2000 AD Online Forum

Spoilers => Prog => Topic started by: Colin YNWA on 04 May, 2019, 09:35:46 PM

Title: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Colin YNWA on 04 May, 2019, 09:35:46 PM
Pretty damned excellent Prog. For a start it all looks wonderful. The one thing that baffles me is why its Prog 2130? If this was a relaunch Prog then fine. As it is its interrupted ongoing stories BUT isn't on comic shops for FCBD? Has Tharg just fumbled the timings or is there smarter marketing moves in play that I'm just not getting?

The way I see it if this was in the stops today, with loads of families coming in to get their free stuff, so was Prog 2129 this would have been an incredibly smart move. As its interrupted regular stories I can't see why this didn't happened. Of course the kids are getting free stuff today, so maybe its best in the shops when the free stuff has bitten them and they want some more comicy goodness... oh I don't know just as I see, from a point of ignorance, its a real shame this was there for folks to see today as its aces...

....well okay its not perfect but its still pretty damned aces. The only real problem is that the best new story Full Tilt Boogie, is way too much of an introduction and doesn't feel like a story in its own right. The art by Eduardo Ocana is simply stunning and the story perfect all ages 2000ad fodder. Money collecting gibbon bears catching down cool young characters, saved by creepy magic face dude summoning from goo caccoon a black clad ninja warrior dudette its just perfect stuff. Really kinetic, fun and sassy. Loved it BUT it was too open, too loose at the edges and I want more... but its a tease.

Finder and Keeper doesn't feel quite so perfectly 2000ad but is pretty good all the same. Cool characters and nice premise. Doesn't quite catch fire the way Boogie does but its a much more satisfying tale in itself.

There's also a frankly excellent Future Shock, looks stunning and while the ending isn't exactly shocking its entirely satisfying and if I was a kid reading this I think I'd love it... as a grumpy old man reading it I certainly did!

The other highlight is a glorious Cadet Dredd by Chris Weston. Fantastic call back with Krong, superb relationship between Dredd and Rico, giant thespian killer lizards, high comedy and thrilling action. Its just briliiant stuff.

Add to that entirely enjoyable Anderson and really pretty great Rogue Trooper, particularly like the way both kept the high levels of violence and action yet managed to soften the actual visceral kill toll, both in different and smart ways.

So yeah this is an absolute trimuph and Tharg... I mean Joko I demand more more MORE. Its just fantastic and I'm sure something of the quality, verve and thrillpower would find an audience if produced as a regular all ages comic.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: McNulty on 04 May, 2019, 11:43:54 PM
I'm afraid I've got to disagree with you about this week's prog. Aside from the outstanding Cadet Dredd strip I found the rest of the prog's artwork to be simply average, with the Future Shock and the Rogue Trooper being the best of a bad bunch. This is not to be a criticism of any of the new artists in particular but the art styles seem to be a little...generic. These strips could have been drawn by those doing Marvel comics at present such as Ms Marvel, Squirrel Girl or Captain Marvel. I found Full Tilt Boogie, Finder & Keeper and the Judge Anderson stories to be unengaging and forgettable. I don't mean to be cruel, and I do not disrespect the new artists and scriptwriters for what they have done, but I would ask them to show their individualities in art styles and storytelling. Anyone reading old 2000ADs would have not problems identifying a Gibson art story, an Ezquerra, Dillon, Bollard, Gibbons, O'Neil or Belardinelli story. I understand that new artists and scriptwriters have to work for a long time to develop their own unique styles and I do hope that they persevere and come up with some work that truly reflects the potential that they have shown. 
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Richard on 05 May, 2019, 12:05:17 AM
I liked the art on Full Tilt Boogie, and would be happy to see that artist return.

As always, Chris Weston's art was fabulous. The story was pretty good too, (I was slightly annoyed that Rico Dredd's badge had his first name on it.)
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: broodblik on 05 May, 2019, 05:06:09 AM
The two new strips are like pilot episodes and might lead to some further development down the line. This is a quote out of the latest Meg 407 about these strips: There are also two new strips in the title, which Smith says
'act as pilots, should they prove popular'.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Tjm86 on 05 May, 2019, 08:48:18 AM
TBH I would place myself in the 'slightly underwhelmed' camp.  Weston's art definitely helped lift what was a lighthearted, old fashioned Dredd script.  The Ezquerra nod with Krong was a nice touch but a lot of the episode was fairly predictable.  As a standalone it worked quite nicely mind.

Full Tilt Boogie for me was definitely the best of the rest.  Not completely sold on the artwork but for the most part it worked.  Dumping the reader into events and leaving them to figure out what was going on was a nice approach as well.  Plenty of scope for development there even it was a miss-mash of old and new ideas.  Certainly it would be interesting to see a short expanded run developing some of the ideas.

Finder and Keeper seemed like a re-hash of Bec and Kawl / Dandridge / Ghostbusters.  Not sure how much scope there would be there but I'm willing to give it a shot and see whether the creative team can surprise me.  I'd agree with Colin that it worked well as a one-off.  Perhaps that is the way to go for a while?

The Future Shock was an amusing and altogether topical little tale.  Lots to like and suitable artwork.  Definitely got a few chuckles from me.

I'm completely the opposite to Colin though on Anderson and Rogue.  Anderson was the stronger of these two and another topical tale was handled well.  For me this is an example of where Holden's art works best.  The slightly cartoony feel lent itself well to the virtual world involved.  Overall though it was just okay.

Rogue though struck me as a fairly derivative take on the character.  The big problem with Rogue and his team is that as characters they are fairly one dimensional.  It has often taken a more complex and nuanced opponent to lift the tale.  Unfortunately in this case that was lacking.  I would also agree with McNulty here with regard to art.  When you consider the calibre of artist on the strip over the years (Gibbons, Wilson, Ewins, Dillon, ...) any attempt to take on this character and his world is going to stack you up against powerful competition.  Those are some big shoes to fill.  So kudos for at least taking it on and perhaps to newer readers it will work better.

So overall as progs go it was fairly middle of the road for me.  How well it would work for a less familiar audience if that is indeed the intent is a different question.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: moly on 06 May, 2019, 09:04:10 AM
Thought it was ok, would definitely buy it for my daughter if they did this as a separate monthly comic
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Darren Stephens on 06 May, 2019, 08:24:23 PM
I enjoyed it a lot. The GF, who reads the prog every week too, said she would love to read more in the same style. Maybe it's time for a regular book aimed at the younger reader?
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: DrJomster on 06 May, 2019, 10:28:10 PM
I'm definitely buying this for the kids! WHSmiths on the way in to work tomorrow, I reckon.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: BPP on 07 May, 2019, 09:46:51 AM
Quote from: Darren Stephens on 06 May, 2019, 08:24:23 PMThe GF, who reads the prog every week too, said she would love to read more in the same style. Maybe it's time for a regular book aimed at the younger reader?


Darren,you humble bragger you.

Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Tomwe on 07 May, 2019, 09:54:46 AM
I wholly enjoyed Regened!

The Dredd felt pretty much business as usual thanks to Weston's awesome artwork. Not entirely sure the brain removal panel counts as All Ages but I suppose the prog was originally aimed at this level with similar gross out moments.

Full Tilt Boogie was a highlight. I really enjoyed the setup and don't see any problem with this coming back to the regular prog. In line with the likes of Brass Sun? Art and writing on point here.

Glad Nick Roche got to draw some [spoiler]massive robots![/spoiler] But the redesigned Gunner was a turnoff, sorry.

If this proves anything its that the ethos of 2000AD can very easily be aimed at younger readers while still retaining what makes it unique.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: MacabreMagpie on 08 May, 2019, 07:45:10 AM
Man, the art is really strong throughout this prog. Can't point to a single strip that wasn't a treat for the ol' peepers.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Timothy on 08 May, 2019, 08:57:34 AM
Krong, Morphy and Raider! For a comic aimed at new readers that is a nostalgia-heavy Dredd.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: broodblik on 08 May, 2019, 09:10:07 AM
I enjoyed the prog. I am sure that a weekly or monthly version will work and that we might see it rather earlier than later.

Hopefully we will see more of both Full Tilt Boogie and Finder & Keeper. Both these new strips work for me.

It is great to always to see Weston on art duty both 12-pages is even more awesomeness.

Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: CalHab on 08 May, 2019, 10:01:29 AM
Full Tilt Boogie has a distinctly bandes dessinées feel to it. I'd be very happy to see it return.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Bolt-01 on 08 May, 2019, 10:59:38 AM
That was a total treat!

I thought the art was solid throughout (though I wish Gunnar wasn't quite so 'revised') and I thoroughly enjoyed all of the strips.

If this was a regular I'd be all over it.

#PraiseTharg!
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: IndigoPrime on 08 May, 2019, 11:37:45 AM
Quote from: Timothy on 08 May, 2019, 08:57:34 AM
Krong, Morphy and Raider! For a comic aimed at new readers that is a nostalgia-heavy Dredd.
Although not to the point newcomers would be lost without the references.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: The Sherman Kid on 08 May, 2019, 05:29:09 PM
Prog 2130 - Please don't do that again.

Ever.

Rant over.

P.S Seriously -Ever.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: TordelBack on 08 May, 2019, 05:32:44 PM
Great stuff, this. Was a bit taken aback by the price,  but good value and a good idea to sync it with FCBD and keel it in the regular weekly slot.

Dredd was great, although the presence of Mantas in the 2070s hit my anal-retentive gland hard ( :'(). Beautiful, beautiful art and full-on old school in the best way,  like an early Annual story if early Annual stories had been any good.  I've been asked by the kids to run a Dredd RPG game for them (using the rather spiffy new WOiN ruleset that I never shut up about), and I think this is what use as a starting point, if I ever get the finger out.

Next best was a tie between Full Tilt Boogie (moah pleez) which was like Zippy Couriers crossed with Dr Who and blessed with the freshest art imaginable,  and Anderson, which begged the pressing question: why doesn't PJ draw more Anderson?

Despite initial reservations about the Fleisher/Coleby-era weaponry stylings, Rogue settled down into a nice story, which was a nice intro to the classic team/not a team setup.

Finder & Keeper I enjoyed, crisply drawn and well told, but the ground is too familiar for me personally to see much more mileage in it. The Future Shock was another lushly drawn entry,  but a concept that's been done to death. These two I could see working in an all-ages venue, but for this jaded reader they don't have the appeal of something like Full Tilt Boogie,  or the lighter Rogue, either of which I'd be happy to read more of.



Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: dweezil2 on 08 May, 2019, 07:19:18 PM
The Dredd tale was great, like those pun laden stories of old, with absolutely sumptuous art!!

Only other story read so far is Full Tilt Boogie, which resembled Saga, minus the explicit sex and violence, and was a perfect scene setter for hopefully what will become an ongoing series! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: The Enigmatic Dr X on 08 May, 2019, 08:03:24 PM
Odd, instantly forgettable, disposable tosh.

Like a special in an Indian restaurant, this is a failed experiment that proves you should not deviate too far from the norm - and certainly not for no good reason.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: The Sherman Kid on 08 May, 2019, 08:16:39 PM
Foisting essentially a kiddie comic on your loyal readership was not on.

If this was sold separately fine, good idea, but posting it out to a readership they know was not in this demographic was not cool.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: The Sherman Kid on 08 May, 2019, 08:46:31 PM
For twice the price too
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Geoff on 08 May, 2019, 11:22:18 PM
Other than the cover and the Dredd, I'm afraid there was little else I enjoyed..

Would it appeal to younger readers? It's hard to say, but maybe.   

That cover would be enticing I think, but the £5 price tag must have led to a few being put back on the shelf.

As a subber, I'm not bothered by this coming out as a one-off type edition.  I also don't think the cover price affects us as we've paid already...

Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: TordelBack on 09 May, 2019, 08:11:32 AM
Quote from: dweezil2 on 08 May, 2019, 07:19:18 PM
Only other story read so far is Full Tilt Boogie, which resembled Saga, minus the explicit sex and violence,

Damnit, how did I miss that?
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: TordelBack on 09 May, 2019, 08:25:33 AM
Quote from: The Sherman Kid on 08 May, 2019, 08:16:39 PM
If this was sold separately fine, good idea, but posting it out to a readership they know was not in this demographic was not cool.

I respect your opinion Sherman, but how do you expand, or even stand still, if you only play to the same ageing demographic? 

For one week, FCBD week and all,  this permitted me to hand my comic straight  to my 9yr old, which is something we oldies have been banging on about doing for ages. And I presume this method and extra price made that viable, which it wasn't otherwise.

Also, I enjoyed all the strips, some rather a lot. And just next week it's back to sophisticated hire.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: TordelBack on 09 May, 2019, 08:26:36 AM
"Hire" = "gore", for some reason.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 09 May, 2019, 08:42:34 AM
Quote from: The Sherman Kid on 08 May, 2019, 08:16:39 PM
Foisting essentially a kiddie comic on your loyal readership was not on.

A distinction that needs to be made between 'kiddie comic' and 'all ages comic' - this was the latter.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Bolt-01 on 09 May, 2019, 09:35:43 AM
Just want to say I thoroughly disagree with the Sherman Kid and Dr X - I really enjoyed this and would welcome more in this style.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: CalHab on 09 May, 2019, 11:51:12 AM
I enjoyed it. I'm not sure all the stories were a success but it was a worthwhile exercise. It'll be back to normal service next week so, even if you didn't like it, it's hardly a problem.

More importantly, there is a serious dearth of comics suitable for younger readers and I'm glad that Rebellion have recognised this. In my (limited) experience, the problem isn't a lack of interest in comics from younger kids, it's a lack of quality material.

As an aside, if Marvel had any sense they would be putting out a younger ages Spider-Ham comic.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Link Prime on 09 May, 2019, 01:07:52 PM
Nothing against a 2000AD Regened comic or comics aimed at all-ages / youngsters in general, I'd be an advocate for it.
I'm just not interested in it as part of the weekly Prog.
If the idea has legs, release it as a one-off. I might even intentionally purchase it for someone who would be the intended audience (the recent Cor / Buster special was great, and went down a treat with my nephew).

I'll pre-empt the 'if you don't like it don't buy it comment' with the obvious answer; no self respecting comic nerd would have an deliberate break in their run of Progs.
We were a captive audience for this experiment, and paid handsomely for the concession.

NB- That reads like a massive whinge, but trust me - the intended tone is more relaxed. Just comics, baby.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: broodblik on 09 May, 2019, 01:20:57 PM
For me the experiment worked but I do not want this to be a regular exercise. I will purchase a regen version when they eventually decide to launch the title. I understand some people will not be happy with their regular prog been moved to a week later.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Dandontdare on 09 May, 2019, 04:59:09 PM
I appreciate what they're attempting but unhappy that it had to replace a proper prog rather than as a special.

The Dredd, Rogue and Anderson were decent childish versions of the originals, Finder & Keeper and the FS were OK if a little simplistic and I've only flicked through Full Tilt Boogie as I have no clue what that's all about. Some nice art, but overall not my cup of tea.

Please don't do this again in the weekly.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Tjm86 on 09 May, 2019, 07:28:55 PM
Whilst I'm not in the 'utterly overwhelmed' camp, certainly there was a lot to commend the exercise.  At the end of the day I would have bought it anyways alongside the prog to see what it was like.  Probably the same as most folks here.  So as an exercise to increase sales ....

I wonder if doing it as the prog rather than a special could also have unforeseen consequences for casual try out readers too.  If they've picked it up then decide to follow up next week expecting more of the same it could be a little problematic picking up the threads of long running strips.

So timing may not have been great from that point of view either.  If some folks viewed it as a jumping on point they might be tempted to jump straight back off again.  A special emphasising the experimental nature of one or two of the strips and highlighting normal fare might have been a better way to go possibly.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Eamonn Clarke on 09 May, 2019, 08:08:33 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/BxIbDAx.jpg)

Bit late with this cover by Neil Goodge and Gary Caldwell on colours.

Fascinated to see what happens with this, Full Tilt Boogie and Finder & Keeper seem too good to languish as just one offs.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 09 May, 2019, 09:57:08 PM
As a long-standing proponent of the "2000AD needs to actively target younger readers" argument, I think this was a worthwhile experiment, and I enjoyed all the strips... some more than others, but there wasn't an actual duffer in there. Great stuff.

As for why this was inserted into the regular run of progs — Matt talks about this on the latest Thrill Cast. Basically, it's because they've already got a full slate of specials for the year and their distributors didn't think there was room for another.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 09 May, 2019, 11:56:31 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 09 May, 2019, 08:42:34 AM
A distinction that needs to be made between 'kiddie comic' and 'all ages comic' - this was the latter.

This has driven me insane since I first started to advocate for more all-ages material in comics generally, and from the House of Tharg particularly... "for kids" ≠ "all ages". Now that characters in 2000AD can occasionally say 'shit', does that somehow make it more grown up than Halo Jones, or Zenith, or Bad Company...?
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: norton canes on 10 May, 2019, 10:49:28 AM
First of all, that cover is just the business. Neil Googe showing there's more to him than the high-jinks of Survival Geeks. Love Rogue's little straight-line frown. Not sure about the 'classic' style logo though - why have they removed all the bevels, edges and shadow-lines? It looks like it's not finished.

The Dredd story was great - I'm not a huge fan of the humorous single-episode Dredds that are slotted in now and again but this one takes a solid idea and runs with it really well. The prog's other big positive is Full Tilt Boogie, which I thought was excellent, it had a real sense of continental strangeness about it, even shades of Brandon Graham's 'Prophet'. The tentacled spacecraft, the explosive-eating cat, Grandma in her spacesuit and coat, the Borrower Bears, all fantastic touches, and the script was intriguingly oblique without being too opaque. It didn't feel in any way like an exclusively 'young readers' strip. Definitely up for more of this.

The Future Shock was pretty nice. Liked the way it built gradually to its twist rather than relying on a final 'shock reveal' panel.

Elsewhere, the strips were less impressive. The Anderson story suffered, I thought, from comparisons with the inspired lunacy of the recent D&D-themed Survival Geeks story. Also the denouement was too on the nose, though, perhaps it would resound with younger readers, who knows? Not me, I'm the wrong side of fifty. Finder & Keeper had none of the engaging inventiveness of Full Tilt Boogie and came across as the story most squarely aimed at younger readers. The Rogue strip was equally ponderous - to be honest, an all-out war story seemed out of place in a comic aimed at today's kids.


As to the question of whether this should have been a regular prog I'm afraid I'm very much in the 'no thanks' camp, though if it turns out Full Tilt Boogie is commissioned for a full series then it hasn't been a wasted experiment. I don't quite get what kids who did enjoy the strips are supposed to do next, except wait a few months for the possibility of the launch of a regular Regened.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: IndigoPrime on 10 May, 2019, 11:33:58 AM
It feels like the problem right now is ambition outstrips reality. You can tell Rebellion would love to, at the very least, put out The Vigilant as a US-style monthly, Regened as a monthly or even weekly, and probably also a humour title. But those things probably aren't viable (although I could see Cor/Buster doing well among parents sick to death of bagged shite – *waves* – and who want something in addition to The Phoenix), hence the specials and odd scheduling.

But, yeah, there is that issue of "well, what now?" for people who loved the all-ages special. it's a pity it didn't come before a jumping-on Prog, but I can't imagine what a nightmare scheduling must be for Matt.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: sheridan on 10 May, 2019, 12:59:38 PM
Quote from: Timothy on 08 May, 2019, 08:57:34 AM
Krong, Morphy and Raider! For a comic aimed at new readers that is a nostalgia-heavy Dredd.


Nah - doesn't matter if there are easter eggs and call-backs for older readers - when I started reading the prog MC1 was strongly feeling the after-effects of the Apocalypse War - not having read a story that ran a year before didn't stop me enjoying the stories I was reading for the first time.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: sheridan on 10 May, 2019, 01:01:16 PM
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 08 May, 2019, 10:59:38 AM
That was a total treat!

I thought the art was solid throughout (though I wish Gunnar wasn't quite so 'revised') and I thoroughly enjoyed all of the strips.


I found chunky Gunnar to be a bit off-putting for the first few pages, but it grew on me and I'm comfortable seeing artists bringing their own style to established characters.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: sheridan on 10 May, 2019, 01:04:20 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 08 May, 2019, 05:32:44 PM
Dredd was great, although the presence of Mantas in the 2070s hit my anal-retentive gland hard ( :'( ).


Glad I'm not the only person to have got caught by that.  From the moment they were first referenced I've been trying to justify their inclusion by thinking they're Manta Tanks and not Manta Prowl Tanks, and perhaps the latter were the 2104/5 (?) revision of an earlier design.  Bit off-putting, as much as I love the design.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: The Amstor Computer on 10 May, 2019, 01:36:57 PM
Quote from: norton canes on 10 May, 2019, 10:49:28 AM
First of all, that cover is just the business. Neil Googe showing there's more to him than the high-jinks of Survival Geeks. Love Rogue's little straight-line frown. Not sure about the 'classic' style logo though - why have they removed all the bevels, edges and shadow-lines? It looks like it's not finished.


I don't mind that - I prefer the original, but the "clean" version here is OK - though the "REGENED" subtitle doesn't quite work for me. It's not meshing with the telescoping/perspective of the 2000AD logo (it seems too upright, and feels like it stretches into the distance when it should be more compressed) so it feels a little mismatched. That said, trying to get something that gels well with that crazy logo is not an easy task, and my hat's off to anyone who has a crack at it!
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 10 May, 2019, 01:49:09 PM
Having had a few days to think about it, I realised I've paid more attention to (and seen more attention paid to it online, which must be good) this week's prog than any other for a good while.
Immediate thoughts: Chris Weston can do no wrong, and I'd love to see more strips both written and drawn by him.
Full Tilt Boogie, while my least favourite thing when I read it, has become more interesting in retrospect and I'd like to see more.
Rogue seems to suit a younger approach, but needs more disturbing and crazy violence and "horror of war" allegory. As a straightforward adventure strip it just doesn't work.

Everything else was perfectly adequate.

Re the logo, it doesn't look right in its new incarnation. Restore the textures! And then shove it back on the front of the prog, as this proves it still works.

While the cover was attractive, it shows how things have changed: wherefore the people being consumed by giant monstrosities and screaming flesh of yesteryear, that so attracted youngsters to the prog's delights on a weekly basis?

I'm quite happy that it "took the place" of the normal prog for a week. But I'd prefer a fortnightly regular edition, thanks.

SBT
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 10 May, 2019, 05:32:14 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 10 May, 2019, 01:49:09 PM

While the cover was attractive, it shows how things have changed: wherefore the people being consumed by giant monstrosities and screaming flesh of yesteryear, that so attracted youngsters to the prog's delights on a weekly basis?


SBT

I was thinking that too.  2000ad has always been violent (I wasn't even in my teens when Sláine ripped a living fomorian's heart out through its mouth), and I loved that aspect of it as a kid.  Bad Company, while not having any language harsher than 'damn', was strewn with gruesome scenes of torture.  I still wince looking at Nemesis making a skinhead's big mouth bigger.  Comic creators,  at least,  deemed that kind of thing suitable for kids back then but times have changed and I don't think that kind of thing would fly for a publication aimed at children these days.

I enjoyed this all-ages one-off and I'd love to see it take off as a separate comic.  But I can't help feeling,  for better or worse,  that 2000ad without blood and guts wouldn't be 2000ad.  (The nudity and swearing are another matter,  and I must say I don't really know what to think there.)
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Woolly on 10 May, 2019, 06:15:35 PM
Quote from: JayzusB.Christ on 10 May, 2019, 05:32:14 PM
I enjoyed this all-ages one-off and I'd love to see it take off as a separate comic.  But I can't help feeling,  for better or worse,  that 2000ad without blood and guts wouldn't be 2000ad.  (The nudity and swearing are another matter,  and I must say I don't really know what to think there.)

I'd argue that the Cadet Dredd story had plenty of guts in it. And [spoiler]shit[/spoiler]!

I loved this prog far more than I've been loving the regular prog of late, and can only hope we see alot more of this.
Maybe make the prog fortnightly, and have Regened on the alternate weeks? Just a thought...
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: broodblik on 10 May, 2019, 07:23:29 PM
Quote from: Woolly on 10 May, 2019, 06:15:35 PM
Maybe make the prog fortnightly, and have Regened on the alternate weeks? Just a thought...

No thank you. If they cannot do it separate publication then change the progs run to accommodate this
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: broodblik on 10 May, 2019, 07:31:44 PM
Should be: If they cannot do it as a separate publication then do not change the progs run to accommodate this
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Magnetica on 10 May, 2019, 07:45:27 PM
I thought some of the stories had fairly weak endings, and that had nothing to do with being all ages. They just seemed to wrap up too quickly in a very matter of fact way. I include Full Tilt Boogie, Anderson, Finder and Keeper, and Rogue Trooper in that. All ages does not have to mean a drop in quality. Indeed maybe the regular Prog could be more accessible: I really dislike it when there is real swearing (the made up swear words work so much better anyway), and when there is nudity. It is all just so unnecessary. And the all ages seem to retain a level of violence. Ok not Horned God level but it was still there.

As to whether this will bring in new readers, I am not sure. I get the concept that Rebellion need to test the waters first, but if any young readers picked it up and liked, there is nothing for them to buy next week. Or even next month. Which means the opportunity will be lost. We all need to be concerned about where the next generation of readers is coming from, else it will just stop when the likes of most on here stop reading. Based on the story on the 2000AD Ultimate Collection royalties, it sounds like sales of that are very low, which doesn't bode well for the future.

Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Richard on 10 May, 2019, 08:47:02 PM
What Broodblik said (2nd time round). The last thing I'd want is to wait two weeks between progs.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Frank on 10 May, 2019, 10:05:17 PM

No problem with areolae or evisceration, but I didn't notice their absence. When the Megazine launched, it was (wrongly) assumed that all the sexy violence and pagan communism would decamp there, leaving Tharg free to lure kids in with all the Inspector Ramm and Chronos Carnival they could handle.

That strategy has a certain appeal today, except - as the creator interviews around 2000jr have pointed out - 21st-century kids want to read stories about characters just a little older than themselves. And there's a sizeable section of the geriatric readership who feel the same.

Unless Tharg's confident Mach-1 Direction will bring on thousands of new readers instantly, I'm not sure he can afford to lose the DOES ANYONE REMEMBER MEAN ARENA? crowd.


Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Richard on 11 May, 2019, 12:06:32 AM
That's a good point -- kids don't actually want to read stories about kids. Cadet Dredd isn't going to impress young readers as much as Judge Dredd will if the story is right.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: broodblik on 11 May, 2019, 04:14:15 AM
So true Frank, that is why we the "Kids" all love Dredd, he is just a little bit older than us  :)
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Fungus on 11 May, 2019, 03:09:30 PM
Disappointed, as a subscriber I wouldn't have picked this 'special' up. It felt quite throwaway, scorchingly coloured (deliberately) as these things tend to be...

Except for the engaging Full Tilt Boogie, a nice Saga/Descender mash-up (simply based on look and feel). Stories had questioning 'Ends' and so the landing was missed here, with that jarring final panel. Enjoyable nonetheless.

Meh.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Judge Olde on 11 May, 2019, 06:13:31 PM
I picked this up in my local Smiths, flicked through it, tried reading it & left it. Though I liked the art on Dredd, someone else already mentioned the Rico/Dredd badge thing earlier in this thread. I think I've seen enough better Anderson & Rogue that I don't need to see it done like this. First time they've shoehorned a 'special' into a regular prog, I hope it's also the last.  I'm not sure what age group this prog was aimed at? Seems very young? I was 12 when I first started buying 2000ad ..
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Leigh S on 11 May, 2019, 07:25:27 PM
Woudl the progs that were all Dredd/Sin Dex/Slane count as specials 'foisted' on us? At least this had enough variation to find something to like if you werent a fan of one of the above.

For me, only Finder and Keeper feels like it justifies some of the criticism of being aimed at a younger audience than you ight previously have found in the prog - Imagine that Rogue with Colin Wilson art or the Anderson with Ranson and no one would have batted an eyelid I suspect. 

Full Tilt Boogie was very much in the style of an early 90s attempt to be a bit different, and mostly succeeded, other than the none ending - if there is one criticism I would support of this, it's having both of the new stories feel more set up than satisfactory as complete stories in themselves.




Quote from: Judge Olde on 11 May, 2019, 06:13:31 PM
I picked this up in my local Smiths, flicked through it, tried reading it & left it. Though I liked the art on Dredd, someone else already mentioned the Rico/Dredd badge thing earlier in this thread. I think I've seen enough better Anderson & Rogue that I don't need to see it done like this. First time they've shoehorned a 'special' into a regular prog, I hope it's also the last.  I'm not sure what age group this prog was aimed at? Seems very young? I was 12 when I first started buying 2000ad ..
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Richard on 11 May, 2019, 07:38:02 PM
QuoteImagine that Rogue with Colin Wilson art or the Anderson with Ranson and no one would have batted an eyelid I suspect.

Well, yes. I've never agreed with the philosophy that children's comics have got to have simpler art. When I was a kid in the 80s, I was always more impressed by the very detailed art than the cartoony style.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Frank on 11 May, 2019, 07:55:49 PM
Quote from: Frank on 10 May, 2019, 10:05:17 PM
... Mach-1 Direction

Taylor Swifty's Return (http://www.2000ad.org/?zone=droid&page=profiles&choice=JAMIEH)

Halo Jonas Brothers

     and

Mean Ariana Grande


Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: TordelBack on 12 May, 2019, 08:29:58 AM
Quote from: Leigh S on 11 May, 2019, 07:25:27 PM
Woudl the progs that were all Dredd/Sin Dex/Slane count as specials 'foisted' on us? At least this had enough variation to find something to like if you werent a fan of one of the above

Was thinking that very thing meself. Also: all the Christmas progs, and the dreaded Sex prog, it's not like Tharg hasn't played about with the format within the regular weekly slot before this. I understand people's objections, but I don't share them.it was a fun high quality experiment, for one week
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: sheridan on 12 May, 2019, 05:32:05 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 12 May, 2019, 08:29:58 AM
Quote from: Leigh S on 11 May, 2019, 07:25:27 PM
Woudl the progs that were all Dredd/Sin Dex/Slane count as specials 'foisted' on us? At least this had enough variation to find something to like if you werent a fan of one of the above

Was thinking that very thing meself. Also: all the Christmas progs, and the dreaded Sex prog, it's not like Tharg hasn't played about with the format within the regular weekly slot before this. I understand people's objections, but I don't share them.it was a fun high quality experiment, for one week

Yep - I can't understanding the complaint about this being a 'special' in the regular prog when we've had about twenty-something similar departures from the norm in the last twenty five years.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: sheridan on 12 May, 2019, 05:33:00 PM
Quote from: Leigh S on 11 May, 2019, 07:25:27 PM
For me, only Finder and Keeper feels like it justifies some of the criticism of being aimed at a younger audience


I must be the only person who preferred Finder & Keeper to Full Tilt Boogie - shame, looks like I won't get to see any more :-(
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Richard on 12 May, 2019, 05:43:15 PM
It must be difficult being Tharg. No matter what he does, someone always finds fault with it.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Magnetica on 12 May, 2019, 10:23:00 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 12 May, 2019, 05:32:05 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 12 May, 2019, 08:29:58 AM
Quote from: Leigh S on 11 May, 2019, 07:25:27 PM
Woudl the progs that were all Dredd/Sin Dex/Slane count as specials 'foisted' on us? At least this had enough variation to find something to like if you werent a fan of one of the above

Was thinking that very thing meself. Also: all the Christmas progs, and the dreaded Sex prog, it's not like Tharg hasn't played about with the format within the regular weekly slot before this. I understand people's objections, but I don't share them.it was a fun high quality experiment, for one week

Yep - I can't understanding the complaint about this being a 'special' in the regular prog when we've had about twenty-something similar departures from the norm in the last twenty five years.

I don't get the complaints either, but for a different reason. This is about trying to find a new audience for comics from Tharg. That can only be a good thing if we want the Prog to continue for years to come.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 12 May, 2019, 10:39:29 PM
Quote from: Magnetica on 12 May, 2019, 10:23:00 PM
I don't get the complaints either, but for a different reason. This is about trying to find a new audience for comics from Tharg. That can only be a good thing if we want the Prog to continue for years to come.

THIS.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: Tjm86 on 13 May, 2019, 06:44:02 AM
The one good thing about this place is that people are willing to consider different viewpoints critically and maturely.  Even where viewpoints are diametrically opposed, for the most part they are accepted as valid and heard out (granted there are a few exceptions that are beyond the pale but owners don't tend to be here long).

I get the point about it being aimed at growing a sustainable audience.  The one about different formats having been tried over the years is also a fair one.  Overall there was a lot to commend the edition and as Tordel's points out, it was only one week. 

TB though, I'm in the "wouldn't this have worked better as a Summer Special?" camp.  Personally I believe it would have worked better since it could have pointed to the prog, had the same level of exposure and still achieved the main objectives.  Mainly because it stood as a one off / trial that contained a couple of strips that were unlikely to be continued for a while until the interest had been gauged.  Folks would pick up the following prog expecting different things and not picking up a couple of stories midway through.

So for me the issue is about timing more than about it being a standalone prog.  Perhaps if 2131 had been a jumping on prog it would have made more sense?  Still, I get the counter arguments too.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: hippynumber1 on 13 May, 2019, 06:45:43 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 12 May, 2019, 05:33:00 PM
Quote from: Leigh S on 11 May, 2019, 07:25:27 PM
For me, only Finder and Keeper feels like it justifies some of the criticism of being aimed at a younger audience


I must be the only person who preferred Finder & Keeper to Full Tilt Boogie - shame, looks like I won't get to see any more :-(

I was thinking the same; at last, I know I'm not alone. There was nothing wrong with 'Full Tilt Boogie' but, for me, it felt very disjointed. I kept thinking I'd missed a couple of panels. Finders & Keepers, while predictable, was good fun, just disappointing that it was a pilot episode rather than a self-contained one-off. Overall, I really enjoyed the whole Regened prog.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: dweezil2 on 13 May, 2019, 08:46:40 AM
Quote from: Magnetica on 12 May, 2019, 10:23:00 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 12 May, 2019, 05:32:05 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 12 May, 2019, 08:29:58 AM
Quote from: Leigh S on 11 May, 2019, 07:25:27 PM
Woudl the progs that were all Dredd/Sin Dex/Slane count as specials 'foisted' on us? At least this had enough variation to find something to like if you werent a fan of one of the above

Was thinking that very thing meself. Also: all the Christmas progs, and the dreaded Sex prog, it's not like Tharg hasn't played about with the format within the regular weekly slot before this. I understand people's objections, but I don't share them.it was a fun high quality experiment, for one week

Yep - I can't understanding the complaint about this being a 'special' in the regular prog when we've had about twenty-something similar departures from the norm in the last twenty five years.

I don't get the complaints either, but for a different reason. This is about trying to find a new audience for comics from Tharg. That can only be a good thing if we want the Prog to continue for years to come.

Further to my positive opinions of Dredd and Full Tilt Boogie, Anderson also served as an excellent introduction to the character as well as a very enjoyable self contained story, with real world parallels, it also featured some excellent clean, detailed art.
I suspect that if this hadn't been billed as an "all ages issue" there wouldn't have been nearly as many criticism, as the story quality I've read so far has been as high if not higher than many a recent Prog.
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: AlexF on 14 May, 2019, 03:41:41 PM
I know this Prog was technically aimed at my children rather than me, but I enjoyed it much more than I expected, and it's the first new Prog in a while that I will actually bother to re-read soon because it has piqued my interest. For what it's worth, my children a) aren't really into 2000AD at the moment (sad for me!) and b)  if they were, I'd be getting them to look at the regular Prog as well as the Regene version, as I suspect they'd find as much story and art to enjoy in one as the other. 
Title: Re: Prog 2130 - 2000ad Regened
Post by: cartilas on 02 June, 2019, 06:29:23 PM
Don't normally post but I though I would give it a go. I have avoided reading this prog (2130) and skipped over it. But have now read it today and have to say it was much more enjoyable than I imagined it would be. Obviously Chris Weston's Dredd was the stand out story but I also enjoyed Full Tilt Boogie, Good little story with interesting characters and I loved the art work. I am glad I took the time to read it today :)