Topics

[Edmund Bagwell]

There was only ever going to be one theme this month. In June we'll be paying tribute to the incredible Edmund Bagwell.



He was one of the brightest stars of last decade or so of progs and his art style was distinctive and engrossing. There's an excellent memorial article on Down the Tubes which gives a detailed summary of his career but contestants for this may be looking to take on his iconic work on Cradlegrave or Indigo Prime, his memorable Future Shocks and Terror Tales or maybe even his amazing work on Ten-Seconders. As ever - Barney has what you need. It's a numbing and horrifying thing to lose an artist so young, but he left a short but enviable canon of work in the prog and legions of admirers. We'll miss him.

There will be a GN straight from the nerve centre for the winner of course, and one for Tharg's Choice -  - all entries will be viewable here, on our dedicated FB page, and also on the official 2000 AD Tumblr and Twitter!

Rules for the art comp are these:

- It must fit the theme.

- You can enter as many times as you like but bear in mind it will split your vote so it may not be worth it.

- All entries have to be constructed specifically for this competition - so nothing you've done for anything else.

- You can enter either here or by directly putting it on our FB wall here: https://www.facebook.com/2000adartcomp/

YOU HAVE UNTIL JUNE THE 26th WHEN WE SHALL HUNT THE VOTING BEAST

[THE MOST HONORABLE MENTIONS POSITION FOR MOST HONOURABLE MENTIONS - ALAN BYROMTHIRD PLACE - ADRIAN BAMFORTHSECOND PLACE - PAUL MOOREFIRST PLACE - STEVEN DENTON]

THE MOST HONORABLE MENTIONS POSITION FOR MOST HONOURABLE MENTIONS - ALAN BYROM

THIRD PLACE - ADRIAN BAMFORTH


SECOND PLACE - PAUL MOORE


FIRST PLACE - STEVEN DENTON


THARG'S CHOICE goes to ALLISTERMAC


NEW THEME ARRIVING IMMINENTLY

[FIRST]

Please vote for one FIRST, one SECOND and one THIRD - first will get 3 points, second 2 and third 1 point.

The vote is decided by total points accumulated overall. You can honourably mention up to five other entries and these HMs are used to decide on tied scores (and will get a special mention at the end) so use them wisely and be aware that saying "all other entries" won't be counted. The deadline is midnight GMT on Wednesday 31st of May.

Adrian Bamforth - Romanov Crest


Alan Byrom - Nikolai and Jena


Albion - Nikolai Dante


allistermac - Nikolai Dante


Colin YNWA - McKee's Nikolai Montoya


flip-r mk2 - The Gentleman Thief


Goaty1 - Nikolai's Blade


Goaty2 - Honour Be Damned


Mikolaj Ostapiuk‎ - Nikolai Dante


Paul Moore - Nikolai Dante


Peter Rowe - Lulu Romanov


Steven Denton - Nikolai Dante


Tulio Vilela - Nikolai Dante versus Boris Grushenko


YOU HAVE 'TIL WEDNESDAY!

[DIAVOLO!]

DIAVOLO!



To celebrate 20 years of the Morrison & Fraser's enduring Russian rogue and his rich visual history we're dedicating the May art comp to the thief, the son of a pirate queen and the scourge of the Tsars. A modern classic and one which shouldn't be too hard to mine for iconic imagery! From sweeping battles, incredible future tech to the mysterious trans-dimensional Red & White army - you've worlds of imagination to play with!

There will be a GN straight from the nerve centre for the winner of course, and one for Tharg's Choice -  - all entries will be viewable here, on our dedicated FB page, and also on the official 2000 AD Tumblr and Twitter!

Rules for the art comp are these:

- It must fit the theme.

- You can enter as many times as you like but bear in mind it will split your vote so it may not be worth it.

- All entries have to be constructed specifically for this competition - so nothing you've done for anything else.

- You can enter either here or by directly putting it on our FB wall here: https://www.facebook.com/2000adartcomp/

YOU HAVE UNTIL MAY THE 28th WHEN WE SHALL SWING FROM THE VOTING CHANDELIER

[THE MOST HONORABLE MENTIONS POSITION FOR MOST HONOURABLE MENTIONS - DAMIAN EDWARDSONTHIRD PLACE - DARREN STEPHENSSECOND PLACE - LEIGH SFIRST PLACE - MARK HIGGINS]

This month I'm reintroducing...

THE MOST HONORABLE MENTIONS POSITION FOR MOST HONOURABLE MENTIONS - DAMIAN EDWARDSON


THIRD PLACE - DARREN STEPHENS


SECOND PLACE - LEIGH S


FIRST PLACE - MARK HIGGINS



THARG'S CHOICE goes to RAGGEDMAN


This month marks the last DROID'S CHOICE as I've been flogged by The Mighty One for keeping them distracted from their drawing boards by the stunning artwork of the fans waiting in the wings - I have gone behind his back though to tug the ear of the mighty DAVE KENDALL to provide our final commentary, which should pop up ANY MOMENT NOW.

NEW THEME ARRIVING IMMINENTLY

[FIRST]

Please vote for one FIRST, one SECOND and one THIRD - first will get 3 points, second 2 and third 1 point.

The vote is decided by total points accumulated overall. You can honourably mention up to five other entries and these HMs are used to decide on tied scores so use them wisely and be aware that saying "all other entries" won't be counted. The deadline is midnight GMT on Sunday 31st of April.

Adam Green - Sláine (Unfinished)


Alan Byrom - He Didn't Think It Too Many


Albion1 - Slough Feg


Albion2 - Sloth Feg


Bolt-01 - Ukko


Damian Edwardson - Sláine


Darren Stephens - Warp Spasm, Massimo Style


flip-r mk2 - Niamh


Goaty - Warp Spasm


James London1 - Monster


James London2 - Mug-Shot or Headbutt


James London3 - Axe


james newell - Hack Mills


Karen Holloway - Blessing by the Goddess Danu


Leigh S - Journey to Dinas Emrys


Mark Higgins - Sláine and Niamh Go Hunting for Truffles


Michael Patrick Hartwell1 - Sláine


Michael Patrick Hartwell2 - Sláine


Patrik Lydman - Sláine and Niamh in the Wasteland


Paul Greathead - My Little Horned God


Paul Somers - Aladdin Sláine


RaggedMan - The Warped One


Rana Raeuchle - Sláine


Tulio Vilela - Sláine the Wanderer


YOU HAVE 'TIL THE END OF NEXT SUNDAY

[Uwe de Witt]

From March winner Uwe de Witt:

CROM! This is where we're at then: a solid month of celtic mayhem! Get yourself into a warp spasm, salmon leap your way up the voting and axe yourself a graphic novel!

There will be a GN straight from the nerve centre for the winner of course, and one for Tharg's Choice - and there will also be a bonafide 2000 AD droid choosing their favourites - all entries will be viewable here, on our dedicated FB page, and also on the official 2000 AD Tumblr and Twitter!

Rules for the art comp are these:

- It must fit the theme.

- You can enter as many times as you like but bear in mind it will split your vote so it may not be worth it.

- All entries have to be constructed specifically for this competition - so nothing you've done for anything else.

- You can enter either here or by directly putting it on our FB wall here: https://www.facebook.com/2000adartcomp/

YOU HAVE UNTIL APRIL THE 23rd WHEN WE SHALL SLAY THE VOTING DEMON!

[THIRD PLACE - MIKEDSECOND PLACE - LEIGH SFIRST PLACE - UWE DE WITT]

THIRD PLACE - MIKED


SECOND PLACE - LEIGH S


FIRST PLACE - UWE DE WITT


THARG'S CHOICE goes to DARREN STEPHENS


Again you'll have to stay tuned for the DROID'S CHOICE this month but keep your eyes peeled it'll be a smasher

New theme up sooooon!

[one FIRST, one SECOND and one THIRD]

Please vote for one FIRST, one SECOND and one THIRD - first will get 3 points, second 2 and third 1 point.

The vote is decided by total points accumulated overall. You can honourably mention up to five other entries and these HMs are used to decide on tied scores so use them wisely and be aware that saying "all other entries" won't be counted. The deadline is midnight GMT on Friday 31st of March.

Alan Byrom1 - Nemesis


Alan Byrom2 - Deadlock


Albion - Deadlock


Anthony Coppin - Torquemada


Darren Stephens - Deadlock


Dog Deever - The Nessymonster


flip-r mk2 - Nemesis


Goaty - Jenny


James London - Ampney Crucis Investigates: The Dark Judges


james newell - The Misty Cult Case


The Legendary Shark - Bal and Berith


Leigh S - The Haunting of Sector-House 9


mightybren - Revere


MikeD - Caballistics Inc


Paul Somers - Nemesis & Death


SuperSurfer - Cassie


Tulio Vilela - Bec & Kawl:Kid's Version


Uwe De Witt - Tarot



YOU HAVE 'TIL THE END OF FRIDAY

Sometime forumer, games artist and one of 2000 AD's biggest American fans Mimikeke/Emily Zeinner who flew all the way from the US to London for the 40th has managed to bag a gig with the prog

https://twitter.com/EmilyZeinner/status/839565208750190592



2000 AD broke the news a few hours ago on Twitter and she's been tweeting excitedly about it ever since. A true testament to putting your art where your heart is - here are some of her unique 2000 AD fan pieces for the uninitiated :








Congrats Emily

[Andy Lambert]

From February winner Andy Lambert:

Something along the lines of the occult could work - so it would include Caballistics Inc, Harry Absalom, Bec & Kawl, Ampney Crucis, etc...

YOU HEARD THE MAN. Things are about to get witchy 'n' weird, have a play with some of the paranormal delights within Tharg's canon and don't forget BARNEY IS YOUR FRIEND.

There will be a GN straight from the nerve centre for the winner of course, and one for Tharg's Choice - and there will also be a bonafide 2000 AD droid choosing their favourites - all entries will be viewable here, on our dedicated FB page, and also on the official 2000 AD Tumblr and Twitter!

Rules for the art comp are these:

- It must fit the theme.

- You can enter as many times as you like but bear in mind it will split your vote so it may not be worth it.

- All entries have to be constructed specifically for this competition - so nothing you've done for anything else.

- You can enter either here or by directly putting it on our FB wall here: https://www.facebook.com/2000adartcomp/


YOU HAVE UNTIL THE 26th OF MARCH WHEN WE SHALL AGGRESSIVELY MOUNT THE VOTING BROOMSTICK.

[THIRD PLACE - LEIGH SSECOND PLACE - WOOLLYFIRST PLACE - ANDY LAMBERT]

THIRD PLACE - LEIGH S


SECOND PLACE - WOOLLY


FIRST PLACE - ANDY LAMBERT



THARG'S CHOICE goes to IAMTHESYSTEM


...and our 40th Droid's Choice will be coming from a bonafide British comics legend fresh from a stunning appearance at the anniversary convention in London (doesn't particularly narrow it down but I'll keep you in suspense for a few days more I think). When their choice is added to this thread later it'll BLOW IT TO SMITHEREENS. Stay tuned for that!

New theme up sooooon!

[won't be counted]

Please vote for one FIRST, one SECOND and one THIRD  - first will get 3 points, second 2 and third 1 point.

The vote is decided by total points accumulated overall. You can honourably mention up to five other entries and these HMs are used to decide on tied scores so use them wisely and be aware that saying "all other entries" won't be counted. The deadline is midnight GMT on Tuesday 28th of February.

Adrian Bamforth - Forty


Albion - Tharg 40


Andy Lambert - Celebrate or Else!


IAMTHESYSTEM - Foolish Earthlings!


james newell - Festival


Karl Brown - 40 Years of Thrill Power, Judgement and 2000 AD


Leigh S - Forty Zarjaz Years!


The Legendary Shark - Thrill-Power Can Save Them


MrLongTheArtist - The Angel Gang


Simon Walker1 - Grecian #1


Simon Walker2 - Grecian #2


Tulio Vilela1 - Lil' Tharg


Tulio Vilela2 - 2000 AD: Tales Calculated to Thrill You


Woolly - Forty Years, Creep!



YOU HAVE 'TIL THE END OF TUESDAY!

[BLIMEY!]

BLIMEY! It's been FORTY YEARS THIS MONTH since the Galaxy's Greatest was launched on this little world by the mighty Tharg. Four decades is naught to our stoic Styrofoam-chuggin' Betelgeusean but to us humble fleshy few it means a great deal.

YES there's a party, YES there's a special issue, YES there's a commemorative beagle (you didn't get yours?) BUT LET'S GO ONE FURTHER AND HAVE THE MOTHER OF ALL ART COMPETITIONS.

The theme is celebration - stuff as many characters as you want into a celebratory context, or just have ol' Green bonce blowing out a single candle stuffed lovingly into a Droid's head crevice. EITHER WAY IT'S PARTY TIME.

There will be a GN straight from the nerve centre for the winner of course, and one for Tharg's Choice - and there will also be a bonafide 2000 AD droid choosing their favourites - all entries will be viewable here, on our dedicated FB page, and also on the official 2000 AD Tumblr!

Rules for the art comp are these:

- It must fit the theme.

- You can enter as many times as you like but bear in mind it will split your vote so it may not be worth it.

- All entries have to be constructed specifically for this competition - so nothing you've done for anything else.

- You can enter either here or by directly putting it on our FB wall here: https://www.facebook.com/2000adartcomp/


YOU HAVE UNTIL THE 26th OF FEBRUARY WHEN WE SHALL BLOW OUT EVERY SINGLE CANDLE ON THE VOTING CAKE

[THIRD PLACE - AMINES2058 INSPIRED BY THE LEGENDARY SHARK]

THIRD PLACE - AMINES2058 INSPIRED BY THE LEGENDARY SHARK

"Pure bred, pure bred, pure bred!" The vicious chant rang in Johnny Alpha's ears as a hard fist crashed into his kidney. His knees buckled. The rabid mob around the shallow pit howled gleefully, then booed as Johnny pivoted, schyting out one leg. One of his three norm assailants squealed as Johnny's foot slammed into the side of his knee. The norm's leg bent inwards and he collapsed. Before the others could react, Johnny drove an elbow into his throat.

A hand grabbed Johnny's hair, dragging him off the corpse. The mob cheered as Johnny took blows to his battered face. Ignoring the pain, he gripped the arm above his head with both hands. More punches thundered into his head and chest but Johnny concentrated on the norm holding his hair. He planted his feet and threw this man into the other. The action unbalanced them both and Alpha lashed out. His first blow crushed one norm's solar plexus, rupturing his heart. The second smashed the other's nose and Johnny followed up with half a dozen rapid, savage punches.

The three norms lay dead or dying in the bloodstained, stinking earth of the rough pit. Johnny sucked in deep breaths. How many was that? Eight? Ten? His fuzzy mind, more concerned with broken ribs, cracked teeth and trembling muscles, couldn't remember. It was hard to focus through the exhaustion and pain. Not much longer. Be over soon.

Idris Jones, skin glistening under the lanterns illuminating the interior of this remote barn, raised his arms until the mob quietened. He laughed. "Quite the savage, aren't you?"

Johnny spat blood into the dirt, striking as defiant a pose as his abused body would allow.

"Kept us here longer than usual. Stupid mutie, why not just die like the rest of your inferior litter?" He waved his own question away and nodded to the far side of the arena, where a huge man stirred in the shadows. "Still, die you will. A freak can't survive against pure humans." Jones pointed to The Race's bloodsatined flag. "The Race will prevail."

The mob cheered as the big man dropped into the arena like a boulder.

Wulf, stripped to the waist, muscles bulging, stepped forward and placed a massive hand around Johnny's throat. Wulf moved his face close to Johnny's, his words inaudible to the baying mob. "Ach, Johnny," he said. "Dese plans off yours, alvays so risky."

"Everyone in place?"

Wulf nodded. "Ja, you bought us der time. Middenface and der rest are ready to roll."

Johnny nodded. Wulf let go of his throat and scowled at the mob, which was beginning to sense danger.

"What is this?" Jones said. "Kill it!"

Explosions tore into the barn and a dozen Search/Destroy agents poured in, guns blazing.

Idris Jones ran but Wulf drove him to the ground. "Not so fast," Wulf said. "For you, Old Cucumber, der Race is finished."


SECOND PLACE - ANDY LAMBERT INSPIRED BY LOBO BAGGINS
She landed on her knees as the cop shoved her thoughtlessly into the cell, the barred door slamming loudly behind her.  The sound echoed, reverberating around and around for an inordinately long time... no, that was just in her head, she decided.  She carefully picked herself up and sat heavily on the hard bunk that occupied the corner of the tiny room.  It was pretty much the same as every other cell she'd been in, they rarely had much variation.  She'd seen quite a lot of them in her life.  This particular one was a drunk tank, so it had a bucket as well as a bunk.  She sighed.  She'd had so many dreams, once upon a time.  How had it come to this?

She looked up, taking a vague disinterest as a group of cops made their way along the corridor outside.  One, a tall woman, paused outside.  She found herself frowning, the profile looked familiar... her breath caught in her throat as she gasped as recognition finally filtered through her alchohol addled synapses.  She was a lot older, naturally, and had much less hair and rather more clothes than the last time she'd seen her, but it was her, it was!  She glanced down at her identifying badge and all doubt fled – it read 'Olsun'.

'Rodice!' Halo Jones screamed, leaping to her feet, a long forgotten smile breaking out, 'Oh, Rodice!  I thought you were dead!' she said, stumbling forwards to grasp at the bars of the cell door.

Rodice turned towards her.  No smile, no sign of recognition... there was only half a face.  A crude, jagged scar surrounded a too large cybernetic eye that glowed balefully at her.  There was a light on, but Rodice wasn't home any more.  She'd been leucotomized, the ultimate fate of someone from the Hoop who wouldn't conform and behave themselves.  'Move away from the bars', she intoned in an emotionless parody of her oldest friend's voice.

Halo stifled a sob as she backed away, once again slumping back onto the bunk as what was left of her friend turned and began to walk away.  Halo watched her go.  There was nothing of her left, nothing.  She'd thought they'd get away, they'd once agreed to race to the other side of the galaxy.  Halo had thought she'd won, but Rodice never left the starting block, never left the Hoop.  She thought she'd been killed in a terrible massacre, but this was actually worse.  Much worse.

A tear rolled down Halo Jones' cheek as she lay back on the bunk.  She had a lot to think about.


FIRST PLACE - UWE DE WITT INSPIRED BY EAMONN CLARKE
Hotdog

As soon as he saw the blip on his radar he knew it was going to be touch and go. Swan was far left of a wide formation as Judge Giant led the cadets on a sweep. After clearing a nest of Dune Sharks they were hunting for survivors. They had passed a mutant convoy heading for the Coney Island township two kilometres back, and now there was an ominous green dot on the extreme edge of the bike screen that only he could see.

He turned the Lawmaster and accelerated hard.

"Swan here, sir. Fast moving signal at edge of scanner, probable Shark on the convoy's tail. Moving to intercept."

Giant's response was brief, "Roger that, Swan. Cadets, left wheel."

He stepped the bike up a gear and concentrated on the green dot. A faint ping at top of his screen indicated the rear of the mutant convoy. Thirty seconds to visual range, he transferred the radar to his visor and scanned the horizon. It was going to be damned close.

The green dot resolved into an image which his visor magnified and threw up to the top left of his HUD. Shark alright, big one, 200 kilos of flying muscle and teeth, kept aloft by a huge gas filled stomach chamber. Skin like plasteel, hi-ex could penetrate it but only if you hit soft spots. The bike had spitfire missiles to pick them off at range, he thumbed another switch and targeting confirmed what he already suspected, the shark was too close to the convoy. Any collateral damage and Giant would bust him back to the admin corps.

"Have to be the hard way. Bike, auto steer, same course."

He pulled his knife and cut through the palm of his glove. Blood flowed freely as he popped a grenade from his belt. He shook his head to clear the HUD, he could see the Shark and the convoy now, the wagons were making their way through a narrow gully with high sandy walls. No time for computers, this was going to be gut, and gut alone.

He gunned the bike to higher ground on full turbo and hit the edge at max speed. A brief glimpse of surprised faces in the last wagon and he was airborne. The grenade was slick with blood as he tossed it into the air.

"Hey, Fido. Catch!"

The shark's response was instinctive, attuned to the smallest trace of blood, it swooped away from the convoy and snatched the device from the air.

Swan's landing was rough but he held it together and the bike slewed to a halt on the far side of the gulley. Behind him there was a satisfying, muffled thump and the crash of the shark hitting the ground, its wings flapping uselessly against the sand.

Giant rode up close.

"Unconventional approach, Swan...."

"Sir"

"...but effective, now field dress that hand. Cadet Ajax, execute the creature. Snow, you've got point. Fun's over, get ready to move out, people."




THARG'S CHOICE goes to ECHIDNA INSPIRED BY EAMONN CLARKE



...and our smashingly glorious DROID'S CHOICE this month comes from colour-king and artsordinaire DYLAN TEAGUE whose thoughts will be added to this thread the second I have 'em!

[FIRST]

Please vote for one FIRST, one SECOND and one THIRD  - first will get 3 points, second 2 and third 1 point.

The vote is decided by total points accumulated overall. You can honourably mention up to five other entries and these HMs are used to decide on tied scores so use them wisely and be aware that saying "all other entries" won't be counted. The deadline is midnight GMT on Tuesday 31st of February.

Albion - Dune-Shark


allied72 - Nowhere Left to Run


amines2058 - Strontium Dog


Andy Lambert - Rodice


Echidna - Raditude


IAMTHESYSTEM - Making Plans


James Newell - Annual Text Story


mightybren - Hot Dog Run


Uwe de Witt - Hot Dog





YOU HAVE 'TIL THE END OF TUESDAY!

[EAMONN CLARKE]

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Your challenge this January is to put art to words - the entries for "The Race" short story competition! A single image or sequence of images, whatever leaps out at you - !

Here are the stories - - (the emboldened partitions are not the titles of the stories but their authors)

EAMONN CLARKE

Hotdog

As soon as he saw the blip on his radar he knew it was going to be touch and go. Swan was far left of a wide formation as Judge Giant led the cadets on a sweep. After clearing a nest of Dune Sharks they were hunting for survivors. They had passed a mutant convoy heading for the Coney Island township two kilometres back, and now there was an ominous green dot on the extreme edge of the bike screen that only he could see.

He turned the Lawmaster and accelerated hard.

"Swan here, sir. Fast moving signal at edge of scanner, probable Shark on the convoy's tail. Moving to intercept."

Giant's response was brief, "Roger that, Swan. Cadets, left wheel."

He stepped the bike up a gear and concentrated on the green dot. A faint ping at top of his screen indicated the rear of the mutant convoy. Thirty seconds to visual range, he transferred the radar to his visor and scanned the horizon. It was going to be damned close.

The green dot resolved into an image which his visor magnified and threw up to the top left of his HUD. Shark alright, big one, 200 kilos of flying muscle and teeth, kept aloft by a huge gas filled stomach chamber. Skin like plasteel, hi-ex could penetrate it but only if you hit soft spots. The bike had spitfire missiles to pick them off at range, he thumbed another switch and targeting confirmed what he already suspected, the shark was too close to the convoy. Any collateral damage and Giant would bust him back to the admin corps.

"Have to be the hard way. Bike, auto steer, same course."

He pulled his knife and cut through the palm of his glove. Blood flowed freely as he popped a grenade from his belt. He shook his head to clear the HUD, he could see the Shark and the convoy now, the wagons were making their way through a narrow gully with high sandy walls. No time for computers, this was going to be gut, and gut alone.

He gunned the bike to higher ground on full turbo and hit the edge at max speed. A brief glimpse of surprised faces in the last wagon and he was airborne. The grenade was slick with blood as he tossed it into the air.

"Hey, Fido. Catch!"

The shark's response was instinctive, attuned to the smallest trace of blood, it swooped away from the convoy and snatched the device from the air.

Swan's landing was rough but he held it together and the bike slewed to a halt on the far side of the gulley. Behind him there was a satisfying, muffled thump and the crash of the shark hitting the ground, its wings flapping uselessly against the sand.

Giant rode up close.

"Unconventional approach, Swan...."

"Sir"

"...but effective, now field dress that hand. Cadet Ajax, execute the creature. Snow, you've got point. Fun's over, get ready to move out, people."

THE LEGENDARY SHARK

"Pure bred, pure bred, pure bred!" The vicious chant rang in Johnny Alpha's ears as a hard fist crashed into his kidney. His knees buckled. The rabid mob around the shallow pit howled gleefully, then booed as Johnny pivoted, schyting out one leg. One of his three norm assailants squealed as Johnny's foot slammed into the side of his knee. The norm's leg bent inwards and he collapsed. Before the others could react, Johnny drove an elbow into his throat.

A hand grabbed Johnny's hair, dragging him off the corpse. The mob cheered as Johnny took blows to his battered face. Ignoring the pain, he gripped the arm above his head with both hands. More punches thundered into his head and chest but Johnny concentrated on the norm holding his hair. He planted his feet and threw this man into the other. The action unbalanced them both and Alpha lashed out. His first blow crushed one norm's solar plexus, rupturing his heart. The second smashed the other's nose and Johnny followed up with half a dozen rapid, savage punches.

The three norms lay dead or dying in the bloodstained, stinking earth of the rough pit. Johnny sucked in deep breaths. How many was that? Eight? Ten? His fuzzy mind, more concerned with broken ribs, cracked teeth and trembling muscles, couldn't remember. It was hard to focus through the exhaustion and pain. Not much longer. Be over soon.

Idris Jones, skin glistening under the lanterns illuminating the interior of this remote barn, raised his arms until the mob quietened. He laughed. "Quite the savage, aren't you?"

Johnny spat blood into the dirt, striking as defiant a pose as his abused body would allow.

"Kept us here longer than usual. Stupid mutie, why not just die like the rest of your inferior litter?" He waved his own question away and nodded to the far side of the arena, where a huge man stirred in the shadows. "Still, die you will. A freak can't survive against pure humans." Jones pointed to The Race's bloodsatined flag. "The Race will prevail."

The mob cheered as the big man dropped into the arena like a boulder.

Wulf, stripped to the waist, muscles bulging, stepped forward and placed a massive hand around Johnny's throat. Wulf moved his face close to Johnny's, his words inaudible to the baying mob. "Ach, Johnny," he said. "Dese plans off yours, alvays so risky."

"Everyone in place?"

Wulf nodded. "Ja, you bought us der time. Middenface and der rest are ready to roll."

Johnny nodded. Wulf let go of his throat and scowled at the mob, which was beginning to sense danger.

"What is this?" Jones said. "Kill it!"

Explosions tore into the barn and a dozen Search/Destroy agents poured in, guns blazing.

Idris Jones ran but Wulf drove him to the ground. "Not so fast," Wulf said. "For you, Old Cucumber, der Race is finished."

THE LEGENDARY SHARK

TEK DIVISION INCIDENT REPORT # 167/J10/Err?/2138-09-29.

@11:47hrs Justice Department Unmanned Cursed Earth Monitoring Station 221b detected fast moving object proceeding towards MC1 Sector 39W. Initial reports indicate object land vehicle traveling ~416kph (+/- 23kph). Recognition attempts failed due Cat 7 Rad Storm.

@11:52hrs aerial unit MNTA-3091 dispatched. MNTA-3091 unable to locate object.

@~12:06hrs object penetrated city perimeter Sect 39W, exact co-ordinates unknown due to extensive CD damage/weather conditions.

@12:10hrs, object re-acquired, Miles Jupp Sked, Tom Clancy Intersection, traveling 520kph. Object violated 23 traffic regulations, causing multiple accidents (see TRAFFIC DIVISION INCIDENT REPORT # 2017/SK13/UV3/2138-09-29). Assessment indicated two-wheeled motorcycle of unknown configuration with one rider.

@12:12hrs, Senior Street Judge Dredd, J., dispatched (see STREET DIVISION INCIDENT REPORT # 11099/S01/TP17/2138-09-29).

@12:16hrs, Dredd sights vehicle, reports Second Gen MKI Lawmaster (obsolete), extensively damaged and in generally poor condition, ridden by a robot in equally poor condition. Assessment was semi-derelict war robot hijacked Lawmaster for use in attack on MC1. Despite Traff-Div roadblocks/diversions, pursuit failed. Rogue Lawmaster fired upon Dredd, disabling his Lawmaster, and escaped to City Bottom ruins. (NB-Lawmaster Refresher Course? Hershey.)

@12:20hrs, Dredd commandeered citizen-owned LandSkySpeeder (Reg MC1-S207-286-G - listed destroyed) to continue pursuit. (Citizen Carat Moss, 2271b Dale Winton Underhang, sentenced to five years: resisting commandeer, attempted assault, lip - see previous STREET-DIV I.R.)

@12:22hrs, Dredd re-acquired target, continued pursuit. Pursuit difficult due to CD damage and extreme aptitude of rider. TAC-COMP calcs indicated 87% (+/- 12%) probability vehicle destination Sector House 291 (listed destroyed, CD). To minimise citizen danger, Dredd executed collision with Rogue Lawmaster. Rogue Lawmaster survived collision but was badly damaged. Dredd continued pursuit on foot.

@12:26hrs, Dredd destroyed robot rider with high-explosive blanket spread, however, Rogue Lawmaster continued course for SH 291, wounded Dredd with four non-standard 9mm old-style carbon jacketed rounds. Dredd continued pursuit.

@12:29hrs, Rogue Lawmaster, failing due to heavy damage, arrived site of SH 291 ruins and shut down. Dredd rendered vehicle safe, requested Tek-Div support.

@13:02hrs, Tek-Div report Rogue Lawmaster assigned Judge Tooly Aite (listed MIA presumed dead, 2101). Recorded message from Judge Aite recovered. Relevant section transcript: "Bike - get this message... (unclear)... back to Sector House 291. Stop...  stop for nothing. The... (unclear)... fate of the... city may... (unclear) depend on it." Coded urgent sub-message warning re "Father Earth" threat to MC1. Rogue Lawmaster log indicates vehicle lost in Cursed Earth ~37yrs due to nav-comp damage. Robot slaved to system to perform maintenance/act as decoy rider. (NB - exemplary AI conduct. Investigate?)

Closing Comment (Dredd, J.): "Grud damn hunk of junk. I don't know whether to melt it down or fix it up."

Rogue Lawmaster under Tek-Div investigation prior installation, Black Museum.

Judge Tooly Aite, put on posthumous report for issuing dangerous orders.

+++REPORT ENDS+++

LOBO BAGGINS

She landed on her knees as the cop shoved her thoughtlessly into the cell, the barred door slamming loudly behind her.  The sound echoed, reverberating around and around for an inordinately long time... no, that was just in her head, she decided.  She carefully picked herself up and sat heavily on the hard bunk that occupied the corner of the tiny room.  It was pretty much the same as every other cell she'd been in, they rarely had much variation.  She'd seen quite a lot of them in her life.  This particular one was a drunk tank, so it had a bucket as well as a bunk.  She sighed.  She'd had so many dreams, once upon a time.  How had it come to this?

She looked up, taking a vague disinterest as a group of cops made their way along the corridor outside.  One, a tall woman, paused outside.  She found herself frowning, the profile looked familiar... her breath caught in her throat as she gasped as recognition finally filtered through her alchohol addled synapses.  She was a lot older, naturally, and had much less hair and rather more clothes than the last time she'd seen her, but it was her, it was!  She glanced down at her identifying badge and all doubt fled – it read 'Olsun'.

'Rodice!' Halo Jones screamed, leaping to her feet, a long forgotten smile breaking out, 'Oh, Rodice!  I thought you were dead!' she said, stumbling forwards to grasp at the bars of the cell door.

Rodice turned towards her.  No smile, no sign of recognition... there was only half a face.  A crude, jagged scar surrounded a too large cybernetic eye that glowed balefully at her.  There was a light on, but Rodice wasn't home any more.  She'd been leucotomized, the ultimate fate of someone from the Hoop who wouldn't conform and behave themselves.  'Move away from the bars', she intoned in an emotionless parody of her oldest friend's voice.

Halo stifled a sob as she backed away, once again slumping back onto the bunk as what was left of her friend turned and began to walk away.  Halo watched her go.  There was nothing of her left, nothing.  She'd thought they'd get away, they'd once agreed to race to the other side of the galaxy.  Halo had thought she'd won, but Rodice never left the starting block, never left the Hoop.  She thought she'd been killed in a terrible massacre, but this was actually worse.  Much worse.

A tear rolled down Halo Jones' cheek as she lay back on the bunk.  She had a lot to think about.

MODERN PANTHER

*** partially recovered audio transcript *** presidential archives *** reference CO521738 ***

[applause]

"[inaudible] ...back to the third debate in this, the 2068 presidential campaign race.  I'm your host, Brish Shapely, and this debate is sponsored by BleachPear...for sparkly teeth and home."

"In this section of the debate, well be taking questions from voters.  Our first question is from Boris Numan of Baton Rouge Bay.  Boris asks "what is the greatest threat facing America today?"  Senator James Velazquez, that question is for you."

[applause]

"Thank you, Brish.  And thank you Boris for your question. We're clearly a nation which has, and continues to have, great upheaval.  Recent riots in Gore City have demonstrated that the president has failed to...."

"Jeez, Velly, just give the guy an answer!"

[laughter]

"Vice President Booth, you clearly disagree..."

"Damn right I disagree, Brish.  Your looking hot today, by the way.  The problem that America faces is our enemies abroad.  We've go the Sovs taking power over in Russia, we've got the Chinese, the Brits.  They're against us, Brish.  They send their people over here, they ruin our economy, they're criminals,  they threaten our way of life.  Our great way of life..."

"With respect, Vice President Booth, the issue is a little more complicated..."

"Shut up, Velazquez.  I've a plan for America.  I will build a shield!  A patriotic shield, which will defend us from our enemies.  [applause] We will no longer allow weaklings,  like the senator here, sell America to our enemies.  You're weak, Velazquez! You don't have the stamina to run this country!  When I'm president, I'll have people like you [inaudible]"

[gasps and applause]

"Gentlemen...please.  Our next question comes from Moira Peffeffer from Mega City Two.  Moira asks " watcha gonna do bout smog man?".  Senator  Velazquez, would like like to respond?"

"I'll certainly try, Brish.  [laughter]  Our transition away from fossil fuels has been largely successful, but we continue to rely outdated nuclear options and foreign investment in our fusion industry.  I have a four year plan..."

"You've handed those oil reserves over, Senator.."

[applause]

"You well, know, mister Vice President, that US oil long since..."

[Boos]

"I'm talking out the mid-east, I'm talking about the Brits.  That's our oil. [cheers] America build the oil industry!.  And now, you and your cabal of...[inaudible]  politicians...want to restrict the hardworking people of our nuclear industry who...

"The negative effects of strontium-80 are already being seen across the dustbowl states who..."

"Don't interrupt me, dammit!  It's rude!  The brave men and women who are working to put nuclear power in the homes of ordinary Americans, hard working Americans, are being let down by people like Senator, here.  They're shutting down business across our country.

[applause]

"This great country was founded on capitalism!   it's right there in the declaration of independence!"

"Vote Booth!  I will crush those who would take our freedoms!  I will make America great again!

[applause intensifies]

**** end **** classification chief judge only *** recommend permanent deletion ****

There will be a GN straight from the nerve centre for the winner of course, and one for Tharg's Choice - and there will also be a bonafide 2000 AD droid choosing their favourites - all entries will be viewable here, on our dedicated FB page, and also on the official 2000 AD Tumblr and Twitter!

Rules for the art comp are these:

- It must fit the theme.

- You can enter as many times as you like but bear in mind it will split your vote so it may not be worth it.

- All entries have to be constructed specifically for this competition - so nothing you've done for anything else.

- You can enter either here or by directly putting it on our FB wall here: https://www.facebook.com/2000adartcomp/


YOU HAVE UNTIL THE 29th OF JANUARY WHEN WE'LL FIRE THE VOTING GUN

[THIRD PLACE - UWE DE WITTSECOND PLACE - NEIL McCLEMENTSFIRST PLACE - NIC FREEMAN]

THIRD PLACE - UWE DE WITT


SECOND PLACE - NEIL McCLEMENTS


FIRST PLACE - NIC FREEMAN


THARG'S CHOICE goes to TULIO VILELA


...and from the fabled shining city of Brighton this month's DROID'S CHOICE comes from Elephantman lord, musical genius and general swanky king of joy BOO COOK.

"Hmmmm.... I think it has to be Mark Higgin's salute to Steve, with IAMTHESYSTEM a very close second! Goaty2 gets an honorary mention for the singing dolphins."

Kick off yer shoes and enjoy the goings-on of the Forum Advent Calendar until January when the comp RETURNS ...!

[one FIRST, one SECOND and one THIRD]

Please vote for one FIRST, one SECOND and one THIRD  - first will get 3 points, second 2 and third 1 point.

The vote is decided by total points accumulated overall. You can honourably mention up to five other entries and these HMs are used to decide on tied scores so use them wisely and be aware that saying "all other entries" won't be counted. I simply won't do it. The deadline is one minute AFTER the time that is 23:59 GMT on Wednesday 30th of November.

Adrian Bamforth - The Long Walk


Albion - Dillon's Delight


Goaty1 - Bite on This!


Goaty2 - Forever to Stay


IAMTHESYSTEM - Steve Dillon


Mark Higgins - Salute to Steve


Neil McClements - I am the Laaahh!


Nic Freeman - Star Pin-Up


Stu101 - In Praise of Dillon's Lawmasters


Tulio Vilela - Judge Dredd/ Fangface Mash-Up: Cry of the Werewolf


Uwe de Witt - Dillon Tribute


YOU HAVE 'TIL THE END OF WEDNESDAY!

[Steve Dillon]

Well we were going to roll on with the short story collaboration but that will have to wait for the new year.

Things took a horrible turn in the last month when we lost artist Steve Dillon with horrible suddenness.

His contribution to the history of comics is undisputed, the outpouring of love for him personally and artistically in these few weeks is a ringing testament to both his character and his talent. His distinct uncluttered artwork enraptured many mainstream comic readers across the pond for the last two decades but this month we'll be focusing on his work in 2000 AD - much of which was astonishingly produced when he was in his early twenties!

From the beautiful obituary posted on the 2000 AD Tumblr:

A superb draughtsman from the very start of his career, Dillon is a fantastic storyteller, proven with his touching rendition of the death of Judge Giant, (the first victim of the Block Mania virus, Progs 236-44, 31Oct-26Dec'81) the all-action adventure of Cry of the Werewolf (Progs 322-28, 25Jun-6Aug'83) one of the best Dredd tales of all time), the utter desperation of an eyeless Judge Dredd fighting off an unstoppable zombie future-version of himself, in another classic, City of the Damned! (Progs 393-406, 24Nov'84-23Feb'85), or perhaps even the breathtaking moment a dolphin leaps over Chopper as he crosses the Pacific Ocean solo, on a powerboard - gorgeous...(Oz, Progs 545-70, 24Oct'87-16Apr'88).



The Dillon droid was also known for his work on Rogue Trooper, creating the best (to-date!) post-Gibbons masterpiece, Cinnabar (Progs 624-35, 29Apr-15Jul'89, inks by Kev Walker & John Smith (w), Mean Arena, Hap Hazard and the underrated, Tyranny Rex (again, with John Smith). He also did several other terrific Dredds, like The Hunter's Club (Progs 407-11, 2-30Mar'85), Death of a Politician (Prog 443, 9Nov'85) and of course, the hilarious Emerald Isle (Progs 727-32, 20Apr-25May'91), featuring the first appearance of Judge Joyce, with Dillon's partner-in-crime, Garth Ennis..

We know Preacher was printed in the Megazine but I'm afraid we'd rather 2000 AD-original material - it's not like there's not lots to choose from!

There will be a GN straight from the nerve centre for the winner of course, and one for Tharg's Choice - and there will also be a bonafide 2000 AD droid choosing their favourites - all entries will be viewable here, on our dedicated FB page, and also on the official 2000 AD Tumblr and Twitter!

Rules for the art comp are these:

- It must fit the theme.

- You can enter as many times as you like but bear in mind it will split your vote so it may not be worth it.

- All entries have to be constructed specifically for this competition - so nothing you've done for anything else.

- You can enter either here or by directly putting it on our FB wall here: https://www.facebook.com/2000adartcomp/



YOU HAVE UNTIL THE 27TH OF NOVEMBER WHEN WE'LL DOWN THE VOTING GUINNESS