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 23 June, 2019, 09:06:35 PM
Today's post was: Prog 54: We're under attack! Can't see — can't *gasp* even think! Aargh! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/23/prog-54-were-under-attack-cant-see-cant-gasp-even-think-aargh/)

I learn the difference between a shoal of fish and a school of fish, thanks to Belardinelli (kinda).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 24 June, 2019, 05:27:30 AM
I could imagine Walter going crazy with a label maker one day and putting multiple tags on Dredd's lawgiver!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 24 June, 2019, 11:20:16 AM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 24 June, 2019, 05:27:30 AM
I could imagine Walter going crazy with a label maker one day and putting multiple tags on Dredd's lawgiver!

You might be on to something there - the latest Wite to Walt has something about Walter sewing Dredd's name into his long johns...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 June, 2019, 01:03:21 AM
Prog 55: Bear... times six! Only one of you is real — the rest are clones that must be destroyed! But which ones do I kill? (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/24/prog-55-bear-times-six-only-one-of-you-is-real-the-rest-are-clones-that-must-be-destroyed-but-which-ones-do-i-kill/)

Prog 56: Approaching planetary surface — now! Yaaaargh! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/25/prog-56-approaching-planetary-surface-now-yaaaargh/)

Prog 57: Another bash like that and we're gonna burst open like a cracked egg! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/26/prog-57-another-bash-like-that-and-were-gonna-burst-open-like-a-cracked-egg/)
Creators get shuffled around to accomodate Star Lord's arrival in a month or two.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 28 June, 2019, 09:29:16 PM
As we enter the weekend, another two episodes have gone live...

Prog 58: L-look! Out there — it's as big as a street-block! Yeah — an' with our motor reactors DEAD, we're completely at it's mercy! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/27/prog-58-l-look-out-there-its-as-big-as-a-street-block-yeah-an-with-our-motor-reactors-dead-were-completely-at-its-mercy/)
What's the difference between cliffhanging and cliffhangering?  Bolland and McMahon share art duties on Dredd's last Luna-1 story.  Gary Leach makes his first appearance.

Prog 59: Mega City Beware – the Judge is back! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/28/prog-59-mega-city-beware-the-judge-is-back/)
Dan Dare and some crew member we've never met before try Viagra (or something that sounds very much like it) before plunging deep.  I also remember to mention that the co-founder of Forbidden Planet and Titan Books is writing stories for the prog now.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 29 June, 2019, 01:07:41 AM
This stuff with the Zeebs is really a prime example of Dan Dare deciding to wipe out an alien race because they've vaguely inconvenienced him. Classic battle-action playset stuff!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 30 June, 2019, 02:24:01 PM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 29 June, 2019, 01:07:41 AM
This stuff with the Zeebs is really a prime example of Dan Dare deciding to wipe out an alien race because they've vaguely inconvenienced him. Classic battle-action playset stuff!

I'm sure his crimes will come back to haunt him some day!




I noticed something about one of the stamp adverts in Prog 58 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/27/prog-58-l-look-out-there-its-as-big-as-a-street-block-yeah-an-with-our-motor-reactors-dead-were-completely-at-its-mercy/), so have updated the blog with the following...
Quote from: mef I'm not mistaken, this week's Nerve Centre features the first contribution from a reader who will go on to be famous (admittedly this one would be famous in 2000AD circles only. Adrian Salmon presents a 'hyper punk' riding a bike. I missed this first time I read, but I also noticed that one of the obligatory stamp adverts looks like it's been thrown together by the 2000AD editorial team – "? Can you name these planets – If so, you must have bionic eyes. Send us the correct answer and we'll send you a selection of Zrag Stamps on approval plus your free 101 galaxy wide stamps. Martin Stamp Service (Dept 2000), 78 Barsoom Rd, Helium, Mars"

Back to regular programming...

Prog 60: M.A.C.H.1 meet your replacement... M.A.C.H.2! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/29/prog-60-m-a-c-h-1-meet-your-replacement-m-a-c-h-2/)
A cyborg special this prog, with MACH 1, MACH 2 (if 2 can be called a cyborg) and Artie Gruber, back from the dead!

Prog 61: Judge Dredd brings law to the... Cursed Earth! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/06/30/prog-61-judge-dredd-brings-law-to-the-cursed-earth/)
Dredd's return to Mega-City One - heralded for two progs, spends one and half progs on the streets, then leaves for the Cursed Earth a prog later!  Also, Remember the Great Germ War!  No, me neither...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Lobo Baggins on 30 June, 2019, 02:51:53 PM
There are specific dates given in Harlem Heroes and Inferno - but I seem to recall that they imply that Inferno takes place about 130 years after Harlem Heroes. Or, possibly, the dates given in Inferno bear no realtion to the ones in Harlem Heroes.

Time distortion, that's what it is.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 30 June, 2019, 09:25:44 PM
Quote from: Lobo Baggins on 30 June, 2019, 02:51:53 PM
There are specific dates given in Harlem Heroes and Inferno - but I seem to recall that they imply that Inferno takes place about 130 years after Harlem Heroes. Or, possibly, the dates given in Inferno bear no realtion to the ones in Harlem Heroes.

Time distortion, that's what it is.

The one I've just read (coming to the blog on Tuesday, I think) says that it's been two years since the game where Artie Gruber was first engulfed by flames in a match with Clay and one year since cyber-Gruber last faced Clay, which would have been in 2050 (because that's the world championship they were aiming at).  I haven't seen any other dates given in Inferno itself, just extrapolating and comparing to Harlem Heroes.  I've been making notes of dates as I go along (not just in Harlem Heroes/Inferno, but also in other stories), but not tried putting them all together yet...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 03 July, 2019, 12:42:35 AM
Prog 62: Can Commander Lorna Varn survive on... Death Planet! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/01/prog-62-can-commander-lorna-varn-survive-on-death-planet/)
Gruber returns in Inferno, Spikes Harvey Rotten returns in The Cursed Earth.

Prog 63: Beware of... RATS..! The Devil's Lapdogs (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/02/prog-63-beware-of-rats-the-devils-lapdogs/)
Kids get bikes, mum's get cookers and dads get greenhouses!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dandontdare on 03 July, 2019, 01:04:06 PM
arsebiscuits, my work has revamped it's internet security and decided I can no longer look at wordpress - got a backlog of these to catch up on, but I'm loving 'em!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 03 July, 2019, 01:32:29 PM
Don't think I've said it yet, but I'm really enjoying reading these!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 04 July, 2019, 01:28:46 AM
Thanks for the votes of confidence!

Prog 64: Watch the Sky! UFO – reader's report (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/03/prog-64-watch-the-sky-ufo-readers-report/)

The last episode of M.A.C.H.1!  A new sci-fi comic out, on the same day as Prog 64!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 05 July, 2019, 11:56:10 PM
It would have made more sense if I'd posted the Prog 64 link in the same post as the Star Lord No 1 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/04/star-lord-no-1-watch-the-stars/) link.  Watch the Stars, child soldiers!  In other news, the first appearances of great duos Johnny and Wulf, and ro-Jaws and Hammerstein!

Prog 65: Wuuuuuuuurgh! Zero is Back! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/05/prog-65-wuuuuuuuurgh-zero-is-back/)
Other than the obvious, Dave Gibbons gets to practice drawing giant alien tentacles.  Also, the return of the  third ever set of villains we saw Dredd face.  Also also - one parody of Evel Knieval [spoiler]dies[/spoiler], but don't worry, there'll be another along in a different strip by the end of the comic.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 07 July, 2019, 01:32:52 PM
Prog 65 was originally published on the same day as:

Star Lord Issue 2: You'll never be the same after reading it! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/06/star-lord-issue-2-youll-never-be-the-same-after-reading-it/)
Mind Wars starts and a few long-running elements in Strontium Dog and Ro-Busters are introduced.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 09 July, 2019, 09:36:37 AM
On the same day the following were published:
Prog 66: I think I smell a rat! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/07/prog-66-i-think-i-smell-a-rat/)

Dave Gibbons draws huge tentacled aliens, I can't tell the different between Death Planet of the Damned and Massimo Belardinelli appears in the crowd of Inferno.

Star Lord No. 3: Fight your own Star Battles (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/08/star-lord-no-3-fight-your-own-star-battles/)

I take extra care not to confused the tale of people stranded on a deadly planet with other stories that are tales of people stranded on deadly planets, Dave Gibbons moonlights on Ro-Busters as well as this week's Dan Dare and a* gronk appears.



* not the Gronk, you understand...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 11 July, 2019, 12:35:24 AM
Cover date: 3 June 78 (so on the shelves the week before that):

Prog 67: MACH Zero in... Darts of Death! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/09/prog-67-mach-zero-in-darts-of-death/)

Walter returns!  Oh joy!  Though the even bigger news is the appearance of a certain President of the United States...

Star Lord No 4: Inside! Part One of a mind-stretching sci-fi game! It stars Strontium Dog... it's called Hell Planet... it's not for cowards! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/10/star-lord-no-4-inside-part-one-of-a-mind-stretching-sci-fi-game-it-stars-strontium-dog-its-called-hell-planet-its-not-for-cowards/)

The Nazi issue!  Whether you're in on a hostile planet in another dimension or Golders Green, you can't escape time or space Nazis!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 14 July, 2019, 12:35:47 AM
Prog 68: Ssssssssss Clay, now you're gonna... DIE just like A...Artie! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/11/prog-68-ssssssssss-clay-now-youre-gonna-die-just-like-a-artie/)

MACH Zero goes all Dickensian, Walter ends, Dredd saves President Robert L Booth's life (Smooth Booth in this story, not Bad Bob Booth).

Star Lord No 5: This is gonna be a bad one, Hammer-Stein! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/12/star-lord-no-5-this-is-gonna-be-a-bad-one-hammer-stein/)

Is Doctor Varn from Star Lord's Mind Wars related to Lorna Varn from 2000AD's Death Planet?  After these two stories end, will there be any more of the Varn family in the pages of 2000AD, Star Lord or related publications?
Questions like these won't be answered in my blog post (or anywhere).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 18 July, 2019, 12:43:09 AM
On one day in 1978 the following comics were published...

Prog 69: O.K., come quietly – or else there'll be trouble! Tweak! (//http://)

Star Lord No 6: Interstellar Federation invasion begins! You have been warned! (//http://)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 18 July, 2019, 12:48:59 AM

And one week later the following pair were published.

Prog 70: Screee The Hell-bird is coming in for the kill! Time is running out for the survivors on the... Death Planet! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/15/prog-70-screee-the-hell-bird-is-coming-in-for-the-kill-time-is-running-out-for-the-survivors-on-the-death-planet/)
Female characters in boy's comics?  Zero, Dickensian-style, Tweak!

Star Lord No 7: Into forbidden worlds... beyond the limits of man's imagination! Battle for survival on Planet of the Damned (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/16/star-lord-no-7-into-forbidden-worlds-beyond-the-limits-of-mans-imagination-battle-for-survival-on-planet-of-the-damned/)

Star Mind Wars, robot hotels, illusions, Nazis.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 20 July, 2019, 07:22:01 PM
Prog 71: Are YOU Prepared for... Ant Wars! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/17/prog-71-are-you-prepared-for-ant-wars/)

It's all about the food - eating ants, throwing mousse-covered pieces of cardboard at each other and don't forget the burgers!

Star Lord No 8: Nazi World 2478 A.D. Time Control 85 Million B.C. Torn between impossible worlds... (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/18/star-lord-no-8-nazi-world-2478-a-d-time-control-85-million-b-c-torn-between-impossible-worlds/)

Klee-Fang eats some fish, but Starlord is the comic to go to for Nazis!  Also the beginning of the three-parter SD story mentioned in the latest Space Spinner 2000 podcast (because it was reprinted in a special).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 21 July, 2019, 05:49:05 PM
All these came out on the same day...

Prog 72: Introducing... the 180 lb Judge Burger! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/19/prog-72-introducing-the-180-lb-judge-burger/)
MACH Zero does the impression of Samson, Dredd goes to MacDonald City and Inferno enters a time slip.  Plus Dave Gibbons brings us the Green Cross Code Man.  Tharg starts plugging Star Lord.

Star Lord No 9: Beware the war droid in Kill-Frenzy! You have the fire power of a cruiser, Hammer-Stein! – use it – destroy your comrade Ro-Jaws! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/20/star-lord-no-9-beware-the-war-droid-in-kill-frenzy-you-have-the-fire-power-of-a-cruiser-hammer-stein-use-it-destroy-your-comrade-ro-jaws/)
The Jugla go to Miami.  Wulf and Johnny are in a Jox trap.  As opposed to a jockstrap.  Starlord starts plugging 2000AD.

2000AD Sci-Fi Special 1978 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/21/2000ad-sci-fi-special-1978/)
Gary Leach, Kevin O'Neill, Trev Goring and 'Space Chicks' - really hope that last one was forced in by management.  Rick Random was better than I was expecting/remembering - but y'know, the bar was low on that one.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 21 July, 2019, 05:50:23 PM
By the way - I'm really dreading certain days in 1979 and 1980 - the publication of 2000AD annuals before they got good, Tornado annuals and Starlord Annuals, but at least 1980 will have the Judge Dredd annual 1981...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 22 July, 2019, 01:36:38 AM
These early specials and annuals are...not great. Don't forget the 79 and 80 Dan Dare annuals, they have 2000AD content!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 22 July, 2019, 02:27:48 AM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 22 July, 2019, 01:36:38 AM
These early specials and annuals are...not great. Don't forget the 79 and 80 Dan Dare annuals, they have 2000AD content!

If only I could!  They're all on my shelf, don't worry.



"Wind resistance"
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 22 July, 2019, 10:56:09 AM
Sheridan lad, this slog is absolutely bitchin', or whatever it is the kids say these days.  Keep it up!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 22 July, 2019, 12:58:40 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 22 July, 2019, 10:56:09 AM
Sheridan lad, this slog is absolutely bitchin', or whatever it is the kids say these days.  Keep it up!

Thanks - luckily wordpress lets me see how many people are viewing it each day, so I know lack of commentary doesn't mean lack of interest :-)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 23 July, 2019, 11:35:17 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 22 July, 2019, 12:58:40 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 22 July, 2019, 10:56:09 AM
Sheridan lad, this slog is absolutely bitchin', or whatever it is the kids say these days.  Keep it up!

Thanks - luckily wordpress lets me see how many people are viewing it each day, so I know lack of commentary doesn't mean lack of interest :-)

(but, y'know having people tell me directly always helps with motivation as well)

With cover dates of 15 July 1978:

Prog 73: Harry Winthrop was a meek mild mannered man, until he tried on... The Suit. The power... the pain... the Suit! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/22/prog-73-harry-winthrop-was-a-meek-mild-mannered-man-until-he-tried-on-the-suit-the-power-the-pain-the-suit/)

Looking pretty similar to the (human-sized) toy robot from the sci-fi special is a prototype exo-skeleton.  But the main attraction this prog is Satanus!

Star Lord No 10: Death at Warp Factor 9 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/23/star-lord-no-10-death-at-warp-factor-9/)

The twins arrive on Earth!  The Strontium Dog three-parter has a predictable but enjoyable ending.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Lobo Baggins on 24 July, 2019, 01:53:15 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 23 July, 2019, 11:35:17 PM
Star Lord No 10: Death at Warp Factor 9 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/23/star-lord-no-10-death-at-warp-factor-9/)

The twins arrive on Earth!  The Strontium Dog three-parter has a predictable but enjoyable ending.

The song in Ro-Busters is based on 'Cool' from West Side Story by Bernstein and Sondheim - shame they didn't use a Rodgers and Hammerstein tune, really - or had another pair of robots, army surplus ABC Warrior Burn-Stein (armed with a flamethrower) and his pal, Soundhelm (some sort of talking hat or something), who in turn introduce their friends, Gill-bot (some sort of frogman-like ABC Warrior) and Surleyvan (a bad tempered transit van with a Bronx accent).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Frank on 24 July, 2019, 02:15:05 PM
Quote from: Lobo Baggins on 24 July, 2019, 01:53:15 PM
The song in Ro-Busters is based on 'Cool' from West Side Story by Bernstein and Sondheim - shame they didn't use a Rodgers and Hammerstein tune, really - or had another pair of robots, army surplus ABC Warrior Burn-Stein (armed with a flamethrower) and his pal, Soundhelm (some sort of talking hat or something), who in turn introduce their friends, Gill-bot (some sort of frogman-like ABC Warrior) and Surleyvan (a bad tempered transit van with a Bronx accent).

Mills should subcontract you to conduct script-polishes on his current stuff. Once you've bent over backwards to accommodate such tortured wordplay, there's much less room left for exposing lizard people at the Home Office/The One Show.


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 24 July, 2019, 10:32:41 PM
Quote from: Lobo Baggins on 24 July, 2019, 01:53:15 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 23 July, 2019, 11:35:17 PM
Star Lord No 10: Death at Warp Factor 9 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/23/star-lord-no-10-death-at-warp-factor-9/)

The twins arrive on Earth!  The Strontium Dog three-parter has a predictable but enjoyable ending.

The song in Ro-Busters is based on 'Cool' from West Side Story by Bernstein and Sondheim - shame they didn't use a Rodgers and Hammerstein tune, really - or had another pair of robots, army surplus ABC Warrior Burn-Stein (armed with a flamethrower) and his pal, Soundhelm (some sort of talking hat or something), who in turn introduce their friends, Gill-bot (some sort of frogman-like ABC Warrior) and Surleyvan (a bad tempered transit van with a Bronx accent).

That's one weird song - thanks!  I'll have to re-read that episode while playing the video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wugWGhItaQA).  But not now as I have an appointment with Bladerunner, in honour of Rutger Hauer *sniff*.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 26 July, 2019, 08:51:58 PM
22nd July 1978 publications:

Prog 74: Flesh (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/24/prog-74-flesh/)
Old One Eye returns!  (as a cameo flashback)

Star Lord No 11: 'My brain is a time-bomb – programmed to DESTROY ALL HUMAN LIFE' (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/25/star-lord-no-11-my-brain-is-a-time-bomb-programmed-to-destroy-all-human-life/)
Is the Ritz Space Hotel story inspired by Star Wars?  (well, one scene in it, anyway)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 July, 2019, 12:32:56 PM
29th July 1978:

Prog 75: Have you the nerve to play the Cursed Earth game? (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/26/prog-75-have-you-the-nerve-to-play-the-cursed-earth-game/)
The end of Inferno - as rushed as the last episode of Harlem Heroes, but the characters ain't going to be coming back again.  Zero also ends, for the time being.

Star Lord No 12: Experience body-shock now! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/27/star-lord-no-12-experience-body-shock-now/)
First paragraph of the latest post informed by the swipe file thread on this very forum!
The seeds of robot rebellion are trailed - I'm still holding out for a follow-up to the robo-utopia story from Rise and Fall of Ro-Jaws and Hammerstein (or is it Fall and Rise?) - more about that when I get to the story - i.e. well after 2000AD matches with Star Lord.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 28 July, 2019, 01:58:02 AM
Ant Wars really reminds me of Big Trouble in Little China, a riff on a classical adventure story where the traditional protagonist is a blustering jerk and the real hero is the supposed side-kick. That said, I love the classic AW pulp trope of: "Watch out, giant ants!" "Giant ants? I don't believe it" "Oh no, I'm being eaten by giant ants!"
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Lobo Baggins on 28 July, 2019, 09:15:46 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 27 July, 2019, 12:32:56 PM
The end of Inferno - as rushed as the last episode of Harlem Heroes, but the characters ain't going to be coming back again.

It's probably for the best that Louis was killed off so abruptly - in a world where they have humanoid androids so convincing that Zack actually falls in love with one of them, Louis chooses to have a transparent glass head so that you can see his brain sort of... sloshing about. Pretty sure that's a sign of being a real baddie.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 29 July, 2019, 10:37:46 PM
Cover dated 5th of August 1978:

Prog 76: Introducing the man called... Robo-Hunter! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/28/prog-76-introducing-the-man-called-robo-hunter/)
Sam Slade appears while Satanus disappears under a burning church.

Star Lord No 13: Let Me at him, Billy! Quit jawing, jack-ass! He won't escape the laser lash! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/29/star-lord-no-13-let-me-at-him-billy-quit-jawing-jack-ass-he-wont-escape-the-laser-lash/)
Ardeni Lakam dies!  In the future, airlines will use shell-shocked ex-war robots with dented heads as pilots - what can go wrong?  (I bet they bought it as war surplus from one of the Quartz brothers).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 29 July, 2019, 10:46:16 PM

Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 28 July, 2019, 01:58:02 AM
Ant Wars really reminds me of Big Trouble in Little China, a riff on a classical adventure story where the traditional protagonist is a blustering jerk and the real hero is the supposed side-kick. That said, I love the classic AW pulp trope of: "Watch out, giant ants!" "Giant ants? I don't believe it" "Oh no, I'm being eaten by giant ants!"


I don't know how I managed to watch Big Trouble and think Jack was the hero instead of Wang Chi (I guess being a kid at the time contributed).  The Almighty Sidekick (http://www.thebackseatdriverreviews.com/the-almighty-sidekick-the-real-hero-of-big-trouble-in-little-china)


I wonder how well this applies to Kee Nang in The Golden Child?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 29 July, 2019, 10:49:45 PM
Quote from: Lobo Baggins on 28 July, 2019, 09:15:46 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 27 July, 2019, 12:32:56 PM
The end of Inferno - as rushed as the last episode of Harlem Heroes, but the characters ain't going to be coming back again.

It's probably for the best that Louis was killed off so abruptly - in a world where they have humanoid androids so convincing that Zack actually falls in love with one of them, Louis chooses to have a transparent glass head so that you can see his brain sort of... sloshing about. Pretty sure that's a sign of being a real baddie.


Previously he's been a brain in a jar - who knows what prosphetic he'd have picked if he'd had another death sport to get involved with?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 31 July, 2019, 12:57:35 PM
12th August 1978:

Prog 77: Ho ho ho – what have we here, little man... (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/30/prog-77-ho-ho-ho-what-have-we-here-little-man/)
Robo-Hunter takes place on 13th May 2140 - very rare that exact dates are given in 2000AD!  Dan Dare is kidnapped by Gunnar (not that one) and Jack Adrian introduces Dredd to the Jolly Green Giant - I'm sure that's not going to cause any problems!  Rio is attacked by ants!

Star Lord No 14: Doomsday is just around the corner for Carl Hunter in Holocaust! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/07/31/star-lord-no-14-doomsday-is-just-around-the-corner-for-carl-hunter-in-holocaust/)
Ardeni takes a shower.  Later on Ardeni has a bath (while being watched by an alien hypnotic bird).  Wulf meets The Gronk (not just any gronk).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 02 August, 2019, 02:38:55 AM
If there's one knock against the Cursed Earth as it appears in the progs is all the color pages sacrificed for the board game. Such a waste!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 02 August, 2019, 09:46:45 AM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 02 August, 2019, 02:38:55 AM
If there's one knock against the Cursed Earth as it appears in the progs is all the color pages sacrificed for the board game. Such a waste!

Tell me about it - it doesn't even look like that great a board game!

Did you ever play the Flesh! card game from the early progs?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 02 August, 2019, 02:40:30 PM
Quick update before the weekend - if you had 21p spare in 1978 then you could spend it on these two:

Prog 78: War Declared on Humanity! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/01/prog-78-war-declared-on-humanity/)
A Jack Adrian dominated prog.

Star Lord No 15: Earth Star-Squad hit by Droon! No Survivors! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/02/star-lord-no-15-earth-star-squad-hit-by-droon-no-survivors/)
J. Adrian takes us to the moon, 19 years before Dredd was Marshal there.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 04 August, 2019, 12:07:46 PM
2000AD Prog 79: Dredd in Las Vegas (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/03/2000ad-prog-79-dredd-in-las-vegas/)
It's just Ian Gibson on Robo-Hunter now.  All the ants are killed.  Yes, all the ants.  Every single one.

Star Lord No 16: Massacre on the Moon! All our mates are being wiped out, Ro-Jaws – and we could be next! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/04/star-lord-no-16-massacre-on-the-moon-all-our-mates-are-being-wiped-out-ro-jaws-and-we-could-be-next/)
Cellu-Wagnerfoam dome walls are all the rage on the moon!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Magnetica on 04 August, 2019, 01:34:50 PM
Just loved those Starlord Robusters stories. The artists don't seem to get the recognition they deserve 40 years later, especially Carlos Pino. Apart from Ian Kennedy obviously.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 05 August, 2019, 05:23:13 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 02 August, 2019, 09:46:45 AM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 02 August, 2019, 02:38:55 AM
If there's one knock against the Cursed Earth as it appears in the progs is all the color pages sacrificed for the board game. Such a waste!

Tell me about it - it doesn't even look like that great a board game!

Did you ever play the Flesh! card game from the early progs?

We always talked big about playing all the games, but so far the only one we've done is tomb of terror, because it was just in the prog, no cutting out required!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 05 August, 2019, 01:01:21 PM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 05 August, 2019, 05:23:13 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 02 August, 2019, 09:46:45 AM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 02 August, 2019, 02:38:55 AM
If there's one knock against the Cursed Earth as it appears in the progs is all the color pages sacrificed for the board game. Such a waste!

Tell me about it - it doesn't even look like that great a board game!

Did you ever play the Flesh! card game from the early progs?

We always talked big about playing all the games, but so far the only one we've done is tomb of terror, because it was just in the prog, no cutting out required!

One day I'll get copies of those cards, print 'em out, laminate* them and take them to Lawless and/or other comic conventions with large Squaxx contingent.

* has to be laminated because these things usually take place in hotel bars and we'd want to play cards, not stick them to the tables!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dandontdare on 05 August, 2019, 01:11:13 PM
I used to cut out all those games, and after ruining my progs assembling dozens of fiddly counters, the actual gameplay was always disappointing - I seem to recall they were either insultingly simple and boring or ridiculously complex and boring.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 05 August, 2019, 01:27:51 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 05 August, 2019, 01:11:13 PM
I used to cut out all those games, and after ruining my progs assembling dozens of fiddly counters, the actual gameplay was always disappointing - I seem to recall they were either insultingly simple and boring or ridiculously complex and boring.

I read a similar review somewhere else recently (possibly posted by yourself on another thread).  But I've gotta find out for myself!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dandontdare on 05 August, 2019, 03:00:35 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 05 August, 2019, 01:27:51 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 05 August, 2019, 01:11:13 PM
I used to cut out all those games, and after ruining my progs assembling dozens of fiddly counters, the actual gameplay was always disappointing - I seem to recall they were either insultingly simple and boring or ridiculously complex and boring.

I read a similar review somewhere else recently (possibly posted by yourself on another thread).  But I've gotta find out for myself!

I did mention it elsewhere recently!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 06 August, 2019, 12:41:01 PM
2000AD Prog 80: You come any closer Mr. Robot and... ...Robo-Hunter will get you! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/05/2000ad-prog-80-you-come-any-closer-mr-robot-and-robo-hunter-will-get-you/)
The moment of truth approaches - Tharg is plugging the 2000AD 1979 annual - if you'll remember, trying to plough through that was what ground the prog slog blog to a halt two years ago!  Giant ants go on a tour of South America.

Star Lord No 17: It is Planet Earth's last day – for this is the Day of the Clone, the Day of... Clone Wars! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/05/star-lord-no-17-it-is-planet-earths-last-day-for-this-is-the-day-of-the-clone-the-day-of-clone-wars/)
The first non-Carlos Strontium Dog!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 06 August, 2019, 09:20:54 PM
Appreciate the mentions! Ant Wars has a lot going on under the surface, for the record :D
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dandontdare on 06 August, 2019, 09:51:35 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 24 May, 2019, 11:27:39 PM
I enjoyed that, but c'mon mate, pick up the pace - my great-grandchildren will be reading witty reviews of Necropolis at this rate!

I'm enjoying these, but c'mon mate, give it a rest! How's a man supposed to keep up* with this rate of thrillpower?

:lol: :lol: :lol:

(*especially since our work tightened internet security and decided that most blog sites were verboten, so can't read these or the Thrillshots anymore  :()
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 06 August, 2019, 11:06:18 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 06 August, 2019, 09:51:35 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 24 May, 2019, 11:27:39 PM
I enjoyed that, but c'mon mate, pick up the pace - my great-grandchildren will be reading witty reviews of Necropolis at this rate!

I'm enjoying these, but c'mon mate, give it a rest! How's a man supposed to keep up* with this rate of thrillpower?

:lol: :lol: :lol:

(*especially since our work tightened internet security and decided that most blog sites were verboten, so can't read these or the Thrillshots anymore  :()

Don't worry - if I'm going to falter, it'll be in the next few days - I'm on the annuals at the moment and there's a lot of tedious text features and reprints from the pre-2000AD / Star Wars era (i.e. the kind of things that Mills and Wagner were trying to get away from).  I was almost a week ahead with scheduled posts, but that's slipping...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 06 August, 2019, 11:10:28 PM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 06 August, 2019, 09:20:54 PM
Appreciate the mentions! Ant Wars has a lot going on under the surface, for the record :D

No worries - it's been great listening to the early podcasts now that I've read them recently - just listening to you and Fox talking about the incorrect predictions on which Beatles survived to 1999!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 07 August, 2019, 06:19:23 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 06 August, 2019, 11:10:28 PM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 06 August, 2019, 09:20:54 PM
Appreciate the mentions! Ant Wars has a lot going on under the surface, for the record :D

No worries - it's been great listening to the early podcasts now that I've read them recently - just listening to you and Fox talking about the incorrect predictions on which Beatles survived to 1999!

That's where I believe the main 2000AD timeline diverges from our own!

Good luck with the early annuals, until 1980 and the Dredd annual they can be ROUGH.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 08 August, 2019, 01:00:04 AM
2000AD Prog 81: Dan Dare Guardian of the Galaxy (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/06/2000ad-prog-81-dan-dare-guardian-of-the-galaxy/)

Tharg gives away spoilers for the end of Flesh Book II - even though it hasn't even begun yet!  Questionable robots in Robo-Hunter.  Anteater saves the day.  Tweak gets his turn in the spotlight.

Star Lord No 18: I can invade minds, stop time, warp space... I have the power! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/07/star-lord-no-18-i-can-invade-minds-stop-time-warp-space-i-have-the-power/)

The power of greyskull!  Sorry, wrong franchise...
Strontium Dog sees its third artist in as many episodes - for those with the Agency Files - are the Starlord McCarthy / Gibson episodes not included?  I think I read somewhere that it's only King Carlos stories in the first collection?


Status report - still (stuck) on the Dan Dare annual - it's the reprints and text stories that does it!  I've still got the second half of the Rick Random story to plough through (please let it be a half, and not a third)...

p.s. I'm pretty sure I already know what my favourite quote from the annual is going to be - it should be published on Monday (assuming I ever actually finish reading the rest).  Any guesses out there what it's going to be? 
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 08 August, 2019, 08:36:35 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 08 August, 2019, 01:00:04 AM
Strontium Dog sees its third artist in as many episodes - for those with the Agency Files - are the Starlord McCarthy / Gibson episodes not included?  I think I read somewhere that it's only King Carlos stories in the first collection?

Don't know where you heard that, but the books include everything (though in disappointing mono).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 10 August, 2019, 04:25:10 PM
Four things were published this day, but my blog post on the last of them won't get published until Monday, so here are the first two - the weekly comics:

2000AD Prog 82: Alien Roots (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/09/2000ad-prog-82-alien-roots/)
Girls read 2000AD (but only Irish girls for some reason).  Gavara tries to overthrow the rulers!  Spikes and Tweak make a deal!

Star Lord No 19: Mek-Quake kill 99% of all known robots! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/10/star-lord-no-19-mek-quake-kill-99-of-all-known-robots/)
Tilman gets naked with Ardeni!  Hammerstein vs Mek-Quake!  A protagonist drawn by Ian Gibson keeps away from his blonde-haired niece to protect her!

On Monday I'll post the links to the two annuals (or you can do the wordpress subscribe thing and get sent an email at the time they're published).

p.s. last Sunday I was a week ahead, with posts prepped and scheduled for publication up to this Sunday coming.  Now it's Saturday and the latest post I have scheduled is for Monday - dreading the 1980 annuals - there's four of them, and none of them will be all that great!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 12 August, 2019, 10:32:09 PM
The 1979 annuals!

2000AD Annual 1979 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/11/2000ad-annual-1979/)
Wodpress predicts it will take you 11 minutes to read this one...
Reprints of comics your parents read when they were your age!  Your favourite characters, by creative teams who have never been near them before!  Even more reprints of comics your parents read!

Dan Dare Annual 1979 – Destroy that starcarrier or the whole galaxy will be enslaved! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/12/dan-dare-annual-1979-destroy-that-starcarrier-or-the-whole-galaxy-will-be-enslaved/)
Reprints of old comics!  Unfamiliar teams on familiar characters!  Plus the added bonus of lots of articles about the near future (the past now - and it was highly inaccurate)!  Stock images!  14 minutes if you read at the approved Wordpress reading speed!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 13 August, 2019, 05:25:30 AM
I think a lot of the Invasion episodes were other war stories re-purposed, there's one in a later annual where Bill uses an assault rifle instead of a shotgun. SHOCKING!

Good work with these annuals, for Space Spinner they're about the same size as our average number of progs, but they're way longer than one prog at a time!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 13 August, 2019, 09:53:48 AM
I salute your dedication - can't believe you actually read all those articles...!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 13 August, 2019, 11:47:42 AM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 13 August, 2019, 09:53:48 AM
I salute your dedication - can't believe you actually read all those articles...!

What can I say - I'm stubborn!  Though I have managed to learn to ditch boring books in favour of the ones that actually interest me (only took me about twenty or thirty years for that one).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 13 August, 2019, 11:48:18 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 13 August, 2019, 11:47:42 AM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 13 August, 2019, 09:53:48 AM
I salute your dedication - can't believe you actually read all those articles...!

What can I say - I'm stubborn!  Though I have managed to learn to ditch boring books in favour of the ones that actually interest me (only took me about twenty or thirty years for that one).

That is - learnt to stop reading books I've started once I work out they're not going to get any better...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 14 August, 2019, 10:14:18 PM
After the annuals, back to normal!

2000AD Prog 83: Stomm! Now the DEAD are rising to challenge the law! Dredd vs- the Legion of the Damned! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/13/2000ad-prog-83-stomm-now-the-dead-are-rising-to-challenge-the-law-dredd-vs-the-legion-of-the-damned/)
Allegations of stealing ideas for thrills rear their ugly heads!  Smokin' Joe is in sight!  The lights of MC2 are also in sight!

Star Lord No 20: Washington – the hub of the United States and... The most frightened city on Earth! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/14/star-lord-no-20-washington-the-hub-of-the-united-states-and-the-most-frightened-city-on-earth/)
Mind Wars passes the Bechdel-Wallace Test - the first time in 2000AD/Starlord's history?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 16 August, 2019, 01:17:01 PM
2000AD Prog 84: Ant Wars rages on! "For they shall inherit the Earth." H.G. Wells (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/15/2000ad-prog-84-ant-wars-rages-on-for-they-shall-inherit-the-earth-h-g-wells/)
Great news, readers!  ...and you know what that means for a British comic!  No sooner does Slade find Smokin' Joe than he takes a break.  Cliffhanger - Dredd, Tweak and Spikes defending against the mek army and one must die!  And then another one will go missing!  Cliffhanger - Villa is in the lair of the ant queens and sees something!

Star Lord No 21: Guardian of the Dark Star! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/16/star-lord-no-21-guardian-of-the-dark-star/)
Cliffhanger - is Ardeni dead?  Cliffhanger - bad guys are in control of Ro-Busters and Miss Marilyn gets threatened!  Cliffhanger - Johnny and Wulf have to defuse the ultimate weapon!  Cliffhanger - Hunter is surrounded by alien zombies!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Lobo Baggins on 16 August, 2019, 02:18:54 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 16 August, 2019, 01:17:01 PM
2000AD Prog 84: Ant Wars rages on! "For they shall inherit the Earth." H.G. Wells (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/15/2000ad-prog-84-ant-wars-rages-on-for-they-shall-inherit-the-earth-h-g-wells/)
Great news, readers!  ...and you know what that means for a British comic!  No sooner does Slade find Smokin' Joe than he takes a break.  Cliffhanger - Dredd, Tweak and Spikes defending against the mek army and one must die!  And then another one will go missing!  Cliffhanger - Villa is in the lair of the ant queens and sees something!

Star Lord No 21: Guardian of the Dark Star! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/16/star-lord-no-21-guardian-of-the-dark-star/)
Cliffhanger - is Ardeni dead?  Cliffhanger - bad guys are in control of Ro-Busters and Miss Marilyn gets threatened!  Cliffhanger - Johnny and Wulf have to defuse the ultimate weapon!  Cliffhanger - Hunter is surrounded by alien zombies!

I think maybe that the merger has disrupted the credits - I'm absolutely certain that isn't Mike White on Mind Wars, but those zombies in the otherwise uncredited Holocaust definately look like his work, even if the colour two page spread appears to be by someone else entirely. And the credit given to TB Grover for the Cursed Earth episodes may just be a way of balancing the books, as Pat Mills was given the writing credit for the first part of Burger Wars even though he didn't write it (Dredd's Last Stand is credited to Pat Mills on every reprint I've got access too, though).

That letter from those two kids at boarding school is absolutely heartbreaking, and the language is probably the most dated thing ever printed in Star Lord. It's look looking at a different planet. What are 'lead joints', anyway...?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 17 August, 2019, 08:37:06 PM
Quote from: Lobo Baggins on 16 August, 2019, 02:18:54 PM
I think maybe that the merger has disrupted the credits - I'm absolutely certain that isn't Mike White on Mind Wars, but those zombies in the otherwise uncredited Holocaust definately look like his work, even if the colour two page spread appears to be by someone else entirely. And the credit given to TB Grover for the Cursed Earth episodes may just be a way of balancing the books, as Pat Mills was given the writing credit for the first part of Burger Wars even though he didn't write it (Dredd's Last Stand is credited to Pat Mills on every reprint I've got access too, though).

Yeah, Mind Wars is, as ever, drawn by Jesus Redondo.  (As ever apart from that one episode that has a shared credit with Ian Gibson.)  Not entirely convinced by the Mike White theory - next time I come across his work (in my chronological reading) I'll try to remember to dig out this episode, compare and contrast.  As for the balancing - everyone knows Wagner and Grant took turns taking credit, though I've not heard of the same for Wagner and Mills before.  I'm holding off reading Thrill-Power Overload (the old version), The Mighty One and Be Pure, Be Vigilant, Behave until I get to their release dates.

QuoteThat letter from those two kids at boarding school is absolutely heartbreaking, and the language is probably the most dated thing ever printed in Star Lord. It's look looking at a different planet. What are 'lead joints', anyway...?

No idea - I did some investigating and only found webpages on soldering pipes.  Then I added the 'd' word and only found "lead joint co-ordinators".  I wonder what every day language we use now will be considered pejorative  in another forty years? 

Today's post is 2000AD Prog 85: This Cursed Earth will not break me I am the law I am Dredd... Judge Dredd! Don't dare miss the thrilling climax to the Cursed Earth in this power packed prog!!! Plus Important news for all readers inside! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/17/2000ad-prog-85-this-cursed-earth-will-not-break-me-i-am-the-law-i-am-dredd-judge-dredd-dont-dare-miss-the-thrilling-climax-to-the-cursed-earth-in-this-power-packed-prog-plus-important-ne/)

The last prog of 2000AD to be published for a year * features:
Tomorrow - the last Star Lord (not counting a summer special and a few annuals).  The day after tomorrow - is a film about cold weather, but also will see the first 2000AD and Starlord!

* because the next week sees 2000AD and Starlord, which runs for a year, until 2000AD and Tornado takes over, which itself runs for a year until another jumping-on prog.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Lobo Baggins on 18 August, 2019, 12:16:07 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 17 August, 2019, 08:37:06 PM
Yeah, Mind Wars is, as ever, drawn by Jesus Redondo.  (As ever apart from that one episode that has a shared credit with Ian Gibson.)  Not entirely convinced by the Mike White theory - next time I come across his work (in my chronological reading) I'll try to remember to dig out this episode, compare and contrast.  As for the balancing - everyone knows Wagner and Grant took turns taking credit, though I've not heard of the same for Wagner and Mills before.  I'm holding off reading Thrill-Power Overload (the old version), The Mighty One and Be Pure, Be Vigilant, Behave until I get to their release dates.

For some reason, the first four fourth Doctor comic strips from Doctor Who Weekly are credited to both Pat Mills and John Wagner, even though they didn't actually colaborate on them  - 'The Iron Legion' and 'The Star Beast' are credited to 'Mills and Wagner' even though they were written by Pat Mills, and 'City of the Damned' and 'The Dogs of Doom' are credited to 'Wagner and Mills' even though they were by John  Wagner on his own. No one seems to remember why they did it that way, though...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dandontdare on 18 August, 2019, 12:34:25 PM
Ha, beat me to it with the dr who stuff.

Enjoying the Starlord reviews - I haven't read the collected Mind Wars floppies yet, but I hadn't realised just how often Ardeni gets naked!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 18 August, 2019, 03:11:48 PM
The last Starlord!

Star Lord No 22: Starlord's ship is waiting to carry him... Beyond the Stars! See inside! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/18/star-lord-no-22-starlords-ship-is-waiting-to-carry-him-beyond-the-stars-see-inside/)

Hurried endings to clear the decks for a merger, to varying degrees of success...

Plus I ramble a bit about Starlord as a whole.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 18 August, 2019, 03:12:38 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 18 August, 2019, 12:34:25 PM
Enjoying the Starlord reviews - I haven't read the collected Mind Wars floppies yet, but I hadn't realised just how often Ardeni gets naked!

My work here is done.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Funt Solo on 18 August, 2019, 06:22:38 PM
Enjoying the in depth reviews, but mostly just reading rather than responding. Starlord I never read but was aware of peripherally as the McKenzie boys up at the farm had some when I was a kid.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 19 August, 2019, 06:05:34 AM
Quote from: Funt Solo on 18 August, 2019, 06:22:38 PM
Enjoying the in depth reviews, but mostly just reading rather than responding.

Agreed, loving the coverage!

I'm looking forward to you coverage of the merger. I know for us Ro-Busters and Strontium Dog were initially a bit jarring, because the Strontium Dog story didn't give them a chance to show of their cool time gear, and the Ro-Busters stories were mostly either flashbacks or stories that didn't feature the actual team very much (Terra Meks is amazing, but doesn't have any regular characters besides Howard Quartz and a bit of Mek Quake).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 19 August, 2019, 08:32:46 PM
The merger has now been published!

2000AD and Star Lord Prog 86: This is it! The big one! Two sci-fi greats unite in a giant leap for mankind! Join them and smash the thrill barrier! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/19/2000ad-and-star-lord-prog-86-this-is-it-the-big-one-two-sci-fi-greats-unite-in-a-giant-leap-for-mankind-join-them-and-smash-the-thrill-barrier/)

Two from 2000AD and two from Starlord, both of which will run for a significant period - a proper merger (I'm looking at you, Tornado).

I'm wondering who Geoffrey Miller is or was?  I've got an inkling the name might be a pseudonym, but for whom?  (apologies if you're a real person, Geoffrey!)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 21 August, 2019, 12:15:09 AM
Yesterday's post: 2000AD and Star Lord Prog 87: Dinosaurs rule in Flesh Book 2 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/20/2000ad-and-star-lord-prog-87-dinosaurs-rule-in-flesh-book-2/)

Flesh Book II's Old One Eye equivalent makes their appearance!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 21 August, 2019, 07:46:35 PM
2000AD and Star Lord Prog 88: Hammer-stein and a Cast of Thousands in... Yesterday's Hero He was a robot in a man's war!!! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/21/2000ad-and-star-lord-prog-88-hammer-stein-and-a-cast-of-thousands-in-yesterdays-hero-he-was-a-robot-in-a-mans-war/)

Hammerstein has his moment in the spotlight, beginning this prog.  Also, the ties between Ro-Busters and Invasion are laid down (if I can mix metaphors).

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 21 August, 2019, 07:48:14 PM
p.s. this is almost the busiest month the blog has seen since I started the slog three years ago (and then kicked it off again prior to my appearance on the Mega-City Book Club).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 22 August, 2019, 05:21:54 PM
2000AD and Star Lord Prog 89: Don't die *sob* dear Judge Dwedd – please don't die! Murder in Mega-City One! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/22/2000ad-and-star-lord-prog-89-dont-die-sob-dear-judge-dwedd-please-dont-die-murder-in-mega-city-one/)

Dredd dead! *ahem*, Quincy has to do games in his pants!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 23 August, 2019, 07:44:14 AM
Having not read Starlord I found the Preying Mantis cut-aways maddening. It's so cool in a Thunderhawks way, and the only time we really see it in the progs is when it makes a brief cameo in Fall & Rise of Rojaws and Hammerstein.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 23 August, 2019, 08:53:16 AM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 23 August, 2019, 07:44:14 AM
Having not read Starlord I found the Preying Mantis cut-aways maddening. It's so cool in a Thunderhawks way, and the only time we really see it in the progs is when it makes a brief cameo in Fall & Rise of Rojaws and Hammerstein.

You haven't missed much - even in Starlord it's mostly a background feature.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 25 August, 2019, 12:57:54 AM
2000AD and Star Lord Prog 90: Galaxy-crunching atom-splitting Sci-Fi! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/23/2000ad-and-star-lord-prog-90-galaxy-crunching-atom-splitting-sci-fi/)
A new Chief Judge means a new Deputy Chief Judge!  *bloop* (quote not actually in the comic).

2000AD and Star Lord Prog 91: Out of the way, Volgs – us war droids are programmed never to surrender! Hammer-stein is... Mek-Warrior! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/24/2000ad-and-star-lord-prog-91-out-of-the-way-volgs-us-war-droids-are-programmed-never-to-surrender-hammer-stein-is-mek-warrior/)
A good prog for exploring the Volgan language...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 25 August, 2019, 10:25:20 PM
2000AD and Starlord Prog 92: I, Tharg, have journeyed from the depths of space... Do you dare to share my travels? (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/25/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-92-i-tharg-have-journeyed-from-the-depths-of-space-do-you-dare-to-share-my-travels/)

First appearance: Mayor Grubb.  Last appearance: Hammer-stein's war memoirs (unless you count the ABC Warriors).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 26 August, 2019, 02:11:49 PM
2000AD and Starlord Prog 93: No! Please let me drown before the giant scorpions get to me! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/26/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-93-no-please-let-me-drown-before-the-giant-scorpions-get-to-me/)

Cal takes a bath.  Ro-Jaws falls into the hands of the Robot Investigation Police!  Johnny, Wulf and the Gronk take baths.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 August, 2019, 01:24:29 PM
2000AD and Starlord Prog 94: Citizens of Mega-City One, I sentence you to... Death! Can no-one stop the insance Judge Cal? (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/27/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-94-citizens-of-mega-city-one-i-sentence-you-to-death-can-no-one-stop-the-insance-judge-cal/)
Kleggs!  Ginger!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 28 August, 2019, 12:58:18 PM
2000AD and Starlord Prog 95: Burn them – burn the robot rebels! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/28/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-95-burn-them-burn-the-robot-rebels/)
The Deputy Chief Judge dies!
Ro-Jaws meets the Robot Resistance!
Men garbed in Black investigate flying saucers!





















...and Angel.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 29 August, 2019, 09:11:32 AM
Angel really feels like a second bite at the MACH 1 apple, though I always think of him as a plane-based Spider-Man. "An accidental crash with a radioactive jet has given pilot Harry Angel the proportional strength, speed, and agility of a jet!"

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 30 August, 2019, 05:16:11 PM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 29 August, 2019, 09:11:32 AM
Angel really feels like a second bite at the MACH 1 apple, though I always think of him as a plane-based Spider-Man. "An accidental crash with a radioactive jet has given pilot Harry Angel the proportional strength, speed, and agility of a jet!"

Both work for me :-)

2000AD and Starlord Prog 96: We're gonna hit him! That guy's dead... unless he's – Superman! Eject into hell with – Angel! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/29/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-96-were-gonna-hit-him-that-guys-dead-unless-hes-superman-eject-into-hell-with-angel/)

A new non-human Deputy Chief Judge!  Exodus!  The ruler builds a wall!

2000AD and Starlord Prog 97: We take... a giant step for comic-kind every week! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/30/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-97-we-take-a-giant-step-for-comic-kind-every-week/)

Ginger dies!  Don't worry, he'll get better...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Lobo Baggins on 30 August, 2019, 05:43:32 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 30 August, 2019, 05:16:11 PM
2000AD and Starlord Prog 96: We're gonna hit him! That guy's dead... unless he's – Superman! Eject into hell with – Angel! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/29/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-96-were-gonna-hit-him-that-guys-dead-unless-hes-superman-eject-into-hell-with-angel/)

A new non-human Deputy Chief Judge!  Exodus!  The ruler builds a wall!

2000AD and Starlord Prog 97: We take... a giant step for comic-kind every week! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/30/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-97-we-take-a-giant-step-for-comic-kind-every-week/)

Ginger dies!  Don't worry, he'll get better...

Ginger's story in Ro-Busters is lifted more or less directly from the novel Black Beauty, by the way - Beauty's fiesty friend Ginger is systematically broken down with over work and is eventually spotted being carted off to the knacker's yard, because it's a Victorian morality story and they're unrelentingly grim.

There's a racehorse called Harry Angel now. It regularly beats Zarjaz. It's all terribly confusing...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 31 August, 2019, 01:52:35 AM
Quote from: Lobo Baggins on 30 August, 2019, 05:43:32 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 30 August, 2019, 05:16:11 PM
2000AD and Starlord Prog 96: We're gonna hit him! That guy's dead... unless he's – Superman! Eject into hell with – Angel! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/29/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-96-were-gonna-hit-him-that-guys-dead-unless-hes-superman-eject-into-hell-with-angel/)

A new non-human Deputy Chief Judge!  Exodus!  The ruler builds a wall!

2000AD and Starlord Prog 97: We take... a giant step for comic-kind every week! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/30/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-97-we-take-a-giant-step-for-comic-kind-every-week/)

Ginger dies!  Don't worry, he'll get better...

Ginger's story in Ro-Busters is lifted more or less directly from the novel Black Beauty, by the way - Beauty's fiesty friend Ginger is systematically broken down with over work and is eventually spotted being carted off to the knacker's yard, because it's a Victorian morality story and they're unrelentingly grim.

There's a racehorse called Harry Angel now. It regularly beats Zarjaz. It's all terribly confusing...

The Black Beauty reference went completely over my head - thanks for pointing it out (wonder if that one is hiding in the things that went over your head (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=35063.1150) thread?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 01 September, 2019, 07:13:17 PM
2000AD and Starlord Prog 98: Onward, my beauties – sing while you slaughter! Slicey-slicey, oncey-twicey claw and fang'll kill Dredd nicely! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/08/31/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-98-onward-my-beauties-sing-while-you-slaughter-slicey-slicey-oncey-twicey-claw-and-fangll-kill-dredd-nicely/)

A new droid joins the editorial team!  We see Justice 1 for the first time (it doesn't look very space-going).  Massimo gets replaced on Flesh Book II - I wonder what he's up to instead...  Also, the Terra-Meks begins!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 03 September, 2019, 10:57:29 PM
Has it been three days since I posted here?

2000AD and Starlord Prog 99: The Terra-Mek's hurling us into its atomic grinders... We'll be crushed to a pulp! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/01/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-99-the-terra-meks-hurling-us-into-its-atomic-grinders-well-be-crushed-to-a-pulp/)

Crime is legal, Angel finishes (thankfully) as does Flesh (not so thankfully), Kevin O'Neill gets into the interviewing lark.  Meanwhile, in Northpool we know things have gotten serious because there's a mournful dog and a teddy bear (not in the same frame).

2000AD and Starlord Prog 100: 100th Thrill-powered issue! Robo-Hunter Returns Still fighting – Still in trouble! Did Dan Dare die? Find out in Servant of Evil! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/02/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-100-100th-thrill-powered-issue-robo-hunter-returns-still-fighting-still-in-trouble-did-dan-dare-die-find-out-in-servant-of-evil/)
Angel / Flesh Book II is replaced with Dan Dare, more superheroic than ever before.  But at least the same prog also gets a new character - Fergee (not Fergie).

2000AD and Starlord Prog 101: I... must... obey... the... Mekon! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/03/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-101-i-must-obey-the-mekon/)
Another new superhero is born - E-Man!  (who?)  Charlie is all at sea.  Sam Slade and Kidd have a problem with B.O. in the sewers.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 05 September, 2019, 08:59:13 PM
2000AD and Starlord Prog 102: What's the big idea, creep? Your players are cheating! Play Robopoly with Robo-Hunter! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/04/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-102-whats-the-big-idea-creep-your-players-are-cheating-play-robopoly-with-robo-hunter/)

Sam Slade has a problem with B.O.!  Fergee is the King of the Big Smelly!  But no stories about sewer droids...

2000AD and Starlord Prog 103: Turn up the heat! The robo knackers yard is— Hell on earth! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/05/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-103-turn-up-the-heat-the-robo-knackers-yard-is-hell-on-earth/)

My favourite Ro-Busters story starts!

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 07 September, 2019, 07:01:48 PM
Love the Mass Effect/Dragon Age reference with Kidd (Kidd will remember this). You're entering a section of Dan Dare that always felt very video-gamey to me. Like Dan starts picking up new party members with specific special abilities, then gets an upgradeable super weapon of his own, then gets kicked out of the organization where he had a lot of power so he has to start a new one. It's basically Dragon Age: Inquisitor with ray guns :D
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 08 September, 2019, 12:37:21 PM
I've had no clicks so far today!  Must be a post-Day of Dredd comedown.  Also I haven't posted on this thread for three days which obviously affects how many people read the posts!

Day 1: 2000AD and Starlord Prog 104: Death on the Mutant Express! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/06/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-104-death-on-the-mutant-express/)
Ron Smith's debut!  Also other things, but surely Smith's first work for 2000AD overshadows all?

Day 2: 2000AD and Starlord Prog 105: Judge Dredd is a Wotten Cweep Twue by Judge Walter Dredd Betrayed! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/07/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-105-judge-dredd-is-a-wotten-cweep-twue-by-judge-walter-dredd-betrayed/)
Slocum gets pickled!  Miss Marilyn's last appearance, timeline-wise (she'll be back in stories in the annuals which take place before this story).

Day 3: Tornado No 1: Free Turbo-Flyer! Plus The U.K.'s First Real Live Super Hero! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/08/tornado-no-1-free-turbo-flyer-plus-the-u-k-s-first-real-live-super-hero/)
Starlord launched with a bang, with the 22 issues bringing us Strontium Dog and Ro-busters: memorable characters who are with us to this day - or at least to this decade - it's still unclear what exactly will happen with Strontium Dog after Carlos :-(
Anyway, dwelling on the present ruins the joke - for this is the first issue of Tornado, whose 22 issues won't have quite the same impact on the history of British comics as Starlord did...
Also - this is the first comic I've read since starting the prog slog blog that isn't a re-read - I bought the weekly run of Tornado for the blog and have held off reading them until now (I already had the special and annuals).

Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 07 September, 2019, 07:01:48 PM
Love the Mass Effect/Dragon Age reference with Kidd (Kidd will remember this). You're entering a section of Dan Dare that always felt very video-gamey to me. Like Dan starts picking up new party members with specific special abilities, then gets an upgradeable super weapon of his own, then gets kicked out of the organization where he had a lot of power so he has to start a new one. It's basically Dragon Age: Inquisitor with ray guns :D

I don't have such the background of video games, though have played a few with a narrative where you end up with a companion but they don't stay around for long.  If anything more advanced than Pong and Space Invaders had been around, the late Dare would have been a prime candidate for ripping off (or even licensing, if IPC got it together enough).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 08 September, 2019, 09:24:15 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 08 September, 2019, 12:37:21 PM
I don't have such the background of video games, though have played a few with a narrative where you end up with a companion but they don't stay around for long.  If anything more advanced than Pong and Space Invaders had been around, the late Dare would have been a prime candidate for ripping off (or even licensing, if IPC got it together enough).

Oh sorry, I made an assumption (of course Kidd will remember these lights in future progs). In a lot of those games you get computer controlled party members, and they often have a "relationship" statistic, like what they think of your character. Sometimes in the game you'll choose a dialog option that either pleases or pisses of the party member and a message appears on the screen like "XXX approves" or "XXX will remember you said that" things of that nature.

I'm trying to click through, but am reading a lot of the posts on my RSS reader, so I'm not sure how that effects metrics. Very interested to hear about Tornado!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 08 September, 2019, 11:42:13 PM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 08 September, 2019, 09:24:15 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 08 September, 2019, 12:37:21 PM
I don't have such the background of video games, though have played a few with a narrative where you end up with a companion but they don't stay around for long.  If anything more advanced than Pong and Space Invaders had been around, the late Dare would have been a prime candidate for ripping off (or even licensing, if IPC got it together enough).

Oh sorry, I made an assumption (of course Kidd will remember these lights in future progs). In a lot of those games you get computer controlled party members, and they often have a "relationship" statistic, like what they think of your character. Sometimes in the game you'll choose a dialog option that either pleases or pisses of the party member and a message appears on the screen like "XXX approves" or "XXX will remember you said that" things of that nature.

I'm trying to click through, but am reading a lot of the posts on my RSS reader, so I'm not sure how that effects metrics. Very interested to hear about Tornado!

No worries - I've played a few of those types of games, just not that many (I'm definitely looking on later episodes of the last Dare story differently now though!)

As for Tornado - it's telling that the stories contained within didn't have as long a life as those from Starlord.  I'm a great fan of 2000AD Blackhawk, but that's because of Belardinelli.  Tornado Blackhawk is entirely different, and shares about half a panel worth in common with the merged version (just before he gets [spoiler]teleported from Rome[/spoiler]).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 09 September, 2019, 11:10:25 PM
Onward ever onward!  I'm three visitors off of this being the most popular year for the prog slog blog (not views but visitors).

2000AD and Starlord Prog 106: Blow Their Circuits Out, Kidd! What do you Think this is – a Baby's Rattle? (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/09/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-106-blow-their-circuits-out-kidd-what-do-you-think-this-is-a-babys-rattle/).

For the second time, Cal sentences MC1 to death.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 10 September, 2019, 12:42:55 AM
It's still quite hard for me to believe that the remarkably sophisticated and still very readable Fall & Rise... ran alongside the tired drivel of later Dan Dare... they feel at least a decade apart.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 10 September, 2019, 11:24:07 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 10 September, 2019, 12:42:55 AM
It's still quite hard for me to believe that the remarkably sophisticated and still very readable Fall & Rise... ran alongside the tired drivel of later Dan Dare... they feel at least a decade apart.

The Dave Gibbons artwork is a large part of why it's even readable...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 11 September, 2019, 01:06:01 PM
Tornado No 2: Your Multi-role Maydaypack's got Codes; Tests; ID pass and all you need to form your own T.T. units! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/10/tornado-no-2-your-multi-role-maydaypacks-got-codes-tests-id-pass-and-all-you-need-to-form-your-own-t-t-units/)
Shadowy hands kill all they can... ;)  Not one but two Superman rip-offs!

2000AD and Starlord Prog 107: Johnny Alpha Enters The City of Lost Souls (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/11/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-107-johnny-alpha-enters-the-city-of-lost-souls/)
Judge Fargo, 2001 - 2051.  Sam Slade gets knocked unconscious and wakes up a while later, with no memory of what happened while he was unconscious (we'll find out in about four and a half years time).  The Genesis of the Robots!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 12 September, 2019, 12:57:29 PM
Tornado No 3: Who is Storm? Where is he from? (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/12/tornado-no-3-who-is-storm-where-is-he-from/)

New thrill (can we call them thrills when they're in non-2000AD?) starts, Benkei ends, everything else continues.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 12 September, 2019, 02:00:32 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 12 September, 2019, 12:57:29 PM
Tornado No 3: Who is Storm? Where is he from? (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/12/tornado-no-3-who-is-storm-where-is-he-from/)

Should the Tornado entries not have a Tornado logo rather than a 2K one...?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 12 September, 2019, 02:28:16 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 12 September, 2019, 02:00:32 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 12 September, 2019, 12:57:29 PM
Tornado No 3: Who is Storm? Where is he from? (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/12/tornado-no-3-who-is-storm-where-is-he-from/)

Should the Tornado entries not have a Tornado logo rather than a 2K one...?

That's 2K and SL :-)  Have removed the stray logo - though, as with Starlord, I've found it difficult to get a decent quality logo to use...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 12 September, 2019, 03:24:04 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 12 September, 2019, 02:28:16 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 12 September, 2019, 02:00:32 PM
Should the Tornado entries not have a Tornado logo rather than a 2K one...?

That's 2K and SL :-)  Have removed the stray logo - though, as with Starlord, I've found it difficult to get a decent quality logo to use...

I can sort this - PM me your email address!  ;)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 13 September, 2019, 11:00:07 AM
Ah, that looks better! Glad I could help!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 13 September, 2019, 02:23:33 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 13 September, 2019, 11:00:07 AM
Ah, that looks better! Glad I could help!  :thumbsup:

I'm glad you could help too :D
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 13 September, 2019, 02:27:45 PM
While I'm here...

2000AD and Starlord Prog 108: The doctor will examine you now... Say ah... Aaaaah! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/13/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-108-the-doctor-will-examine-you-now-say-ah-aaaaah/)

Deaths of loads of characters in Dredd and a new Chief Judge (so that tells you who one of the deaths is going to be).  The aftermath of the death of a main character in Robo-Hunter (albeit one who didn't say too much, but they've been in the majority of episodes).  More death in Strontium Dog, though the victim gets better!  Brian Bolland is back - but for an advert for Palitoy Star Wars figures!  And a dramatic death in Ro-busters...  I just realised I missed off the [spoiler]? from X27?'s name - better add those when i get home[/spoiler]
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 14 September, 2019, 02:21:56 PM
Tornado No 4: Loathed by his Men! Feared by his Masters! Blackhawk is the Savage Centurion! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/14/tornado-no-4-loathed-by-his-men-feared-by-his-masters-blackhawk-is-the-savage-centurion/)

Title says it all really!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 14 September, 2019, 07:20:00 PM
That reveal in prog 107 that the robots have both killed all the humans AND ARE NOW MADE OF SOLID GOLD is one of my favorite moments in all of 2000AD. My god what a twist! April was my top month of '79, there's so much great stuff going on that even Servant of Evil can't bring it down :D
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 14 September, 2019, 10:46:54 PM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 14 September, 2019, 07:20:00 PM
That reveal in prog 107 that the robots have both killed all the humans AND ARE NOW MADE OF SOLID GOLD is one of my favorite moments in all of 2000AD. My god what a twist! April was my top month of '79, there's so much great stuff going on that even Servant of Evil can't bring it down :D

Following Pat Mills' revisiting of earlier stories in recent (well a few years back now) ABC Warriors stories, I'm still holding out for a Freedome story.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 17 September, 2019, 12:00:49 AM
With cover dates of the 21st of April, 1979:

2000AD and Starlord Prog 109: Flames of Hell! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/15/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-109-flames-of-hell/)
Probably should have gone into a little more detail on the Future-Shock, though the title does give away the ending, so would there be any point?

Tornado No 5: Panic on the Pan-Martian Highway! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/16/tornado-no-5-panic-on-the-pan-martian-highway/)
The fight on Mars hots up, and Storm gets captured.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 17 September, 2019, 09:28:45 PM
28th of April, 1979, Part One - 2000AD (and Starlord)
2000AD and Starlord Prog 110: It's the Rebel Leaders! Guards – Kill Them! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/17/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-110-its-the-rebel-leaders-guards-kill-them/#more-1749)
Sam Slade, genocidal murderer!  Strontium Dog meets a space trucker (not that one).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dandontdare on 17 September, 2019, 10:11:16 PM
I don't think Dredd is using water torture on Gestapo Bob Harris - I've just had another look and I think that's just sweat and tears - admittedly a lot!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Frank on 17 September, 2019, 10:26:59 PM

Fish slime. You can see an eye and a tail, here:


(https://i.imgur.com/mnQqHdG.png?2)


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 18 September, 2019, 12:44:15 PM
Never noticed that fish before!

Tornado No 6: "The boy's a wild animal! Hunt him down like a mad dog!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/18/tornado-no-6-the-boys-a-wild-animal-hunt-him-down-like-a-mad-dog/)


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 19 September, 2019, 05:43:54 PM
2000AD and Starlord Prog 111: No gun, no chance, Dredd – the wrecking ball is gonna crush your skull! Assault at Hell's Junction! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/19/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-111-no-gun-no-chance-dredd-the-wrecking-ball-is-gonna-crush-your-skull-assault-at-hells-junction/)

Ron Smith's first cover, Sam leaves Verdus, the Gronk is clearly afraid, Eternicus, Greasy Gracie's, Charlie gets the freedom of the city!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 20 September, 2019, 02:13:23 PM
Tornado No 7: I'm going to stamp you out, Drago – once and for all! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/20/tornado-no-7-im-going-to-stamp-you-out-drago-once-and-for-all/)

Last episode of the first Victor Drago, and a tease for a change in format for next week - I make a prediction on what that means...

Wagner gets killed in an explosion (yeah, right - who's going to believe that?)

I hope you like cliffhangers which feature somebody about to get killed in a 'jungle' because we're going to get some for the next few weeks!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 21 September, 2019, 08:07:30 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 17 September, 2019, 09:28:45 PM
28th of April, 1979, Part One - 2000AD (and Starlord)
2000AD and Starlord Prog 110: It's the Rebel Leaders! Guards – Kill Them! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/17/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-110-its-the-rebel-leaders-guards-kill-them/#more-1749)
Sam Slade, genocidal murderer!  Strontium Dog meets a space trucker (not that one).

I'll mention that as well as killing all the sentient robots on Verdus Sam also killed all the remaining human colonists, held in bondage by the robots!

Heroes killing terrifying amounts of people is a defining element of early 2000AD!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Leigh S on 21 September, 2019, 08:22:35 PM
I reckon Johnny Alpha holds the record when he destroys the Wolrog War World, manned by millions of slaves
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 21 September, 2019, 10:27:29 PM
Quote from: Leigh S on 21 September, 2019, 08:22:35 PM
I reckon Johnny Alpha holds the record when he destroys the Wolrog War World, manned by millions of slaves

I've not seen anybody else mention that Rog shares more than a few similarities with the Death Star...  Artificial planet - check.  Bristling with weapons - check.  Designed to dominate the galaxy - check.  Surrounded by huge ships - check.  Destroyed by small bomb being dropped into maintenance shaft - check.  So-called hero ends up killing many thousands of civilian workers and prisoners - check.


2000AD and Starlord Prog 112: We've Hit the Shark Car – Now it's Next Stop Saturn Six! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/21/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-112-weve-hit-the-shark-car-now-its-next-stop-saturn-six/)

Have I ever mentioned how much I love Nemesis the Warlock? Hint (https://megacitybookclub.blogspot.com/2019/05/94-nemesis-warlock.html): I guested (https://luminarypodcasts.com/listen/eamonn-clarke/mega-city-book-club/94-nemesis-the-warlock/2b508098-15fc-4c4c-adde-0b851201322b) on Eamonn's (https://player.fm/series/mega-city-book-club/ep-94-nemesis-the-warlock) Mega-City Book Club podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/94-nemesis-the-warlock/id1116473423?i=1000439346972).  The story that inspired Nemesis!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Lobo Baggins on 23 September, 2019, 11:34:50 AM
Poor Tornado - everything went a bit pear-shaped before it even started publishing, and no one involved seems to have any sort of enthusiasm for it whatsoever (apart from whoever's playing the part of Billy Preston, but it's possible that he's just a bit manic looking anyway!)

I wonder if it would be remembered at all today if it hadn't merged with 2000 AD.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Lobo Baggins on 23 September, 2019, 12:02:09 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 21 September, 2019, 10:27:29 PM
I've not seen anybody else mention that Rog shares more than a few similarities with the Death Star...  Artificial planet - check.  Bristling with weapons - check.  Designed to dominate the galaxy - check.  Surrounded by huge ships - check.  Destroyed by small bomb being dropped into maintenance shaft - check.  So-called hero ends up killing many thousands of civilian workers and prisoners - check.

Of course,the Mekon had a Death Star (and Dan Dare was blowing it up with space torpedoes) back in 1958, which is way before it was cool...

(https://i.imgur.com/XXB624w.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Z4iC90f.jpg)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 23 September, 2019, 01:44:32 PM
Quote from: Lobo Baggins on 23 September, 2019, 12:02:09 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 21 September, 2019, 10:27:29 PM
I've not seen anybody else mention that Rog shares more than a few similarities with the Death Star...  Artificial planet - check.  Bristling with weapons - check.  Designed to dominate the galaxy - check.  Surrounded by huge ships - check.  Destroyed by small bomb being dropped into maintenance shaft - check.  So-called hero ends up killing many thousands of civilian workers and prisoners - check.

Of course,the Mekon had a Death Star (and Dan Dare was blowing it up with space torpedoes) back in 1958, which is way before it was cool...

(https://i.imgur.com/XXB624w.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Z4iC90f.jpg)


Nice find - and the order to the robots looks like it's written in pseudo-code!

select (robots) destroy (all things living on Earth)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 23 September, 2019, 01:51:47 PM
To mix up the week's a little (in other words, I shoulda posted this yesterday):

Tornado No 8: The Comic with the Super-Powered Editor! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/22/tornado-no-8-the-comic-with-the-super-powered-editor/)
Black Hawk versus the Germans.
Cam Kennedy on Storm (though called S. Kennedy - did a little research and I still can't find out why).
My prediction about Drago is correct, unfortunately.

2000AD and Starlord Prog 113: I am the Law! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/23/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-113-i-am-the-law/)
That phrase might catch on...
Clones and nudity.
Rick Random.
The Heroes Dozen.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 24 September, 2019, 01:03:26 PM
Tornado No 9: He fought a lonely war with the white invaders who had plundered his people's homeland... Warrior (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/24/tornado-no-9-he-fought-a-lonely-war-with-the-white-invaders-who-had-plundered-his-peoples-homeland-warrior/)

I may or may not be getting my years mixed up in Black Hawk (at least one of the events alluded to in Black Hawk took place the century after this one is set).
Earthies don't count on Mars gravity (again).
My guesses for the last two entries in the Gallery of Heroes are completely out.
Wolfie Smith versus Villainous Hands™
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 25 September, 2019, 07:30:56 PM
2000AD and Starlord Prog 114: We Don't Stand a Chance! We're Surrounded! But we'll go down Fighting for Robot Freedom! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/25/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-114-we-dont-stand-a-chance-were-surrounded-but-well-go-down-fighting-for-robot-freedom/)

I wouldn't say this prog is a low point, but it seems like a real step back from the progs of a few months earlier.  Thankfully it still has a few high points, easily amongst the best work in the prog to date...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 September, 2019, 01:06:20 AM
Tornado No 10: In a Siberian Minefield... The Next Step is Death! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/26/tornado-no-10-in-a-siberian-minefield-the-next-step-is-death/)

Wild cats and the United Nations, plus other stuff.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 September, 2019, 01:23:00 PM
2000AD and Starlord Prog 115: Race for the Crystal of Life! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/27/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-115-race-for-the-crystal-of-life/)

Meet the Weerds!   Farewell to Ro-Busters :(
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 28 September, 2019, 03:23:40 PM
Tornado No 11: Meet Johnny Lawless Inside! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/28/tornado-no-11-meet-johnny-lawless-inside/)

Though many people here will have met Johnny Lawless when it was reprinted in a floppy not long ago.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 28 September, 2019, 04:37:28 PM
Never having read Tornado, I'm finding these reviews particularly fascinating. Anyone know if all the Tornado Blackhawk episodes are in the Rebellion collection?  I think I need to read them!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: JOE SOAP on 28 September, 2019, 04:52:32 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 28 September, 2019, 04:37:28 PM
Anyone know if all the Tornado Blackhawk episodes are in the Rebellion collection?  I think I need to read them!

They are and they're great.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 28 September, 2019, 05:09:23 PM
-Adds yet another item to Christmas list-

Cheers, Joe!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 29 September, 2019, 11:37:10 AM
I'd assumed nothing from Tornado had been reprinted (other than relatively recently in the floppies) - shall have  to add links to the collected edition in future posts.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 29 September, 2019, 11:37:38 AM
(so also Cheers, Joe!) :)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 29 September, 2019, 03:15:22 PM
I was about seven days ahead with the scheduled posts, then along came the 2000AD Sci-Fi Special 1979: Mek-Wars Pull-out colour poster that doesn't pull its punches! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/29/2000ad-sci-fi-special-1979-mek-wars-pull-out-colour-poster-that-doesnt-pull-its-punches/)

From the era of using the regular stories but unleashing completely different creators on them: Alan Grant's first Dredd; Dan Dare (in text story form); Strontium Dog, M.A.C.H.1 and the inevitable reprints from 1950s comics.

Best bits - [spoiler]the posters[/spoiler]!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 30 September, 2019, 12:57:45 PM
2000AD and Starlord Prog 116: Gotta Slice My Way Free – or be Trapped in Hell for ever! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/30/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-116-gotta-slice-my-way-free-or-be-trapped-in-hell-for-ever/)

Walked in the cold air
Freezing breath on a window pane
Lying and waiting
A man in the dark in a picture frame
So mystic and soulful
A voice reaching out in a piercing cry
It stays with you until
The feeling has gone only you and I
It means nothing to me
This means nothing to me
Oh, Vienna

(Dredd's family expands)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 30 September, 2019, 08:33:49 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 29 September, 2019, 03:15:22 PM
I was about seven days ahead with the scheduled posts, then along came the 2000AD Sci-Fi Special 1979: Mek-Wars Pull-out colour poster that doesn't pull its punches! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/09/29/2000ad-sci-fi-special-1979-mek-wars-pull-out-colour-poster-that-doesnt-pull-its-punches/)

From the era of using the regular stories but unleashing completely different creators on them: Alan Grant's first Dredd; Dan Dare (in text story form); Strontium Dog, M.A.C.H.1 and the inevitable reprints from 1950s comics.

Best bits - [spoiler]the posters[/spoiler]!

Kids from Kosma is where I learned that Brits called popsicles ice lollys, and I haven't been the same since!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 01 November, 2019, 11:09:31 AM
Right, after taking October off due to reasons I'm back. 

Tornado No 13: The Sound... It's so Real the Train has Come Alive... Aaaarghh! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/01/tornado-no-13-the-sound-its-so-real-the-train-has-come-alive-aaaarghh/) starting off with an unexpected cross-over with a popular 2000AD story!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 02 November, 2019, 01:14:28 PM
2000AD and Starlord Prog 118: You are Trapped, Johnny Alpha... Trapped in Hell for Ever! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/02/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-118-you-are-trapped-johnny-alpha-trapped-in-hell-for-ever/)

Goodbye to Rick Random and Satan, but not Dan Dare, so next prog isn't truly going to be a jumping-on prog (but near enough).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 03 November, 2019, 01:17:12 PM
Tornado No 14: The unbelievable is happening here at Wembley! Keegan, Brooking and Francis can only watch as young Davie Hunt skips past West Germany's Schwarzenbeck on his way to his tenth goal! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/03/tornado-no-14-the-unbelievable-is-happening-here-at-wembley-keegan-brooking-and-francis-can-only-watch-as-young-davie-hunt-skips-past-west-germanys-schwarzenbeck-on-his-way-to-his-tenth-goal/)

It's like the twist ending of The Last Jedi, but without the set-up!  Also, Victor Drago heads of to China-Town - how bad can it get (spoiler - not that bad yet, but I'm going to be really wary with future episodes).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Lobo Baggins on 03 November, 2019, 02:06:34 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 03 November, 2019, 01:17:12 PM
Tornado No 14: The unbelievable is happening here at Wembley! Keegan, Brooking and Francis can only watch as young Davie Hunt skips past West Germany's Schwarzenbeck on his way to his tenth goal! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/03/tornado-no-14-the-unbelievable-is-happening-here-at-wembley-keegan-brooking-and-francis-can-only-watch-as-young-davie-hunt-skips-past-west-germanys-schwarzenbeck-on-his-way-to-his-tenth-goal/)

Dave Hunt was the editor of Battle - which of course means that England's new young star player was in fact Captain Hurricane! He later went on to obliterate the West German team in a Raging Fury...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 03 November, 2019, 08:02:43 PM
Quote from: Lobo Baggins on 03 November, 2019, 02:06:34 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 03 November, 2019, 01:17:12 PM
Tornado No 14: The unbelievable is happening here at Wembley! Keegan, Brooking and Francis can only watch as young Davie Hunt skips past West Germany's Schwarzenbeck on his way to his tenth goal! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/03/tornado-no-14-the-unbelievable-is-happening-here-at-wembley-keegan-brooking-and-francis-can-only-watch-as-young-davie-hunt-skips-past-west-germanys-schwarzenbeck-on-his-way-to-his-tenth-goal/)

Dave Hunt was the editor of Battle - which of course means that England's new young star player was in fact Captain Hurricane! He later went on to obliterate the West German team in a Raging Fury...

Thanks - I'd assumed it was just a random name that could have been a reader - didn't realise it was an authentic in-joke for IPC!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 04 November, 2019, 12:56:39 PM
2000AD & Starlord Prog 119: Bill Savage is back in 'Disaster 1990'! Hammer-Stein returns as the ABC Warrior! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/04/2000ad-starlord-prog-119-bill-savage-is-back-in-disaster-1990-hammer-stein-returns-as-the-abc-warrior/)

Almost a jump-on prog, but for Dan Dare.  (new thrill: ABC Warriors!)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 05 November, 2019, 01:18:46 PM
Tornado No 15: Look at all this boloney they're printing about giant rats!! I won't have any of this rubbish in MY paper! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/05/tornado-no-15-look-at-all-this-boloney-theyre-printing-about-giant-rats-i-wont-have-any-of-this-rubbish-in-my-paper/)

A Judge says "I am the Law" in Tornado, but it's not Dredd...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 06 November, 2019, 01:04:08 PM
2000AD Prog 120: Big Robot Issue! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/06/2000ad-prog-120-big-robot-issue/)

Savage versus a really subtle parody of a 20th century dictator...

Joe deals with intruders from a bathtub.







Not that Joe.

Or bathtub, for that matter.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 07 November, 2019, 11:23:38 PM
Unhappy at the incomplete title of Prog 120! :D
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 08 November, 2019, 01:05:49 AM
Okay, just for you - Prog 120: Tomorrow's Mega Thrills Today!  Big Robot Issue!  Collect Part Two of our BOOK OF ROBOTS - it's riveting!  GASP at the horror of all-out war in 'THE ABC WARRIORS'!  The battle for survival begins in 'Disaster 1990'!  Plus - Judge Dredd, Dan Dare in mind-blowing action!
(http://www.2000ad.org/covers/2000ad/mediumres/120.jpg) (http://2000ad.org/?zone=prog&page=profiles&choice=120)

Meanwhile, the slog continues...

Tornado No 16: Calling the crew of the 'Adolf Hitler'... this is your fuhrer speaking. In minutes you will drop the Behemoth bomb and London will disappear from the Earth!!! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/07/tornado-no-16-calling-the-crew-of-the-adolf-hitler-this-is-your-fuhrer-speaking-in-minutes-you-will-drop-the-behemoth-bomb-and-london-will-disappear-from-the-earth/)

I find out that the Tornado Summer Special is on the shelves (of newsagents in 1979) - will I be able to read and comment on the special, and on a school night?  Find out tomorrow (actually today, because I didn't get a chance to update this thread in my lunchtime like I usually do).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 08 November, 2019, 01:07:58 AM
p.s. You might be able to guess from the caption for Tornado 16 that an airplane appears on the cover - no prizes for guessing who provided the artwork (clue: this artist is still selling prints and was at the 2000AD 40th in Hammersmith).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 09 November, 2019, 11:39:28 AM
The shortly titled Tornado Summer Special (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/08/tornado-summer-special/)

Full of your favourite Tornado characters and not at all filled with reprint, filler and inappropriately-placed strips.

The longly titled 2000AD and Starlord Prog 120: Judge Dredd to Justice H.Q. ... Rioters in Spaceport have ignored my warnings... stand by for casualties! Every day is Judgement Day in Mega-City One! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/09/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-120-judge-dredd-to-justice-h-q-rioters-in-spaceport-have-ignored-my-warnings-stand-by-for-casualties-every-day-is-judgement-day-in-mega-city-one/)

Great cover by Bolland but has nothing to do with the Ron Smith story.  Can you guess which Ralph Bryce words will be my grailquote of the prog?  Also, the artist for this episode of Disaster 1990 is either clairvoyant or switched careers to become an architect.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 10 November, 2019, 04:20:35 PM
Back to the short titles - Tornado No 17: The Money Shop (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/10/tornado-no-17-the-money-shop/)

Big E is on holiday, so Sam takes over.

p.s. yesterday's prog should, of course, have been 121, not 120...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 10 November, 2019, 05:18:00 PM
Thank you for solving an almost-forgotten mystery for me: the name of the film Geordie. It made a big impression on me as a little'un, to the extent that I slept with the window open right up until I started sharing rooms with less Charles-Atlas-inspired adults - but I never knew what the damn thing was called. Nor was I ever called up for the Olympic shot-putting team.


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 11 November, 2019, 09:43:24 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 10 November, 2019, 05:18:00 PM
Thank you for solving an almost-forgotten mystery for me: the name of the film Geordie. It made a big impression on me as a little'un, to the extent that I slept with the window open right up until I started sharing rooms with less Charles-Atlas-inspired adults - but I never knew what the damn thing was called. Nor was I ever called up for the Olympic shot-putting team.

Took me two attempts to find it on google (I've seen it two or three times, though always seem to miss the first few minutes).  Can't remember what my first search terms where (whatever it was, it returned loads of results about real life Olympians - pah - real sport, I want the fictional stuff, preferably with jet packs, bikes and weaponry).  The second result on my second attempt (https://www.google.com/search?q=film+scottish+olympics) found Georgie though.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 11 November, 2019, 09:59:02 PM
2000AD and Starlord Prog 122: More Mind-Blowing Than Ever! We're No 1 Across the Universe! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/11/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-122-more-mind-blowing-than-ever-were-no-1-across-the-universe/)

I completely fail to figure out who or what Myra Schryll is supposed to be - a parody of something, an in-joke?
It's ten years since Neil Armstrong walked on the moon.  Y'know, that thing that was fifty years ago now *eep*
I follow the Hollywood map version of London...
Hammerstein recruits Mongrol for the chain gang ;)
Kenny Harris has wires (https://open.spotify.com/track/2ZeJRaisaFv5MpXViiQilq)
The art on Dan Dare is still by Dave Gibbons.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 12 November, 2019, 05:30:44 PM
Tornado No 18: Drama on Devil's Bend! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/12/tornado-no-18-drama-on-devils-bend/)

Ian Kennedy draws something flying through the air (it's a car).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 13 November, 2019, 11:32:37 AM
2000AD and Starlord Prog 123: Guilty of treason! The hunt is on for Dan Dare! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/13/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-123-guilty-of-treason-the-hunt-is-on-for-dan-dare/)

First appearances a-plenty, with Betelgeusians, artists and mystics making their debuts.  Also a few last appearances: RIP Big Ciril and 13.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 14 November, 2019, 01:02:04 PM
Final Part of our Writing Competition! Tornado No 19: Battle on Asteroid X44 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/14/final-part-of-our-writing-competition-tornado-no-19-battle-on-asteroid-x44/)

The end of the Supercover Saga It's Your Turn covers.


Wagner stops walking!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 16 November, 2019, 10:22:18 PM
2000AD and Starlord Prog 124: Flee in terror, Earthlets! I am Kil-Gorr – the intergalactic hitman! Tharg foils assassination attempt! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/15/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-124-flee-in-terror-earthlets-i-am-kil-gorr-the-intergalactic-hitman-tharg-foils-assassination-attempt/)
Tharg promises the forthcoming appearance of Anderson (not named) for a second time.  In the meantime, the Holocaust Squad.
A story started by Brian Bolland is continued by Ron Smith, a story started by Kevin O'Neill is continued by Brett Ewins and a story begun by Ian Gibson is continued by Jesus Redondo.  Someone in editorial had a hectic month!

Tornado No 20: Can Courageous Captain Klep... Beat the BANDIT BEAK! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/16/tornado-no-20-can-courageous-captain-klep-beat-the-bandit-beak/)
How do you follow up Adolf Hitler?  With a semi-mythical figure (the figure is real but what we now know is subject to myth).  After this week, anything following is going to be a climb down the tree of villainy.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 17 November, 2019, 07:36:30 PM
Robots! You're not really ALIVE unless you're reading 2000AD and Starlord Prog 125: Guerilla Warfare – robot style! General Blackblood faces the A.B.C. Warriors! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/17/robots-youre-not-really-alive-unless-youre-reading-2000ad-and-starlord-prog-125-guerilla-warfare-robot-style-general-blackblood-faces-the-a-b-c-warriors/)

The first appearance of Blackblood, plus Savage and Bamber get something to aim for (Oxford, ironically enough, considering who owns 2000AD now).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 20 November, 2019, 09:44:58 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 16 November, 2019, 10:22:18 PM
2000AD and Starlord Prog 124: Flee in terror, Earthlets! I am Kil-Gorr – the intergalactic hitman! Tharg foils assassination attempt! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/15/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-124-flee-in-terror-earthlets-i-am-kil-gorr-the-intergalactic-hitman-tharg-foils-assassination-attempt/)
Tharg promises the forthcoming appearance of Anderson (not named) for a second time.  In the meantime, the Holocaust Squad.
A story started by Brian Bolland is continued by Ron Smith, a story started by Kevin O'Neill is continued by Brett Ewins and a story begun by Ian Gibson is continued by Jesus Redondo.  Someone in editorial had a hectic month!

Tornado No 20: Can Courageous Captain Klep... Beat the BANDIT BEAK! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/16/tornado-no-20-can-courageous-captain-klep-beat-the-bandit-beak/)
How do you follow up Adolf Hitler?  With a semi-mythical figure (the figure is real but what we now know is subject to myth).  After this week, anything following is going to be a climb down the tree of villainy.


There's a reprint of Father Earth in one of the 89 annuals and it really reminded me of how much I love that story. The Ron Smith second half is when I first said "No one destroys Mega City One like Ron Smith" and I stand by that! His ability to draw massive death and destruction is fantastic!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 24 November, 2019, 04:38:52 AM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 20 November, 2019, 09:44:58 PM
There's a reprint of Father Earth in one of the 89 annuals and it really reminded me of how much I love that story. The Ron Smith second half is when I first said "No one destroys Mega City One like Ron Smith" and I stand by that! His ability to draw massive death and destruction is fantastic!

It's not published yet, but in about a week I'll be posting about a Dan Dare-a-like who commits genocide.  Couldn't help but think of Space Spinner 2000 when I was reading that...

I've not kept up with updating this thread very well this week!  I'll do it in two phases - split by a merge!

All action adventure, with... Tornado No 21: They've set dobermans on me... I'm finished! Johnny Lawless faces the Dogs of Death! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/19/all-action-adventure-with-tornado-no-21-theyve-set-dobermans-on-me-im-finished-johnny-lawless-faces-the-dogs-of-death/)

This week's Villain in Victor Drago's Black Museum is worse even than Adolf Hitler and Jack the Ripper!  It's "the worst kind of villain". 
In a different story, Blackhawk trusts two Nubians.

2000AD and Starlord Prog 126: Savage was his name! Savage was his battle with the killer flood that engulfed Britain! EXCITING NEWS INSIDE! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/20/2000ad-and-starlord-prog-126-savage-was-his-name-savage-was-his-battle-with-the-killer-flood-that-engulfed-britain-exciting-news-inside/)

Did you see it?  Tucked at the end there?  In capital letters?  Us veterans already know what the exciting news is going to be...  Dan Dare takes a break "for a while".  Also, I need to incorporate the term 'fuzzbuzz' into conversation more.

SPECIAL NEWS INSIDE FOR ALL READERS! Tornado No 22: On your marks... get set... GO! Race into action with Storm! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/21/special-news-inside-for-all-readers-tornado-no-22-on-your-marks-get-set-go-race-into-action-with-storm/)

Why, I wonder if that special news could be anything to do with that exiting news over in 2000AD?  Goodbye to the black hawk (but not Blackhawk).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 24 November, 2019, 05:09:12 AM
The special and exciting news comes to pass...

At last! Britain's top two papers join forces! 2000AD and Tornado Prog 127: I, Tharg, welcome the Tornado heroes! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/22/at-last-britains-top-two-papers-join-forces-2000ad-and-tornado-prog-127-i-tharg-welcome-the-tornado-heroes/)

My distant relative, Judge Kelly, is the first female judge (https://judgeanon.tumblr.com/post/138323182320/a-short-history-of-female-judges-in-judge-dredd) to be depicted.

2000AD and Tornado Prog 128: I'm arresting this ship in the name of Mega-City One! Surrender now and no-one will get hurt! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/23/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-128-im-arresting-this-ship-in-the-name-of-mega-city-one-surrender-now-and-no-one-will-get-hurt/)

Blackhawk - influenced by Monkey?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 25 November, 2019, 12:31:36 AM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 129: Big Alien Issue! Tharg Terrorises London! "Eeeeeeh!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/24/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-129-big-alien-issue-tharg-terrorises-london-eeeeeeh/)

At some point in the future the annual will get good, for the meantime the first advert for an annual is bad news...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 25 November, 2019, 06:23:53 AM
Yeah, they're pretty bad until the 80s imo. But that first Dredd annual is amazing, and everything changes once they can print old thrills instead of weird legacy comics!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 25 November, 2019, 05:24:33 PM
1980 is undoubtedly the worst for annuals - as you say, weird (and not in a good way) legacy comics and there's four of them!  2000AD, Dan Dare, Starlord and Tornado.  Next year is the good Judge Dredd annual, then not so good 2000AD and Tornado annuals...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 26 November, 2019, 12:55:01 PM
2000AD Annual 1980: It's wild... it's sensational... it's your future! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/25/2000ad-annual-1980-its-wild-its-sensational-its-your-future/)

It's an excuse to hock overpriced reprint to the parents and grandparents of children in 1979.

Dan Dare Annual 1980: "DARE to wingman – peel off! I've got to make the DEATH RUN ALONE!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/26/dan-dare-annual-1980-dare-to-wingman-peel-off-ive-got-to-make-the-death-run-alone/)

It's christmas day in Luna City - throwback, continuity-ignoring, fourth-wall-breaking.  Interesting grail quote for this one though...

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 26 November, 2019, 09:10:18 PM
You've become really good at this lark, Sheridan. It's probably no surprise that my favourite entries concern the Annuals - your obvious suffering is communicated in such a polite way that the missus just asked me what had me 'grinning gormlessly'.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Leigh S on 26 November, 2019, 09:18:03 PM
The art on Dredd is Keith Page IIRC, hence the KayPee Art droids?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 November, 2019, 01:01:13 PM
Quote from: Leigh S on 26 November, 2019, 09:18:03 PM
The art on Dredd is Keith Page IIRC, hence the KayPee Art droids?

That makes sense - I guess it didn't click with me because he's not one of the 'name' droids.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 November, 2019, 01:11:20 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 26 November, 2019, 09:10:18 PM
You've become really good at this lark, Sheridan. It's probably no surprise that my favourite entries concern the Annuals - your obvious suffering is communicated in such a polite way that the missus just asked me what had me 'grinning gormlessly'.

I like to be diplomatic.  I always have it in the back of my head that there could be a granddaughter of a departed creator who'll stumble across my words (I know Ron Smith's and Massimo's granddaughters have been active online).  On the other hand, I can't look at some of the pieces in annuals and think that the people responsible handed it in and had a sense of pride - it just looks like cheap work-for-hire done to a deadline - not disparaging the creators as we all have to have an income.  I'd have a look in to how they came about, but doing a blog post a day is a pretty punishing schedule and doesn't lend itself to in-depth research on individual posts.  Which is why I just post day-by-day reflections and half-remembered factoids I've picked up over the decades :)

The sci-fi book of the year! Star Lord Annual 1980 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/27/the-sci-fi-book-of-the-year-star-lord-annual-1980/)

On with the reprints!  Seriously - there's less than twenty pages of original strip in around 150 pages (I'm posting this in my lunch hour so can't check the page counts - but it's something like that).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 November, 2019, 01:12:34 PM
p.s. thanks for the feedback - always nice to be told, even though I know I have some regular visitors from the 'stats and insights' page.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 27 November, 2019, 01:28:32 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 27 November, 2019, 01:11:20 PM
The sci-fi book of the year! Star Lord Annual 1980 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/27/the-sci-fi-book-of-the-year-star-lord-annual-1980/)

On with the reprints!  Seriously - there's less than twenty pages of original strip in around 150 pages (I'm posting this in my lunch hour so can't check the page counts - but it's something like that).

Jimmi Jupiter, Captain Condor, Val Venture...? With the likes of Dan Dare and Rick Random, too, those old reprints certainly have a pattern to them!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 28 November, 2019, 12:01:34 PM
Will it never end (actually, yes - it's back to regular weekly progs tomorrow).

Tornado Annual 1980: Break the Thrill Barrier with Wolfie Smith, Drago, and Superking Inside! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/28/tornado-annual-1980-break-the-thrill-barrier-with-wolfie-smith-drago-and-superking-inside/)

That headline tells you all you need to know.  Tornado's Wolfie Smith.  Tornado's Drago.  Superking?  Who that?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 29 November, 2019, 11:32:55 AM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 130: The Mek-nificent Seven are here... Spread the word! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/29/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-130-the-mek-nificent-seven-are-here-spread-the-word/)

Back to the prog, after all those annuals!

Blitzers and Blackhawk and Battak and Bedlam,
Bamber and Bill Savage all tied up with string, these are a few of my favourite things*.



*Bamber and Bill aren't tied up with string - I wouldn't be surprised if it happens in a future episode though.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 30 November, 2019, 05:55:08 PM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 131: Whatever your crime Judge Dredd's got a bullet to match! Armour Piercing High Explosive Heat Seeker Incendiary Ricochet (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/11/30/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-131-whatever-your-crime-judge-dredds-got-a-bullet-to-match-armour-piercing-high-explosive-heat-seeker-incendiary-ricochet/)

Another day, another classic Brian Bolland cover!

Dredd meets reality TV in 1979+122 years.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 02 December, 2019, 11:17:01 AM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 132: In the name of Khaos... DIE! Ride the razor edge of FEAR with the A.B.C. Warriors! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/01/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-132-in-the-name-of-khaos-die-ride-the-razor-edge-of-fear-with-the-a-b-c-warriors/)

The man.  The legend.  The sob story.

2000AD and Tornado Prog 133: Zorgon – Wanted Zapped or Alive! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/02/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-133-zorgon-wanted-zapped-or-alive/)

Female judiciary finds a voice!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 03 December, 2019, 11:59:18 AM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 134: Eagle Awards Top British Comic – 2000 A.D. Top British Character – Judge Dredd (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/03/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-134-eagle-awards-top-british-comic-2000-a-d-top-british-character-judge-dredd/)

Flesh file - and you know what that means - a new branch on the Old One Eye family tree!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 03 December, 2019, 06:47:34 PM
A key difference between Mills and Wagner is Mills's desire to link all these comics together. Every T-Rex Pat Mills writes about is in some way part of Old One Eye's genetic line. Meanwhile Bob & Carol & Ted & Ringo weren't even distant cousins!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 03 December, 2019, 10:36:15 PM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 03 December, 2019, 06:47:34 PM
A key difference between Mills and Wagner is Mills's desire to link all these comics together. Every T-Rex Pat Mills writes about is in some way part of Old One Eye's genetic line. Meanwhile Bob & Carol & Ted & Ringo weren't even distant cousins!

You've got me wondering about Gorehead now...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 04 December, 2019, 01:06:33 PM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 135: Uuuh... beastie bother Mongrol – Mongrol get PHYSICAL! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/04/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-135-uuuh-beastie-bother-mongrol-mongrol-get-physical/)

L John Silver is back on cover duties!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 05 December, 2019, 02:40:45 PM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 136: Design your own ALIEN! Galactic groats to be won inside! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/05/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-136-design-your-own-alien-galactic-groats-to-be-won-inside/)

Boing®
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 07 December, 2019, 12:51:38 PM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 138: George has gone berzerk! Gotta blow him off planet – Aaaagh! Fighting-mad George – Colossus of Mars! See the ABC Warriors! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/07/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-138-george-has-gone-berzerk-gotta-blow-him-off-planet-aaaagh-fighting-mad-george-colossus-of-mars-see-the-abc-warriors/)

You'll have to turn the comic around to look at the centrefold in this prog!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 08 December, 2019, 01:03:17 PM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 139: Danger! Danger! The ALIEN who came in from the cold! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/08/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-139-danger-danger-the-alien-who-came-in-from-the-cold/)

Black Hawk leaves this world and ABC Warriors leaves the prog (for about a decade).  Bill walks off into the icy sunset.  Sunrise.  Something like that.  Klep lea*  oh, no, the other one - returns, and promises a more consistent run of appearances.  No comment.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 09 December, 2019, 11:33:49 AM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 140: Harry Harrison's world famous super crook Slippery Jim di Griz bursts into strip in our adaptation of The Stainless Steel Rat plus! Great new story – the VC's! Thrill to space war at its most savage as Earth star-troopers take on alien invaders! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/09/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-140-harry-harrisons-world-famous-super-crook-slippery-jim-di-griz-bursts-into-strip-in-our-adaptation-of-the-stainless-steel-rat-plus-great-new-story-the-vcs/)

Almost a jump-on prog with lots of debuts - Henry Ford, James Bolivar 'Slippery Jim' diGriz and Steve Smith, star-trooper.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 11 December, 2019, 01:38:49 PM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 141: Patrick Moore writes for you this prog! Collect the second section of your micro data prog, Starlord's Guide to the Galaxy, inside! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/10/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-141-patrick-moore-writes-for-you-this-prog-collect-the-second-section-of-your-micro-data-prog-starlords-guide-to-the-galaxy-inside/)

When spiders attack!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 11 December, 2019, 03:16:32 PM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 142: Monsters and Magic! Blackhawk battles The Great Beast of Silversun inside! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/11/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-142-monsters-and-magic-blackhawk-battles-the-great-beast-of-silversun-inside/)

It's all about shadowy supernatural silhouettes this prog!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 12 December, 2019, 12:01:51 PM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 143: The Stainless Steel Rat continues his galactic hunt for the ultimate war-machine! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/12/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-143-the-stainless-steel-rat-continues-his-galactic-hunt-for-the-ultimate-war-machine/)

Ron Smith destroys a sector!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 13 December, 2019, 12:46:35 AM
Father Earth, followed very closely by Black Plague is when I started saying "No one destroys Mega-City One like Ron Smith." He's really the master of drawing mass urban chaos!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 14 December, 2019, 03:08:09 PM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 13 December, 2019, 12:46:35 AM
Father Earth, followed very closely by Black Plague is when I started saying "No one destroys Mega-City One like Ron Smith." He's really the master of drawing mass urban chaos!

The next major destruction I can think of is that sector in Pirates of the Black Atlantic - that's about a year away so hopefully my memory has missed a story (though the Judge Child Quest will account for about half of that year).

Meanwhile - the slog goes on:
2000AD and Tornado Prog 145: Merry Christmas, Tharg – here's your present! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/14/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-145-merry-christmas-tharg-heres-your-present/).

Umpty.  The first nudity in some time.  And a new back page feature.

p.s. I tried to format that acrostic so that all the letters line up, but if it's possible to do that in wordpress, I can't figure out how.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 16 December, 2019, 11:35:48 AM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 146: New Year is Cancelled! By order Judge Dredd (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/15/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-146-new-year-is-cancelled-by-order-judge-dredd/)

Big news!  Ursa invents a new verse in his Chop-Chop song for Zog!  Also, upcoming thrills will include Day of the Droids, Fiends of the Eastern Front, Judge Death and last but not least, Time-Quake.  Actually, I may have to work on the ordering of those upcoming thrills...

2000AD and Tornado Prog 147: "Angelina pointed the .75 recoilless at my chest and four slugs ripped into me. Then she put a fifth one in my head for good measure." The Stainless Steel Rat winds up in the mortuary, inside! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/16/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-147-angelina-pointed-the-75-recoilless-at-my-chest-and-four-slugs-ripped-into-me-then-she-put-a-fifth-one-in-my-head-for-good-measure-the-stainless-steel-rat/)

Minty and the Hitch-Hikers Guide to the Galaxy.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 17 December, 2019, 11:40:13 AM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 148: You're next, PUNK! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/17/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-148-youre-next-punk/)
Timequake's back, I know you're all excited...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 18 December, 2019, 07:11:23 PM
Is the blog down? Oh no!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 18 December, 2019, 08:26:14 PM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 18 December, 2019, 07:11:23 PM
Is the blog down? Oh no!

I'd love to be able to tell you what's happening, but wordpress are being entirely unresponsive.  I've managed to download all the data so I'm going to look to see what other hosts there are, just in case I continue not being able to get through to them.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 18 December, 2019, 09:37:16 PM
Got a response - apparently it was an automated anti-spam filter which was over-zealous.  It's back now, but at least it prompted me to get an .xml export of everything I've written on the blog (and also looking in to what other blog sites there are out there).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 18 December, 2019, 09:44:06 PM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 149: Inside... Sword and Sorcery! See Blackhawk – warrior in search of a soul! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/18/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-149-inside-sword-and-sorcery-see-blackhawk-warrior-in-search-of-a-soul/)

There's a new character in this one - they come from a dark dimensssion where all life isss a crime...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 19 December, 2019, 04:06:23 PM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 150: "Nerve poison on his blade – one nick and I'm dead!" The Stainless Steel Rat Gets a Slice of the Action Inside! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/19/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-150-nerve-poison-on-his-blade-one-nick-and-im-dead-the-stainless-steel-rat-gets-a-slice-of-the-action-inside/)

Another prog, another new character.  This one has psychic abilities that makes them highly strung (that's why they're always so flippant).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 20 December, 2019, 02:18:28 PM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 151: Death to the Empire! Angelina's army rides to war in the murderous climax of the Stainless Steel Rat! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/20/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-151-death-to-the-empire-angelinas-army-rides-to-war-in-the-murderous-climax-of-the-stainless-steel-rat/)

Slippery Jim and Angelina have a murderous climax.  Sidney and Cass are the boy and girl in the bubble.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 21 December, 2019, 11:23:54 PM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 152: Fiends of the Eastern Front! Not the horror of war – the war of horrors! Robo-Hunter returns! Sam Slade in Day of the Droids. Judge Dredd's Hall of Heroes (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/21/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-152-fiends-of-the-eastern-front-not-the-horror-of-war-the-war-of-horrors-robo-hunter-returns-sam-slade-in-day-of-the-droids-judge-dredds-hall-of-heroes/)

Sam Slade is back!  So is the Old One Eye bloodline...  Plus, King Carlos bring out the vampires (first time since Starlord - it won't be the last).  Mars gets killed!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 23 December, 2019, 09:34:02 AM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 153: "Stomm! It's Peters... The man who drank the blood of Satanus!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/22/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-153-stomm-its-peters-the-man-who-drank-the-blood-of-satanus/)
Ron Smith cover, Ron Smith Dredd, Ron Smith poster - hope you like Ron Smith!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 23 December, 2019, 11:20:04 AM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 154: "Holy Joe Smith! Nine-inch-high robo assassins!" "He he he he he" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/23/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-154-holy-joe-smith-nine-inch-high-robo-assassins-he-he-he-he-he/)

Teeny-Meks take the cover!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 24 December, 2019, 11:10:11 AM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 155: Join the V.C.s... Vape a space-invader today! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/24/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-155-join-the-v-c-s-vape-a-space-invader-today/)

Hans would be in real trouble if the vampires weren't allies.  In other news - the vampire division from Rumania are allies of Germany.  Wouldn't Hans be in trouble if they were on the other side?  I wonder what will happen next prog.  Oh, by the way - those vampires?  Their country is allied with Germany, the country that Hans fights for.  They're not, for instance, allies with Russia, who are on the other side.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 26 December, 2019, 04:30:53 PM
Computer issued prevented me from posting yesterday (was stuck on my phone, which won't let me copy links).  In a not-much-better situation today, but at least I can use a proper computer keyboard and the internet, so here goes.

2000ad and Tornado Prog 156: Zarjaz 3rd Birthday Issue! Have you Seen this Boy? The Judge Child – A great new Judge Dredd epic starts inside – in Colour! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/25/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-156-zarjaz-3rd-birthday-issue-have-you-seen-this-boy-the-judge-child-a-great-new-judge-dredd-epic-starts-inside-in-colour/)
The second Slade story starts diverging from the first Slade story (there's been so many of the same story elements up to this point).  In a great surprise for everybody, Roma*  Sorry - Rumania has changed sides.  Plus there's a story regarding some kid called Owen Krysler?

2000 A.D. Space Quiz Book: Space Travel Astronomy Science Fiction (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/26/2000-a-d-space-quiz-book-space-travel-astronomy-science-fiction/)
As advertised as a competition prize in the above prog!  Thanks to forumite Rackle (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?action=profile;u=120545) for helping me with this one!

(https://forums.2000ad.com/avatars_static/avatar_120545_1568322581.jpg)
(Rackle, by John Higgins)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 December, 2019, 11:12:02 AM
2000ad and Tornado Prog 157: "Look out! It's Earth-side Eddie and the Anti-Matter Kids!" Martian Edition, not for sale on Earth (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/27/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-157-look-out-its-earth-side-eddie-and-the-anti-matter-kids-martian-edition-not-for-sale-on-earth/)

Dredd's Lawmaster has a better sense of humour than the judge does!  Blackhawk doesn't appear in Blackhawk (it's the Ursa and Zog show this week).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 27 December, 2019, 05:11:33 PM
Don't forget that for many years Tharg counted 2000AD's birthday based on Prog number instead of date! So 156 is the third birthday because it's 52 x 3!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 December, 2019, 05:15:56 PM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 27 December, 2019, 05:11:33 PM
Don't forget that for many years Tharg counted 2000AD's birthday based on Prog number instead of date! So 156 is the third birthday because it's 52 x 3!

520 was the one where I noticed that little foible!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 27 December, 2019, 08:28:20 PM
For me it was the anniversary issue with the Return to Armageddon cover, it was in June or something!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 28 December, 2019, 09:34:51 PM
Get some Fiend-power into your Life with... 2000ad and Tornado Prog 158: "No! Please! At least wait till I've read this week's prog!"
(https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/28/get-some-fiend-power-into-your-life-with-2000ad-and-tornado-prog-158-no-please-at-least-wait-till-ive-read-this-weeks-prog/)

A new character, and he's smoking!  Also another new character, Kwark (remember him?)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 29 December, 2019, 11:34:20 AM
2000ad and Tornado Prog 159: "Dredd to bike... Free me!" A judge's bike is his best friend. See Dredd clean up in Tomb of the Garbage God! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/29/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-159-dredd-to-bike-free-me-a-judges-bike-is-his-best-friend-see-dredd-clean-up-in-tomb-of-the-garbage-god/)

And the name of Tharg's home planet is...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 30 December, 2019, 11:58:58 AM
2000ad and Tornado Prog 160: "Shall I tell them, Pa?" "No, let me!" "I'll do it, Pa!" "Judge Dredd is a dead man!" Dredd hits Texas City – and Texas City hits back! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/30/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-160-shall-i-tell-them-pa-no-let-me-ill-do-it-pa-judge-dredd-is-a-dead-man-dredd-hits-texas-city-and-texas-ci/)

Lotsa new characters this prog!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 31 December, 2019, 11:16:15 AM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 161: "Find the Judge Child or your city dies!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2019/12/31/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-161-find-the-judge-child-or-your-city-dies/)

The end of Blackhawk, forever.  The end of Fiends of the Eastern Front (for a few decades, anyway).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 01 January, 2020, 09:30:46 PM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 162: "Bring me da head of Sam Slade!" The hunt is on for Robo-Hunter (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/01/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-162-bring-me-da-head-of-sam-slade-the-hunt-is-on-for-robo-hunter/)

Zero is back!  Zero is also MACH!  Oh, and there's a new judge appearing, Hershey.  Maybe you've heard of her?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 02 January, 2020, 11:48:16 AM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 163: "Ug!" Dredd draws another blank in his search for the Judge Child (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/02/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-163-ug-dredd-draws-another-blank-in-his-search-for-the-judge-child/)

"Refreshes the parts other drinks daren't go near!"
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 03 January, 2020, 11:15:23 AM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 164: "Look out, you alien creeps – the LAW is here!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/03/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-164-look-out-you-alien-creeps-the-law-is-here/)

Bio-chips!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 04 January, 2020, 07:45:24 PM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 165: "Wuuurgh!" A nightmare comes to life! See MACH Zero (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/04/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-165-wuuurgh-a-nightmare-comes-to-life-see-mach-zero/)

Everyone's a Squaxx now!

Oh, and that planet that Yoda lives on is called Dagobath, apparently - which is funny, 'coz that's what Luke did the moment he landed there!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 05 January, 2020, 08:40:40 PM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 166: New this prog! The Stainless Steel Rat Saves the World! / Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back – 15 electronic battle command games and 20 action figures to be won! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/05/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-166-new-this-prog-the-stainless-steel-rat-saves-the-world-star-wars-the-empire-strikes-back-15-electronic-battle-command-games-and-20-action-figures-to-be-won/)

Slippery Jim is back.  Also... when planets get hungry!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 06 January, 2020, 11:32:41 AM
2000AD Prog 167: Comic Rock First Release: Terror Tube – This comic should be played at 45 R.P.M. (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/06/2000ad-prog-167-comic-rock-first-release-terror-tube-this-comic-should-be-played-at-45-r-p-m/)

Nemesis Book III started within the first month or so of my buying 2000AD and it hooked me - this is our introduction to Termight!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 07 January, 2020, 11:08:38 AM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 168: CRIME "Any questions?" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/07/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-168-crime-any-questions/)

Dredd has to have a sit down.  Luckily he has warwheels on his side!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 08 January, 2020, 03:48:33 PM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 169: A Scene from the Civil War in Post-Atomic America (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/08/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-169-a-scene-from-the-civil-war-in-post-atomic-america/)

Just looking at it I've missed a few bits - shall have to sort it out later, but now is not a good time.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 09 January, 2020, 11:06:28 AM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 170: Dredd Meets – The Necromancer! "It is useless to resist, little man – you have been judged DEAD!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/09/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-170-dredd-meets-the-necromancer-it-is-useless-to-resist-little-man-you-have-been-judged-dead/)

I make a prediction (incorrect, as it happens) on what 'judgement is coming' is all about.

Oh, and some guy from Northampton writes a four-pager.

Oh, oh, and Judge Dredd is properly killed - not just injured.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 09 January, 2020, 11:22:27 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 09 January, 2020, 11:06:28 AM
Oh, oh, and Judge Dredd is properly killed - not just injured.

Still can't believe what a throw-away moment that is! It's not even made clear that he was dead until the following week, after he's been resurrected!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 09 January, 2020, 08:56:36 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 09 January, 2020, 11:22:27 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 09 January, 2020, 11:06:28 AM
Oh, oh, and Judge Dredd is properly killed - not just injured.

Still can't believe what a throw-away moment that is! It's not even made clear that he was dead until the following week, after he's been resurrected!
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 09 January, 2020, 11:22:27 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 09 January, 2020, 11:06:28 AM
Oh, oh, and Judge Dredd is properly killed - not just injured.

Still can't believe what a throw-away moment that is! It's not even made clear that he was dead until the following week, after he's been resurrected!

I know, right?



Meanwhile, I just filled in the missing bits (the paragraph on Wolfie Smith and the grailquote) for Prog 169 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/08/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-169-a-scene-from-the-civil-war-in-post-atomic-america/) - as I wrote it I remembered I'd already written it - wordpress must have swallowed it before posting the first time...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 10 January, 2020, 11:40:04 AM
2000AD Sci-Fi Special 1980: Judge Dredd – he ain't heavy, he's the law! Tharg meets Harry Harrison! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/10/2000ad-sci-fi-special-1980-judge-dredd-he-aint-heavy-hes-the-law-tharg-meets-harry-harrison/)

Move over Alvin Gaunt, here comes A A Grant!  And Steve Dillon!  And that chap from Northampton in this week's prog also makes an appearance, either before or after Killer in the Cab, depending on not-too-clear publication dates...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 11 January, 2020, 12:05:41 PM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 171: The Stainless Steel Rat Saves the World (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/11/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-171-the-stainless-steel-rat-saves-the-world/)

Simon Pegg (not that one)* counts the pages.
It's confirmed, Judge Dredd is dead (as it wasn't clear at the end of the previous prog).  Any dramatic tension is reduced because the confirmation is in the same panel where he's brought back to life...
Grailquote is between John Howard and TB Grover ;)



* though that one was almost definitely reading the progs by this time.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 12 January, 2020, 03:24:04 PM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 172: "Anything to report, Lopez?" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/12/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-172-anything-to-report-lopez/)

Are you ready to have nightmares?  I know some people did, after viewing the Jigsaw Disease!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 12 January, 2020, 08:59:56 PM
Re: Bolland's distorted Dredd and Hershey.  I used to use a negative enlarger* to distort photos in the X and Y, and I'd imagine you could do it with an overhead projector too?



*Used to print my own photos.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: M.I.K. on 12 January, 2020, 09:51:33 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 12 January, 2020, 08:59:56 PM
Re: Bolland's distorted Dredd and Hershey.  I used to use a negative enlarger* to distort photos in the X and Y, and I'd imagine you could do it with an overhead projector too?



*Used to print my own photos.

You could also distort things in all kinds of weird ways with a photocopier by slowly moving the original picture around on the top as it was copying.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 13 January, 2020, 12:38:19 AM
Quote from: M.I.K. on 12 January, 2020, 09:51:33 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 12 January, 2020, 08:59:56 PM
Re: Bolland's distorted Dredd and Hershey.  I used to use a negative enlarger* to distort photos in the X and Y, and I'd imagine you could do it with an overhead projector too?



*Used to print my own photos.

You could also distort things in all kinds of weird ways with a photocopier by slowly moving the original picture around on the top as it was copying.

I've certainly seen the latter in the prog (off the top of my head I think the Golgotha Plains in the first series of Bad Company uses that method).

I've tried to find examples of pictures which have been through a negative enlarger (sorry, never heard of such a piece of equipment before today!) but could only find diagrams of how the things work!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 13 January, 2020, 12:39:25 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 13 January, 2020, 12:38:19 AM
Quote from: M.I.K. on 12 January, 2020, 09:51:33 PM
You could also distort things in all kinds of weird ways with a photocopier by slowly moving the original picture around on the top as it was copying.

I've certainly seen the latter in the prog (off the top of my head I think the Golgotha Plains in the first series of Bad Company uses that method).

p.s. I'm sure most people who have worked in an office and been impatient to get their photocopy have seen first-hand examples of the distorted photocopier method :)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 13 January, 2020, 12:47:58 AM
I'm sure you're probably right, but my thought was that the photocopier method (beloved of various zines I worked on!) wasn't precise enough for what Bolland does. An enlarger allows you to stretch your pic precisely the way you want it, just like pulling the handles of a digital image today. They were ubiquitous kit for anyone with an interest in photography in the pre-digital age.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 13 January, 2020, 05:25:55 AM
Yeah, I think Bolland had some kind of image projector he could use to base linework off of. We've seen it in action in the prog before, like in the celebrity cameos in Prog 52.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Funt Solo on 13 January, 2020, 06:12:44 AM
Mention of which makes me think of this (which I have on a paper bag from when I was a young lad):

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7f3oXFGfG7Q/VYzuS4NCHKI/AAAAAAAAYf8/9-N9JcvAZLs/s1600/FORBIDDEN-PLANET-2_AD_1983.jpg)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 13 January, 2020, 11:20:53 AM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 173: "Help me, Judge Dredd! This planet's sending me to pieces!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/13/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-173-help-me-judge-dredd-this-planets-sending-me-to-pieces/)

Moustaches are [em]really[/em] bad for your health!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 13 January, 2020, 11:21:33 AM
Interesting looking at that Brian Bolland piece - is that the picture of Debbie Harry which inspired the look of Anderson?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 14 January, 2020, 11:59:04 AM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 174: The race is on to attend the... 2000AD Galactic Olympics "Can't wait to see the laser slalom contest!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/14/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-174-the-race-is-on-to-attend-the-2000ad-galactic-olympics-cant-wait-to-see-the-laser-slalom-contest/)

Angelina's back!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: norton canes on 14 January, 2020, 01:08:18 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 13 January, 2020, 11:21:33 AM
Interesting looking at that Brian Bolland piece - is that the picture of Debbie Harry which inspired the look of Anderson?

Debbie Harry? Or Deirdre Vine (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=43932.msg1005462#msg1005462)?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 14 January, 2020, 01:16:34 PM
Quote from: norton canes on 14 January, 2020, 01:08:18 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 13 January, 2020, 11:21:33 AM
Interesting looking at that Brian Bolland piece - is that the picture of Debbie Harry which inspired the look of Anderson?

Debbie Harry? Or Deirdre Vine (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=43932.msg1005462#msg1005462)?

I did have it in the back of my mind that Anderson wasn't based on Debbie Harry, though my wording completely failed to convey any sense of "this is Bolland drawing Debbie Harry - does that look like Anderson to you?".  Lucky I don't write regularly, eh?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 16 January, 2020, 12:01:50 PM
I missed yesterday because I've got through to the 1981 annuals.  I foreseeing that the next few days may be prone to delays as i trudge through two of the remaining annuals (the Judge Dredd one should be much easier).

2000AD Annual 1981 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/16/2000ad-annual-1981/)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 17 January, 2020, 12:38:03 PM
I added a few bits to the 2000AD annual review, nothing major.

Today is the Judge Dredd Annual 1981: 2000 A.D.'s top sci-fi hero bursts into action! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/17/judge-dredd-annual-1981-2000-a-d-s-top-sci-fi-hero-bursts-into-action/)

I'd try to put something witty and concise here, but after seven (?) assorted 2000AD, Dan Dare, Starlord and Tornado annuals, perhaps it's best if this decent annual without reprinted stories speak for itself.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 18 January, 2020, 03:16:58 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 17 January, 2020, 12:38:03 PM
I added a few bits to the 2000AD annual review, nothing major.

Today is the Judge Dredd Annual 1981: 2000 A.D.'s top sci-fi hero bursts into action! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/17/judge-dredd-annual-1981-2000-a-d-s-top-sci-fi-hero-bursts-into-action/)

I'd try to put something witty and concise here, but after seven (?) assorted 2000AD, Dan Dare, Starlord and Tornado annuals, perhaps it's best if this decent annual without reprinted stories speak for itself.

Appreciate the mention, and cheers on finally making it through the wilderness of Annuals! They're going to be pretty decent for the next few years!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 18 January, 2020, 10:33:01 AM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 18 January, 2020, 03:16:58 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 17 January, 2020, 12:38:03 PM
I added a few bits to the 2000AD annual review, nothing major.

Today is the Judge Dredd Annual 1981: 2000 A.D.'s top sci-fi hero bursts into action! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/17/judge-dredd-annual-1981-2000-a-d-s-top-sci-fi-hero-bursts-into-action/)

I'd try to put something witty and concise here, but after seven (?) assorted 2000AD, Dan Dare, Starlord and Tornado annuals, perhaps it's best if this decent annual without reprinted stories speak for itself.

Appreciate the mention, and cheers on finally making it through the wilderness of Annuals! They're going to be pretty decent for the next few years!

That's what you think!  The Judge Dredd annual may be a beacon of light in the wilderness of twenty-year-old reprints* and pink-washed black and white strips, but I still have the Starlord and Tornado annuals to contend with - guess who's back that we thought we'd said goodbye to in the 2000AD annual 1981? - coming in my next update!


* in 1980 - sixty year old now.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 19 January, 2020, 12:16:42 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 18 January, 2020, 10:33:01 AM
That's what you think!  The Judge Dredd annual may be a beacon of light in the wilderness of twenty-year-old reprints* and pink-washed black and white strips, but I still have the Starlord and Tornado annuals to contend with - guess who's back that we thought we'd said goodbye to in the 2000AD annual 1981? - coming in my next update!


* in 1980 - sixty year old now.

(https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/199/693/disgusted-mother-of-god.png?1321272571)

I've been feeling your pain recently as several early 1989 progs reprint stories from the 81 Dredd Annual. Good to now that after all these years Fox and I retain our dislike of Walter :D
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 19 January, 2020, 11:12:27 AM
Updated the JD annual with quiz results (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/17/judge-dredd-annual-1981-2000-a-d-s-top-sci-fi-hero-bursts-into-action/) (we did the quiz late last night so I can't remember what the actual points I got was, 66 out of 80 perhaps?.

Meanwhile, you thought that Phantom Patrol was over.  It wasn't.

Starlord Annual 1981 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/19/starlord-annual-1981/)

Never mind though - there's a sequel to Mind Wars, so it can't be all bad.  Can it?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 20 January, 2020, 05:03:56 AM
From hell's heart I stab at thee, Phantom Patrol!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 20 January, 2020, 11:38:20 AM
Victor Drago meets people from India and China (and that's not including the text story).  1980 stories featuring characters in the 1920s couldn't possibly feature racist caricatures, could it?  Find out in:

Tornado Annual 1981: Black Hawk, Wolfie Smith and Johnny Lawless in spine-tingling full-length picture-stories! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/20/tornado-annual-1981-black-hawk-wolfie-smith-and-johnny-lawless-in-spine-tingling-full-length-picture-stories/)

Back to the weekly progs tomorrow - and about time!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Aaron A Aardvark on 20 January, 2020, 12:56:24 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 19 January, 2020, 11:12:27 AM
Updated the JD annual with quiz results (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/17/judge-dredd-annual-1981-2000-a-d-s-top-sci-fi-hero-bursts-into-action/) (we did the quiz late last night so I can't remember what the actual points I got was, 66 out of 80 perhaps?.

Meanwhile, you thought that Phantom Patrol was over.  It wasn't.

Starlord Annual 1981 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/19/starlord-annual-1981/)

Never mind though - there's a sequel to Mind Wars, so it can't be all bad.  Can it?
I must have owned that Starlord Annual because I remember the cover and the Mind Wars prologue but the rest is a blank. Sounds horrible.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 20 January, 2020, 01:07:08 PM
Quote from: Aaron A Aardvark on 20 January, 2020, 12:56:24 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 19 January, 2020, 11:12:27 AM
Updated the JD annual with quiz results (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/17/judge-dredd-annual-1981-2000-a-d-s-top-sci-fi-hero-bursts-into-action/) (we did the quiz late last night so I can't remember what the actual points I got was, 66 out of 80 perhaps?.

Meanwhile, you thought that Phantom Patrol was over.  It wasn't.

Starlord Annual 1981 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/19/starlord-annual-1981/)

Never mind though - there's a sequel to Mind Wars, so it can't be all bad.  Can it?
I must have owned that Starlord Annual because I remember the cover and the Mind Wars prologue but the rest is a blank. Sounds horrible.

It's certainly 'of it's time'.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 20 January, 2020, 01:45:55 PM
I've never even seen that Tornado annual, and I've trawled my share of carboot sales - now thanks to Sheridan I'm grateful that I never have to.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 20 January, 2020, 04:24:31 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 20 January, 2020, 01:45:55 PM
I've never even seen that Tornado annual, and I've trawled my share of carboot sales - now thanks to Sheridan I'm grateful that I never have to.

I could only recommend it to the completists ;)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 20 January, 2020, 04:46:22 PM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 20 January, 2020, 05:03:56 AM
From hell's heart I stab at thee, Phantom Patrol!

It did give us this Chris Weston beauty -

(https://i.imgur.com/2nEPKJx.jpg)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Greg M. on 20 January, 2020, 06:41:23 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 20 January, 2020, 11:38:20 AM
Tornado Annual 1981: Black Hawk, Wolfie Smith and Johnny Lawless in spine-tingling full-length picture-stories! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/20/tornado-annual-1981-black-hawk-wolfie-smith-and-johnny-lawless-in-spine-tingling-full-length-picture-stories/)

Is it me, or does Black Hawk look... well, more like White Hawk on that cover? His limbs in particular are pretty pale. Surely not a deliberate attempt to downplay his ethnicity? I sense the malign influence of Victor Drago.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 21 January, 2020, 11:19:47 AM
Quote from: Greg M. on 20 January, 2020, 06:41:23 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 20 January, 2020, 11:38:20 AM
Tornado Annual 1981: Black Hawk, Wolfie Smith and Johnny Lawless in spine-tingling full-length picture-stories! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/20/tornado-annual-1981-black-hawk-wolfie-smith-and-johnny-lawless-in-spine-tingling-full-length-picture-stories/)

Is it me, or does Black Hawk look... well, more like White Hawk on that cover? His limbs in particular are pretty pale. Surely not a deliberate attempt to downplay his ethnicity? I sense the malign influence of Victor Drago.

Not the only occasion - I mention this in one of my other blog posts but typically can't figure out which one right now!  It was one where he's the same shade as a white character...

Meanwhile, today's post:
2000AD and Tornado Prog 175: Super-charged sci-fi to smash your circuits! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/21/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-175-super-charged-sci-fi-to-smash-your-circuits/)
Y'know what might have been an idea?  As good as that Gibbons cover is, sticking that Leach poster on the front may have been a good move, seeing as it's the last episode of the V.C.s and all...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 22 January, 2020, 11:38:26 AM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 176: "Attention all staff droids! Next stop the planet of Zrag!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/22/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-176-attention-all-staff-droids-next-stop-the-planet-of-zrag/)

I hope you like Tharg stories, because there's a few coming up...

p.s. Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons do a story about a psychiatrist, though the patient doesn't wear a mask...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 23 January, 2020, 11:06:32 AM
2000AD and Tornado Prog 177: "That office droid's trying to save Tharg! Disintegrate it!" Has AALN-1 shot his bolts? See the Great Human Rip-Off! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/23/2000ad-and-tornado-prog-177-that-office-droids-trying-to-save-tharg-disintegrate-it-has-aaln-1-shot-his-bolts-see-the-great-human-rip-off/)

Endings, of stories, series and characters...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 24 January, 2020, 06:01:08 AM
Roll-on the jumping-on prog!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 24 January, 2020, 09:01:40 PM
It'd help if I'd posted the link to the jumping on prog the day it gets published (which it still is, technically)...

2000AD Prog 178: Britain's No 1 Sci-Fi Hero! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/24/2000ad-prog-178-britains-no-1-sci-fi-hero/)

Probably the best prog so far in the slog (there's been some good progs up to this point, and at least one of the stories in this prog will go downhill at some point, but for the time being...)

It's got the proper logo and everything ;)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 25 January, 2020, 08:29:59 PM
2000AD Prog 179: Strontium Dog on the trail of Willy Blanko! / Zarjaz Judge Dredd mobile starts this prog (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/25/2000ad-prog-179-strontium-dog-on-the-trail-of-willy-blanko-zarjaz-judge-dredd-mobile-starts-this-prog/)

Ron Smith paints his first comic strip in the pages of the galaxy's greatest (it's not what you think)...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 26 January, 2020, 02:50:41 PM
2000AD Prog 180: The Law is the Word! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/26/2000ad-prog-180-the-law-is-the-word/)

When you're ripping off a picture to send in, don't use the cover of the very book that was adapted into a comic!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 27 January, 2020, 08:12:11 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 25 January, 2020, 08:29:59 PM
2000AD Prog 179: Strontium Dog on the trail of Willy Blanko! / Zarjaz Judge Dredd mobile starts this prog (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/25/2000ad-prog-179-strontium-dog-on-the-trail-of-willy-blanko-zarjaz-judge-dredd-mobile-starts-this-prog/)

Ron Smith paints his first comic strip in the pages of the galaxy's greatest (it's not what you think)...

Let me stand in for Fox and shake my fist angrily at the Green Cross Code!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: The Monarch on 27 January, 2020, 11:05:16 AM
ah the green cross code saga one of my fave bits from early spacespinner :lol:
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 January, 2020, 11:48:46 AM
2000AD Prog 181: "It's taken my best shot... and it still won't die!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/27/2000ad-prog-181-its-taken-my-best-shot-and-it-still-wont-die/)

Front cover: Carlos Ezquerra.  First story (starting on the inside back cover): art by Carlos Ezquerra.  Last story: Carlos Ezquerra.  Back cover: Carlos Ezquerra.  There's some artists who get a bit of a look in in the intervening pages.

Oh, and the Judge Child Quest is completed.  Well, finishes - definitions of 'complete' may vary.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Aaron A Aardvark on 27 January, 2020, 12:44:07 PM
Why, I 'member one time he worse slippers to kick a man to detah – jus' so's it wouldn't hurt so bad!

One of my all time favourite lines,  :lol:
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Fungus on 27 January, 2020, 03:51:07 PM
My first prog *sniff*.
Loved The Tidy-Up Droid, and Dredd was pretty overwhelming/confusing... Last part of a mega epic, I just drooled over Ron's art and made happy sounds 😋
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 28 January, 2020, 11:42:53 AM
Quote from: Fungus on 27 January, 2020, 03:51:07 PM
My first prog *sniff*.
Loved The Tidy-Up Droid, and Dredd was pretty overwhelming/confusing... Last part of a mega epic, I just drooled over Ron's art and made happy sounds 😋

I sort of had similar - my first prog had the end of two stories but the beginning of another long running series.

But today...
2000AD Prog 182: "These blocks are under arrest!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/28/2000ad-prog-182-these-blocks-are-under-arrest/)

Alpha and Wulf go after a big bounty - he's not named, but looks a bit like a film star of the 1930s...

Amazingly - while the 1980/1981 annuals are on the shelves, the Tharg story features panels from a story that'll run in the 1981/1982 annuals!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 28 January, 2020, 11:40:40 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 28 January, 2020, 11:42:53 AM
Amazingly - while the 1980/1981 annuals are on the shelves, the Tharg story features panels from a story that'll run in the 1981/1982 annuals!

From what I can tell the annuals are usually compiled around March of the year they come out in, so maybe Bolland was currently working on that story when this was put together in what...September? It's hard to figure out the lead times on these!

But mostly I wanted to pop in and spread my theory that this Tharg story took place because in the 81 Dredd annual it was reveiled that John Howard was actually John Wagner, so that pen name has been blown! Now it's time to bring TB Grover in, which might also represent the Wagner/Grant combine instead of just Wagner writing things. Though weirdly Ace Trucking will be credited as Grant/Grover.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Aaron A Aardvark on 29 January, 2020, 08:19:48 AM
2000 AD was  ancient by IPC standards at this point. The writers seem more confident in planning long term storylines, Block War seeds the Apocalypse War but that's wayyyyyy in the future. I don't suppose Wagner/Grant were planning that far ahead but maybe they already had ideas.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 29 January, 2020, 09:41:11 AM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 28 January, 2020, 11:40:40 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 28 January, 2020, 11:42:53 AM
Amazingly - while the 1980/1981 annuals are on the shelves, the Tharg story features panels from a story that'll run in the 1981/1982 annuals!

From what I can tell the annuals are usually compiled around March of the year they come out in, so maybe Bolland was currently working on that story when this was put together in what...September? It's hard to figure out the lead times on these!

But mostly I wanted to pop in and spread my theory that this Tharg story took place because in the 81 Dredd annual it was reveiled that John Howard was actually John Wagner, so that pen name has been blown! Now it's time to bring TB Grover in, which might also represent the Wagner/Grant combine instead of just Wagner writing things. Though weirdly Ace Trucking will be credited as Grant/Grover.

That's what i assumed, but I was surprised when I read the next prog (update should be around eleven, GMT).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 29 January, 2020, 11:26:00 AM
2000AD Prog 183: "The predators have blown the dam... we're caught in a death-trap!"
(https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/29/2000ad-prog-183-the-predators-have-blown-the-dam-were-caught-in-a-death-trap/)

Now that John Howard is working on reception, who have they drafted in to cover for John Wagner and Alan Grant?  He's been twiddling his thumbs since Blackhawk (and confusingly I think he was Alan Grant and Kelvin Gosnell on that story).


...it's Alvin Gaunt!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 30 January, 2020, 11:52:59 AM
2000AD Prog 184: "No-one apes the law!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/30/2000ad-prog-184-no-one-apes-the-law/)

Bormann's back, but he's not pretending to be a time agent this time.

Also, didn't mention it eariler, but the Mean Arena takes place next year, 2021!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 30 January, 2020, 11:53:23 AM
Oh, and after Alvin Gaunt wrote last week's Dredd, TB Grover is on the job this time around.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Gary James on 30 January, 2020, 02:12:18 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 30 January, 2020, 11:52:59 AM
Also, didn't mention it eariler, but the Mean Arena takes place next year, 2021!

2020 used to seem so futuristic. (https://www.comics.org/series/name/2020/sort/alpha/)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 31 January, 2020, 11:04:34 AM
Quote from: Gary James on 30 January, 2020, 02:12:18 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 30 January, 2020, 11:52:59 AM
Also, didn't mention it eariler, but the Mean Arena takes place next year, 2021!

2020 used to seem so futuristic. (https://www.comics.org/series/name/2020/sort/alpha/)

I was thinking of 20/20 Visions just the other day.

2000AD Prog 185: The Dogs of War are Here! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/01/31/2000ad-prog-185-the-dogs-of-war-are-here/)

Tom Tully writes about a villain called Archie Sugrue, who's trying to kill our hero on the field of a deadly future sport. 

I'm sure there's an anagram competition in Archie Sugrue / Artie Gruber somewhere!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Gary James on 31 January, 2020, 11:23:47 AM
As the title of the thread is "How to Do a Prog Slog."

Quote from: sheridan on 31 January, 2020, 11:04:34 AM
Tom Tully writes about a villain called Archie Sugrue...

I always had the nagging suspicion, much like the Dredd stories using real names for blocks, that a great many of these names were slightly hidden references to celebrities / sportsmen / politicians / whatever. When people list all the characters in a story it would be really helpful to indicate, where known, what is a reference.

There are a few blindingly obvious visual nods (Rondo Hatton, and the Carry On ensemble in Dredd, f'rinstance), but the names are so much harder to place for some reason.

Really wish someone would do a comparative study, looking at the relaunched Eagle, Radio Times, Look In, etc. (titles which always had popular figures present thoughout the eighties) to see where things were picked up from, and what was a dig at current trends. Seeing the threads which the fabric was constructed from could make some stories better (Harry 20, Fr1day, Night Zero) if the satirical elements weren't so far removed frm the text.

Or maybe that's something Rebellion could do - putting a comic strip beside the original script, and highlighting the details which, thanks to the passing of time, are now historical curios. Sorta like DVD trivia tracks.

Not that I'm asking a lot.  :lol:
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 31 January, 2020, 12:37:02 PM
Quote from: Gary James on 31 January, 2020, 11:23:47 AM
As the title of the thread is "How to Do a Prog Slog."

Quote from: sheridan on 31 January, 2020, 11:04:34 AM
Tom Tully writes about a villain called Archie Sugrue...

I always had the nagging suspicion, much like the Dredd stories using real names for blocks, that a great many of these names were slightly hidden references to celebrities / sportsmen / politicians / whatever. When people list all the characters in a story it would be really helpful to indicate, where known, what is a reference.


Or maybe that's something Rebellion could do - putting a comic strip beside the original script, and highlighting the details which, thanks to the passing of time, are now historical curios. Sorta like DVD trivia tracks.

Not that I'm asking a lot.  :lol:

I can think of reasons Rebellion wouldn't want to do such as thing, even with the changes in laws regarding parodies/satires a few years back...

But there are two threads devoted to cultural references, puns and blatant rip-offs (and there's reference to an older thread, but it doesnt' say what the thread's called so the reference is pretty useless).

2000AD Sci-Fi Swipe File (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=39512)

Things that went over your head... (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=35063.0)

I have the same issue that Conrad and Fox have over in SpaceSpinner2000 in that I'm a little too young to get many of the cultural references (and I don't watch Coronation Street, which is apparently key to understanding Judge Dredd).  Or at least I'll be a bit too young for the next five years (in progs).  After that I'm both a) reading as they come out and more importantly b) old enough to understand the references at the time, many of which would be incredibly difficult to find out about forty years later.

p.s. always happy to get suggestions about how to improve the prog slog - I'll try to remember to mention the cultural references that I do understand.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Gary James on 31 January, 2020, 05:08:53 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 31 January, 2020, 12:37:02 PM
But there are two threads devoted to cultural references, puns and blatant rip-offs

Yeah... Divided on whether I ought to read those in their entirety or not - I think I indexed everything up to c.1992 (I know I didn't cover the Meg), and it is extremely tempting to see where I can fill in gaps on my own. Add it to the list of things that are as yet "pending".

Quote from: sheridan on 31 January, 2020, 12:37:02 PM
I have the same issue that Conrad and Fox have over in SpaceSpinner2000 in that I'm a little too young to get many of the cultural references (and I don't watch Coronation Street, which is apparently key to understanding Judge Dredd).

If you think Tooth is difficult to "get" all the jokes, references, and allusions, take a gander at 1940s and 50s comics sometime. :lol: I'm sure I only get about three percent of the references.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 01 February, 2020, 11:19:27 AM
2000AD Prog 186: "Get Ugly!" Revolting new craze sweeps Mega-City One! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/01/2000ad-prog-186-get-ugly-revolting-new-craze-sweeps-mega-city-one/)

Fox's favourite green-costumed superhero is back (in a reprint of an advert).

You've found a demonic creature on a frozen hell-planet?  And there's living cells in it liver?  Yes, let's clone it - what could possibly go wrong?

But Otto Sump is the main attraction this prog!  Cue plug for Mega-City Book Club's episode on Sump (https://megacitybookclub.blogspot.com/2018/05/67-otto-sump.html)!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 02 February, 2020, 12:55:47 PM
2000AD Prog 187: In the Mean Arena you score first and check your wounds later! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/02/2000ad-prog-187-in-the-mean-arena-you-score-first-and-check-your-wounds-later/)

Otto's advertising budget skyrockets as the Dredd tale takes a few commercial breaks!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Gary James on 02 February, 2020, 03:05:52 PM
"Great balloon" is a weight reference - comparing someone's shape to a balloon.

To the thought about annuals: even in the early 90s - when the annuals became yearbooks - distribution was really spotty, and it wasn't just 2000 AD (or even Fleetway titles) as some Marvel annuals didn't seem to make an appearance up until right before Christmas.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: M.I.K. on 02 February, 2020, 03:43:22 PM
Quote from: Gary James on 02 February, 2020, 03:05:52 PM
"Great balloon" is a weight reference - comparing someone's shape to a balloon.

That's not my reading of it.

"Balloon" is a particularly Scottish insult, which can mean either someone who is full of hot air or somebody whose head is full of nothing but air, (dependent upon context/regional variation).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 02 February, 2020, 03:56:51 PM
Quote from: M.I.K. on 02 February, 2020, 03:43:22 PM
Quote from: Gary James on 02 February, 2020, 03:05:52 PM
"Great balloon" is a weight reference - comparing someone's shape to a balloon.

That's not my reading of it.

"Balloon" is a particularly Scottish insult, which can mean either someone who is full of hot air or somebody whose head is full of nothing but air, (dependent upon context/regional variation).

Thanks M.I.K. - I'll have to remember to look for a Scottish slang dictionary next time I get confused by something Wagner and Grant have written!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Gary James on 02 February, 2020, 04:05:59 PM
Quote from: M.I.K. on 02 February, 2020, 03:43:22 PM
"Balloon" is a particularly Scottish insult...
In all my time in Scotland I've never come across the phrase, so I'll defer to you - given that it is written by Alan Grant... Yeah.

You might want to add that to Urban Dictionary (https://www.urbandictionary.com). :D

Quote from: sheridan on 02 February, 2020, 03:56:51 PM
I'll have to remember to look for a Scottish slang dictionary next time I get confused by something Wagner and Grant have written!
There's some online (https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Appendix:Glossary_of_Scottish_slang_and_jargon) (alas without that particular use of the word).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: M.I.K. on 02 February, 2020, 04:28:12 PM
Just so ye ken ah'm no makin' this up... One link (http://www.britannia.org/scotland/scotsdictionary/b.shtml) and another (https://blog.stir.ac.uk/scottish-sayings-life-in-scotland/).

Also worth noting for future reference that there's a tramp called "Clarty" in the Judge Dredd "Fungus" storyline.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 02 February, 2020, 10:30:01 PM
Great stuff - though I suspect if I look up everything I don't entirely ken in Grant/Grover's scripts then I'll be making one blog post every two days :-)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 02 February, 2020, 10:33:26 PM
Speaking of research - I've managed to get a few progs ahead this weekend (so I'm not finishing one post just past midnight on the day it's being published) so I'm on prog 191.  It has a centrespread poster which ties in to posters published in the same week in Roy of the Rovers, Tiger and Battle - anybody here know where I can see what the other posters looked like?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 03 February, 2020, 11:13:45 AM
2000AD Prog 188: "AAAAAAAAHHH!" The tide of terror that swept the Galaxy continues in... Return to Armageddon (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/03/2000ad-prog-188-aaaaaaaahhh-the-tide-of-terror-that-swept-the-galaxy-continues-in-return-to-armageddon/)

You can be ugly, but it'll cost ya!

Plus, the music industry takes notice of 2000AD.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 04 February, 2020, 11:41:22 AM
2000AD Prog 189: "Run, judgey-boy... the Demolition Derby's begun!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/04/2000ad-prog-189-run-judgey-boy-the-demolition-derbys-begun/)

Here comes eight-eyes!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 05 February, 2020, 12:22:18 PM
2000AD Prog 190: "Gonna hang ya Alpha... Hang ya HIGH!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/05/2000ad-prog-190-gonna-hang-ya-alpha-hang-ya-high/)

I see robots.  I see big robots.

I also see a colour centrespread map!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 06 February, 2020, 12:46:48 PM
2000AD Prog 191: "Pop one rivet and you're dead, creep!" "Hooway! Judge Dwedd!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/06/2000ad-prog-191-pop-one-rivet-and-youre-dead-creep-hooway-judge-dwedd/)

Walter gets droidnapped - not for the first time...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 07 February, 2020, 11:12:59 AM
2000AD Prog 192: "Splundig vur ho, ho, ho!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/07/2000ad-prog-192-splundig-vur-ho-ho-ho/)

Betelgeusian christmas greetings are rather similar to Polish ones.

Project X looms - but I can't remember what it is, if it actually does come to anything - this is the year that the Judge Dredd Boardgame* was published, and that Dredd started in the Daily Star**.

*As seen on Labyrinth
**Though that was dumped on editorial by management at the last minute, so it can't be that.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 08 February, 2020, 05:49:27 PM
2000AD Prog 193: Judge Dredd – Voted Britain's top comic character! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/08/2000ad-prog-193-judge-dredd-voted-britains-top-comic-character/)

Judge Dredd presents a mystery antagonist - who is The Fink?  (yes, I know we all know now).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 09 February, 2020, 02:55:53 PM
2000AD Prog 194: 1981 is the Year of the Alien! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/09/2000ad-prog-194-1981-is-the-year-of-the-alien/)

The history of street football.  Turns out that the Fink is the [spoiler]fifth member of the Angel Gang[/spoiler].
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 10 February, 2020, 11:59:54 AM
2000AD Prog 195: Return to Armageddon (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/10/2000ad-prog-195-return-to-armageddon/)

It's all about nudity and eating (of the cannibalistic variety) in both Strontium Dog and Meltdown Man.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 11 February, 2020, 11:06:15 AM
2000AD Prog 196: Superbad!! The Angel Gang in a zarjaz pin-up this prog! "Alien attack! Inside the hatch – fast!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/11/2000ad-prog-196-superbad-the-angel-gang-in-a-zarjaz-pin-up-this-prog-alien-attack-inside-the-hatch-fast/)

One for the continuity buffs - a poster of the Angel Gang, with dates of birth!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 12 February, 2020, 11:04:28 AM
2000AD Prog 197: Catch Captain Skank... or Mega-City One dies! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/12/2000ad-prog-197-catch-captain-skank-or-mega-city-one-dies/)

Dan Dare's back!  Or news of the TV series is...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 13 February, 2020, 11:23:52 AM
2000AD Prog 198: "By the right... SWARM!" Revenge of the Thrill-Suckers! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/13/2000ad-prog-198-by-the-right-swarm-revenge-of-the-thrill-suckers/)

We're in the age of Tharg stories (and I'd maintain good Tharg stories).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Fungus on 13 February, 2020, 12:26:21 PM
Yeah the Tharg stories worked just fine at the time, this one and others tickled a young Squaxx brain - including mine. We didn't even get the in-jokes... good example of tales never intended to be analysed and released in multiple formats, ad nauseum .......  🤔
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 14 February, 2020, 01:00:15 PM
2000AD Prog 199: "Time to die, matey! Zzzz!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/14/2000ad-prog-199-time-to-die-matey-zzzz/)

Bolland puts in a Skank-y cover.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 15 February, 2020, 01:10:09 PM
2000AD Prog 200 Let the reading galaxy celebrate! "I, Tharg, bring you future-worlds!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/15/2000ad-prog-200-let-the-reading-galaxy-celebrate-i-tharg-bring-you-future-worlds/)

Prog 200 - not a jumping-on prog, with mostly continuing stories, except for one.  The tale of Kreelmans Nelson Bunker and John.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 16 February, 2020, 01:53:10 PM
2000AD Prog 201: "Get down! Assassination run!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/16/2000ad-prog-201-get-down-assassination-run/)

Birth of a mutant!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: barneytabasco on 16 February, 2020, 09:22:29 PM
Hope you've stocked up on your bottled water. Block Mania's heading your way!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 16 February, 2020, 10:35:28 PM
Quote from: barneytabasco on 16 February, 2020, 09:22:29 PM
Hope you've stocked up on your bottled water. Block Mania's heading your way!

Water?  Don't touch the stuff.  Nothing but shampagne and clean-o-spray man for me!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 17 February, 2020, 11:58:46 AM
2000AD Prog 202: No more muties! Portrait of a Mutant! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/17/2000ad-prog-202-no-more-muties-portrait-of-a-mutant/)

Reagan's first appearance in the prog?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 18 February, 2020, 11:43:46 AM
2000AD Prog 203: "Aeee! It's the thing we saw on TV... the freak that can't be killed!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/18/2000ad-prog-203-aeee-its-the-thing-we-saw-on-tv-the-freak-that-cant-be-killed/)

Pug Ugly makes an appearance!  Now where is that mp3?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Gary James on 18 February, 2020, 01:00:44 PM
The run being covered at the minute is still slightly before I was a regular reader, but these issues - and Prog 203's Dredd strip, with its focus on music, in particular - always makes me think of Dangerous (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Banw7_gQ9A). There's something about the overblown, ridiculous, wonderful strips and the extreme silliness of the song which simply works.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 19 February, 2020, 12:00:12 PM
2000AD Prog 204: King of the Streets! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/19/2000ad-prog-204-king-of-the-streets/)

The call goes out to readers - suggest and design your own street football team (but it has to be your home town).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 20 February, 2020, 12:00:34 PM
2000AD Prog 205: "Outta the way, gorps... Pole-Axe is coming through!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/20/2000ad-prog-205-outta-the-way-gorps-pole-axe-is-coming-through/)

Liana goes for a swim.  Bad things happen whenever Liana goes for a swim.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 20 February, 2020, 07:43:37 PM
Never twigged that was a Gibbons cover - always looked 100% Massimo to me!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 20 February, 2020, 08:19:38 PM
Quote from: Gary James on 18 February, 2020, 01:00:44 PM
The run being covered at the minute is still slightly before I was a regular reader, but these issues - and Prog 203's Dredd strip, with its focus on music, in particular - always makes me think of Dangerous (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Banw7_gQ9A). There's something about the overblown, ridiculous, wonderful strips and the extreme silliness of the song which simply works.
There's an mp3 of the Pug Ugly song somewhere - no idea what the genesis of its creation is though...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 20 February, 2020, 08:20:27 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 20 February, 2020, 07:43:37 PM
Never twigged that was a Gibbons cover - always looked 100% Massimo to me!

Apart from the odd Robo-Tale, he seems to be concentrating on covers (either front or back) at the moment...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 21 February, 2020, 09:22:38 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 20 February, 2020, 08:20:27 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 20 February, 2020, 07:43:37 PM
Never twigged that was a Gibbons cover - always looked 100% Massimo to me!

Apart from the odd Robo-Tale, he seems to be concentrating on covers (either front or back) at the moment...

I know it's still 6 months out at this point, but could he be developing/stockpiling Rogue Trooper in this period?  If ever a strip hit the ground/fused-quartz-hellscape running, that was it.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 21 February, 2020, 12:03:41 PM
I don't know why, but when I think of "what's Dave Gibbons getting up to at this point" I always forget Rogue Trooper - possibly his most iconic contribution to comics (other than Watchmen, naturally)!

2000AD Prog 206: Un-American Graffiti – Judge Dredd mounts a clean-up campaign... inside! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/21/2000ad-prog-206-un-american-graffiti-judge-dredd-mounts-a-clean-up-campaign-inside/)

New prog, new characters - and this one has parents who head eggs into buckets and clean dishes.  Then dirty the dishes.  Then clean the dishes...

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Gary James on 21 February, 2020, 12:24:01 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 20 February, 2020, 08:19:38 PM
There's an mp3 of the Pug Ugly song somewhere - no idea what the genesis of its creation is though...
Something else to add to the list of Things I Must Find. :D
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 21 February, 2020, 12:33:32 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 21 February, 2020, 12:03:41 PM
2000AD Prog 206: Un-American Graffiti – Judge Dredd mounts a clean-up campaign... inside! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/21/2000ad-prog-206-un-american-graffiti-judge-dredd-mounts-a-clean-up-campaign-inside/)

New prog, new characters - and this one has parents who head eggs into buckets and clean dishes.  Then dirty the dishes.  Then clean the dishes...

The prog where Deputy Chief Judge Pepper grows his leg back!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 21 February, 2020, 01:31:33 PM
It's a Logan situation.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 22 February, 2020, 12:41:48 PM
2000AD Prog 207: "Definitely un-zarjaz!" The Creep that Stole Croydon! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/22/2000ad-prog-207-definitely-un-zarjaz-the-creep-that-stole-croydon/)

Chopper meet The Phantom.  Briefly...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 23 February, 2020, 11:51:11 AM
2000AD Prog 208: "The destroyer's taken over Earth... only I can save it!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/23/2000ad-prog-208-the-destroyers-taken-over-earth-only-i-can-save-it/)

You wait four years for a Redondo cover, then a couple come along.

Which Heller model will Johnny buy next?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 23 February, 2020, 07:10:53 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 21 February, 2020, 12:33:32 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 21 February, 2020, 12:03:41 PM
2000AD Prog 206: Un-American Graffiti – Judge Dredd mounts a clean-up campaign... inside! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/21/2000ad-prog-206-un-american-graffiti-judge-dredd-mounts-a-clean-up-campaign-inside/)

New prog, new characters - and this one has parents who head eggs into buckets and clean dishes.  Then dirty the dishes.  Then clean the dishes...

The prog where Deputy Chief Judge Pepper grows his leg back!

The blog posts tend to get published a few days after I read the prog and write the posts - the answer to Pepper's mysterious regrowing leg was published in Prog 211 - my post for this coming Thursday...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 24 February, 2020, 07:51:49 AM
I love this period in the prog! "The Steady State" I call it, it's Dredd, Mean Arena, Meltdown Man, Return to Armageddon, and Portrait of a mutant for like 4 months, crazy! Once they finish we start up-shifting for the full golden age, with the premiers of Rogue Trooper and Ace Trucking. Exciting times!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 24 February, 2020, 12:02:42 PM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 24 February, 2020, 07:51:49 AM
I love this period in the prog! "The Steady State" I call it, it's Dredd, Mean Arena, Meltdown Man, Return to Armageddon, and Portrait of a mutant for like 4 months, crazy! Once they finish we start up-shifting for the full golden age, with the premiers of Rogue Trooper and Ace Trucking. Exciting times!

Definitely in a better place than it was a year or two earlier.  Despite my moaning about it, I do like Mean Arena - and while I remember the later episodes will let it down, the mid-series bits coming up with Steve Dillon should improve it!

Obviously I'm most excited by the upcoming Nemesis the Warlock book I.

Speaking of premiers of Nemesis...

2000AD Sci-Fi Special 1981 2000AD Reviewed! Tharg Photo-Stripped! Nemesis Revealed! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/24/2000ad-sci-fi-special-1981-2000ad-reviewed-tharg-photo-stripped-nemesis-revealed/)

...where we get to see the warlock for the first time!  For the first time (because he'll also get a reveal scene in the progs).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 25 February, 2020, 11:26:32 AM
2000AD Prog 209: "Hey, come back with my baby!" "Push off, creep! You ain't fit to raise monkeys!" "WAAAGHH!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/25/2000ad-prog-209-hey-come-back-with-my-baby-push-off-creep-you-aint-fit-to-raise-monkeys-waaaghh/)

A wraparound cover and the mega-rackets crime files begin!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 25 February, 2020, 11:50:18 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 25 February, 2020, 11:26:32 AMAlan Hebden and Belardinelli's Meltdown Man opens with Uncle Leo the yujee gypsy...

Watch for the moment that Leo suddenly becomes Louis in a few prog's time!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 25 February, 2020, 01:03:39 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 25 February, 2020, 11:50:18 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 25 February, 2020, 11:26:32 AMAlan Hebden and Belardinelli's Meltdown Man opens with Uncle Leo the yujee gypsy...

Watch for the moment that Leo suddenly becomes Louis in a few prog's time!

Thanks for the heads-up!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Lobo Baggins on 25 February, 2020, 03:02:34 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 24 February, 2020, 12:02:42 PM

2000AD Sci-Fi Special 1981 2000AD Reviewed! Tharg Photo-Stripped! Nemesis Revealed! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/24/2000ad-sci-fi-special-1981-2000ad-reviewed-tharg-photo-stripped-nemesis-revealed/)


I believe R. E. Wright was IPC's stock pseudonym so it can be anyone, really (it's usually someone else who's been heavily rewritten by Pat Mills, or Pat Mills rewritten by someone else, and some of the reprints in the 1982 Annual use it because it looks like no one could remember who actually wrote them at the time). And I think Southern Comfort is actually Alan Moore's very first attempt at writing a full length comic story - so it's been in the 'we've-paid-for-it-so-we've-got-to-use-it' drawer for a looong time.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 25 February, 2020, 03:18:48 PM
Quote from: Lobo Baggins on 25 February, 2020, 03:02:34 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 24 February, 2020, 12:02:42 PM

2000AD Sci-Fi Special 1981 2000AD Reviewed! Tharg Photo-Stripped! Nemesis Revealed! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/24/2000ad-sci-fi-special-1981-2000ad-reviewed-tharg-photo-stripped-nemesis-revealed/)


I believe R. E. Wright was IPC's stock pseudonym so it can be anyone, really (it's usually someone else who's been heavily rewritten by Pat Mills, or Pat Mills rewritten by someone else, and some of the reprints in the 1982 Annual use it because it looks like no one could remember who actually wrote them at the time). And I think Southern Comfort is actually Alan Moore's very first attempt at writing a full length comic story - so it's been in the 'we've-paid-for-it-so-we've-got-to-use-it' drawer for a looong time.

I did wonder about the pseudonym - and I don't think Alvin Gaunt has always had the same co-writer (I'm pretty sure Alan Grant was involved when that one was used, but that other person...)  It's pretty obvious that Southern Comfort is of a different 'vintage' to Abelard Snazz's first forays. 
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 26 February, 2020, 04:14:53 PM
2000AD Prog 210: "FREEZE!" The body-snatchers catch a cold – inside! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/26/2000ad-prog-210-freeze-the-body-snatchers-catch-a-cold-inside/)

I wonder if they drafted in Bolland to do this cover because he did the Forever Towers story?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 February, 2020, 12:00:19 PM
2000AD Prog 211: CRIME Dredd investigates the perp runners – inside! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/27/2000ad-prog-211-crime-dredd-investigates-the-perp-runners-inside/)

The Mutant Army attacks Upminster (incidentally, this story is the first time I'd heard of the place Upminster, so it was a bit of a surprise when I saw it on a London Underground map years later).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 27 February, 2020, 01:18:47 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 27 February, 2020, 12:00:19 PM
The Mutant Army attacks Upminster (incidentally, this story is the first time I'd heard of the place Upminster, so it was a bit of a surprise when I saw it on a London Underground map years later).

Hmmm, I always thought Upminster was a pun on Westminster, just called 'Up-' instead of 'West-' because it was, y'know, up. Had no idea it was a real place!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 February, 2020, 05:45:20 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 27 February, 2020, 01:18:47 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 27 February, 2020, 12:00:19 PM
The Mutant Army attacks Upminster (incidentally, this story is the first time I'd heard of the place Upminster, so it was a bit of a surprise when I saw it on a London Underground map years later).

Hmmm, I always thought Upminster was a pun on Westminster, just called 'Up-' instead of 'West-' because it was, y'know, up. Had no idea it was a real place!

The exact reasoning which led to my being surprised by seeing it on the East end of the District line.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 28 February, 2020, 12:01:51 PM
2000AD Prog 212: "Death to the Norms!" The Mutant Army is on the march – inside! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/28/2000ad-prog-212-death-to-the-norms-the-mutant-army-is-on-the-march-inside/)

More mutie mahem!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dandontdare on 29 February, 2020, 12:44:27 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 28 February, 2020, 12:01:51 PM
2000AD Prog 212: "Death to the Norms!" The Mutant Army is on the march – inside! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/28/2000ad-prog-212-death-to-the-norms-the-mutant-army-is-on-the-march-inside/)

More mutie mahem!

The perp runners story features one of my favourite lines when Dredd starts shooting up the place and tells all the aliens to run or die: "The humes gone nuddly! run for your lives!"
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 29 February, 2020, 01:00:54 PM
2000AD Prog 213: "I've got to kill you, Scott! If I don't, Lamrox will enslave the galaxy!" (see P.22.) (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/02/29/2000ad-prog-213-ive-got-to-kill-you-scott-if-i-dont-lamrox-will-enslave-the-galaxy-see-p-22/)

A Supercover Saga by any other name...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Gary James on 29 February, 2020, 02:41:07 PM
It may not have been intended to actually see print as is - one of those things writers stick in, expecting editors to do thier job and change the offending words - but there's something very amusing about the name Lamrox appearing on the cover. This is far too close to 'lame rocks' (as in "not having the stones") to be entirely unintentional.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 01 March, 2020, 01:31:53 PM
2000AD Prog 214: In the newsagents: "Skud gen gehr!" "Idiot! I asked for 2000 AD – not 2000 elbow scratchers!" The English/Phlondrutian Phrasebook (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/01/2000ad-prog-214-in-the-newsagents-skud-gen-gehr-idiot-i-asked-for-2000-ad-not-2000-elbow-scratchers-the-english-phlondrutian-phrasebook/)

The arm-wrestling episode of Meltdown Man!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Greg M. on 01 March, 2020, 01:44:53 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 01 March, 2020, 01:31:53 PM
2000AD Prog 214: In the newsagents: "Skud gen gehr!" "Idiot! I asked for 2000 AD – not 2000 elbow scratchers!" The English/Phlondrutian Phrasebook (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/01/2000ad-prog-214-in-the-newsagents-skud-gen-gehr-idiot-i-asked-for-2000-ad-not-2000-elbow-scratchers-the-english-phlondrutian-phrasebook/)

It's enormous fun - mostly because of the depiction of the increasingly unmoved Phlondrutians - but it does remind you how much Douglas Adams there was in Moore's early work.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 02 March, 2020, 12:22:06 PM
2000AD Prog 215: Meet Mega-City One's Contract Killers! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/02/2000ad-prog-215-meet-mega-city-ones-contract-killers/)

A certain detail on the Bolland cover has not aged at all well...

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 03 March, 2020, 01:27:37 PM
2000AD Prog 216: The synthetti men are out to get you! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/03/2000ad-prog-216-the-synthetti-men-are-out-to-get-you/)

The return of Tuckitonia, and a teaser poster for some new character.  Hint - he's got blue skin and the series is something to do with war.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 04 March, 2020, 11:31:47 AM
2000AD Prog 217: Universal Havoc! It's the Platinum Horde's last stand! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/04/2000ad-prog-217-universal-havoc-its-the-platinum-hordes-last-stand/)

Return to Armageddon goes all Star Trek (the Original Series).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 04 March, 2020, 11:37:38 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 04 March, 2020, 11:31:47 AM
Seth apparently gets run over by Leeshar's ice yacht – if so, it's a bit of a low-key ending for the snake, who's been with us for over half a year.

Farewell, King Seth! It is indeed a bizarrely abrupt end for such a major player. The first time I read MM I didn't even realise he'd died in this episode, until I reached the end of the saga without him reappearing!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 04 March, 2020, 12:29:17 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 04 March, 2020, 11:37:38 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 04 March, 2020, 11:31:47 AM
Seth apparently gets run over by Leeshar's ice yacht – if so, it's a bit of a low-key ending for the snake, who's been with us for over half a year.

Farewell, King Seth! It is indeed a bizarrely abrupt end for such a major player. The first time I read MM I didn't even realise he'd died in this episode, until I reached the end of the saga without him reappearing!

He started off as such a great character, but ended up sidelined, turned into a figure of fun then dispatched in an unclear manner - but he's not come back.  In my mind he'll reappear in the [spoiler]post-Stone Yujee World[/spoiler].
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 04 March, 2020, 12:31:24 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 04 March, 2020, 12:29:17 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 04 March, 2020, 11:37:38 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 04 March, 2020, 11:31:47 AM
Seth apparently gets run over by Leeshar's ice yacht – if so, it's a bit of a low-key ending for the snake, who's been with us for over half a year.

Farewell, King Seth! It is indeed a bizarrely abrupt end for such a major player. The first time I read MM I didn't even realise he'd died in this episode, until I reached the end of the saga without him reappearing!

He started off as such a great character, but ended up sidelined, turned into a figure of fun then dispatched in an unclear manner - but he's not come back.  In my mind he'll reappear in the [spoiler]post-Stone Yujee World[/spoiler].

The same thing happens to Pole-Axe, another of my favourite characters - he's genuinely bad news when he first arrives, but soon ends up being played for laughs.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 04 March, 2020, 02:04:12 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 04 March, 2020, 12:31:24 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 04 March, 2020, 12:29:17 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 04 March, 2020, 11:37:38 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 04 March, 2020, 11:31:47 AM
Seth apparently gets run over by Leeshar's ice yacht – if so, it's a bit of a low-key ending for the snake, who's been with us for over half a year.

Farewell, King Seth! It is indeed a bizarrely abrupt end for such a major player. The first time I read MM I didn't even realise he'd died in this episode, until I reached the end of the saga without him reappearing!

He started off as such a great character, but ended up sidelined, turned into a figure of fun then dispatched in an unclear manner - but he's not come back.  In my mind he'll reappear in the [spoiler]post-Stone Yujee World[/spoiler].

The same thing happens to Pole-Axe, another of my favourite characters - he's genuinely bad news when he first arrives, but soon ends up being played for laughs.

Funnily enough - outside of 2000AD - the first year that Skeletor appeared.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 05 March, 2020, 01:41:29 PM
2000AD Prog 218: The galaxy's first thrill-powered vid-zine! Strontium Dog leads... the Upminster jailbreak! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/05/2000ad-prog-218-the-galaxys-first-thrill-powered-vid-zine-strontium-dog-leads-the-upminster-jailbreak/)

Tom Tully and Steve Dillon are back on Mean Arena and we meet the super-predator in Meltdown Man.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 06 March, 2020, 12:54:59 PM
2000AD Prog 219: Traffic duty – Mega-City One Style! "Dredd's stumm-gassed the mopad! All bikes move in! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/06/2000ad-prog-219-traffic-duty-mega-city-one-style-dredds-stumm-gassed-the-mopad-all-bikes-move-in/)

Ruth Kreelman's in trouble (but not as much as Clacton Fuzz and Studs Boyce)!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Lobo Baggins on 06 March, 2020, 01:37:53 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 06 March, 2020, 12:54:59 PM
2000AD Prog 219: Traffic duty – Mega-City One Style! "Dredd's stumm-gassed the mopad! All bikes move in! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/06/2000ad-prog-219-traffic-duty-mega-city-one-style-dredds-stumm-gassed-the-mopad-all-bikes-move-in/)

Ruth Kreelman's in trouble (but not as much as Clacton Fuzz and Studs Boyce)!

With both Ruth Kreelman and Ruth Jensen appearing in these progs, this is the most Ruth that 2000 AD gets. It's largely Ruth-less for the rest of its history.

Ha ha!

Ahem, I'll get me coat...

I seem to have a vague memory of 'We're here because we're here' (sung to the tune of 'Auld Lang Syne') being a football chant  - don't know how accurate that memory is, though...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 06 March, 2020, 02:01:17 PM
Quote from: Lobo Baggins on 06 March, 2020, 01:37:53 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 06 March, 2020, 12:54:59 PM
2000AD Prog 219: Traffic duty – Mega-City One Style! "Dredd's stumm-gassed the mopad! All bikes move in! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/06/2000ad-prog-219-traffic-duty-mega-city-one-style-dredds-stumm-gassed-the-mopad-all-bikes-move-in/)

Ruth Kreelman's in trouble (but not as much as Clacton Fuzz and Studs Boyce)!

I seem to have a vague memory of 'We're here because we're here' (sung to the tune of 'Auld Lang Syne') being a football chant  - don't know how accurate that memory is, though...

It was originally (re)written by WWI soldiers bemoaning their lot on the Western Front; it may well have become a football chant since.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 06 March, 2020, 07:09:39 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 06 March, 2020, 02:01:17 PM
Quote from: Lobo Baggins on 06 March, 2020, 01:37:53 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 06 March, 2020, 12:54:59 PM
2000AD Prog 219: Traffic duty – Mega-City One Style! "Dredd's stumm-gassed the mopad! All bikes move in! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/06/2000ad-prog-219-traffic-duty-mega-city-one-style-dredds-stumm-gassed-the-mopad-all-bikes-move-in/)

Ruth Kreelman's in trouble (but not as much as Clacton Fuzz and Studs Boyce)!

I seem to have a vague memory of 'We're here because we're here' (sung to the tune of 'Auld Lang Syne') being a football chant  - don't know how accurate that memory is, though...

It was originally (re)written by WWI soldiers bemoaning their lot on the Western Front; it may well have become a football chant since.

With the over-reliance on the wars of the reader's parents and grandparents (or great-grandparents) in children's comics of the 1970s the WWI origin sounds plausible.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 06 March, 2020, 07:11:27 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 06 March, 2020, 07:09:39 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 06 March, 2020, 02:01:17 PM
Quote from: Lobo Baggins on 06 March, 2020, 01:37:53 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 06 March, 2020, 12:54:59 PM
2000AD Prog 219: Traffic duty – Mega-City One Style! "Dredd's stumm-gassed the mopad! All bikes move in! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/06/2000ad-prog-219-traffic-duty-mega-city-one-style-dredds-stumm-gassed-the-mopad-all-bikes-move-in/)

Ruth Kreelman's in trouble (but not as much as Clacton Fuzz and Studs Boyce)!

I seem to have a vague memory of 'We're here because we're here' (sung to the tune of 'Auld Lang Syne') being a football chant  - don't know how accurate that memory is, though...

It was originally (re)written by WWI soldiers bemoaning their lot on the Western Front; it may well have become a football chant since.

With the over-reliance on the wars of the reader's parents and grandparents (or great-grandparents) in children's comics of the 1970s the WWI origin sounds plausible.

Though, y'know, a sports chant in a future-sports strip also makes a lot of sense!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 07 March, 2020, 11:21:50 AM
2000AD Prog 220: "No surrender!" Portrait of a Mutant nears its chill-powered climax-inside! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/07/2000ad-prog-220-no-surrender-portrait-of-a-mutant-nears-its-chill-powered-climax-inside/)

The Kreelers are gone!  Long live the Peacekeeping Force!  Also valuable life guidance for the target audience of young boys - if your wife is getting old then run away and marry somebody else.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 07 March, 2020, 11:36:52 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 07 March, 2020, 11:21:50 AM
2000AD Prog 220: "No surrender!" Portrait of a Mutant nears its chill-powered climax-inside! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/07/2000ad-prog-220-no-surrender-portrait-of-a-mutant-nears-its-chill-powered-climax-inside/)

The Kreelers are gone!  Long live the Peacekeeping Force!  Also valuable life guidance for the target audience of young boys - if your wife is getting old then run away and marry somebody else.

p.s. after* I've finished a run of progs, I tend to listen to the Space Spinner 2000 reactions - any similarity between my blog posts and their comments is purely logical!


* i.e. I'm not copying Conrad and Fox's homework!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 08 March, 2020, 11:23:54 AM
2000AD Prog 221: "Your racket's over, creeps – judge this!" Down on the farm with J.D. (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/08/2000ad-prog-221-your-rackets-over-creeps-judge-this-down-on-the-farm-with-j-d/)

Your best friend is going off to face his estranged father, whom he hasn't seen in two decades and was responsible for the attempted genocide of all mutants?  Time for a cuppa!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 09 March, 2020, 12:07:49 PM
2000AD Prog 222: Are you pure? Nemesis the Warlock – new sword and sorcery thrill starts inside! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/09/2000ad-prog-222-are-you-pure-nemesis-the-warlock-new-sword-and-sorcery-thrill-starts-inside/)

One word.  Nemesis.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 10 March, 2020, 11:52:45 AM
2000AD Prog 223: The Alien Pit! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/10/2000ad-prog-223-the-alien-pit/)

RIP Louis AKA Leo the Lionman.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 11 March, 2020, 11:54:43 AM
2000AD Prog 224: Judge Death Lives! in Judge Dredd (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/11/2000ad-prog-224-judge-death-lives-in-judge-dredd/)

Undead special as the phantom Torq makes themselves known and a Judge from another dimensssion where all life isss a crime also returns.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 12 March, 2020, 11:56:15 AM
2000AD Prog 225: Dark Justice in Mega-City One! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/12/2000ad-prog-225-dark-justice-in-mega-city-one/)
Poetic justice in Earth's End and dark justice in Billy Carter Block!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 13 March, 2020, 12:03:49 PM
2000AD Annual 1982 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/13/2000ad-annual-1982/)
It's an expensive annual, so you follow the format of a prog and start with a strong story featuring one of the top characters, right?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 14 March, 2020, 08:16:59 PM
Judge Dredd Annual 1982 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/14/judge-dredd-annual-1982/)
Three fully-painted Dredds, plus three black and white anciliary character (comic) stories.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 14 March, 2020, 08:22:24 PM
2000AD Prog 227: "Here's the reward for making me all-powerful, Stone... Death!" Countdown to Meltdown! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/14/2000ad-prog-227-heres-the-reward-for-making-me-all-powerful-stone-death-countdown-to-meltdown/)

Owing to a scheduling error, there's two prog slog blogs today, and this one has the last episode of one of my favourite stories :-(

Also a special prog for another reason...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 15 March, 2020, 01:44:29 PM
2000AD Prog 226: In the Mean Arena, the name of the game is... get Tallon! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/15/2000ad-prog-226-in-the-mean-arena-the-name-of-the-game-is-get-tallon/)

Due to that previous scheduling error (the annuals messed it all up) this is the prog before the last blog...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 16 March, 2020, 11:17:19 AM
2000AD Prog 228: Zarjaz new future war story! He's the most feared man on Nu-Earth... Rogue Trooper (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/16/2000ad-prog-228-zarjaz-new-future-war-story-hes-the-most-feared-man-on-nu-earth-rogue-trooper/)

The Squaxx spoke and Tharg listened!

(also, scheduling back on track)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 17 March, 2020, 12:00:17 PM
2000AD Prog 229: The judges are out in force... Are you their suspect? (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/17/2000ad-prog-229-the-judges-are-out-in-force-are-you-their-suspect/)
Are you an Earthlet or a Terran?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 18 March, 2020, 01:33:20 PM
2000AD

Prog 230: Revenge of the Warlock! Nemesis hits back – inside! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/17/2000ad-prog-230-revenge-of-the-warlock-nemesis-hits-back-inside/)

Rogue reflects on his history.  The Mutator goes through changes.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 19 March, 2020, 12:23:36 PM
2000AD Prog 231: After 1984 there could only be... 2000AD Fight the fear of future war with... Rogue Trooper! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/19/2000ad-prog-231-after-1984-there-could-only-be-2000ad-fight-the-fear-of-future-war-with-rogue-trooper/)

Enter the Gila-Munja!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 20 March, 2020, 12:04:43 PM
2000AD Prog 232: Chug the Big Empty with... Ace Trucking Co. Plus! A Space Truckers' Dictionary collect part 1 of this zippo booklet (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/20/2000ad-prog-232-chug-the-big-empty-with-ace-trucking-co-plus-a-space-truckers-dictionary-collect-part-1-of-this-zippo-booklet/)

Brush your teeth and comb your hair – guess who's boiled in?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 21 March, 2020, 12:06:14 PM
2000AD Prog 233: "Blast 'em!" "Old Stony Face" leads the Hotdog Run! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/21/2000ad-prog-233-blast-em-old-stony-face-leads-the-hotdog-run/)

Rebellion have kindly made available the Judge Dredd: The Complete Case Files Vol.5 free for download to aid Earthlets through Covid-19 self-imposed isolation.  Fortuitously this is the same point I'm at in my prog slog, so you can all read along (the Dredd bits, anyway).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 22 March, 2020, 11:38:28 AM
2000AD Prog 234: Keep on trucking with Ace Trucking Co. inside Rogue Trooper battles the Raiders of the Atomic Desert! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/22/2000ad-prog-234-keep-on-trucking-with-ace-trucking-co-inside-rogue-trooper-battles-the-raiders-of-the-atomic-desert/)

Ace Garp joins the Dreddverse!

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 22 March, 2020, 08:28:07 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 22 March, 2020, 11:38:28 AM
2000AD Prog 234: Keep on trucking with Ace Trucking Co. inside Rogue Trooper battles the Raiders of the Atomic Desert! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/22/2000ad-prog-234-keep-on-trucking-with-ace-trucking-co-inside-rogue-trooper-battles-the-raiders-of-the-atomic-desert/)

Ace Garp joins the Dreddverse!

Ace and co appear in a Dredd strip written by a kid in one of the annuals as well. Totally non-canonical, but I love the idea that Ace Trucking is happening contemporaneously with Judge Dredd. Also, I think the precise backstory of GBH (Why is he dead? Why did Ace find him on a funeral platform? What is his society like? What conditioner does he use?) is one of the great untapped veins of thrill power in 2000AD history.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Greg M. on 22 March, 2020, 08:33:14 PM
Is there anything to suggest Ace Trucking Co can't be part of the Dredd universe? The annual strip is drawn by a kid, but it's written by Wagner / Grant - that's canon as far as I'm concerned!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 22 March, 2020, 09:26:52 PM
Quote from: Greg M. on 22 March, 2020, 08:33:14 PM
Is there anything to suggest Ace Trucking Co can't be part of the Dredd universe? The annual strip is drawn by a kid, but it's written by Wagner / Grant - that's canon as far as I'm concerned!

I have been thinking about that, and initially I thought there was nothing to stop it - after all, the only human we see in the whole story is Jago Kain and we never, ever go to Earth.

















...  and then I remembered that little excursion to California where the reality bomb had hit (or whatever it's called - haven't read those episodes since the early nineties).




... of course, that's all in an alternative reality after the Garp from Barp took the Nightlight Flight, so perhaps my first paragraph in this reply still stands...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 23 March, 2020, 05:24:32 AM
2000AD extended universe is always the best!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 23 March, 2020, 06:00:59 PM
2000AD Prog 235: "Keep the cargo busy, good buddy ...I've got a plan!" G-B-H cools Kleggs in cold hold! See – Ace Trucking Co. (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/23/2000ad-prog-235-keep-the-cargo-busy-good-buddy-ive-got-a-plan-g-b-h-cools-kleggs-in-cold-hold-see-ace-trucking-co/)

Kleggs, cadets and two Future-Shocks.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 24 March, 2020, 11:35:51 AM
2000AD Prog 236: Block Mania (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/24/2000ad-prog-236-block-mania/)

It's al the title!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 24 March, 2020, 11:47:50 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 24 March, 2020, 11:35:51 AM
2000AD Prog 236: Block Mania (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/24/2000ad-prog-236-block-mania/)

It's al the title!


It's all in the title :/
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 25 March, 2020, 12:30:29 PM
2000AD Prog 237: "One of you generals is a Nort spy... a man who caused a MASSACRE! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/25/2000ad-prog-237-one-of-you-generals-is-a-nort-spy-a-man-who-caused-a-massacre/)

The first appearance of the Traitor General (not that it helps!)  Also, the double-decker dome returns!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 26 March, 2020, 11:54:15 AM
2000AD Prog 238: Space wars! Final report this prog! Nemesis is back! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/26/2000ad-prog-238-space-wars-final-report-this-prog-nemesis-is-back/)

Project X is revealed!



Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 March, 2020, 11:07:08 AM
2000AD Prog 239: Nemesis vs Torquemada... (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/27/2000ad-prog-239-nemesis-vs-torquemada/)

Gibson on Ace Trucking Co, Dredd gets out the sonic, photos of the space shuttle are faked!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 28 March, 2020, 11:09:53 AM
2000AD Prog 240: "So what's the cure?" "We don't know!" Block Mania (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/28/2000ad-prog-240-so-whats-the-cure-we-dont-know-block-mania/)

The mystery of Max Normal's underwear is not investigated in this blog post (it's polka dot on Bolland's cover and striped in Smith's internal panels).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Lobo Baggins on 28 March, 2020, 03:44:39 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 28 March, 2020, 11:09:53 AM
I didn't have the catholic education that Pat Mills and Kevin O'Neill had, but I can still picture the hymn-like dirge that is the Deviatus (I'm picking the second out of the three verses printed)

ISTR Pat Mills saying somewhere that the Deviatus was sung to the tune of 'Onward Christian Soldiers', so, yep, just a dirge...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 28 March, 2020, 11:29:02 PM
Quote from: Lobo Baggins on 28 March, 2020, 03:44:39 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 28 March, 2020, 11:09:53 AM
I didn't have the catholic education that Pat Mills and Kevin O'Neill had, but I can still picture the hymn-like dirge that is the Deviatus (I'm picking the second out of the three verses printed)

ISTR Pat Mills saying somewhere that the Deviatus was sung to the tune of 'Onward Christian Soldiers', so, yep, just a dirge...

Thanks for reminding me what that hymn was called - it is the tune I always read the Deviatus in!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 29 March, 2020, 02:17:04 PM
2000AD Prog 241: Avenge our murder most foul! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/29/2000ad-prog-241-avenge-our-murder-most-foul/)

One message we can take from this week's Dredd is to stockpile water (but not Walter) :O
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 30 March, 2020, 01:04:52 PM
2000AD Prog 242: Subject: Orlock Status: assassin Mission: destroy Mega-City One! Block Mania (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/30/2000ad-prog-242-subject-orlock-status-assassin-mission-destroy-mega-city-one-block-mania/)

Block Mania is getting (even more) serious!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 31 March, 2020, 12:17:55 PM
2000AD Prog 243: "The game's over, Tallon! You're our target now!" The hunt is on in the Mean Arena! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/03/31/2000ad-prog-243-the-games-over-tallon-youre-our-target-now-the-hunt-is-on-in-the-mean-arena/)

Nemesis is rushing to a conclusion, as is Block Mania.  Are either of those stories on the centre pages?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 31 March, 2020, 08:13:17 PM
Oh man, so very close to that button getting pressed!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 01 April, 2020, 12:16:12 PM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 31 March, 2020, 08:13:17 PM
Oh man, so very close to that button getting pressed!

But before we get there...

2000AD Prog 244: "Hit them jackers with the old BLAZOOGA, BIFF!" "Hrrum! They never told me space trucking was going to be like this!" It could only happen to... Ace Trucking Co. (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/01/2000ad-prog-244-hit-them-jackers-with-the-old-blazooga-biff-hrrum-they-never-told-me-space-trucking-was-going-to-be-like-this-it-could-only-happen-to-ace-trucking-co/)

Block Mania and Nemesis the Warlock Book I - the ultimate episodes!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 02 April, 2020, 12:03:13 PM
2000AD Prog 245: "Let the apocalypse begin!" Target Mega-City One! Tharg's 1982 calendar – part 1 this prog! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/02/2000ad-prog-245-let-the-apocalypse-begin-target-mega-city-one-thargs-1982-calendar-part-1-this-prog/)

Here it is - a momentous event starts this prog.  Something which has repercussions for some time after.  It's mentioned right there on the cover.  The first part of Tharg's 1982 calendar.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 03 April, 2020, 12:37:34 PM
2000AD Prog 246: "Your bids, please, for these fine young humans!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/03/2000ad-prog-246-your-bids-please-for-these-fine-young-humans/)

G-B-H, the origin story!  Also, Torquemada, the origin story!

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Fungus on 03 April, 2020, 01:08:49 PM
Don't think our isolation is quite 'self-imposed' !-)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: paddykafka on 03 April, 2020, 04:17:56 PM
I have noticed a somewhat ironic banner advert, popping up at the end of my screen when I log onto the pages for this blog, from the Spring Hotels Group.

"#Let's Make 2020 the Best Year Ever. From Tenerife. Join us Now."

10 out of 10 for optimism on their part.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 03 April, 2020, 06:54:04 PM
Quote from: paddykafka on 03 April, 2020, 04:17:56 PM
I have noticed a somewhat ironic banner advert, popping up at the end of my screen when I log onto the pages for this blog, from the Spring Hotels Group.

"#Let's Make 2020 the Best Year Ever. From Tenerife. Join us Now."

10 out of 10 for optimism on their part.

I usually view it in firefox (which has inbuilt ad blocking) so miss such things.  Just had a look in M$'s browser and had an advert...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 04 April, 2020, 01:00:05 PM
2000AD Prog 247: Read by Aliens Across the Galaxy! "It's buzzin' beakboys, G-B-H! Pummel gurney or we're skavy gravy!" Translation: The Ace Trucking Co. are in big trouble this prog! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/04/2000ad-prog-247-read-by-aliens-across-the-galaxy-its-buzzin-beakboys-g-b-h-pummel-gurney-or-were-skavy-gravy-translation-the-ace-trucking-co-are-in-big-trouble-this-prog/)

What's this prog about?  Give us a clue!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 05 April, 2020, 12:36:11 PM
2000AD Prog 248: Play ball! In the Mean Arena! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/05/2000ad-prog-248-play-ball-in-the-mean-arena/)

Third episode in and Nemesis is back in his own strip!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 06 April, 2020, 12:17:56 PM
2000AD Prog 249: Your gateway to the future! Menace of the Dream-Weavers! Thrill-power peaks in... Rogue Trooper (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/06/2000ad-prog-249-your-gateway-to-the-future-menace-of-the-dream-weavers-thrill-power-peaks-in-rogue-trooper/)

It's the end of the Meg as we know it, so let's sing a song!

Also.  Dreamweaver!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 07 April, 2020, 12:42:08 PM
2000AD Prog 250: "Our Apocalypse War has been a total success... Mega-City One is ripe for invasion!" 250th zarjaz issue! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/07/2000ad-prog-250-our-apocalypse-war-has-been-a-total-success-mega-city-one-is-ripe-for-invasion-250th-zarjaz-issue/)

Come and visit Reading, it has shopping arcades and historic statues (which may or may not get smashed up in the course of the next four hours).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 08 April, 2020, 01:12:38 PM
2000AD Prog 251: The Great Mush Rush WARNING! This prog contains a record amount of thrill-power! Handle with care! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/08/2000ad-prog-251-the-great-mush-rush-warning-this-prog-contains-a-record-amount-of-thrill-power-handle-with-care/)

Ace Garp in the dock!  And they're not alone...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 08 April, 2020, 02:44:57 PM
That reader who thought Rogue Trooper was set on a future Earth ruined by war only had to wait about 7 years to become right...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 08 April, 2020, 02:49:50 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 08 April, 2020, 02:44:57 PM
That reader who thought Rogue Trooper was set on a future Earth ruined by war only had to wait about 7 years to become right...

That stumped me for a minute - I thought it was a reference to the first Gulf War, then I realised it wasn't Fr1day yet ;)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Tjm86 on 08 April, 2020, 02:57:05 PM
I believe this is your coat ...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 09 April, 2020, 12:19:23 PM
2000AD Prog 252: "No stinking spider gets the better of me!" Simply light years ahead! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/09/2000ad-prog-252-no-stinking-spider-gets-the-better-of-me-simply-light-years-ahead/)

When will Dare return?  Asks an earthlet in the Nerve Centre.  Tharg gives an answer...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 10 April, 2020, 03:26:50 PM
2000AD Prog 253: "Prisoners escaping... Initiate destruction!" Jailbreak at Glasshouse G! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/10/2000ad-prog-253-prisoners-escaping-initiate-destruction-jailbreak-at-glasshouse-g/)
How do you know whether the giant alien spider is male or female?  From the hairdo, of course!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 11 April, 2020, 12:30:17 PM
2000AD Prog 254: "It's Lawmaster versus Rad-Sweeper, creep, and I don't aim to lose!" PZZOOO! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/11/2000ad-prog-254-its-lawmaster-versus-rad-sweeper-creep-and-i-dont-aim-to-lose-pzzooo/)

Earthlet?  Earthlette?  Terran?  Trucker!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 12 April, 2020, 02:31:29 PM
2000AD Prog 255: "By my corpse! Haul me up, Ace – FAST!" The Great Mush Rush continues in... Ace Trucking Co. (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/12/2000ad-prog-255-by-my-corpse-haul-me-up-ace-fast-the-great-mush-rush-continues-in-ace-trucking-co/)
The Cabal votes for their enemy, while the Northern Sector Mega-Citizens are hypnotised into thinking their enemies are their friends.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 13 April, 2020, 03:11:37 PM
2000AD Prog 256: "The East-Megs are behind us! Get out while you can!" Readers' art – your drawings inside (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/13/2000ad-prog-256-the-east-megs-are-behind-us-get-out-while-you-can-readers-art-your-drawings-inside/)

Joe's last appearance (not that Joe).  No gun?  No grenades?  Use your hat!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 14 April, 2020, 06:28:16 AM
Think your sentence structure is being a little hard on Bob Oppenheimer in Sunday's entry, Sheridan!

Meanwhile, great to be reminded again of the Roar ads that festooned every IPC comic of the era. I remember various making-of pieces on kids' TV at the time too, so much hype that I genuineky can't remember if I saw it at the time or just constructed it in my head from ad comics and documentary footage!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 14 April, 2020, 12:15:48 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 14 April, 2020, 06:28:16 AMThink your sentence structure is being a little hard on Bob Oppenheimer in Sunday's entry, Sheridan!

Thanks for calling me out on that - getting my former Nazis-turned US scientists mixed up with my US-scientists all along mixed up!  Oppenheimer supported getting scientists out of Germany before it was fashionable (i.e. before the war)!

QuoteMeanwhile, great to be reminded again of the Roar ads that festooned every IPC comic of the era. I remember various making-of pieces on kids' TV at the time too, so much hype that I genuineky can't remember if I saw it at the time or just constructed it in my head from ad comics and documentary footage!

I can't imagine what actually got through to children's TV - presumably not the over-50% injury rate among cast and crew!

2000AD Prog 257: "Stay where you are, Nemesis or the girl dies!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/14/2000ad-prog-257-stay-where-you-are-nemesis-or-the-girl-dies/)

One of my earliest back progs!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 15 April, 2020, 12:12:13 PM
2000AD Prog 258: Aliens+Robots+Future War+Future Sport+Big cash prizes When the going gets tough... The tough get going! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/15/2000ad-prog-258-aliensrobotsfuture-warfuture-sportbig-cash-prizes-when-the-going-gets-tough-the-tough-get-going/)

A seven-page Future Shock?  It must be really exceptional to be double the length of the usual, right?  Right?

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 16 April, 2020, 12:18:48 PM
2000AD Prog 259: "Guess that's our first case, Sam. Huh? Huh?" Robo-Hunter returns! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/16/2000ad-prog-259-guess-thats-our-first-case-sam-huh-huh-robo-hunter-returns/)

I make a wild and pretty much unfounded allegation that the entire comic is written by two people (with the help of pseudonyms)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 16 April, 2020, 02:12:10 PM
Love your Alan Ridgeway theory. Would any of the wise heads here know the truth?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 16 April, 2020, 03:36:16 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 16 April, 2020, 02:12:10 PM
Love your Alan Ridgeway theory. Would any of the wise heads here know the truth?

I did a little research and apparently it was discussed on this very forum (didn't manage to find the thread).  (Assuming it isn't actually somebody called Alan Ridgeway) some thought it could be Tom Tully, but that's covered in the blog post.  If anybody knows then Ian Anorak Hollingsworth will - I'll ask him next time he posts on FB.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Lobo Baggins on 17 April, 2020, 07:56:54 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 16 April, 2020, 03:36:16 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 16 April, 2020, 02:12:10 PM
Love your Alan Ridgeway theory. Would any of the wise heads here know the truth?

I did a little research and apparently it was discussed on this very forum (didn't manage to find the thread).  (Assuming it isn't actually somebody called Alan Ridgeway) some thought it could be Tom Tully, but that's covered in the blog post.  If anybody knows then Ian Anorak Hollingsworth will - I'll ask him next time he posts on FB.

Steve Macmanus' book 'The Mighty One' speaks about Tom Tully being a Reading native and how he included details about the town in Mean Arena, and when asked on the Face Book he said he couldn't remember who Alan Ridgeway was but thought it was probably a Tom Tully pseudonym. I strongly suspect that Tully had got into trouble over the astonishingly gruesome murder of Doctor Jessup (really, the hero tricking an innocent opposing team into hunting someone down and then burning him to death is probably the most classically evil act in early 2000 AD history!) and was being kept under close editorial supervision.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 17 April, 2020, 12:31:06 PM
Does look like Tom Tully is the likely suspect.

One thing's for sure - it wasn't John Wagner - he read my blog and denied all involvement


Quote from: John Wagner"That's very amusing. I can attest the final story was not written by us." (https://m.facebook.com/groups/4727793513?view=permalink&id=10159080758963514)


2000AD Prog 260: Zarjaz 5th birthday issue "Happy birthday, Earthlets!" TOTAL WAR (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/17/2000ad-prog-260-zarjaz-5th-birthday-issue-happy-birthday-earthlets-total-war/)


Five years, one month and three weeks after 2000AD launched and time for the 5th birthday!  Er...



Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 18 April, 2020, 02:04:51 PM
2000AD Prog 261: "AAAAAH!" The Beast of Blackheart Manor strikes (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/18/2000ad-prog-261-aaaaah-the-beast-of-blackheart-manor-strikes/)

Here's my table, here's my chair.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 19 April, 2020, 10:26:26 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 17 April, 2020, 12:31:06 PM
...John Wagner - he read my blog...

There's something you can dine out on forever.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 19 April, 2020, 12:42:44 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 19 April, 2020, 10:26:26 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 17 April, 2020, 12:31:06 PM
...John Wagner - he read my blog...

There's something you can dine out on forever.

I certainly plan to! :D


2000AD Sci-Fi Special 1982 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/19/2000ad-sci-fi-special-1982/)

Ace meets a bamfeezler (not a bampot, but they're surely related?)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Greg M. on 19 April, 2020, 01:34:19 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 19 April, 2020, 12:42:44 PM
Ace meets a bamfeezler (not a bampot, but they're surely related?)

Yep - it gets mentioned in the very first panel of 'Too Many Bams'.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 20 April, 2020, 12:02:34 PM
Ta - thought it was too much of a coincidence.

2000AD Prog 262: Dredd DEAD? (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/20/2000ad-prog-262-dredd-dead/)

Is Dredd dead?  What do you think?

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 21 April, 2020, 12:04:47 PM
2000AD Prog 263: "Uh-oh!" Robo-Hunter at bay! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/21/2000ad-prog-263-uh-oh-robo-hunter-at-bay/)

Alec Trench, does not rest in peace.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 22 April, 2020, 01:41:47 PM
2000AD Prog 264: "Die, knave!" Robo-Hunter vs. Robo-Knight! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/22/2000ad-prog-264-die-knave-robo-hunter-vs-robo-knight/)

Revelations (though no surprises) as we find out who's behind the disappearances at Blackheart Manor, and what's happening with the Bloo Maru.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 23 April, 2020, 01:20:29 PM
A musical interlude, following on from the article in yesterday's prog.

Spizzenergi 2: Mega-City Three (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/23/spizzenergi-2-mega-city-three/)

In fact, a double bill

2000AD Music Index (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/23/music-index/)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 23 April, 2020, 01:20:57 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 23 April, 2020, 01:20:29 PM
A musical interlude, following on from the article in yesterday's prog.

Spizzenergi 2: Mega-City Three (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/23/spizzenergi-2-mega-city-three/)

In fact, a double bill

2000AD Music Index (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/23/music-index/)

(any additions welcome, if I've missed any, which I almost certainly have)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 24 April, 2020, 03:32:33 PM
2000AD Prog 265: Free Bubblicious juicy soft bubble gum Great new cola flavour! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/24/2000ad-prog-265-free-bubblicious-juicy-soft-bubble-gum-great-new-cola-flavour/)
Earthlets can have some bubblegum (offer not available to overseas readers).  Hoagy has some pies for Sam.  The Thing is hungry.  Truckers wouldn't eat Heeble again if their lives depended on it.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 25 April, 2020, 12:04:15 PM
2000AD Prog 266: "Don't let me down, Slade – or the boys will let you down... PERMANENTLY!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/25/2000ad-prog-266-dont-let-me-down-slade-or-the-boys-will-let-you-down-permanently/)

Dredd pushes the button!

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 26 April, 2020, 02:02:23 PM
2000AD Prog 267: The law comes to East-Meg One... with a BANG! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/26/2000ad-prog-267-the-law-comes-to-east-meg-one-with-a-bang/)

Ace's scarf takes on a life of its own!  Oh, and Judge Dredd kills half a billion people.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 April, 2020, 12:27:52 PM
2000AD Prog 268: Heavy metal attack! BLAM! BLAM! CRAASSH! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/27/2000ad-prog-268-heavy-metal-attack-blam-blam-craassh/)
The female of the species always has long hair, apparently.  Even if the species is an alien skeletoid which doesn't normally have any hair.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 28 April, 2020, 03:05:47 PM
2000AD Prog 269: "Nain! Nain!" Point blank! Rogue Trooper battles the terror of the deep! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/28/2000ad-prog-269-nain-nain-point-blank-rogue-trooper-battles-the-terror-of-the-deep/)

Rogue goes for a paddle and returns to find Sledge the only survivor (again).

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 29 April, 2020, 12:08:31 PM
2000AD Prog 270: "BEAST!" Ace Garp gets the big brush-off! See this week's "heart-warming" episode of... Ace Trucking Co. (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/29/2000ad-prog-270-beast-ace-garp-gets-the-big-brush-off-see-this-weeks-heart-warming-episode-of-ace-trucking-co/)

The death of a major character (but don't worry, it only lasts a few panels).  Then the death of another major character (this one lasts a little longer - 38 years and counting).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 30 April, 2020, 12:07:35 PM
2000AD Prog 271: "Ditch him, G-B-H ...the fate of Ace Trucking is at stake!" Battle of the Biffos! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/04/30/2000ad-prog-271-ditch-him-g-b-h-the-fate-of-ace-trucking-is-at-stake-battle-of-the-biffos/)

What shall we do next in the Mean Arena?  I know, let's play the Black Ace!  Like we did the last time, and the time before that.  Also - in another story, why not keep the robot all year around?  They've had a few centuries to save up the money!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 01 May, 2020, 12:10:25 PM
2000AD Prog 272: Madness honoured by Tharg this prog "Death or glory!" Can Rogue Trooper prevent a future war fiasco? (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/01/2000ad-prog-272-madness-honoured-by-tharg-this-prog-death-or-glory-can-rogue-trooper-prevent-a-future-war-fiasco/)

Rogue returns to find Sledge surrounded by dead Southers.  Again.  Nothing suspicious there.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 01 May, 2020, 05:05:43 PM
Every now and then on this thread I think it needs to be said:  you're a drokkin' machine, Sheridan.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 02 May, 2020, 12:16:46 PM
Thanks Tordelback - doing a one-a-day blog really makes me respect people like Eamonn and Conrad all the more - not only are they publishing regularly but they're having to spend a lot more time editing their audio recordings than my text!  Plus they have to schedule themselves and somebody else, sometimes across timezones (well, always across timezones in Conrad's case).

So... today's one is 2000AD Prog 273: The League of Fatties! "Wheel!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/02/2000ad-prog-273-the-league-of-fatties-wheel/)
Bub Jones returns!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 03 May, 2020, 12:56:55 PM
2000AD Prog 274: Tomorrow's thrills today! Rogue Trooper CHAINED! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/03/2000ad-prog-274-tomorrows-thrills-today-rogue-trooper-chained/)

The bams arrive on Gordon.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 04 May, 2020, 12:11:49 PM
2000AD Prog 275: Take your partners for the... SPLUD! Sha'ka War Dance! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/04/2000ad-prog-275-take-your-partners-for-the-splud-shaka-war-dance/)

The return of an old enemy for Slade.  And of an old politician in Mega-City One.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 05 May, 2020, 12:24:16 PM
2000AD Prog 276: "Come on, ya tin creeps! I'll murder ya!" "Ay yi yi! Thees keed he have the way with words!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/05/2000ad-prog-276-come-on-ya-tin-creeps-ill-murder-ya-ay-yi-yi-thees-keed-he-have-the-way-with-words/)

He survived Chief Judge Cal.  He got through the election when Power Tower turned in to a volcano.  But he won't survive a mushroom.  Leaving Mega-City One without a mayor for some time...

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 06 May, 2020, 12:05:27 PM
2000AD Prog 277: Have YOU seen the mushroom men? (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/06/2000ad-prog-277-have-you-seen-the-mushroom-men/)

Body horror in Judge Dredd, and a pretty gruesome way to die in Rogue Trooper too.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 07 May, 2020, 12:12:57 PM
2000AD Prog 278: "Do something, Slade! I'm gonna BURST!" Inflation hits Brit-Cit! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/07/2000ad-prog-278-do-something-slade-im-gonna-burst-inflation-hits-brit-cit/)

After last prog's body horror, today body comedy (and this was decades before something similar happened in Harry Potter).

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 08 May, 2020, 12:46:10 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 07 May, 2020, 12:12:57 PM
was decades before something similar happened in Harry Potter).

But some years after it happened to Violet Beauregard!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 08 May, 2020, 04:17:31 PM
2000AD Annual 1983 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/08/2000ad-annual-1983/)

The origin story for Nemesis' pet starship!

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Greg M. on 08 May, 2020, 07:10:09 PM
The Secret Life of the Blitzspear is insanely good. I used to have photocopies of the whole thing up on my bedroom wall as a boy, so I could go to sleep looking at magnified frang.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 09 May, 2020, 12:37:52 PM
Judge Dredd Annual 1983: In the 22nd century he is the law! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/09/judge-dredd-annual-1983-in-the-22nd-century-he-is-the-law/)

A plague hits Mega-City One, ending up in everybody wearing face masks - where do the writers get these ideas?

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 10 May, 2020, 01:25:13 PM
Starlord Annual 1982 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/10/starlord-annual-1982/)

14 pages of original comic strip material.  The rest is reprint and filler!  p.s. also I forgot to cover it when I was doing the 1982 annuals.








Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 11 May, 2020, 12:27:07 PM
2000AD Prog 279: Duran Duran join the Squaxx dek Thargo The slayer is on the loose... in The Mean Arena (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/11/2000ad-prog-279-duran-duran-join-the-squaxx-dek-thargo-the-slayer-is-on-the-loose-in-the-mean-arena/)

The galaxy's greatest comic, true by two-fifths of the classic Duran Duran line-up.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 12 May, 2020, 12:02:36 PM
2000AD Prog 280: "It's tasty!" GUNGE (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/12/2000ad-prog-280-its-tasty-gunge/)

Gunge - the taste of a degeneration!  Also news about forthcoming films, Revenge of the Jedi and Raiders of hte Lost Ark II.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 13 May, 2020, 12:06:12 PM
2000AD Prog 281: One of Dredd's old enemies returns... but which one? (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/13/2000ad-prog-281-one-of-dredds-old-enemies-returns-but-which-one/)

Which enemies have returned (despite the cover line it'll be two of 'em).  Dead men tell no tales! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2vV_594rT8)

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 14 May, 2020, 12:11:13 PM
2000AD Prog 282: A stab in the dark "...and the Great Garpo shall die!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/14/2000ad-prog-282-a-stab-in-the-dark-and-the-great-garpo-shall-die/)

The Mean Arena has its final match!



Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 15 May, 2020, 12:06:35 PM
2000AD Prog 283: The shedding – Tharg as you've never seen him (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/15/2000ad-prog-283-the-shedding-tharg-as-youve-never-seen-him/)


"Neek!"


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 16 May, 2020, 12:31:11 PM
2000AD Prog 284: "Howdy! This here's a hijack!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/16/2000ad-prog-284-howdy-this-heres-a-hijack/)

I find out where I got the quote: "Guess great minds work alike?" "Some don't work at all."
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 17 May, 2020, 12:26:55 PM
2000AD Prog 285: Robo Hunter goes football crazy! "What's the score, Sam, huh?" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/17/2000ad-prog-285-robo-hunter-goes-football-crazy-whats-the-score-sam-huh/)

The one I've been dreading - this has not aged well.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 18 May, 2020, 07:56:49 PM
2000AD Prog 286: "We got yer wife, Dredd!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/18/2000ad-prog-286-we-got-yer-wife-dredd/)

Project XXX revealed!

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 19 May, 2020, 12:04:48 PM
Judge Dredd: The Game of Crime-Fighting in Mega-City One (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/19/judge-dredd-the-game-of-crime-fighting-in-mega-city-one/)

Slight change of pace and format as I go in to Project XXX AKA what it says in the title!

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Lobo Baggins on 20 May, 2020, 08:16:22 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 19 May, 2020, 12:04:48 PM
Judge Dredd: The Game of Crime-Fighting in Mega-City One (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/19/judge-dredd-the-game-of-crime-fighting-in-mega-city-one/)

Slight change of pace and format as I go in to Project XXX AKA what it says in the title!

Oh, I always wondered why GW boxsets always had a raffle ticket in them!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 20 May, 2020, 12:06:37 PM
White Dwarf No 36: "He's tough... but he's fair!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/20/white-dwarf-no-36-hes-tough-but-hes-fair/)

Judge Dredd takes over White Dwarf (as much as a boardgame can take over an RPG-centric magazine).

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 21 May, 2020, 12:03:45 PM
2000AD Prog 287: Imprisoned one hundred miles above the Earth... with no hope of escape! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/21/2000ad-prog-287-imprisoned-one-hundred-miles-above-the-earth-with-no-hope-of-escape/)

One of those stories that had just finished when I began reading 2000AD.




Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 22 May, 2020, 12:40:43 PM
2000AD Prog 288: "Eat 4, lawman!" Dredd vs Destiny's Angels (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/22/2000ad-prog-288-eat-4-lawman-dredd-vs-destinys-angels/)

Twenty gets to meet Eighteen and Ninety.  It's like a game of bingo!


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 23 May, 2020, 01:33:52 PM
2000AD Prog 289: "Drok!" Judge Dredd in Rabid (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/23/2000ad-prog-289-drok-judge-dredd-in-rabid/)

The secret's out - we've seen Professor Challenger's face somewhere before...

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 24 May, 2020, 02:55:15 PM
2000AD Prog 290: Snap up a Pac-Man watch! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/24/2000ad-prog-290-snap-up-a-pac-man-watch/)

Every month, a group of Mega-City One's top criminals meet to plot the perfect crime.


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 25 May, 2020, 12:30:53 PM
2000AD Prog 291: "Vigilante at work... that's all this city needs!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/25/2000ad-prog-291-vigilante-at-work-thats-all-this-city-needs/)

Rogue Trooper heads to Fort Neuro!

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 26 May, 2020, 12:04:25 PM
2000AD Prog 292: National Song Year declared in Brit-Cit! Robo Hunter stars in Play it Again, Sam! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/26/2000ad-prog-292-national-song-year-declared-in-brit-cit-robo-hunter-stars-in-play-it-again-sam/)

The latest Robo-Hunter story even gets its own playlist *


* in YouTube and Spotify, work in progress.


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 May, 2020, 12:16:21 PM
The Human League - Dare (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/27/the-human-league-dare/)

I Am the Law!  So says Phil Oakey

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 28 May, 2020, 01:02:35 PM
2000AD Prog 293: "Starbase one under attack!" Win the video game that talks to you! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/28/2000ad-prog-293-starbase-one-under-attack-win-the-video-game-that-talks-to-you/)

Computer games everywhere!  Even in Rogue Trooper!

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Lobo Baggins on 28 May, 2020, 02:34:41 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 28 May, 2020, 01:02:35 PM
2000AD Prog 293: "Starbase one under attack!" Win the video game that talks to you! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/28/2000ad-prog-293-starbase-one-under-attack-win-the-video-game-that-talks-to-you/)

Computer games everywhere!  Even in Rogue Trooper!

Couple more songs from 'Play it again, Sam!' for your playlist...

The telegram delivery robot starts this number...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=en8siIQH2Ds (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=en8siIQH2Ds)

And the singing telegram itself seems to be this (even though prog 293 came out nearly three years before that movie...)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6obUJYlIxk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6obUJYlIxk)

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 29 May, 2020, 12:07:50 PM
Thanks Lobo - I'll have a look for them on spotify as well!

Meanwhile, 2000AD Prog 294: A Tale of Two Cities! In Mega-City 1 requiem for a vigilante In Brit-Cit The sound of music E.T. Review and Freebie – This Prog! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/29/2000ad-prog-294-a-tale-of-two-cities-in-mega-city-1-requiem-for-a-vigilante-in-brit-cit-the-sound-of-music-e-t-review-and-freebie-this-prog/)

A new series.  Well, series of shorts - Tharg's Time Twisters!

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 30 May, 2020, 01:28:11 PM
2000AD Prog 295: "Die, Dredd!" Look out – there's a "jimp" about! Zarjaz news for video gamers – inside! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/30/2000ad-prog-295-die-dredd-look-out-theres-a-jimp-about-zarjaz-news-for-video-gamers-inside/)

A game-changer for the nascent video games industry (primarily US) gets a few lines - little did they know!

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 30 May, 2020, 01:28:59 PM
p.s. still need to fiddle about with the playlists to add Lobo's suggestions - now how difficult are youtube and spotify going to make that for me?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 30 May, 2020, 01:39:01 PM
Quote from: Lobo Baggins on 28 May, 2020, 02:34:41 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 28 May, 2020, 01:02:35 PM
2000AD Prog 293: "Starbase one under attack!" Win the video game that talks to you! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/28/2000ad-prog-293-starbase-one-under-attack-win-the-video-game-that-talks-to-you/)

Computer games everywhere!  Even in Rogue Trooper!

Couple more songs from 'Play it again, Sam!' for your playlist...

The telegram delivery robot starts this number...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=en8siIQH2Ds (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=en8siIQH2Ds)

And the singing telegram itself seems to be this (even though prog 293 came out nearly three years before that movie...)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6obUJYlIxk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6obUJYlIxk)

Prediction - before viewing that video I'm going to assume it's Jane Wiedlin (famous for her hit single Rush Hour and being Joan of Arc in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure) playing the singing telegram in Clue, before being shot dead.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 30 May, 2020, 01:51:11 PM
Yup!  Surprisingly managed to find the Morecambe and Wise song on spotify but not the Jane Wiedlin song.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 31 May, 2020, 12:50:10 PM
2000AD Prog 296: "Merry christmas!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/05/31/2000ad-prog-296-merry-christmas/)

After thinking the Lim-ees were not affected by the mentality that had afflicted Frank Sector only to be rudely awakened, Rogue is put in contact with an elite core of Lim-ees who he initially thinks were not - you can guess the rest.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 01 June, 2020, 01:12:44 PM
2000AD Prog 297: "Drokk! The rad-beast's been sucked into the fancy dress parade!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/01/2000ad-prog-297-drokk-the-rad-beasts-been-sucked-into-the-fancy-dress-parade/)

Two weeks ago: Lim-ees seem like normal soldiers.  Twist!  They're not!
One week ago: an independent sub-sect of Lim-ees seem like normal soldiers.  Twist!  They're not!
This week: that independent sub-sect of Lim-ees seem like normal soldiers (despite dressing funny).  Twist!  They're not!

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 02 June, 2020, 01:11:44 PM
2000AD Prog 298: "Death to the enemies of East-Meg One!" The Last Invader (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/02/2000ad-prog-298-death-to-the-enemies-of-east-meg-one-the-last-invader/)

Some of my favourite characters to only make single-story appearances arrive on the scene...






Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 03 June, 2020, 12:28:53 PM
2000AD Prog 299: "Stop the world – I wanna get on!" Escape from the High Rock! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/03/2000ad-prog-299-stop-the-world-i-wanna-get-on-escape-from-the-high-rock/)


Goodbye to Snazz...
By the way - just how long has Rogue been walking Nu Earth?



Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 04 June, 2020, 12:14:38 PM
2000AD Prog 300: Free badge for every reader! Plus collect Prog 1 of 2000AD First 4 micro-pages this prog! Prog 300 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/04/2000ad-prog-300-free-badge-for-every-reader-plus-collect-prog-1-of-2000ad-first-4-micro-pages-this-prog-prog-300/)

The Nerve Centre treats this prog like a jump-on point, but Tharg forgot to tell Sam, Harry and Rogue!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 05 June, 2020, 12:14:44 PM
2000AD Prog 301: Fort Neuro gets... Disco Fever! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/05/2000ad-prog-301-fort-neuro-gets-disco-fever/)

The hungry squark is not the most surprising thing about this week's episode of Harry TwentyThompson onoff the High Rock!

https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/05/2000ad-prog-301-fort-neuro-gets-disco-fever/

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 06 June, 2020, 02:09:41 PM
2000AD Prog 302: "Hee! Hee! Hee!" Ben Ninety – Android! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/06/2000ad-prog-302-hee-hee-hee-ben-ninety-android/)

Goodbye to Old Ben Ninety, Genghis Eighteen and Pusser.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 07 June, 2020, 01:22:19 PM
2000AD Prog 303: ? "The time is out of joint!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/07/2000ad-prog-303-the-time-is-out-of-joint/)

Brit-citizens get taken to camp.  The numbers are revolting.  Shanty Town is condemned.  Elizabeth isn't the only time tourist in 16th century London.  The emperor returns!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 08 June, 2020, 12:41:36 PM
2000AD Prog 304: Secret of the Bermuda Triangle? (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/08/2000ad-prog-304-secret-of-the-bermuda-triangle/)

Is this the fourth or fifth time we've seen the secret of the Bermuda Triangle?

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 08 June, 2020, 12:49:59 PM
Three of the four stories I quoted could probably be tied together, though that would mean re-reading a pretty awful M.A.C.H.1 story to check whether the mad scientist was working on the US government defence programme, which may have caused Planet of the Damned!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 09 June, 2020, 12:20:45 PM
2000AD Prog 305: "You're under arrest, creep!" Dredd puts the bite on bounty-hunters! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/09/2000ad-prog-305-youre-under-arrest-creep-dredd-puts-the-bite-on-bounty-hunters/)

Sam's caught in a trap.  Harry's breaking out of a trap.  Dredd's meeting Trap(per Hag).  The Nort's trap is activated.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 10 June, 2020, 12:11:20 PM
2000AD Prog 306: "Get this welded, pal!" BZZZ-ZZT! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/10/2000ad-prog-206-get-this-welded-pal-bzzz-zzt/)

Staple of sci-fi time travel, the (great) grandfather paradox.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 11 June, 2020, 12:23:06 PM
2000AD Prog 307: Hag's Beasts! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/11/2000ad-prog-307-hags-beasts/)

Endings to longer stories and one-offs, except for Fort Neuro, meaning tomorrow's won't quite be a jumping-on prog.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 12 June, 2020, 12:09:02 PM
2000AD Prog 308:This is SKIZZ "Fatality factor 79%... Goodbye, Interpreter Zhcchz!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/12/2000ad-prog-308this-is-skizz-fatality-factor-79-goodbye-interpreter-zhcchz/)

My first prog!  And I re-write my origin story due to information I hadn't noticed before...

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Aaron A Aardvark on 12 June, 2020, 12:47:14 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 11 June, 2020, 12:23:06 PM
2000AD Prog 307: Hag's Beasts! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/11/2000ad-prog-307-hags-beasts/)

Endings to longer stories and one-offs, except for Fort Neuro, meaning tomorrow's won't quite be a jumping-on prog.
I forgot how long Harry Twenty limped on after that zarjaz twist.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 12 June, 2020, 08:53:17 PM
p.s.
Space Spinner 2000 ep 207: 1990 Judge Dredd Annual (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/12/space-spinner-2000-ep-207-1990-judge-dredd-annual/)

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 13 June, 2020, 01:16:37 PM
2000AD Prog 309: Destruction of the Gambling Ship Miziz-ippi IV! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/13/2000ad-prog-309-destruction-of-the-gambling-ship-miziz-ippi-iv/)

Zhcchz sees the dark side of Earth, reconstructed humanity sees the blues, the Lawmaster see the error of their ways, the Thrill-Suckers see their target and the Fort Neuropans see the light through the chem clouds.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Lobo Baggins on 13 June, 2020, 05:14:06 PM
I think Hossanjo Valley and Griff Mountain are references to Bonanza - Hoss and Little Joe Cartwright were main characters, Griff King seems to have been a minor character for a while.

I tried to get in touch with Carl Sargent when I was working on the Judge Dredd D20 books, but apparently he'd 'disappeared' in the mid nineties. Turns out he'd just left the industry. Sadly, he died in 2017.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 13 June, 2020, 06:58:48 PM
Quote from: Lobo Baggins on 13 June, 2020, 05:14:06 PM
I think Hossanjo Valley and Griff Mountain are references to Bonanza - Hoss and Little Joe Cartwright were main characters, Griff King seems to have been a minor character for a while.

I tried to get in touch with Carl Sargent when I was working on the Judge Dredd D20 books, but apparently he'd 'disappeared' in the mid nineties. Turns out he'd just left the industry. Sadly, he died in 2017.

I watched Bonanza when I was a kid, but didn't remember the names of any of the characters - I only remembered it had Admiral Adama in it - thanks for the insights!.

Yes - I was reading up about Carl when I wrote today's blog post.  I saw he had a previous career in parapsychology before his gaming career.  I also found out I have a few of his fighting fantasy game books but that they were written under the name Keith Martin (and you'd be hard pressed to realise they were by anybody other than Ian Livingstone and Steve Jackson* at casual glance).

Didn't realise you'd worked on the D20 line.  I wonder if I have anything you worked on?  I'm very patchy at the moment, but I'm trying to fill in the gaps before my prog slog blog gets to the 21st century :-)


* not that Steve Jackson, unless you were thinking about this Steve Jackson in the first place.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 13 June, 2020, 09:16:32 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 13 June, 2020, 01:16:37 PM
2000AD Prog 309: Destruction of the Gambling Ship Miziz-ippi IV! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/13/2000ad-prog-309-destruction-of-the-gambling-ship-miziz-ippi-iv/)

And this one is my first (proper) prog!  Lured in by that incredible cover, and as noted elsewhere I had no idea there was a 'prologue' to Skizz for the better part of a year, despite it being my favourite story. So the idea of writing episodes as if every issue is someone's first certainly worked for me.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 14 June, 2020, 02:21:18 PM
2000AD Prog 310: "Kill me... it's your only hope!" Dredd – victim of the Starborn Thing! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/14/2000ad-prog-310-kill-me-its-your-only-hope-dredd-victim-of-the-starborn-thing/)

First contact in Skizz and Dredd, and robo-resurrection in Rogue Trooper.  I [em]really[/em] want 25mm scale minis of the robe-runners in both their forms...

https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/14/2000ad-prog-310-kill-me-its-your-only-hope-dredd-victim-of-the-starborn-thing/

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Lobo Baggins on 14 June, 2020, 03:05:55 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 13 June, 2020, 06:58:48 PM
Yes - I was reading up about Carl when I wrote today's blog post.  I saw he had a previous career in parapsychology before his gaming career.  I also found out I have a few of his fighting fantasy game books but that they were written under the name Keith Martin (and you'd be hard pressed to realise they were by anybody other than Ian Livingstone and Steve Jackson* at casual glance).

Didn't realise you'd worked on the D20 line.  I wonder if I have anything you worked on?  I'm very patchy at the moment, but I'm trying to fill in the gaps before my prog slog blog gets to the 21st century :-)


* not that Steve Jackson, unless you were thinking about this Steve Jackson in the first place.

The Fighting Fantasy line had Steve Jackson and Steve Jackson working on it, unless you're thinking of Steve Jackson.

I had a couple of chapters in the Core rulebook and bits and pieces in most of the Dredd line, as well as a chapter in Gangs of Mega-City One (the chapter about the Doghouse in the Traveler Strontium Dog line was by me as well), so you've probably got something by me. However, Amazon likes to send me emails along the lines of 'hey, because you showed interest in the Rookie's Guide to the Undercity, we've got a used copy available for seven hundred times what you got paid to write it!' so I'm not sure if it'll be possible get that one (I think I might have stumbled onto some sort of money laundering operation or something!)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 14 June, 2020, 06:34:23 PM
Quote from: Lobo Baggins on 14 June, 2020, 03:05:55 PM
Didn't realise you'd worked on the D20 line.  I wonder if I have anything you worked on?  I'm very patchy at the moment, but I'm trying to fill in the gaps before my prog slog blog gets to the 21st century :-)


* not that Steve Jackson, unless you were thinking about this Steve Jackson in the first place.

The Fighting Fantasy line had Steve Jackson and Steve Jackson working on it, unless you're thinking of Steve Jackson.[/quote]

Yep - and Scorpion Swamp is one of my favourite gamebooks because you have multiple patrons you can take, multiple paths and you can return to the same locations.

QuoteI had a couple of chapters in the Core rulebook and bits and pieces in most of the Dredd line, as well as a chapter in Gangs of Mega-City One (the chapter about the Doghouse in the Traveler Strontium Dog line was by me as well), so you've probably got something by me. However, Amazon likes to send me emails along the lines of 'hey, because you showed interest in the Rookie's Guide to the Undercity, we've got a used copy available for seven hundred times what you got paid to write it!' so I'm not sure if it'll be possible get that one (I think I might have stumbled onto some sort of money laundering operation or something!)

I don't know how Amazon's automatic pricing system works, but it's pretty out there on some items.  Right now said Undercity guide is about twelve to eighteen times more on Amazon than they are on eBay (though the eBay price gets doubled by post and packaging from the states).

The credits in the Mongoose games leave a bit to be desired, you'd think the whole of the books were written by one person alone, without help on any chapters...

p.s. so yes, I have got at least a few things by you.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 15 June, 2020, 12:33:31 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 13 June, 2020, 09:16:32 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 13 June, 2020, 01:16:37 PM
2000AD Prog 309: Destruction of the Gambling Ship Miziz-ippi IV! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/13/2000ad-prog-309-destruction-of-the-gambling-ship-miziz-ippi-iv/)

And this one is my first (proper) prog!  Lured in by that incredible cover, and as noted elsewhere I had no idea there was a 'prologue' to Skizz for the better part of a year, despite it being my favourite story. So the idea of writing episodes as if every issue is someone's first certainly worked for me.




It was certainly a golden period for Massimo warparound wraparound covers, and Slaine hasn't even started yet!




2000AD Prog 311: Tidal Terror on Torquan! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/15/2000ad-prog-311-tidal-terror-on-torquan/)


Belardinelli does what he's best at!

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 16 June, 2020, 12:21:33 PM
2000AD Prog 212: "Sniff!" "Ay-yi-yi! senor Slade, he ees no more!" Robo-Hunter – the final case? (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/16/2000ad-prog-212-sniff-ay-yi-yi-senor-slade-he-ees-no-more-robo-hunter-the-final-case/)

Death in Brit-Cit!  Resurrection on Nu Earth!  Life-threatening illness on Burmy-gam!

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 17 June, 2020, 12:08:24 PM
2000AD Prog 313: "Get Dredd down to the psycho-unit... I think he's cracked up!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/17/2000ad-prog-313-get-dredd-down-to-the-psycho-unit-i-think-hes-cracked-up/)

Dredd has a baby!  Roxy gets baby food...



Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 18 June, 2020, 12:12:44 PM
2000AD Prog 314: "Meet my metal assassins, robo-hunter!" Teeny-Mek attack! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/18/2000ad-prog-314-meet-my-metal-assassins-robo-hunter-teeny-mek-attack/)

Discorporation. Death. "Flippi-neck"
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 19 June, 2020, 12:05:55 PM
2000AD Prog 314: "Meet my metal assassins, robo-hunter!" Teeny-Mek attack! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/18/2000ad-prog-314-meet-my-metal-assassins-robo-hunter-teeny-mek-attack/)

The story opened with the life support being switched off, but this is the one where Slade actually gets fatally shot.  Magnam gets sent off - wonder if he'll be back?  I don't remember any further appearances, but time will tell.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 20 June, 2020, 12:55:44 PM
Posted 314 for the second time yesterday - should have been 315.  I'll blame it on Dr Dibworthy.  Here it is, along with 316:

2000AD Prog 315: "Look, mummy... the judge is going to miss his bus!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/19/2000ad-prog-315-look-mummy-the-judge-is-going-to-miss-his-bus/)

2000AD Prog 316: The Stupid Gun! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/20/2000ad-prog-316-the-stupid-gun/)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 21 June, 2020, 12:43:41 PM
2000AD Sci-Fi Special 1983: Featuring Judge Dredd plus! Rogue Trooper future war hero! Return of the Jedi colour preview Tharg the Mighty as you've never seen him before! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/21/2000ad-sci-fi-special-1983-featuring-judge-dredd-plus-rogue-trooper-future-war-hero-return-of-the-jedi-colour-preview-tharg-the-mighty-as-youve-never-seen-him-before/)

I'm not sure what that thing about Tharg is - we've seen photos before, we've seen colour pictures - possibly it's the first colour photo of the jumpsuited mask-wearing editor?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 21 June, 2020, 11:58:36 PM
Busy day - three posts!

Games Workshop Index (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/21/games-workshop-index/)

Anything missing?  Reply here, email me or comment on that post!

Mega City Book Club 124: Nemesis the Warlock (Book II) (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/21/mega-city-book-club-124-nemesis-the-warlock-book-ii/)

I speak to Eamonn, or Eamonn speaks to me - about Nemesis the Warlock (Hachette) Book II.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 22 June, 2020, 12:12:09 PM
2000ad Prog 317: The Bio-wire... Creeping killer of Nu Earth! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/22/2000ad-prog-317-the-bio-wire-creeping-killer-of-nu-earth/)

Citadel Miniatures (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/22/citadel-miniatures/)

Another double-post day!  (The Citadel post is a work in progress)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Greg M. on 22 June, 2020, 03:41:53 PM
The Citadel Judge Mortis has the thinnest ankles of any miniature I've ever owned. You can guess what happened to my one.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Lobo Baggins on 22 June, 2020, 03:52:59 PM
Quote from: Greg M. on 22 June, 2020, 03:41:53 PM
The Citadel Judge Mortis has the thinnest ankles of any miniature I've ever owned. You can guess what happened to my one.

Mine too! Completely impossible to fix, as well...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Greg M. on 22 June, 2020, 04:19:21 PM
I think it may have happened to Judge Fear too, now I think about it. I know that some people didn't like it when Citadel miniatures got chunkier, but no-one ever snapped an Ultramarine off at the shins.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 22 June, 2020, 05:15:14 PM
Quote from: Greg M. on 22 June, 2020, 04:19:21 PM
I think it may have happened to Judge Fear too, now I think about it. I know that some people didn't like it when Citadel miniatures got chunkier, but no-one ever snapped an Ultramarine off at the shins.

My Mortis is fine, but Judge Fear has gone that way.  I need to learn how to do that pinning thing.  Or hope that glue has gotten better in the past few decades (since I last tried to put the thing together).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 23 June, 2020, 12:07:31 PM
2000AD Prog 318: The Stupid Gun! "You're next, Dredd!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/23/2000ad-prog-318-the-stupid-gun-youre-next-dredd/)

A researcher from the future travels back in time to investigate how something happened.  Any guesses?  Clue: it's what usually happens when a researcher from the future travels back in time to investigate something.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 24 June, 2020, 12:17:59 PM
2000AD Prog 319: "Samudroids!" BANZAI Robohunter revisits the Great Robot War! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/24/2000ad-prog-319-samudroids-banzai-robohunter-revisits-the-great-robot-war/)

King Carlos returns!  Plus future war in Robo-Hunter and Rogue Trooper.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 25 June, 2020, 12:21:51 PM
2000AD Prog 220: In Space... Judge Dredd is the Law! A galaxy of prizes to be won! BIG competition to greet the year's big film! Return of the Jedi WIN New mini-figures and Rebel Transports from Palitoy WIN Star Wars Jedi Arena (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/25/2000ad-prog-220-in-space-judge-dredd-is-the-law-a-galaxy-of-prizes-to-be-won-big-competition-to-greet-the-years-big-film-return-of-the-jedi-win-new-mini-figures-and-rebel-transports-from/)

Back in 1983 some sequel came out.  This did not go unnoticed by Tharg.  Meanwhile Rogue Trooper is full of puns I didn't get at the time.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: broodblik on 25 June, 2020, 12:57:41 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 25 June, 2020, 12:21:51 PM
2000AD Prog 220: In Space... Judge Dredd is the Law! A galaxy of prizes to be won! BIG competition to greet the year's big film! Return of the Jedi WIN New mini-figures and Rebel Transports from Palitoy WIN Star Wars Jedi Arena (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/25/2000ad-prog-220-in-space-judge-dredd-is-the-law-a-galaxy-of-prizes-to-be-won-big-competition-to-greet-the-years-big-film-return-of-the-jedi-win-new-mini-figures-and-rebel-transports-from/)

Back in 1983 some sequel came out.  This did not go unnoticed by Tharg.  Meanwhile Rogue Trooper is full of puns I didn't get at the time.


I think this prog is prog 320 and not 220
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 25 June, 2020, 02:18:43 PM
Quote from: broodblik on 25 June, 2020, 12:57:41 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 25 June, 2020, 12:21:51 PM
2000AD Prog 220: In Space... Judge Dredd is the Law! A galaxy of prizes to be won! BIG competition to greet the year's big film! Return of the Jedi WIN New mini-figures and Rebel Transports from Palitoy WIN Star Wars Jedi Arena (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/25/2000ad-prog-220-in-space-judge-dredd-is-the-law-a-galaxy-of-prizes-to-be-won-big-competition-to-greet-the-years-big-film-return-of-the-jedi-win-new-mini-figures-and-rebel-transports-from/)

Back in 1983 some sequel came out.  This did not go unnoticed by Tharg.  Meanwhile Rogue Trooper is full of puns I didn't get at the time.


I think this prog is prog 320 and not 220


I think you're right.






(ta!)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 25 June, 2020, 05:38:07 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 25 June, 2020, 12:21:51 PM
2000AD Prog 220: In Space... Judge Dredd is the Law! A galaxy of prizes to be won! BIG competition to greet the year's big film! Return of the Jedi WIN New mini-figures and Rebel Transports from Palitoy WIN Star Wars Jedi Arena (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/25/2000ad-prog-220-in-space-judge-dredd-is-the-law-a-galaxy-of-prizes-to-be-won-big-competition-to-greet-the-years-big-film-return-of-the-jedi-win-new-mini-figures-and-rebel-transports-from/)

But where did the money in the car come from in Ringroad, Sheridan? Where did the money come from?  Why Tharg hasn't commissioned me to write a prequel to this (Bypass) explaining all the loose ends is beyond me...

He could use it to test the water, before he runs my long-planned magnum opus, The Chanson of Brinna Childresse-Lao

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 26 June, 2020, 01:48:52 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 25 June, 2020, 05:38:07 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 25 June, 2020, 12:21:51 PM
2000AD Prog 220: In Space... Judge Dredd is the Law! A galaxy of prizes to be won! BIG competition to greet the year's big film! Return of the Jedi WIN New mini-figures and Rebel Transports from Palitoy WIN Star Wars Jedi Arena (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/25/2000ad-prog-220-in-space-judge-dredd-is-the-law-a-galaxy-of-prizes-to-be-won-big-competition-to-greet-the-years-big-film-return-of-the-jedi-win-new-mini-figures-and-rebel-transports-from/)

But where did the money in the car come from in Ringroad, Sheridan? Where did the money come from?  Why Tharg hasn't commissioned me to write a prequel to this (Bypass) explaining all the loose ends is beyond me...

I did consider whether to mention the money - or that the car itself already came from the 1935's future, but as it only features in two panels at the beginning and has no relevance to anything else, I decided against it.

Quote
He could use it to test the water, before he runs my long-planned magnum opus, The Chanson of Brinna Childresse-Lao

But did she dance with Clara?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 26 June, 2020, 01:50:12 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 26 June, 2020, 01:48:52 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 25 June, 2020, 05:38:07 PM
He could use it to test the water, before he runs my long-planned magnum opus, The Chanson of Brinna Childresse-Lao

But did she dance with Clara?

Also - how did she know that cop?  Go on, write it - I'm sure Alan wouldn't mind - he loves people adding and adapting his works...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 26 June, 2020, 05:28:37 AM
Hey,  I'm sure he'd love it!  I did write a Brinna prequel for one of the Shark's short story comps, I find the character absolutely fascinating. Sadly I lack even a smidgen of creativity,  so it read about as interesting as a tax return and ended up in the bin. Where did it go? Nowhere.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 26 June, 2020, 01:05:05 PM
You wrote things which aren't even there any more!


2000AD Prog 221: Nappy days for Robo Hunter "Presennnnnt – BOTTLES!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/26/2000ad-prog-221-nappy-days-for-robo-hunter-presennnnnt-bottles/)

The first G.I.s!  And Rogue isn't the only child soldier...


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: broodblik on 26 June, 2020, 01:49:40 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 26 June, 2020, 01:05:05 PM
You wrote things which aren't even there any more!


2000AD Prog 221: Nappy days for Robo Hunter "Presennnnnt – BOTTLES!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/26/2000ad-prog-221-nappy-days-for-robo-hunter-presennnnnt-bottles/)

The first G.I.s!  And Rogue isn't the only child soldier...

Sorry for sounding like a broken record but I think this is prog 321 and not 221
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Colin YNWA on 26 June, 2020, 02:34:46 PM
Quote from: broodblik on 26 June, 2020, 01:49:40 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 26 June, 2020, 01:05:05 PM
You wrote things which aren't even there any more!


2000AD Prog 221: Nappy days for Robo Hunter "Presennnnnt – BOTTLES!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/26/2000ad-prog-221-nappy-days-for-robo-hunter-presennnnnt-bottles/)

The first G.I.s!  And Rogue isn't the only child soldier...

Yeah to be fair though Sheridan is probably like the rest of us and just aghast that he can keep this pace up so psychologically just thinks he must be at least 100 behind where he actually is!

Sorry for sounding like a broken record but I think this is prog 321 and not 221
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 26 June, 2020, 02:39:52 PM
How Sheridan keeps this up at all is beyond me. He's like one of those YouTubers who put out 3 videos on each of 3 channels every single day - except that he's somehow actually coherent and worth your time.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 26 June, 2020, 04:22:03 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 26 June, 2020, 02:39:52 PM
How Sheridan keeps this up at all is beyond me. He's like one of those YouTubers who put out 3 videos on each of 3 channels every single day - except that he's somehow actually coherent and worth your time.

Mostly coherent!  Thanks for the compliment and I'd better get to changing that prog number (again)!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 June, 2020, 12:02:34 PM
2000AD Prog 322: AAAAAAAROOO Cry of the Werewolf (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/27/2000ad-prog-322-aaaaaaarooo-cry-of-the-werewolf/)

One of the first progs I read, and some of my favourite stories!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 June, 2020, 12:02:55 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 27 June, 2020, 12:02:34 PM
2000AD Prog 322: AAAAAAAROOO Cry of the Werewolf (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/27/2000ad-prog-322-aaaaaaarooo-cry-of-the-werewolf/)

One of the first progs I read, and some of my favourite stories!


Also I definitely got the number right today.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: broodblik on 27 June, 2020, 12:42:50 PM
Should this not be prog 222  >:D
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 28 June, 2020, 01:12:52 PM
Quote from: broodblik on 27 June, 2020, 12:42:50 PM
Should this not be prog 222  >:D

:P

2000AD Prog 323: Meet Nu Earth's genetic infantrymen If his number comes up, they all die! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/28/2000ad-prog-323-meet-nu-earths-genetic-infantrymen-if-his-number-comes-up-they-all-die/)

Themes this prog: escape, time travel, subterranea, time travel, subterranea, escape, subterranea.  (2000AD is not an underground comic).


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 29 June, 2020, 12:20:18 PM
2000AD Prog 324: Robo Hunter returns to Brit-Cit "Dumb place to park a chair, ya crazy hume!" KRAAAK! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/29/2000ad-prog-324-robo-hunter-returns-to-brit-cit-dumb-place-to-park-a-chair-ya-crazy-hume-kraaak/)

The last of the batch of progs given to me as a child - I think they were already a few weeks old by the time they were given to me - whatever, it wasn't until a month later that I actually bought my first prog.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 30 June, 2020, 12:02:19 PM
2000AD Prog 325: "Stand back, Burt – Prog Snatch!" Tharg Wars – Return of the Editor. Ro-Jaws reviews Return of the Jedi! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/06/30/2000ad-prog-325-stand-back-burt-prog-snatch-tharg-wars-return-of-the-editor-ro-jaws-reviews-return-of-the-jedi/)

Dredd's going deeper underground (in search of the werewolves).

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Lobo Baggins on 30 June, 2020, 03:42:17 PM
Only Arthur Ranson's decaying New York from Anderson: Psi Division rivals Steve Dillon's version of the Undercity, IMO.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 01 July, 2020, 12:02:10 PM
I've got sooo much to look forward to!

2000AD Prog 326: "Is this the death of a G.I.?" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/01/2000ad-prog-326-is-this-the-death-of-a-g-i/)

Is it the death of a G.I.?  What do you think?

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 02 July, 2020, 12:11:13 PM
2000AD Prog 327: Dredd – on the menu for the white werewolf! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/02/2000ad-prog-327-dredd-on-the-menu-for-the-white-werewolf/)

Tharg redefines the word 'soon'.  The white werewolf takes Dredd for a bite to eat.

Tharg redefines the word 'soon'*.  The white werewolf takes Dredd for a bite to eat.

*to be fair, not for the first time...

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 02 July, 2020, 12:43:24 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 02 July, 2020, 12:11:13 PM
2000AD Prog 327: Dredd – on the menu for the white werewolf! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/02/2000ad-prog-327-dredd-on-the-menu-for-the-white-werewolf/)

Tharg redefines the word 'soon'.  The white werewolf takes Dredd for a bite to eat.

Tharg redefines the word 'soon'*.  The white werewolf takes Dredd for a bite to eat.

*to be fair, not for the first time...




I blame the Time Twisters.

I also blame the Time Twisters for all those midlabelled progs earlier as well.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 03 July, 2020, 12:05:25 PM
2000AD Prog 328: "I am the LAAAAH!" RIP! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/03/2000ad-prog-328-i-am-the-laaaah-rip/)

Famous panel coming up!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 04 July, 2020, 12:04:14 PM
2000AD Prog 329: Are they robots? Are they machines? They're both! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/04/2000ad-prog-329-are-they-robots-are-they-machines-theyre-both/)

A new thrill starts next prog, and surprisingly nothing is finishing this prog to make way for it...

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 05 July, 2020, 12:13:29 PM
2000AD Prog 330: New sword and sorcery saga starts this prog! Sláine (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/05/2000ad-prog-330-new-sword-and-sorcery-saga-starts-this-prog-slaine/)

The first prog I ever bought!

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 06 July, 2020, 12:15:31 PM
2000AD Prog 331: Bred to fight... destined to die? (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/06/2000ad-prog-331-bred-to-fight-destined-to-die/)


Belardinelli's on Sláine, alien psychics predict the death of a G.I., that bedstead was just too much and Slade has retired.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 07 July, 2020, 12:08:06 PM
A pause from the daily progs for:

2000AD Annual 1984 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/07/2000ad-annual-1984/)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 08 July, 2020, 12:08:09 PM
Judge Dredd Annual 1984: The world-famous hero of 2000AD comic! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/08/judge-dredd-annual-1984-the-world-famous-hero-of-2000ad-comic/)

Mega-City One history and statistics!

The latter inspiring me to start this thread (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=46596).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 09 July, 2020, 12:06:39 PM
Seeing as I've just covered the last two annuals I didn't read when they came out, I'm going to mop up a few other things that I didn't write about in chronological order (for different reasons).

Dan Dare Poster Magazine: 'From Eagle comic to 2000AD magazine... this is my life...' (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/09/dan-dare-poster-magazine-from-eagle-comic-to-2000ad-magazine-this-is-my-life/)

The first poster prog!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 10 July, 2020, 12:13:04 PM

Missed this first time around!

Starlord Summer Special 1978: The world's first cutaway of the Preying Mantis! Thunderbirds' creator Gerry Anderson interviewed! Amazing short story by Arthur C. Clarke! Plus your favourite Starlord heroes in fantastic full-length adventures!!! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/10/starlord-summer-special-1978-the-worlds-first-cutaway-of-the-preying-mantis-thunderbirds-creator-gerry-anderson-interviewed-amazing-short-story-by-arthur-c-clarke-plus-your-favourite-starlord-heroes-i/)

Bonus!  The Starlord Index is now complete (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/10/starlord-index/)!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 11 July, 2020, 03:46:04 PM
The Daily Dredds: 1981 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/11/the-daily-dredds-1981/)

Stories from a time when Dredd appeared every day in a 'newspaper'.

Today's bonus - an index of anything that won't fit in to other indexes!
miscellany (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/11/index-of-miscellany/)

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 12 July, 2020, 03:55:16 PM
The Daily Dredds: 1982 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/12/the-daily-dredds-1982/)

Who would have thought that writing about an entire year's worth of half page strips would take longer than one week's worth of five or six page strips?  Not me, for some reason.  Back to the progs tomorrow - Daily Dredds 1983 can wait until the 1985 annuals.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 13 July, 2020, 12:04:49 PM
2000AD Prog 332: The Battle of Dun Barc (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/13/2000ad-prog-332-the-battle-of-dun-barc/)

After the annuals and mopping up oddities it's back to the weekly prog (including Sláine and Rogue Trooper).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 14 July, 2020, 12:09:39 PM
2000AD Prog 333: "Um... synthi-sausage!" On the trail of the World Eating Championships. (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/14/2000ad-prog-333-um-synthi-sausage-on-the-trail-of-the-world-eating-championships/)


Another day, another wraparound cover.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 14 July, 2020, 01:32:08 PM
How I love this whole period: the wraparounds, Bellardinelli Sláine, and this Dredd in particular!

On the question of 'Kismet, Hardy!', I've always seen it as just presenting an amusing/ironic coincidence. Kismet = Fate (or Destiny), which is why it's a suitable codename of a time-travelling assassin, and entirely separately Nelson is accepting/bemoaning his fate to Hardy, sidestepping the usual 70s/80s palaver of explaining away the dreaded homosexual implications of 'Kiss me, Hardy'.  Works for me anyway!

My own tweenage problems with this prog centered on Rogue Trooper: I had no idea about San Francisco's associations with hippies, didn't know about phosgene gas, and had never heard "I left my heart in San Francisco".  Nor had I read Fort Neuro, so I really, truly, had no idea what was going on. I was pretty much left with 'I'm gened for impact!", which was a bit of a puzzle in itself.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 14 July, 2020, 06:37:32 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 14 July, 2020, 01:32:08 PM
How I love this whole period: the wraparounds, Bellardinelli Sláine, and this Dredd in particular!
[/url]

This is the time I went from never having heard of 2000AD to getting a prog every week or two to getting every prog.  So I'm pretty much incapable of giving an unbiased opinion on any of these progs :-)

[url]
My own tweenage problems with this prog centered on Rogue Trooper: I had no idea about San Francisco's associations with hippies, didn't know about phosgene gas, and had never heard "I left my heart in San Francisco".  Nor had I read Fort Neuro, so I really, truly, had no idea what was going on. I was pretty much left with 'I'm gened for impact!", which was a bit of a puzzle in itself.

I found out about phosgene gas yesterday!  As for San Fran - I found out about that through the pages of (I believe) Shade the Changing Man when they went to Haight-Ashbury, epicentre of 1960s US-hippydom.  Which I think was five years or so after I went to the city on a family trip - far too young to enjoy a city like SF!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 14 July, 2020, 09:57:39 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 05 July, 2020, 12:13:29 PM
2000AD Prog 330: New sword and sorcery saga starts this prog! Sláine (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/05/2000ad-prog-330-new-sword-and-sorcery-saga-starts-this-prog-slaine/)

The first prog I ever bought!

Not the first one I bought by any means, but the first one I can clearly remember.  I was 8 and I remember my Dad (who went to an Irish-speaking school) telling me and the brother how to pronounce Sláine.  It was years before I realised Tharg pronounced it differently (not that I give a feck how people pronounce it, mind you).

I also remember Karl Heinz-Pichards-In-Tomato-Sauce-Clayderman from that issue.  Great stuff

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 15 July, 2020, 12:07:35 PM
2000AD Prog 334: Sláine on Hel's Edge (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/15/2000ad-prog-334-slaine-on-hels-edge/)

Another day, another wraparound cover (didn't I say that yesterday?)

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 16 July, 2020, 12:05:03 PM
2000AD Prog 335: Free Poster 430mm X 550mm 2 new stories! Nemesis the Warlock Strontium Dog (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/16/2000ad-prog-335-free-poster-430mm-x-550mm-2-new-stories-nemesis-the-warlock-strontium-dog/)

Not my first prog, but this is the one where I feel I was approaching the point of no return...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 17 July, 2020, 12:03:27 PM
2000AD Prog 336: "Roll up! Roll up! See Sláine the Giant!" The Beltain Giant (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/17/2000ad-prog-336-roll-up-roll-up-see-slaine-the-giant-the-beltain-giant/)

Another wraparound cover, a great period for the galaxy's greatest!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Lobo Baggins on 17 July, 2020, 03:25:28 PM
The co-host on Heartline in the Graveyard Shift is based on Irish interviewer and presenter Eamonn Andrews, I think - same weird grin and 'ironed' hairstyle.

Stewart the lonely guy seems to be based on Dave Gorman (including clothes sense), which is weird as he would have been about 12 or so at the time...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 18 July, 2020, 12:12:40 PM
Thanks Lobo - I knew Eamonn Andrews from This is your Life, but didn't have a clear image of what he looked like - I must only have seen a handful of episodes over thirty years ago.  I've actually met Dave Gorman after a show.  We told him we'd be back the following year (with my parents) and he warned us the material wasn't going to be changing in between - we told him we were happy with that and we just wanted to share the experience :-)  There was a great joke about a giraffe, but I wouldn't do it justice if I tried to tell it myself.

2000AD Prog 337: Something slimy this way comes... Join Nemesis at the Hatching! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/18/2000ad-prog-337-something-slimy-this-way-comes-join-nemesis-at-the-hatching/)

Mega-City One is hotting up (especially Larry Hagman Conapts).  Things aren't hotting up in The Bride of Crom (but they will, they will).  The egg hots up on Gandarva, but I think that's part of the hatching process, so that's fine.  Moses Quest catches some heat.  A D-foil gets heated (in an explosive sense) and then Caliban gets heated too (in a 'fleet of Nort vessels chucking missiles at the island' sense).

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 19 July, 2020, 02:13:46 PM
2000AD Prog 338: "Good evening, citizens..." "CRIME SWOOP!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/19/2000ad-prog-338-good-evening-citizens-crime-swoop/)

Why did it take Brother Kevin so long to finish Nemesis Book III?  The truth can be revealed!

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 20 July, 2020, 12:17:15 PM
2000AD Prog 339: The siege of the century – in Nemesis the Warlock! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/20/2000ad-prog-339-the-siege-of-the-century-in-nemesis-the-warlock/)


One block falls, the wickerman, Ydrasill, Big Jobs, Lyran sorcerors and vroogmen.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 21 July, 2020, 12:11:26 PM
2000AD Prog 340: The Siege of Ydrasill Castle (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/21/2000ad-prog-340-the-siege-of-ydrasill-castle/)

It's been - oh - weeks, since the last wraparound cover...

The Nether Worlds appears in Judge Dredd, the wickerman escape attempt begins, basilisks get stoned, the Westinghouse Variable Cartridge Blaster is sharing a few characteristics of the Lawgiver and the Souther Navy comes to the rescue.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 22 July, 2020, 12:06:12 PM
2000AD Prog 341: Sláine – The Bride of Crom (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/22/2000ad-prog-341-slaine-the-bride-of-crom/)

Pat Mills' Nerve Centre, the graveyard shift comes to an end, Sláine 'rescues' Medb, Slough Feg uses magic to create an army, Nemesis uses magic to rouse an army, Malak Brood uses magic to maintain an army, Rogue heads for a minefield.  Also - the first time I met Anderson!

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 23 July, 2020, 12:22:51 PM
2000AD Prog 342: The Suspect "TALK!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/23/2000ad-prog-342-the-suspect-talk/)

Magic in Sláine, Nemesis and Strontium Dog.  The undead in Sláine and Strontium Dog.  While the suspect walks through a metaphorical minefield in an interrogation with Judge Dredd.  Meanwhile some Southers walk through a literal minefield in Rogue Trooper (see what I did there?)

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Colin YNWA on 23 July, 2020, 03:33:09 PM
Arh one of the most fascinating covers. I'd swear blind it Cam Kennedy - and its listed as such on Barney BUT look at the bodies and I'd swear blind that was Robin Smith.

As Robin Smith was art editor at the time (I believe) he's probably touched it up BUT I wonder why, what was wrong / different about the original?

Always intrigued me that one... I lead a very dull life...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 23 July, 2020, 06:15:20 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 23 July, 2020, 03:33:09 PM
Arh one of the most fascinating covers. I'd swear blind it Cam Kennedy - and its listed as such on Barney BUT look at the bodies and I'd swear blind that was Robin Smith.

As Robin Smith was art editor at the time (I believe) he's probably touched it up BUT I wonder why, what was wrong / different about the original?

Always intrigued me that one... I lead a very dull life...

Definitely looks like Cam to me, though it is his very first Dredd work and we know from the rough for the Block Mania wraparound cover in the 2000AD Annual 1984 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/07/2000ad-annual-1984/) that Robin's layouts might not leave too much space for artistic deviation, so maybe he was just playing it safe in the early days?

Barney (http://www.2000ad.org/?zone=prog&page=profiles&choice=342)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Leigh S on 23 July, 2020, 09:45:10 PM
The faces don't sow any trace of Robin Smith, but the glove and Dredds padding etc are totally Robin Smith - I'm presuming he took Cams art nad had a bodge at the lower bits to make the image work as he imagined it?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 24 July, 2020, 09:58:24 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 23 July, 2020, 03:33:09 PM
Arh one of the most fascinating covers. I'd swear blind it Cam Kennedy - and its listed as such on Barney BUT look at the bodies and I'd swear blind that was Robin Smith.

As Robin Smith was art editor at the time (I believe) he's probably touched it up BUT I wonder why, what was wrong / different about the original?

Always intrigued me that one... I lead a very dull life...

Which prog are you talking about? If it's the interrogation one, that's surely Cam.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 24 July, 2020, 12:20:35 PM
Quote from: JayzusB.Christ on 24 July, 2020, 09:58:24 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 23 July, 2020, 03:33:09 PM
Arh one of the most fascinating covers. I'd swear blind it Cam Kennedy - and its listed as such on Barney BUT look at the bodies and I'd swear blind that was Robin Smith.

As Robin Smith was art editor at the time (I believe) he's probably touched it up BUT I wonder why, what was wrong / different about the original?

Always intrigued me that one... I lead a very dull life...

Which prog are you talking about? If it's the interrogation one, that's surely Cam.

Yep, that's the one - the face definitely is but now I'm looking closer some of the peripheral features don't seem to obvious.  Curse you, Colin, everything seemed so straight-forward! ;)


2000AD Prog 343: Clash of the War Droids! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/24/2000ad-prog-343-clash-of-the-war-droids/)

The juves go to the jungle (not the one the intelligent apes live in, by the looks of it).  Sláine has double-trouble - Urien's guards are still chasing and he's suffering the creeping death.  Big jobs!  How would you react if the person you blamed for death of your son stole the body then returned it to you as a zombie?  Rogue the gasbah, Rogue the gasbah!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 25 July, 2020, 01:55:46 PM
Eep!  So caught up in the Space Spinner 2000 Starlordathon I forgot to post this!

2000AD Prog 344: Created by robots – consumed by humes! Rogue Trooper Killers in the night! The Gasbah Part 2 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/25/2000ad-prog-344-created-by-robots-consumed-by-humes-rogue-trooper-killers-in-the-night-the-gasbah-part-2/)

Bob of the Y-Bobs from Bob Marks Block, RIP.
Uncle Pat lays out the plot for the next few years (on the quiet).
Sir Evric has domestic problems.
Wulf and Johnny get help from an unlikely quarter.
An alien (but we know it's Nort) assassination attempt by snake.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 26 July, 2020, 01:41:05 PM
2000AD Prog 345: Strontium Dog vs Malak Brood! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/26/2000ad-prog-345-strontium-dog-vs-malak-brood/)



Godzilla rad-traks and juve gangs, the age of the titans, a deal with the devil, the aftermath of a deal with a sorceror and all women are bad (if you're a genetic infantryman).

The Cramps - All Women are Bad (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NmVNOXPNdE)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 July, 2020, 12:05:09 PM
2000AD Prog 346: The dinosaurs are in town! "Hold your fire!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/27/2000ad-prog-346-the-dinosaurs-are-in-town-hold-your-fire/)

Dinosaurs in Mega-City One!  In cages!
Rogue, paralysed, captured and prone on the floor.
Sir Evric goes through a change and is taken away...
Sláine goes from being captured to being prone on the floor.
There's a theme in those stories...

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 28 July, 2020, 12:04:31 PM
2000AD Prog 347: Bob & Carol & Ted & Ringo & Judge Dredd "Lishen, judge – you're not gonna ⁝hic!⁝ believe thish...!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/28/2000ad-prog-347-bob-carol-ted-ringo-judge-dredd-lishen-judge-youre-not-gonna-%e2%81%9dhic%e2%81%9d-believe-thish/)

More Ron Smith, more dinosaurs on the cover!
Things will get hairy for Sláine.
They're not looking that great for Sir Evric either.
Or for the pioneering human race.
Better for alis in the Gasbah though.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 29 July, 2020, 12:04:16 PM
2000AD Prog 348: A zarjaz christmas to all earthlets! "Rub-a-dub-dub.. um... three dictators in a tub!" "Ho, ho, ho!" The Dictators' family tree (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/29/2000ad-prog-348-a-zarjaz-christmas-to-all-earthlets-rub-a-dub-dub-um-three-dictators-in-a-tub-ho-ho-ho-the-dictators-family-tree/)

Granville's plan hits a snag, Ukko gets in to the slave trade (to Sláine's displeasure), Sir Hargan attacks, there's another joggin' Time Twister and Rogue visits the past.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 30 July, 2020, 12:04:41 PM
2000AD Prog 349: Bad news for aliens in Nemesis the Warlock Book III "The arch deviant is defeated!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/30/2000ad-prog-349-bad-news-for-aliens-in-nemesis-the-warlock-book-iii-the-arch-deviant-is-defeated/)

Almost the opposite of a jumping-on prog, but for Sláine as (some) dinosaurs escape, gambling goes on, a cuckoo arrives in the nest, interstellar diplomacy turns out to be challenging and Rogue enters the time slip.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 30 July, 2020, 12:04:55 PM
Also, that pin-up of King Carlos!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 31 July, 2020, 12:09:44 PM
2000AD Prog 350: Tharg's 1984 calendar! Part One This Prog! D.R. & Quinch Go Straight! New Thrill! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/07/31/2000ad-prog-350-thargs-1984-calendar-part-one-this-prog-d-r-quinch-go-straight-new-thrill/)

Putting two-and-two together, it looks like I couldn't find 2000AD in local newsagents for nearly two months (I must have blanked the experience from my memory) as after a gap of buying as they came out I got a newsagent reservation with this prog!

Almost a jumping-on-prog, except for Sláine and the Shoggey Beast.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 01 August, 2020, 12:49:41 PM
2000AD Prog 351: Rogue Trooper Walking on the moon! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/01/2000ad-prog-351-rogue-trooper-walking-on-the-moon/)

G.I. steps are what you take!

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 02 August, 2020, 12:11:55 PM
2000AD Prog 352: D.R. & Quinch go girl crazy! "I think I'm in l♡ve!" SKRAANG! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/02/2000ad-prog-352-d-r-quinch-go-girl-crazy-i-think-im-in-l%e2%99%a1ve-skraang/)

Sky Chariots and Girl Crazy begin while Colonel Kovert and the Killing continue.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 03 August, 2020, 12:08:52 PM
2000AD Prog 353: Simply light years ahead! Judge Dredd vs. Captain Strange and his Weird Boys! "Drokk! Firebomb!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/03/2000ad-prog-353-simply-light-years-ahead-judge-dredd-vs-captain-strange-and-his-weird-boys-drokk-firebomb/)

Dredd meets a pirate captain (not that one), Throt catches up with the enemy of his enemy, "ee-ouk!", Rogue goes underground and Wulf gets the sting in the tail.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 04 August, 2020, 09:24:17 AM
2000AD Prog 354: "Easy meat! The wounded walk in for treatment – and we finish them off!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/04/2000ad-prog-354-easy-meat-the-wounded-walk-in-for-treatment-and-we-finish-them-off/)

Tharg finishes work on the annuals (then starts on the sci-fi special?).  Sláine is really taking off, goodbye Chrysoprasia, hello Crazy Chryssie, Mega-City One has a mugging problem, Colonel Kovert flies Rogue away from the moon and Johnny asks the Despots for help.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 05 August, 2020, 10:01:23 AM
2000AD Prog 355: Slough Throt summons... the birds! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/05/2000ad-prog-355-slough-throt-summons-the-birds/)

Sláine sees some prisoners - of course he knows them!  D.R. & Quinch are in the army now, which Sector are you in?  Torpor goes to pieces and the opponents are thinning out on Planet Zed!

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 06 August, 2020, 12:44:33 AM
2000AD Prog 356: "I'll have the biggest NOSE in Mega-City One!" "Glad to hear it son. It's about time you had an interest in life!" Citizen Snork Part 1 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/05/2000ad-prog-356-ill-have-the-biggest-nose-in-mega-city-one-glad-to-hear-it-son-its-about-time-you-had-an-interest-in-life-citizen-snork-part-1/)

Bulls and skyblades, sneakiness and temples, gliding and noses, slimy swamps and man-monsters, Marie Celeste and the Black Plague.  Rogue is taking a break.

Also, my internet access may be patchy for the next week, so I'll only schedule the next few posts when I know what's going on.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 07 August, 2020, 09:31:42 AM
2000AD Prog 357: 100 Judge Dredd games to be won – this prog! Invasion of the berserks! Sláine (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/07/2000ad-prog-357-100-judge-dredd-games-to-be-won-this-prog-invasion-of-the-berserks-slaine/)

The half-dead fight off sky blades, D.R. & Quinch & Pulger encounter the snufflegruff and an old acquaintance, Snork gets a few surprises, Alpha gives Steelkreeg a bell and Jimmy Jiss Cohen makes his mark in history.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 07 August, 2020, 03:03:24 PM
Somehow I've never noticed that 'Sky Chariots' uses the same commodified-undead idea that we see developed in mid-period Defoe. I'm also surprised to learn that the Infinity Inc two-parter is Jack Adrian - in the back of my head I had it down as Moore!

What a prog though, a full-on 5/5'er!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 08 August, 2020, 08:15:16 AM
I was surprised at the credit card for Infinity Inc as well!

2000AD Prog 358: Sky chariots on FIRE Sláine (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/08/2000ad-prog-358-sky-chariots-on-fire-slaine/)

Ukko saves Sláine's life (and there's a matter of a volcano), the return of the snufflegruff, the Collector finds out he picked the wrong nose, Johnny and Wulf go underground and Gunnar goes to pieces.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 09 August, 2020, 08:23:50 AM
2000AD Prog 359: A demonic attack – at the heart of justice! The Haunting of Sector House 9 AAAAAAAAAAAAAA (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/09/2000ad-prog-359-a-demonic-attack-at-the-heart-of-justice-the-haunting-of-sector-house-9-aaaaaaaaaaaaaa/)

Slough Throt's catchphrase, a, like, deep baritone voice, inside a sector house, Gunnar's replacement and the explosive end to the Killing.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 10 August, 2020, 12:47:46 PM
2000AD Prog 360: "It's alive!" The Haunting of Sector house 9 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/10/2000ad-prog-360-its-alive-the-haunting-of-sector-house-9/)

The worm turns for Slough Throt, Sector House 9 gets spooked, Rogue feels Gunnar's absence and there's filler courtesy of alien customs and time dilation effects.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 11 August, 2020, 08:59:58 AM
2000AD Prog 361: Sláine ...Enter the Dragon! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/11/2000ad-prog-361-slaine-enter-the-dragon/)

Dragons in the Land of the Young, Gunnar gets telekinesis, Dredd has to evacuate the sector house and Tharg meets a challenge.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 13 August, 2020, 09:59:34 AM
Most of yesterday was spent travelling, but I'm back!

2000AD Prog 362: "On yer bike, Dredd!" The spectre in the sector gets stroppy! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/13/2000ad-prog-362-on-yer-bike-dredd-the-spectre-in-the-sector-gets-stroppy/)

The Mata is named, time-clones, psi-criminals, G.I. clones and the brain drain.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 14 August, 2020, 09:51:18 AM
2000AD Prog 363: Strontium Dog Their name is Stix... they have MURDER in mind! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/14/2000ad-prog-363-strontium-dog-their-name-is-stix-they-have-murder-in-mind/)

Didn't mention in the blog but this was the first time I met Stix.

Nest tells the poem of tomorrow, DR and EE meet TJ, OK? Sector House 9 gets less haunted, Scots stereotypes are fine if its Scots writing it and a shout out to Gunnar.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 15 August, 2020, 02:41:24 PM
2000AD Prog 364: These are the slummies. They're looking forward to the good life... ...these are their new neighbours. They want a billion credit refund! Dredd is the judge in... High Society! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/15/2000ad-prog-364-these-are-the-slummies-theyre-looking-forward-to-the-good-life-these-are-their-new-neighbours-they-want-a-billion-credit-refund-dredd-is-the-judge-in-high-society/)

The dragons are taking centre stage, D.R. & Quinch crash Hollywood, Mega-City slums go in to orbit, goodbye to Harvey and Gunnar can't be trusted.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 16 August, 2020, 09:08:16 AM
2000AD Prog 365: I, Tharg, bring you Thill-power! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/16/2000ad-prog-365-i-tharg-bring-you-thill-power/)

While Sláine and Ukko are busy, Nest gets tied up.  Marlon signs up for T.J.s picture.  The wrong kind of gentleman arrives on Runner's Walk.  The bounty on Wulf and Johnny rises (plus the return of some old faces).  And some other people make a reappearance above ground...

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 17 August, 2020, 09:21:55 AM
2000AD Prog 366: "Yer a dead dog, Alpha!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/17/2000ad-prog-366-yer-a-dead-dog-alpha/)

The dragon battle begins!  D.R.'s film gets its title...  Meet Dave!  Alpha goes on the run and Rogue and Gunnar get surrounded.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 18 August, 2020, 08:30:00 AM
2000AD Prog 367: Sláine... dragonslayer? (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/18/2000ad-prog-367-slaine-dragonslayer/)

A death, a reincarnation and a recap of what's going to be coming up in Sláine.  D.R. & Quinch also come to an end.  Dave picks himself for mayor - shame he isn't a candidate...  A new director of the Doghouse, and it's the return of an old face (under a new face).  Milli-Com come to the rescue (though they're also trying to kill the G.I.s).



Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 19 August, 2020, 09:16:41 AM
2000AD Prog 368: "Still want to stand for mayor?" Election bulletin! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/19/2000ad-prog-368-still-want-to-stand-for-mayor-election-bulletin/)

The mayoral election campaign hots up (emphasis on the 'bullet' in bulletin in the cover tagline).  The mutant bounty hunters get permission to go to Antarctic City.  Before Halo there was Maze.  There's a black obelisk on the moon (not that one).  You Only Die Twice lives up to its title.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 21 August, 2020, 11:59:06 AM
2000AD Prog 369: Reward – one million creds! The Alpha gang... WANTED! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/21/2000ad-prog-369-reward-one-million-creds-the-alpha-gang-wanted/)

The mutant bounty hunters arrive in Antarctic City, things heat up with Maze Dumoir, Dredd discovers a switch, a trucker tries to send a message and Rogue receives a message.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 22 August, 2020, 11:36:40 AM
2000AD Prog 370: Will this rookie pass the Dredd test? "Relax, team – I'll protect you!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/22/2000ad-prog-370-will-this-rookie-pass-the-dredd-test-relax-team-ill-protect-you/)

Somebody gets one of his lumps shot off.  To sustain suspense I won't reveal who it is.  How do Souther captains eat their lux-rations when they're wearing chem helmets?  We never find out!  Dredd and Dekker are drafted in to protect the Radiators from a bomber, but who's going to protect the Radiators from Dredd and Dekker?  Shock!  Hard labour!  Twist!  Advertising!

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 23 August, 2020, 01:57:05 PM
2000AD Prog 371: Sláine action figure this issue! Rebel with a cause... Rogue Trooper (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/23/2000ad-prog-371-slaine-action-figure-this-issue-rebel-with-a-cause-rogue-trooper/)

Double flashback time for Nelson Bunker Kreelman!  Prehistoric games and modern day tourism, we find out how Dave's surprise prediction proved correct, dreams and doppelgangers and that Nort summit isn't what it appears...


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 24 August, 2020, 08:13:54 AM
2000AD Prog 372: BINGO! Dredd & Dekker play for creeps! "Your number's up!" BINGO! Losers inside (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/24/2000ad-prog-372-bingo-dredd-dekker-play-for-creeps-your-numbers-up-bingo-losers-inside/)

The Alpha Gang monkeys around, the Juggernaut makes a splash in New York, Dekker counts the perps, aliens get a sense of life on Earth and have you heard of this planet's largest wilderness?

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 25 August, 2020, 08:45:59 AM
2000AD Prog 373: Johnny Alpha – nailed in his coffin? "Rest in pieces, Alpha!" "Not this time, dog-brother..." (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/25/2000ad-prog-373-johnny-alpha-nailed-in-his-coffin-rest-in-pieces-alpha-not-this-time-dog-brother/)

Dogs die in hot coffins, Tharg takes a sensitive appraisal of the forthcoming obesity epidemic, cadets run through the final test, Dekker also faces her finest test (as a rookie) and the 'Nort summit' splashes down.


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 August, 2020, 08:53:37 AM
2000AD Sci-Fi Special 1984 Summer thrill-power! Starring Judge Dredd The Right Stuff Cinefax Colourscan! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/27/2000ad-sci-fi-special-1984-summer-thrill-power-starring-judge-dredd-the-right-stuff-cinefax-colourscan/)

Debut of the art droids!  What do you call an art droid with a seagull on his head?*  What do you call a robot wearing a cloak in the dark ages?  What do you call an art droid between two hills? † ‡  Reprint, reprint then Rogue joins the 'rebels' (they're not really rebelling against anything) and Time Quake makes another sneaky appearance.

* sorry, Mr Robinson.

† Glen: a narrow valley, especially in Scotland or Ireland.

‡ Sorry, Mr Fabry.


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 28 August, 2020, 08:16:22 AM
2000AD Prog 374: Hot lead – cold justice! "This is the law!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/28/2000ad-prog-374-hot-lead-cold-justice-this-is-the-law/)

English muties, Scots muties, Welsh muties - now for the Irish stereotypes!  Time of devilish bargains (or devilish bargains for time), meet the Wreckers of Sector 27, where's Earth?  ...and Rogue finally finds out what the deal is with that 'Nort' summit (and why I've been calling it a 'Nort' summit instead of a Nort summit).

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: broodblik on 28 August, 2020, 09:15:54 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 28 August, 2020, 08:16:22 AM
2000AD Prog 374: Hot lead – cold justice! "This is the law!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/28/2000ad-prog-374-hot-lead-cold-justice-this-is-the-law/)

English muties, Scots muties, Welsh muties - now for the Irish stereotypes!  Time of devilish bargains (or devilish bargains for time), meet the Wreckers of Sector 27, where's Earth?  ...and Rogue finally finds out what the deal is with that 'Nort' summit (and why I've been calling it a 'Nort' summit instead of a Nort summit).

This was my first ever prog.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 28 August, 2020, 05:12:05 PM
Quote from: broodblik on 28 August, 2020, 09:15:54 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 28 August, 2020, 08:16:22 AM
2000AD Prog 374: Hot lead – cold justice! "This is the law!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/28/2000ad-prog-374-hot-lead-cold-justice-this-is-the-law/)

English muties, Scots muties, Welsh muties - now for the Irish stereotypes!  Time of devilish bargains (or devilish bargains for time), meet the Wreckers of Sector 27, where's Earth?  ...and Rogue finally finds out what the deal is with that 'Nort' summit (and why I've been calling it a 'Nort' summit instead of a Nort summit).

This was my first ever prog.

Not a bad one to start with - though much improved by what came two week's later (though conversely not helped by what came immediately after that - a one-month strike).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: broodblik on 28 August, 2020, 06:35:29 PM
What was the net effect of the strike?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: broodblik on 28 August, 2020, 06:39:19 PM
Can not remember that basically there was no prog for a month. 7th of July 1984 Prog 376 the last prog before the strike and [spoiler]Halo Jones[/spoiler] was unleashed upon the world. The next prog was only on the 4th of August. Thanks for that Barney
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 29 August, 2020, 11:34:13 AM
2000AD Prog 375: Reckon you could survive in Mega-City One? "NO!" Beware the wreckers! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/29/2000ad-prog-375-reckon-you-could-survive-in-mega-city-one-no-beware-the-wreckers/)

A beloved character dies on the Doghouse (for the third time this story), news on the cover about a promotion between IPC and Skips.  And in the Nerve Centre.  And in a colour full page feature.  And in another feature later on in the prog.  Who's the alien?  Dredd cleans up.  Another story called Bad Timing.  Captain Coogan - a chip off the old block!  P.S. plus there's lots of letters.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 29 August, 2020, 05:59:50 PM
I had this prog with me on a long family camping holiday, and then there were no new ones waiting for me at the newsagent on my thrill-hungry return, so I could probably draw each and every panel from memory, if I could draw at all.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 30 August, 2020, 04:20:28 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 29 August, 2020, 05:59:50 PM
I had this prog with me on a long family camping holiday, and then there were no new ones waiting for me at the newsagent on my thrill-hungry return, so I could probably draw each and every panel from memory, if I could draw at all.

Due to the strike, I had a similar experience with the following prog.  This one, in fact:

2000AD Prog 376: Where did she go? Out. What did she do? Everything. The Ballad of Halo Jones (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/30/2000ad-prog-376-where-did-she-go-out-what-did-she-do-everything-the-ballad-of-halo-jones/)

Just before the strike hit, we had this prog - McNulty and Alpha arrive in Jock's Landing, the balloon goes down in Judge Dredd, there's a (future) shocking hunting mishap and the shield comes down on Summit Island.  Oh, and a new character wants to go out.

Bonus!  Four years ago, Eamonn, Rackle and me recorded a podcast about this story.

Mega City Book Club 17: The Ballad of Halo Jones (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/08/30/mega-city-book-club-17-the-ballad-of-halo-jones/)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 02 September, 2020, 08:15:53 AM
Almost replicating the strike where it took a month to see the second episode of Halo Jones, here's the latest blog post, days after the last...

2000AD Prog 377: "We're partners in crime, Mean!" "Wheee-doggie!" The most titanic team-up of all time! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/09/02/2000ad-prog-377-were-partners-in-crime-mean-wheee-doggie-the-most-titanic-team-up-of-all-time/)

Middenface killed!  Or that's what the villager tells the Stix...  Ludy meets the drummers, Mean Machine Angel meets Pa Angel (deceased), investigating something using a time machine?  Be careful you didn't cause the thing you're investigating!  And the rebel captains attack Summit Island.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 03 September, 2020, 09:04:06 AM
2000AD Prog 378: Ace Garp is OUT! "We's truckin', buddies!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/09/03/2000ad-prog-378-ace-garp-is-out-wes-truckin-buddies/)

Johnny has a family reunion with his dad, Halo, Rodice and Toby go shopping, Ace escapes (but keeps getting interrupted), Dredd and Mean hit town and just another day for Rogue the the biochips.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 05 September, 2020, 09:29:35 AM
2000AD Prog 379: Rogue Trooper – blinded by the light! "My eyes... I can't see!" KPOW! KPOW! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/09/05/2000ad-prog-379-rogue-trooper-blinded-by-the-light-my-eyes-i-cant-see-kpow-kpow/)

'King' tightens his grip on the Doghouse, Halo, Rodice and Toby head off shopping, Mean's dial gets stuck on 4½, Ace joins Evil Blood's pirate band and the Norts play a blinder against Rogue.



Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 05 September, 2020, 10:44:06 AM
Reading your current entries reminds me how seriously I took all the stories back then. I was genuinely relieved when Ace escaped the stoop-coop, disturbed by the idea of Johnny's torture and NBK being in charge of the Doghouse,  excited by the bio-chip shakeup (especially the imminent flying helmet) and thrilled by the idea of Mean permanently stuck on 4.5. This really was my personal Golden Age.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 05 September, 2020, 10:27:22 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 05 September, 2020, 10:44:06 AM
Reading your current entries reminds me how seriously I took all the stories back then. I was genuinely relieved when Ace escaped the stoop-coop, disturbed by the idea of Johnny's torture and NBK being in charge of the Doghouse,  excited by the bio-chip shakeup (especially the imminent flying helmet) and thrilled by the idea of Mean permanently stuck on 4.5. This really was my personal Golden Age.

I'm with you on that - there's plenty of great moments to come in the next four decades, but nothing quite matches up to my first years of pre-teen reading.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 06 September, 2020, 10:50:55 AM
2000AD Prog 380: Disguise in trouble... Dredd loses face! "You ain't my pa!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/09/06/2000ad-prog-380-disguise-in-trouble-dredd-loses-face-you-aint-my-pa/)

Time for the Stronts to take big licks to Norman, Rodice to take a chill pill, Mean and Dredd head Tulsa-wards, Ace goes to a domed pirate city, flying helmets abound in Rogue Trooper.


24 Hours to Tulsa (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zugy2rkSM7g) - not the kind of song that nine-year-old me knew.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 08 September, 2020, 08:36:27 AM
2000AD Prog 381: It's zarjaz! It's scrotnig! It's ghafflebette! Mutie and the beast... "It's not real! It's all in my mind!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/09/08/2000ad-prog-381-its-zarjaz-its-scrotnig-its-ghafflebette-mutie-and-the-beast-its-not-real-its-all-in-my-mind/)

Fantastic news!  About Scream! and Eagle, not about 2000AD... 

The Gronk is alive again, the Alpha Gang is on the Doghouse, Rodice has a change of clothes, Ace... interrupted, Dredd and Mean in the meltdown city (but when's it going to melt?), Bio-wire isn't the only perambulatory crop.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 09 September, 2020, 08:51:45 AM
2000AD Prog 382: 🟊 Heavy melt-all issue! 🟊 "Stomm!" "Judge clone in jeopardy... repeat... judge clone in jeopardy!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/09/09/2000ad-prog-382-%f0%9f%9f%8a-heavy-melt-all-issue-%f0%9f%9f%8a-stomm-judge-clone-in-jeopardy-repeat-judge-clone-in-jeopardy/)

Big Eddie no longer at large, neither's Brinna, or the dinosaurs.  The robot midwifes are alright though.  And (some of) the Kashars.  Plus the story of how the crew of the Speedo Ghost escaped, true by Ace Garp!

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: paddykafka on 09 September, 2020, 10:57:33 AM
And on the subject of the plural of Garda..... :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAHR1tk5xvU

And as an added bonus....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBDjtlVZ0uk

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 09 September, 2020, 11:53:08 AM
Quote from: paddykafka on 09 September, 2020, 10:57:33 AM
And on the subject of the plural of Garda..... :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAHR1tk5xvU

And as an added bonus....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBDjtlVZ0uk

Love that I knew exactly which clip you were linking to!  Should be on the citizenship exam.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 09 September, 2020, 04:45:41 PM
I'm not sure what I've just been watching...

I'm certainly learning more about Scots and Irish culture due to responses on this thread.  How about the hat trick - any Welsh contributions?  Evans is around and Siadwel Rhys should turn up by the end of the year.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 12 September, 2020, 03:49:24 PM
2000AD Prog 383: "Heeeeeer, piggy piggy piggy piggy!" "Hark! A voith calleth my name!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/09/12/2000ad-prog-383-heeeeeer-piggy-piggy-piggy-piggy-hark-a-voith-calleth-my-name/)

Busy week!  Hopefully going to get back in to the routine (and schedule) for next week.

Dogs die in hot fire-fights, not every rumblejack is leucotomised, Mean takes a bullet to the knee (twice), Ace pigs out, Kashar's and G.I.s can both cheat when they need to.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 13 September, 2020, 06:34:14 PM
2000AD Annual 1985 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/09/13/2000ad-annual-1985/)

Sláine travels in time (but don't worry too much as the continuity will be re-jigged in a year or two), Turbo-trux gate-crash the Mega-City, Rogue broadcasts a message and Hammerstein gets the blues.  Oh, and there's something about Zrag.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 20 September, 2020, 03:06:52 AM
Judge Dredd Annual 1985: He is the law in Mega-City! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/09/20/judge-dredd-annual-1985-he-is-the-law-in-mega-city/)

The first Judge Dredd Annual I ever read!

Exploding citiblocks, misdiagnoses of schizophrenia, giant spiders (no, bigger than that) and an eating contest with a difference.

p.s. also updated the prog slog blog with recent appearances on the Starlordathon (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/09/18/starlordathon/) and regular Space Spinner 2000 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/09/18/space-spinner-2000-rogue-trooper-annual-1991/)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 01 October, 2020, 10:10:27 AM
Sorry about the delay - I'll attempt to get back to the prog-a-day schedule for October!

The Daily Dredds: 1983 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/10/01/the-daily-dredds-1983/)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 02 October, 2020, 09:52:19 PM
2000AD Prog 384: Jaw to jaw with the law! RRRRRRRRR 'Gator! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/10/02/2000ad-prog-384-jaw-to-jaw-with-the-law-rrrrrrrrr-gator/)

Alpha's dad - dead (spoiler); Toby's back; Dredd goes underground; Garp gets the princess from one piratical peril to another; Rogue finds a hill to die on.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 04 October, 2020, 11:07:38 AM
2000AD Prog 385: Alpha vs Stix "Who's next?" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/10/04/2000ad-prog-385-alpha-vs-stix-whos-next/)

Stix - the final showdown!  Halo goes out (with Toby, not in that way).  Doctor's orders for Dredd - no alcohol or romance!  The cliffhanger for Rogue is the same as last week, but more so.  Ace goes out (with the princess, not in that way).

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 05 October, 2020, 08:42:42 AM
2000AD Prog 386: "The sentence is thrill-power..." "The sentence is..." "DEATH!" Tharg on trial! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/10/05/2000ad-prog-386-the-sentence-is-thrill-power-the-sentence-is-death-tharg-on-trial/)

Ace's plan comes together, the Dictators of Zrag become the Judges of Zrag, nobody on the survival club gets a merit, in the dark future of humanity there can only be children, the Nort's launch their secret weapon.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 06 October, 2020, 08:35:33 AM
2000AD Prog 387: Nemesis the Warlock in The Gothic Empire (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/10/06/2000ad-prog-387-nemesis-the-warlock-in-the-gothic-empire/)

Nine-year-old me is introduced to steampunk, before the term was invented, an old acquaintance puts the G.I.s on the final hunt for the Traitor General, Hell-Trek, ho!  Everybody's wearing those... tight boots and the crew of Speedo Ghost go on strike.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 11 October, 2020, 11:49:11 AM
2000AD Prog 388: Future War Games on Nu Earth "My move, G.I.!" SNAP! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/10/11/2000ad-prog-388-future-war-games-on-nu-earth-my-move-g-i-snap/)


Nemesis enters Gothic London (and Ro-Jaws returns), Rogue goes North, Star and Shadow have icy adventures, Dredd gets involved in a welfare issue (and the return of an old face - which Dredd punches), Ace concedes to demands.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 12 October, 2020, 09:15:48 AM
2000AD Prog 389: A Machine? A Myth? Or a Man? A Case for Treatment (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/10/12/2000ad-prog-389-a-machine-a-myth-or-a-man-a-case-for-treatment/)

Dredd, psychoanalysed! A new artist for Nemesis!  Dinosaurs attack, Ace gets shots and Rogue gets the tables turned on him by some buried robots.


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 15 October, 2020, 08:49:22 AM
2000AD Prog 390: £ivers and Tenners to be Won Every Week! "Biggest collection of oddballs I've ever seen... and they're all JUDGES!" The Wally Squad! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/10/15/2000ad-prog-390-ivers-and-tenners-to-be-won-every-week-biggest-collection-of-oddballs-ive-ever-seen-and-theyre-all-judges-the-wally-squad/)

Rogue versus robot... and biochip!  Nem versus Torque, and Starblower.  A one-page Kryten moment.  Dredd's first distraction after the psych eval.  Ace fights back against a successful Trucking Co.  Why does it always rain on Helltrekkers?

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 16 October, 2020, 10:52:25 AM
2000AD Prog 391: Q: What does a dinosaur call a Helltrek? HRRRAAIII! A: Meals on Wheels! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/10/16/2000ad-prog-391-q-what-does-a-dinosaur-call-a-helltrek-hrrraaiii-a-meals-on-wheels/)

What's a Zap Board?  The Traitor General closes in, Ro-Jaws and Nemesis are going underground (and a war droid returns), the arms bust goes bust, careful where you send your bombs and never leave a radwagon behind!

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 18 October, 2020, 02:30:56 AM
2000AD Prog 392: Target: Traitor General – revenge for Rogue Trooper! "There's the murderer!" "I see him!" "FIRE!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/10/18/2000ad-prog-392-target-traitor-general-revenge-for-rogue-trooper-theres-the-murderer-i-see-him-fire/)

Rogue's quest is at an end!  Maps appear in Judge Dredd and HellTrekkers.  Nemesis the Warlock has a 'strangers on a train' moment.  Ace's plan falls in to place...

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 19 October, 2020, 01:47:58 AM
2000AD Prog 393: Move over, Ron – Slippery Jim di Griz is back! The Stainless Steel Rat... ...for President! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/10/19/2000ad-prog-393-move-over-ron-slippery-jim-di-griz-is-back-the-stainless-steel-rat-for-president/)

A presidential election (Stainless Steel Rat-style), time travel in Mega-City One, the phantom possesses the governor while Hammerstein faces Mek-Quake and the Helltrek gets hit by the Black Scab.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 20 October, 2020, 08:48:58 AM
2000AD Prog 394: Tomorrow's evil in the City of the Damned! "What the drokk...?" "The Hell Street Blues!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/10/20/2000ad-prog-394-tomorrows-evil-in-the-city-of-the-damned-what-the-drokk-the-hell-street-blues/)

Jim and Angelina - tourists!  Hammerstein faces Mek-Quake, humanity meets the medusa, Anderson and Dredd see blue people, the Ace Trucking Workers' Co-operative have their day in court and the black scab takes hold.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Bolt-01 on 20 October, 2020, 12:38:35 PM
Just want to say how much I enjoy your 'highlights' lines. Always a treat.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 21 October, 2020, 08:59:42 AM

Ta, Bolt!

2000AD Prog 395: Take out your partners for the ballroom blitz! "Blimey – gatecrashers!" KLIK! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/10/21/2000ad-prog-395-take-out-your-partners-for-the-ballroom-blitz-blimey-gatecrashers-klik/)

The family diGriz arrive on Paraiso-Aqui, Nem, Ro-Jaws, Torque and Hammerstein all arrive on the Brick Moon, Anderson and Dredd get their first clue, Ace quits and everything converges on the Helltrekkers.

`
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 22 October, 2020, 08:46:10 AM
2000AD Prog 396: WIN! Dungeons & Dragons treasure trove! "We need NEW BLOOD – join us, Joe..." "Hershey! She's a VAMPIRE!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/10/22/2000ad-prog-396-win-dungeons-dragons-treasure-trove-we-need-new-blood-join-us-joe-hershey-shes-a-vampire/)

The Stainless Steel Rat gets to the chopper, the ten-part D&D story ends with a competition, the assassination attempt on Queen Victoria comes to a head, vampire Hershey makes a seduction roll against Dredd, Ace leaves the Speedo Ghost and the dying dinosaur fumbles it's death saving throw.



Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 23 October, 2020, 08:55:18 AM
2000AD Prog 397: ++City of the Damned – let chaos reign!++ "Gaze upon the DOOM that was foretold!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/10/23/2000ad-prog-397-city-of-the-damned-let-chaos-reign-gaze-upon-the-doom-that-was-foretold/)

Earthlets lend prog storage tips, Jim goes face to face with Zapilote, Torquemada goes face to face with Professor Victor Frankenstein, Anderson head to head with the Mutant (in a recording), the Ace Trucking Worker's Co-operative face to face with Evil Blood and the Helltrekkers don't go face to face with anybody, but still end up with 23 dead.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 24 October, 2020, 08:56:29 PM
2000AD Prog 398: Have a cosmic Christmas, earthlets! "Ho ho ho!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/10/24/2000ad-prog-398-have-a-cosmic-christmas-earthlets-ho-ho-ho/)

It's chriiistmas!  Slay rides and santa claws a-plenty as Jim new party takes a gamble, Joe tries to catch an alien for the zoo, Torque has a flashback to family life, other Joe heads into the dark with Cass, Ace remembers his other ship and the trek leaves the Slough for the nice safe haven of Stinking Creek way-station.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 25 October, 2020, 10:27:23 AM
2000AD Prog 399: A.B.C. K.O. B.E.M. S.N.A.F.U! (O.K?) "Mongrol SMUSH!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/10/25/2000ad-prog-399-a-b-c-k-o-b-e-m-s-n-a-f-u-o-k-mongrol-smush/)

The diGriz's toast Sam Fox (!), people* get ordered to stop Mongrol (they try, but not very hard), Dredd and Anderson get trapped - can they see any way out?  Ace catches up with Old Peart the Third - and so does Evil Blood and it's shower time in the Cursed Earth.


* robots are people too.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 26 October, 2020, 08:00:47 AM
2000AD Prog 400: Dogfight – the rat bites back! WHAAM! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/10/26/2000ad-prog-400-dogfight-the-rat-bites-back-whaam/)

Carlos borrows the composition of panels by Irv Novick, Jerry Grandenetti and Russ Heath (which were famously stolen without attribution by some pop artist), an assassination attempt against diGriz, the big twist in Nemesis the Warlock, Dredd has a blinding headache, Ace resolves an industrial dispute and the marauders attack at the way-station.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: broodblik on 26 October, 2020, 08:05:12 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 26 October, 2020, 08:00:47 AM
2000AD Prog 400: Dogfight – the rat bites back! WHAAM! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/10/26/2000ad-prog-400-dogfight-the-rat-bites-back-whaam/)


In today's age this would have been a big jump-on-prog issue. Stainless Steel Rat was a great story pity that this was the last series done for the prog.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 October, 2020, 08:48:28 AM
Prog 300 was, and so was 500 - I guess the storylines just didn't align for that one...

2000AD Prog 401: Free Panini Dune album (not available to overseas readers) The return of Rogue Trooper "Here are my boys... make them into MEN!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/10/27/2000ad-prog-401-free-panini-dune-album-not-available-to-overseas-readers-the-return-of-rogue-trooper-here-are-my-boys-make-them-into-men/)

Rogue's back, and so are the biochips, in person!  The Goths get some bad news - the Brick Moon is crashing down to Britannia - Nemesis also gets some bad news about Chira and Thoth.  We find out who the Mutant is.  The diGriz take to the skies.  Rudd takes revenge.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 28 October, 2020, 10:19:01 AM
2000AD Prog 402: Free inside! 6 'Dune' stickers! (not available to overseas readers) "Joe Dredd, meet... Joe Dredd!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/10/28/2000ad-prog-402-free-inside-6-dune-stickers-not-available-to-overseas-readers-joe-dredd-meet-joe-dredd/)

Helm's wedding - spoiler - he goes to pieces!  McCarthy gets some practice drawing Mad Max waste-mutants.  Torquemada chops off Nemesis' head!  Zombie Dredd versus blind Dredd and Anderson.  Bolivar is captured!  Quint's not doing well.

Not the happiest of progs...

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 29 October, 2020, 10:51:19 AM
2000AD Prog 403: Mega-plan revealed: judge gets criminal record! "I'll make those creeps sing!" Inside! Fink Brothers beat the rap? (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/10/29/2000ad-prog-403-mega-plan-revealed-judge-gets-criminal-record-ill-make-those-creeps-sing-inside-fink-brothers-beat-the-rap/)

The Mega-plan revealed after over a year!  Is it worth it?  I'll leave that for you to decide (more details tomorrow, including the obligatory links to a 'live' performance of the song).  The genies know what's up with the chips, but can't say how to fix it, SPOILER Nemesis isn't dead, but Dredd is (zombie Dredd is anyway - Dredd and alive), the election is brought forward by Zapilote, the helltrek hits a Cursed Earth storm.


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 30 October, 2020, 03:52:53 AM
The Fink Brothers: Mutants in Mega-City One (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/10/30/the-fink-brothers-mutants-in-mega-city-one/)

Fink and Mean come to Mega-City One and get the Blues...


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 31 October, 2020, 10:20:33 PM
A bit late in the day but I had to fit the episode of Dredd with vampires and a zombie in on Hallowe'en, right?

2000AD Prog 404: Torquemada dresses to kill! FWOOSHH! "Your fireballs cannot harm me now, Nemesis... repent and die!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/10/31/2000ad-prog-404-torquemada-dresses-to-kill-fwooshh-your-fireballs-cannot-harm-me-now-nemesis-repent-and-die/)

The top brass of Millicom, revealed at last!  Robots programmed to serve and protect the mega-rich, Torque suits up against Nem, the Mutant finally finds out Dredd's plan (part of it anyway), Slippery Jim diGriz gets assassinated and will never appear in the prog again and the trek passes the half-way point, without a guide.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 01 November, 2020, 11:05:14 PM
2000AD Prog 405: UNGH! Dredd vs. Dredd ...and one must die! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/11/01/2000ad-prog-405-ungh-dredd-vs-dredd-and-one-must-die/)

We see the writer of the Ballad of Halo Jones (it's not Alan Moore), Rogue goes rogue, zombie Dredd fights time-travelling Dredd, but then zombie Dredd becomes a time-travelling Dredd, Torque goes through changes and the Helltrekkers meet their next challenge (the Nebbs are involved).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 02 November, 2020, 05:07:23 PM
2000AD Prog 406: The Ballad of Halo Jones Act II (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/11/02/2000ad-prog-406-the-ballad-of-halo-jones-act-ii/)

A change of pace for Halo, Rogue heads to Horst, Dredd gets bionic peepers and Anderson faces the young Mutant, Tomas de Torquemada (spoiler) dies, so does Titus Nebb.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 03 November, 2020, 06:29:31 PM
2000AD Prog 407: Lennard J. Stibble: come on down! Lenn's 43, he's a kneepad salesman, happily single... ...and the next victim of The Hunters Club! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/11/03/2000ad-prog-407-lennard-j-stibble-come-on-down-lenns-43-hes-a-kneepad-salesman-happily-single-and-the-next-victim-of-the-hunters-club/)

Toby gets some exercise, White Cloud investigates a colony, a kneepad seller gets hunted down, media empires make the news and Rudd fits in a quick marriage.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 05 November, 2020, 12:25:36 AM
2000AD Prog 408: The weird guppy commune trek straight into hell! "What the gup is happenin', man?" LAVALANCHE! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/11/04/2000ad-prog-408-the-weird-guppy-commune-trek-straight-into-hell-what-the-gup-is-happenin-man-lavalanche/)


Halo meets... erm...  Oscar the Psi meets a bank robber.  Chip meets the Hunters Club.  Robots meet humans.  Guppies meet lava.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 07 November, 2020, 12:09:50 PM
2000AD Prog 409: Mega-City One: city of 400 million guilty secrets! "You're under arrest!" "Ulp!" "...He's guessed I'm a mutie!" "...seen my wall-scrawl!" "...knows I'm in the Hunters Club!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/11/07/2000ad-prog-409-mega-city-one-city-of-400-million-guilty-secrets-youre-under-arrest-ulp-hes-guessed-im-a-mutie-seen-my-wall-scrawl-knows-im-in-the-hunter/)

Halo smells a rat, Oscar goes to Earth, the latest recruit is not a Chip off the old Bub, two thieves don't much about art and everything's looking Rosie for Korky...


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 08 November, 2020, 11:24:06 PM
2000AD Prog 410: Rogue Trooper – back at the front! This means war! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/11/08/2000ad-prog-410-rogue-trooper-back-at-the-front-this-means-war/)

Rogue and the boys go batty, we find out who ate all the pies, Halo has to trust a bunch of rats, Chip cashes in his chips, the Imperial Army divides and fails to conquer and things get hot for Korky and Rose.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 09 November, 2020, 09:50:28 PM
2000AD Prog 411: Sláine is back in Time Killer! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/11/09/2000ad-prog-411-slaine-is-back-in-time-killer/)


Halo finds out something about her past, Sláine finds out something about Earth's past, Dredd finds out where the Hunters Club meet, Rogue finds out that Norts aren't the only aliens and we find out that Rudd falls for one of the oldest tricks in the book.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 10 November, 2020, 11:30:22 PM
2000AD Prog 412: Who's putting the squeeze on J.D? "Don't break the law, creep..." "I crush you good!" Monsteroso M16 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/11/10/2000ad-prog-412-whos-putting-the-squeeze-on-j-d-dont-break-the-law-creep-i-crush-you-good-monsteroso-m16/)

Toby doggedly pursues Halo, the Knucker gets Sláine in to trouble, big jobs in Mega-City One (but not from Mek-Quake), the un-named adviser advises Rogue, Rudd turns on the Nebbs.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 12 November, 2020, 10:40:39 PM
2000AD Prog 413: The hunt is on for Halo's bones! Hot digital dog! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/11/12/2000ad-prog-413-the-hunt-is-on-for-halos-bones-hot-digital-dog/)


Dogs die in hot Claras, the worm is about to turn, don't be that person at the party, Rogue goes underground (what's Nu?) and don't split the helltrek!


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 15 November, 2020, 06:04:31 PM
2000AD Prog 414: Master of Mega-City One! Judge Dredd (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/11/15/2000ad-prog-414-master-of-mega-city-one-judge-dredd/)

Halo goes swimming and dancing, Tlachtga has a blast, a juve is primed and ready to explode, the bats come home to roost for the G.I.s and Bud doesn't quite make it to the New Territories.


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 22 November, 2020, 03:03:15 PM
2000AD Prog 415: Free inside! 6 'Masters of the Universe' stickers! Bright eyes... burning like fire! Big prizes to be won in KP Alien Spacers competition! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/11/22/2000ad-prog-415-free-inside-6-masters-of-the-universe-stickers-bright-eyes-burning-like-fire-big-prizes-to-be-won-in-kp-alien-spacers-competition/)

Halo doesn't meet with an old friend in a bar, Ukko completely fails to comfort Tlachtga and we re-meet Elfric, Primo gets a bit hot-headed, the adviser advises Rogue and Crustacia scuttles off.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 24 November, 2020, 12:12:09 AM
2000AD Prog 416: Zarjaz 8th birthday issue! Win! commodore 64 computer systems & Valiant Robo-Turtles! New mega-thrills! Alpha – Strontium Dog! "The future is here!" Anderson – Psi Division! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/11/24/2000ad-prog-416-zarjaz-8th-birthday-issue-win-commodore-64-computer-systems-valiant-robo-turtles-new-mega-thrills-alpha-strontium-dog-the-future-is-here-anderson-psi-divisio/)


Anderson Psi Division makes her debut (well, in her own series), the worm turns (did I use that pun already?), another night, another graveyard shift, Rogue and the boys are all at sea and a bounty hunting duo become a bounty hunting trio.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 25 November, 2020, 11:54:34 PM
2000AD Prog 417: Alpha: Back on the Trail! In the Badlands of Burrito the Big Bust is Go! "Oot o' the way there! Stronty Dug comin' through!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/11/25/2000ad-prog-417-alpha-back-on-the-trail-in-the-badlands-of-burrito-the-big-bust-is-go-oot-o-the-way-there-stronty-dug-comin-through/)

Anderson visits the museum, Sláine visits the 11th century, Dredd visits a bar, Rogue visits a rocky outcrop and the Stronts visit the Burrito badlands.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 26 November, 2020, 08:40:20 AM
Despite it being my alma mater, I didn't remember the Alchemist's Head getting itself into the prog.Going to have to dig that one out.

Comics art doesn't get much better than Sunday Night Fever, does it.

(The Life Wire is, IIRC, one of those handy grappling hook shooter things. Although I thought the Westinghouse had one of those built in... )

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 26 November, 2020, 09:39:35 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 26 November, 2020, 08:40:20 AM
Despite it being my alma mater, I didn't remember the Alchemist's Head getting itself into the prog.Going to have to dig that one out.

Comics art doesn't get much better than Sunday Night Fever, does it.

(The Life Wire is, IIRC, one of those handy grappling hook shooter things. Although I thought the Westinghouse had one of those built in... )

Don't get your hopes up - it was only a two-liner text mention in the Nerve Centre!

I'm going to guess that because it isn't one of the 'regular' items that Johnny uses, it's mention here is going to mean it'll be used before too long (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chekhov%27s_gun).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 29 November, 2020, 11:20:58 AM
2000AD Prog 418: Death's dark dimension: Necropolis now! "Unwrap the corpssse – sso that we may live!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/11/29/2000ad-prog-418-deaths-dark-dimension-necropolis-now-unwrap-the-corpssse-sso-that-we-may-live/)

The DJs are back, so's Slough Feg, poison gas in MC1, the pincer movement continues (but doesn't resolve) and the Stronts go after their first bounties.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 29 November, 2020, 12:04:14 PM
You're spot on about Watkins, but I think Dodman as a ley-layer works even better in this context, with the link between the spiral of the snail's shell, the spiral of time, thd 'mystic spiral' of Sláine's fingerprint the encasing of time-worm droppings in spiral-engraved shells of stones... it's all connected, man. Nobody navigates and sells this nonsense quite as well as Pat.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 29 November, 2020, 09:48:05 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 29 November, 2020, 12:04:14 PM
You're spot on about Watkins, but I think Dodman as a ley-layer works even better in this context, with the link between the spiral of the snail's shell, the spiral of time, thd 'mystic spiral' of Sláine's fingerprint the encasing of time-worm droppings in spiral-engraved shells of stones... it's all connected, man. Nobody navigates and sells this nonsense quite as well as Pat.

It might have been made up in the mid-20th century, but it all works for storytelling (just don't take that religious stuff, seriously, yeah?)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 30 November, 2020, 11:38:16 AM
2000AD Prog 419: Fear, Fire, Death & Mortis! "There'ss no sstopping uss now!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/11/30/2000ad-prog-419-fear-fire-death-mortis-theress-no-sstopping-uss-now/)

Anderson dead (yeah, right) as the Dark Judges jump to another dimension, Sláine also jumps dimensions, ending up els-where, something smells at the Necropolis, hulks get lit and Alpha should have taken care of the robots (one way or another).

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 01 December, 2020, 02:26:38 PM
2000AD Prog 420: Sláine: El hath no fury... "Kill the hu-man!" Cosmic competition! Win the Henshin robos! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/12/01/2000ad-prog-420-slaine-el-hath-no-fury-kill-the-hu-man-cosmic-competition-win-the-henshin-robos/)


Anderson's back! Tharg's Food-Shocks. What is Sláine's type? Dark Judges at large! Is Dredd needed? Nah! Bounty hunting is thirsty business.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 02 December, 2020, 08:15:10 AM
2000AD Prog 421: Examination special: cadet in control! "Okay, Brisco – what do I do now?" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/12/02/2000ad-prog-421-examination-special-cadet-in-control-okay-brisco-what-do-i-do-now/)


Twenty years on Titan for Anderson? Alpha gets a break, a cadet faces an interesting situation and Myrddin gets macrocosmic.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: broodblik on 02 December, 2020, 08:26:37 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 02 December, 2020, 08:15:10 AM
2000AD Prog 421: Examination special: cadet in control! "Okay, Brisco – what do I do now?" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/12/02/2000ad-prog-421-examination-special-cadet-in-control-okay-brisco-what-do-i-do-now/)


Twenty years on Titan for Anderson? Alpha gets a break, a cadet faces an interesting situation and Myrddin gets macrocosmic.

Tordelbach (I've seen a name like that somewhere...), Sheridan I believe as like any wine a name can also mature with time so the h overtime becomes a k
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 07 December, 2020, 11:19:59 PM
2000AD Sci-Fi Special 1985: Co-starring Rogue Trooper, Ro-Busters, Halo Jones, D.R. & Quinch, Strontium Dog. Starring Judge Dredd. Also featuring puzzles, readers' art, future shocks, Tharg's photo album (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/12/04/2000ad-sci-fi-special-1985-co-starring-rogue-trooper-ro-busters-halo-jones-d-r-quinch-strontium-dog-starring-judge-dredd-also-featuring-puzzles-readers-art-future-shocks-thargs/)

An alien loose in Mega-City One, 3d printing, DR & Quinch Go Camping, how did Rogue and the boys get to the Polar Zone?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 16 December, 2020, 09:38:08 PM
2000AD Prog 422: The grave face of future war "We're unique!" "We're genetic!" "We're dead!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/12/16/2000ad-prog-422-the-grave-face-of-future-war-were-unique-were-genetic-were-dead/)

Anderson prepares to limbo dance with the Dark Judges, Murdach has a pique of jealousy as Sláine fights cyborgs, a perp has a day out until a different cyborg scares him back to the cubes, the biochips have a chance to shine and Alpha tracks down the brainwraith.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 22 December, 2020, 11:04:46 PM
2000AD Prog 423: Dark Judges in Crash Dorm 2! "Ssssleep forever!" Anderson's nightmare! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/12/22/2000ad-prog-423-dark-judges-in-crash-dorm-2-ssssleep-forever-andersons-nightmare/)


Things hot up in the Grand Hall of Justice, Sláine and Murdach's balancing act, Judge amok, Rogue in disguise (as a rhino) and the bounty hunters face the Howlers

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 30 December, 2020, 02:35:11 PM
2000AD Prog 424: Midnight in the Mega-City... Surfing on the street! "Crazy skyhog!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2020/12/30/2000ad-prog-424-midnight-in-the-mega-city-surfing-on-the-street-crazy-skyhog/)

Fear falls first, Sláine versus the Nazis (not really), the mice are coming, a new passtime in the Mega-City (the cover kind of gives that away), the Norts flog a dead horse and the bounty hunters finish their big bust.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 04 January, 2021, 01:45:18 AM
2000AD Prog 425: No escape for Smiley's people! The Slavers of Drule "Who can help us now?" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/01/04/2000ad-prog-425-no-escape-for-smileys-people-the-slavers-of-drule-who-can-help-us-now/)

Puntastic alien slavers attack a colony world, Sláine and Murdach go flying, Marlon also goes flying, Rogue meets Moho and Anderson gets another chance to prover herself.


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: TordelBack on 04 January, 2021, 09:32:54 AM
What a prog that is. Slavers of Drule is one of my favourite SDs, it sustains a terrific sense of peril for the Keebles, and the menace of an approaching Johnny. Giving Johnny and Wulf a home, however briefly, introduced a real sense of change to the strip, an escape from rinse-and-repeat adventures. Making what came next all the more shocking.

Midnight Surfer really getting going (one of my Top 10 Dredd stories), some crazy left-field world building in Sláine, Robinson on Anderson, and even Horst felt like it had potential under Ortiz's pen (though that feeling wouldn't last).

I always know the really good progs because I can remember actually buying them - this was a period where I would read the comic on the walk home from the newsagents, and if it was really good I'd stop off at an intervening friend's house to share the good news. This is such a beast.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 04 January, 2021, 10:27:28 AM
In itself I like the Sláine world/universe building - though I do think it jars with the more celtic stories before and after the cythron storyline...

When I look at the European work that Ortiz did it just highlights what a wasted opportunity it was to have him illustrating the Horst story :-(
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 06 January, 2021, 10:04:48 AM
2000D Prog 426: Midnight Express – Southbound Surfer! "Intruder on track! Impact unavoidable!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/01/06/2000d-prog-426-midnight-express-southbound-surfer-intruder-on-track-impact-unavoidable/)

Johnny and Wulf in semi-retirement on a forested colony planet, a pilot stranded on a forested planet (apparently), Sláine... the gladiator, Marlon goes on the run (flutter? Because he's flying), Rogue gains a lead though also gains a few enemies in the next zone (ambush alert?) and the remaining Dark Judges also 'port in to an ambush.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 07 January, 2021, 12:26:39 PM
2000AD Prog 427: Anderson – Death or Glory? "Jusssticcce ssshall be done!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/01/07/2000ad-prog-427-anderson-death-or-glory-jusssticcce-ssshall-be-done/)

Anderson invites the Dark Judges to limbo, Sláine has a wardrobe change, Supersurf 7 is go, Johnny and Wulf pay a trip to the farm and a 20th century earthlet Boing®s to the 22nd.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Andrew_J on 07 January, 2021, 05:16:18 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 06 January, 2021, 10:04:48 AM
2000D Prog 426: Midnight Express – Southbound Surfer! "Intruder on track! Impact unavoidable!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/01/06/2000d-prog-426-midnight-express-southbound-surfer-intruder-on-track-impact-unavoidable/)

Johnny and Wulf in semi-retirement on a forested colony planet, a pilot stranded on a forested planet (apparently), Sláine... the gladiator, Marlon goes on the run (flutter? Because he's flying), Rogue gains a lead though also gains a few enemies in the next zone (ambush alert?) and the remaining Dark Judges also 'port in to an ambush.

Like TordelBack above, I can distinctly remember picking this up from the shelf in the newsagents. The cover jumped out and grabbed me by the throat! Supersurf 7 is probably my most revisited Dredd tale.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 08 January, 2021, 07:06:15 PM
I think I probably mentioned it in the blog, but as much as I wanted a lightsabre after watching Return of the Jedi*, I also wanted a powerboard after reading this story!

* I saw Empire Strikes Back at the cinema, but Return of the Jedi was when I was properly on board with the figures.  Also my nan had a copy of Star Wars (ANH) so I got to see that film pretty much every weekend for quite a while...
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 10 January, 2021, 02:39:03 PM
2000AD Prog 428: Supersurf Rules Okeydokey! "Ground those skyhogs!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/01/10/2000ad-prog-428-supersurf-rules-okeydokey-ground-those-skyhogs/)

Johnny and Wulf down at the farm, Sláine masters the warp spasm, Chopper gets a lead in Supersurf while Dredd gets a lead on the Supersurf finish, Ace gets news of his own finish and things aren't looking rosy for Rogue either.


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 15 March, 2021, 01:26:15 PM
Not the best few months, but hoping to get back in to the prog slog - probably concentrating on half an hour a day rather than a post a day, so we'll see how often that ends up getting updated.

Shriekback - Nemesis (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/03/15/shriekback-nemesis/)

A diversion from the regular progs for another song inspired by the galaxy's greatest comic.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: SpaceSpinner2000 on 18 March, 2021, 03:33:21 AM
Nice! Happy to see this project continue! It's a hard road to travel, this prog slogging, take it from me!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 18 March, 2021, 08:22:13 AM
Quote from: SpaceSpinner2000 on 18 March, 2021, 03:33:21 AM
Nice! Happy to see this project continue! It's a hard road to travel, this prog slogging, take it from me!

Speaking of which - I see your Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/cradeline) releases that Space Spinner 2000 (and Big Meg One) are getting perilously close to the end of 1992.  Time for me to compile a list of Spinnies (and Meggies) nominations?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: paddykafka on 18 March, 2021, 06:40:00 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 15 March, 2021, 01:26:15 PM
Not the best few months, but hoping to get back in to the prog slog - probably concentrating on half an hour a day rather than a post a day, so we'll see how often that ends up getting updated.

Shriekback - Nemesis (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/03/15/shriekback-nemesis/)

A diversion from the regular progs for another song inspired by the galaxy's greatest comic.

Hey, good to see you back, Sheridan. This is the perfect thread for a Nostalgia Fest and I look forward to its return. Thanks for all you've done. Good call on Shriekback, too. One of my favourite bands!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 18 March, 2021, 10:16:44 PM
Aww shucks!  paddykafka - did you manage to catch their reunion gigs a few years back?

2000AD Prog 429: Rogue Playing Games? Dragons in Dungeons! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/03/18/2000ad-prog-429-rogue-playing-games-dragons-in-dungeons/)

The Stronts take on the slavers, settlers take on the aliens (but they don't know it), Sharkespeare takes on the tunnel, space truckers take on the Yellow Line and the dragoids aren't all that bad. Sss.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: paddykafka on 20 March, 2021, 12:33:00 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 18 March, 2021, 10:16:44 PM
Aww shucks!  paddykafka - did you manage to catch their reunion gigs a few years back?

Alas no, I've never actually seen them in concert as such. But hopefully - once this damn pandemic is over -they might go on the road again. (I'm not certain whether or not they've actually played in the Emerald Isle before.)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 20 March, 2021, 06:06:12 PM
Quote from: paddykafka on 20 March, 2021, 12:33:00 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 18 March, 2021, 10:16:44 PM
Aww shucks!  paddykafka - did you manage to catch their reunion gigs a few years back?

Alas no, I've never actually seen them in concert as such. But hopefully - once this damn pandemic is over -they might go on the road again. (I'm not certain whether or not they've actually played in the Emerald Isle before.)

The good news - they were still updating their blog six months ago.

The not-so-good news (for you) - no sign of any gigs in the Emerald Isle on setlists (https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/shriekback-7bd79600.html) - though if that's their entire gigging history then they didn't play a massive amount of gigs in the first place.  Not compared to a few bands I've seen, anyway.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 26 March, 2021, 10:46:11 AM
2000AD Prog 430: Ace Garp: You'll Never Warp Alone! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/03/26/2000ad-prog-430-ace-garp-youll-never-warp-alone/)

The king's head falls, possession in Termight, shapechanging alien spiders in Mega-City One (well, one shapechanging alien spider), Ace hits the meteor belt at warp speed and Rogue gets tied down.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 27 March, 2021, 09:27:22 PM
2000AD Prog 431: Norts Landing - Meltdown Minus 15!  G.I. Stake Out! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/03/27/2000ad-prog-431-norts-landing-meltdown-minus-15-g-i-stake-out/)


Johnny and Wulf hit the palace, the Yellow Snork hits a snag, so does Nosferatu, Sláine and Elfric get macrocosmic (sigh) and Rogue gets hot under the collar.


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 28 March, 2021, 05:33:03 PM
2000AD Prog 432: Rogue Mayall – Killer in a Concrete Jungle! "I warned you, Dredd!" BLAM! BLAM! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/03/28/2000ad-prog-432-rogue-mayall-killer-in-a-concrete-jungle-i-warned-you-dredd-blam-blam/)


Mij takes a bath, Ace takes the lead, Nosferatu takes a new identity, Ukko takes the mirth and Rogue takes his leave.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 29 March, 2021, 01:24:43 PM
2000AD Prog 433: The Sweet Taste of Justice! "Come here, food!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/03/29/2000ad-prog-433-the-sweet-taste-of-justice-come-here-food/)

City of the High Cythrons, Alpha puts out a bounty, Dredd doggedly pursues Nosferatu (write his name in blood), Garp makes the nightlight flight.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 30 March, 2021, 12:49:13 PM
2000AD Prog 434: West Side Rumble "♪ A-rumbling! A-rumbling! ♪" "The Sharks were ♫ born for rumbling!" "♪ There's nothin' we like better than a fight! ♫" "♩ A-rumbling! A-rumbling! ♪" "♩ We love to go a-rumbling! ♪" "♫ We love to ♩ lay in ambush ♩ in the night! ♪" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/03/30/2000ad-prog-434-west-side-rumble-%e2%99%aa-a-rumbling-a-rumbling-%e2%99%aa-the-sharks-were-%e2%99%ab-born-for-rumbling-%e2%99%aa-theres-nothin-we-like-better-than-a-fight/)

Nest has a future-shock moment, uplifted apes try to avoid work, the slavers get hot under the collar, Mega-City street gangs get musical, be careful how you get to the spaceport.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 01 April, 2021, 11:40:42 PM
2000AD Annual 1986 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/04/01/2000ad-annual-1986/)

Lugjacks and distress buoys, illegal smuggling from Brazil, talking kneepads, a visit to the Milton Keynes Mutant Ghetto and what Norts do on their day off.

Oh, and I'm now getting a robot to read out my blog posts (after experimenting with the Shriekback - Nemeis post), so technically it's now a podcast (https://anchor.fm/sheridan16/) as well as a blog.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 02 April, 2021, 09:40:56 PM
Judge Dredd Annual 1986 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/04/02/judge-dredd-annual-1986/)

Even perps get robbed in Mega-City One - of everything!  If you're committing a crime, best make sure you get good quality clothing first.  No space for prudishness when you're a judge.  Citi-Def - more trouble than they're worth.  What would you do to get on the vid?
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 04 April, 2021, 06:25:44 PM
The Daily Dredds 1984 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/04/04/the-daily-dredds-1984/)



In 1984, forty-two Judge Dredd stories were published in a major national newspaper.  This is their tale.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 01 November, 2021, 09:50:27 PM
It's been a while since my last post - I knew when I started the slog that there'd be a few challenging entries.  The gap between my last post and my next slog post shouldn't be as bad as the gap between Prog 27 (February 2017) and the 2000AD annual 1978 (May 2019) but in the mean time here's my post about my latest appearance on Space Spinner 2000 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/11/01/space-spinner-2000-2000ad-winter-special-1992/) (which was broadcast back in September).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: norton canes on 02 November, 2021, 03:36:59 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 02 April, 2021, 09:40:56 PM
Judge Dredd Annual 1986 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/04/02/judge-dredd-annual-1986/)

Don't suppose anyone knows who wrote 'Judge Dekker: The Rookie' in this? Can't see a credit.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 07 November, 2021, 11:01:54 PM
Quote from: norton canes on 02 November, 2021, 03:36:59 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 02 April, 2021, 09:40:56 PM
Judge Dredd Annual 1986 (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/04/02/judge-dredd-annual-1986/)

Don't suppose anyone knows who wrote 'Judge Dekker: The Rookie' in this? Can't see a credit.

Believe me, I studied every page multiple times (and consulted Barney) trying to work that one out!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 07 November, 2021, 11:05:48 PM
Up until now my process has been to read the next thing on the list, write about it and post the blog.  I'd always known there were going to be a few problems with this approach, and this is the first major stumbling block (first clue is that my last new post was six months ago!) - anyway, I think I'm going to have to change my process to handle the weekly progs (and monthly megs when they start up) but to get a head-start on the annuals and other exception releases.  Like the subject of my latest blog post.

I started writing it six months ago, have added little bits every month or so and have finally finished it.  It's longer than any other post.  I'm pretty sure it will be of less interest than most other posts, but here goes...

A few years after Judge Dredd: The Game of Crime-Fighting in Mega-City One came the first 2000AD-related roleplaying game!

Judge Dredd: The Roleplaying Game (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/11/07/judge-dredd-the-role-playing-game/)
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Funt Solo on 08 November, 2021, 03:24:37 AM
I sold all of my JD-RPG stuff back in 2005 to help fund a US trip, but I had the boxed set, the citi-block floor plans, Judgement Day, Slaughter Margin, the Companion book and all of the extra gubbins from White Dwarf. Was there another module aside from Slaughter Margin?

I loved the idea of having a squad of specialist Judges so you could run the game a bit like D&D, and planned out some adventures but I don't think I ever managed to get a game together.

The driving rules were a bit pants, but probably something more narrative driven and less strictly mapped would work better in that regard.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 08 November, 2021, 08:17:03 AM
Quote from: Funt Solo on 08 November, 2021, 03:24:37 AM
I sold all of my JD-RPG stuff back in 2005 to help fund a US trip, but I had the boxed set, the citi-block floor plans, Judgement Day, Slaughter Margin, the Companion book and all of the extra gubbins from White Dwarf. Was there another module aside from Slaughter Margin?
Nope, you had the lot!  Don't forget that there were two long scenarios, one in White Dwarf and one in the Companion which might be tricking your memory in to thinking they were standalone publications.

QuoteI loved the idea of having a squad of specialist Judges so you could run the game a bit like D&D, and planned out some adventures but I don't think I ever managed to get a game together.

The driving rules were a bit pants, but probably something more narrative driven and less strictly mapped would work better in that regard.

Yes, not having played it either recently or extensively I'm not entirely convinced a squad of bog-standard street judges is going to be that interesting for long, without the balance that most other games have, class-wise (and the chances of getting a specialist judge from basic rolls is low).
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: Colin YNWA on 08 November, 2021, 09:08:25 AM
Towards the end of our time playing the JD rpg (which always played second fiddle to the TSR Marvel Superheroes one - that was a lovely fast system) we started to play with a gang of perps using the rules (and our own character creation rules). That was much more fun in the end, but the rules were always a bit heavy to make a session flow easily.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 08 November, 2021, 11:07:35 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 08 November, 2021, 09:08:25 AM
Towards the end of our time playing the JD rpg (which always played second fiddle to the TSR Marvel Superheroes one - that was a lovely fast system) we started to play with a gang of perps using the rules (and our own character creation rules). That was much more fun in the end, but the rules were always a bit heavy to make a session flow easily.

Not sure what the D20 and Traveller did regarding non-street judges, but the current licence holder using the WOiN system is certainly geared towards letting you play any kind of character in "the Worlds of 2000AD".
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 10 November, 2021, 12:21:27 PM
That post was more popular than I thought - I'd figured a long, rambling post about a niche aspect of (what is now, in the 21st century) a niche property would have equalled low views.  I was wrong!

Back to the standard prog-a-day until the next prog-year:


2000AD Prog 435: Dredd Dispenses Justice "I am the LAW!" ...and the sentence is Thrill-Power! Walkie Talkie Freebie – 20 to give away! Robohunter – New Thrill! Nemesis – New Thrill! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/11/10/2000ad-prog-435-dredd-dispenses-justice-i-am-the-law-and-the-sentence-is-thrill-power-walkie-talkie-freebie-20-to-give-away-robohunter-new-thrill-nemesis-new-thrill/)

Jumping on prog - the return of Nemesis, Thoth, Sam Slade, Burt and the debut of the Mean Team!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 13 November, 2021, 09:44:35 AM
2000AD Prog 436: The S-L-A-Y-E-D Treatment! "My friends call me Sam!" KZAAK! BZZZZT! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/11/13/2000ad-prog-436-the-s-l-a-y-e-d-treatment-my-friends-call-me-sam-kzaak-bzzzzt/)

In the post jumping-on prog week, Torque gets a roasting, Nem gets married, Thoth reveals their pet, Slade takes Manhattan, Otto Sump gets smart, the President of the Earth deals with a comet and IPC's nursery title meets the Beast.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 15 November, 2021, 12:40:12 PM
2000AD Prog 437: 5 Men plus 1 Droid plus 1 Alien plus 1 Panther Equals ? "Maximum kill-points!" The future of Earth is in Their Hands – Mean Team (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/11/15/2000ad-prog-437-5-men-plus-1-droid-plus-1-alien-plus-1-panther-equals-maximum-kill-points-the-future-of-earth-is-in-their-hands-mean-team/)


The return of Elmer and Mabeline, the Mean Team appear on the scene, Norman does a Kryten (or Kryten will do a Norman), when Slobbs attack and Sam Slade returns to New York

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 17 November, 2021, 10:04:17 AM
The return of Pandora and Barbarossa, bathtime with Slade, Justice Department has a secret, Moon gets catty with Bad Jack and somebody's making mutants! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/11/17/2000ad-prog-438-warning-nem-at-work-death-in-the-fast-lane/)

The return of Pandora and Barbarossa, bathtime with Slade, Justice Department has a secret, Moon gets catty with Bad Jack and somebody's making mutants!

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 17 November, 2021, 10:22:39 AM
This is how that was supposed to show!

2000AD Prog 438: Warning: Nem at Work! "Death in the fast lane!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/11/17/2000ad-prog-438-warning-nem-at-work-death-in-the-fast-lane/)

The return of Pandora and Barbarossa, bathtime with Slade, Justice Department has a secret, Moon gets catty with Bad Jack and somebody's making mutants!
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 19 November, 2021, 08:59:26 AM

2000AD Prog 439: Robohunter: Wide-Eyed and Credless! "Play me again, Sam!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/11/19/2000ad-prog-439-robohunter-wide-eyed-and-credless-play-me-again-sam/)


Necropolis cityscape, Purity flashback, Slade catches up with Hoagy and Stogie, and Hoagy and Stogie, and Hoagy and Stogie, The Man forgets too much, Eric forgets nothing, Moon grows in to their feline body.


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 21 November, 2021, 11:49:12 PM
2000AD Prog 440: 2-Ton Tony Wants to Go Out... "Fat chance!" "It can't be done!" "Shut up and push!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/11/21/2000ad-prog-440-2-ton-tony-wants-to-go-out-fat-chance-it-cant-be-done-shut-up-and-push/)


Purity's flashback?  Now it's Candida's turn!  Slade goes to hospital, ratoining ends in Mega-City One, a prisoner escapes and has to make a choice and Bad Jack and Henry Moon take on the enemy team, alone!

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 24 November, 2021, 01:07:43 PM
2000AD Prog 441: Flab Fever in the Future City! "Praise the lard!" Win Robotix monster machines! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/11/24/2000ad-prog-441-flab-fever-in-the-future-city-praise-the-lard-win-robotix-monster-machines/)


A deal with the devil, Slade discharges from hospital, Tubbs makes it big, crime is a thing of the past and so is the Mean Team.


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 26 November, 2021, 12:43:47 PM

2000AD Prog 442: Sam Slade: Robohunted! "Shoot heem op!" "Yup!" "Yup!" "Yup!" "Yup!" Blat! Blat! Blat! Blat! Blat! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/11/26/2000ad-prog-442-sam-slade-robohunted-shoot-heem-op-yup-yup-yup-yup-blat-blat-blat-blat-blat/)

Slade takes to the water, Rogue warns of fireworks, Satanus produces fireworks (oh, and we get to see the face of the character voted best villain at the Eagle Awards), a Mega-vigilante for Mega-City One, the ultimate weapon and Bad Jack has a flashback.


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 28 November, 2021, 01:24:32 PM

2000AD Prog 443: Respect the Badge – Fear the Gun! Dread the Man! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/11/28/2000ad-prog-443-respect-the-badge-fear-the-gun-dread-the-man/)


The origin story of the Goonie Bird, the end of the original run of Slade, Von Richmann loses his head over Bad Jack leaving the arena, Robin 'Psmith' Smith also leaves, though not for long.


Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 30 November, 2021, 02:24:19 PM




2000AD Prog 444: Welcome Home, Rogue! "Any last requests?" "Yeah... MISS!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/11/30/2000ad-prog-444-welcome-home-rogue-any-last-requests-yeah-miss/)


Purity's flashback, Candida's flashback, now it's the turn of Thoth and Satanus!  Mystery hands are going to make Rogue war.  Judge Dredd: I am the... love?  The Mean Team go on the run and being psychic isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 02 December, 2021, 12:23:18 PM
2000AD Prog 445: Johnny and Wulf Get Nailed! "Scratch two dogs!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/12/02/2000ad-prog-445-johnny-and-wulf-get-nailed-scratch-two-dogs/)

"No, I AM your brother!" as we say a temporary goodbye to Nemesis and a longer goodbye to Termight.  Peace in our time on Milicom.  The Mega-Citizenry takes the fall.  Security Pods chase the Mean Team through the skies of Artificon.  Alpha and Sternhammer are back - but for how long?  It's time for the Ragnarok Job!



Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 04 December, 2021, 01:00:11 AM

2000AD Prog 446: Messerschmitts in the Mega-City! "Himmel! This isn't Stalingrad!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2021/12/04/2000ad-prog-446-messerschmitts-in-the-mega-city-himmel-this-isnt-stalingrad/)

Young Alpha accepts the missino to save the Earth, even if it means saving everybody's lives, Bad Jack is determined to go to Earth, even if they have to kill to get there.  The second world war ends - in the twenty second century!  What to do with a robot butler?  At the Souther / Nort peace pact, aliens attack!



Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 20 February, 2022, 02:35:13 AM
Better kick-start the prog slog blog as it's the 45th anniversary of Prog 1 this week!

2000AD Prog 447: Adventure Gaming Gets Thrill-Powered! You are Sláine in Tomb of Terror! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2022/02/19/2000ad-prog-447-adventure-gaming-gets-thrill-powered-you-are-slaine-in-tomb-of-terror/)

2000AD salmon leaps on to the 1980s fantasy gaming craze with Sláine, technology fails on Earth, but only when relevant to the plot, ugly lives in Mega-City One, home life with Wulf and goodbye to Azure.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 10 March, 2022, 01:14:08 PM
2000AD Prog 448: Adventure Gamers: Dice! Camera! Roll 'em! "Slay!" (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2022/03/10/2000ad-prog-448-adventure-gamers-dice-camera-roll-em-slay/)

Lamal's story ends, Blood-Prow is named, today's teacher is... Dredd!  Alpha and Sternhammer meet.
Title: Re: how to do a prog slog
Post by: sheridan on 14 August, 2022, 12:09:04 PM
2000AD Prog 449: YOU Have 6 Hours to Save the Earth – The Count-down Begins! (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/2022/08/14/2000ad-prog-449-you-have-6-hours-to-save-the-earth-the-count-down-begins/)

Light dawns on Alpha's voyage, the barbarians enter the tomb, the lurker gets more than they bargained for and Rogue gets back in to the war.