Meg 323 The Adjudicators.

Alien Goodness · 27 April, 2012, 02:18:21 PM

Quote from: Hawkmonger on 26 April, 2012, 06:40:45 PM
Cover: Silly. I like it. ***

Dredd: Even more silly. Great contrast to the doom an gloom of the prog's Dredd, they compliment each other very well.

I agree - the humour in this story is a nice antidote to the gloom and doom of Day of Chaos. The camp PR judges made me smile such as the snide remarks they make about peoples' appearances and calling Dredd "The Human Chin". Do the so-called superheroes remind anyone here of 'Marshall Law'?

Professor Bear · 27 April, 2012, 07:27:36 PM

This month's Dredd was a massive miss for me after a good run of solid non-Wagners, and I have a funny feeling the script was "pulled from a drawer because it was already paid for"™ to cash in on Avengers without getting any rewrites, as Dredd seems off in a way the character hasn't been in quite a while, though the Pythonesque dismemberment gag was appreciated, and Carlos is always a welcome sight. Samizdat remains solid, but is still something I'd rather see in the prog than the Meg, even if that meant losing another fantasy travelogue strip like Flesh or the werewolf thing. Strange and Dark should annoy me, but does not - this may not sound like much of a compliment, but it is, I assure you and I like the oddness of the disparate elements of a future-set Hammer horror movie in a seaside town even if I'm not sure how I feel about the lead characters just yet. Snapshot feels like a serialised GN purpose-built as a movie pitch, but is still entertaining stuff. Kipling I have never warmed to, and likely never shall given the cloying and unfunny main character, but I'll acknowledge that dismissing it on that basis alone is unfair to the craftsmanship on display by writer and artist both, so I'll say it's just not my cup of tea and leave it there. Interviews were interesting, but I thought it unfortunate that the Millar one began by praising the writer for being responsible for all the good superhero movies lately, even though all the flicks based on his work have so far been rather terrible. Also not sure if I'm interpreting the movie reviews article correctly, but it seems like the writer is saying - in reference to Hunger Games - that plagiarism is acceptable if the knock-off is more financially successful than the original.

A solid if unremarkable issue.

BPP · 27 April, 2012, 08:16:20 PM

Ezquerra
Holden
Jock
MacNeil
(and a whole load of Boo Cook extra)

'Nuff Said.

a chosen rider · 27 April, 2012, 11:10:23 PM

Now I've had a chance to sit down with the Meg too...

Cover - Erm,comes off kind of unfocused mess to me, I'm afraid. Not sure the colouring is doing it any favours. C-

Dredd - Hmm, can't say I'm keen on the story that goes with the cover, either. Spurrier's Dredd voice feels off to me, the superhero parody is pretty tired, and the PR judge thing is a decent idea but not terribly convincing the way it's played. Unless there's a twist that reveals Gamble knew about the superhero/rogue PR connection in advance, it makes little sense for him to turn up at an entirely random crime scene that's no bigger PR crisis than anything else we've seen Dredd tackle. Still, pages of Ezquerra art are never wasted. It was obvious before I even checked the credits that Carlos was working solo on this one; Hector's inking is great, but always seems a little clean and tidy to me compared to the man's own messier style. Glad to see it back, so despite the meh story, this gets a B- from me.

Samizdat Squad - I missed all but the final instalment of the last series of this, so it's good to have a chance to give it a proper go. This does a nice job of introducing the characters and their personalities, and I absolutely love the art. Great final panel, and a very promising start. A

Snapshot - Okay, this is getting more intriguing. I like it much more now the plot's got underway and the pseudo-witty bickering has gone. Plus, as is apparently the theme for this Meg, lovely art. A

Strange and Darke - I love everything about this. Everything. Really great stuff on every level. When are we getting more? A+

Harry Kipling - Really enjoyed this! Yet more beautiful art, and highly entertaining too. I would happily read more of this. A

Future Shock didn't make much impression one way or the other, but who cares? Despite a mediocre Dredd script, an all round fantastic Meg!

Mikey · 02 May, 2012, 02:12:33 PM

That's a great cover! I always liked Harrison's painted work, but I'm very keen on the cleaner look he's used for recent stuff.

Dredd - I'm in two minds here. Ezquerra - lush, natch. Story...maybe it's because I only recently read Marshal Law, but it just didn't fully click with me as something to associate with MC1. I really wanted to like it, it tickled me in a few places but, and I don't normally worry too much over this type of thing when I enjoy the strip, but PR Judges? It just doesn't feel right somehow.

Samizdat Squad - absolutely loved the art I must say. Story is grand and I agree that it might suit 2000ad more, but I'm happy seeing it in the Meg and it's still building up as a series, so fine as far as it goes.

Snapshot - Good, but I've found the first episodes to be too short. Nicely set up so let's see how it pans out.

Strange & Darke - Good. Didn't like it as much as the creative team would suggest, but would happily take a more of these pair. How does he smoke without lips, btw?

Didn't enjoy the Kipling floppie much, despite the mighty Boo art. Didn't read the Millar interview, but read the Worley one and the reviews.

An alright Meg, Tharg.

M.

mygrimmbrother · 02 May, 2012, 03:15:58 PM

Cover - could have sworn it was Ben Willsher. I was sure of it! Never seen Mark Harrison 'do' this style before. Thought it was pretty damn good.

Strange and Darke - Think it was Cosh earlier in the thread who likened MacNeil's art on S&D to the bawdy Beryl Cook. This, for me, was absolutely spot on, and it all became clear why I've been slowly going off this strip. Loved his Dredd in the prog this week though.

Snapshot - adore this, love everything about it. In fact, some of the things I hated about American Reaper (long page count, not much happening on a page) I'm loving in this case (seems to allow Jock more space, the strip has a nice pace and feel to it). A fantastic, immersive thriller drawn by one of the industry's true megastars - yes thank you, that'll do.

Samizdat - Like how PJ keeps pushing his style. Wonderful old-school thrills. Anyone know what the name means? Is it a pun or something and I'm just being very slow on the uptake?

Dredd - nah, I'll pass. Long for the days when Carlos stuck to glorious B&W, his colouring is ugly to my eyes.

Kipling - love it. Reads like a classic 2000AD strip - it's got the irreverance, the wildy imaginative setting and characters, the humour, the violence, and Boo Cook's art is absolutely luminous. In fact, despite some of these stories being several years old now, I'd say it's better than some of his recent Anderson output. Would happily see this back in the prog.

Mikey · 02 May, 2012, 03:57:28 PM

Quote from: metcalfecarr on 27 April, 2012, 11:28:35 AM
I've never really been a fan of Carlos, his style did nothing for me, but lately I am becoming really appreciative of his work.

HAVE YOU ONLY RECENTLY GREW EYES?!

Heh! I know where you're coming from actually; when I was a nipper I didn't like Ez-Q's style either but I came to realise the error of my ways before I was in double figures. Be you a more recent Squaxx?

M.

Aonghus · 02 May, 2012, 04:20:05 PM

Oh man this was fun ^___^

This was the first meg I've ever bought, and between the fab floppy (which was the main reason I bought it), a brilliant silly Dredd (Ezquerra love!), decent interviews, great cover, and cool-looking ongoing strips where I haven't a clue what's happening.

Loved the [spoiler]Baba Yaga Mode[/spoiler] in Samizdat though.

JayzusB.Christ · 03 May, 2012, 06:31:03 AM

You know, for a long time I've had a bit of irritation paying for the Megazine, wondering whether it was really worth the cost or whether it was just out of brand loyalty.

But... the last few issues have been really good, and pretty much worth the asking price. The Spurious lad's Dredd was good fun - think it could have been better as a one-parter though.
Samizdat's ok, great art at least, and Snapshot's shaping up very nicely.

Strange and Darke was a lovely piece of work from all involved. I watched The Wicker Tree the other day, and realised that S and D is much more similar to it than The Wicker Man. I can't help thinking that the concept of a [spoiler]nearby factory making all the local men sterile[/spoiler] has to be more than a coincidence. That said: I preferred Strange and Darke, and think it makes a far superior 'spiritual sequel' to the Wicker Man. It's also reminiscent of Grant Morrison's one and only Hellblazer tale - which is fecking great by the way, as is John Smith's Constantine one-off.

Purgatory: Although it contains one of the most disturbing scenes I've ever seen in comics ([spoiler]the rat one[/spoiler]), it's mindless, childish nonsense and makes not a flitter of sense. I've said it many times, but how the spugging bejayzus would anyone [spoiler]survive immersion in molten metal[/spoiler]? And why would Kaufman [spoiler]begin his efforts to become a prison guard by killing another prison guard[/spoiler]? And how the fook would they [spoiler]repair a limbless man by grafting on spare parts from a crippled woman[/spoiler]? Fuck right off.

However... did anyone think that that Mark Millar interview showed a groundbreaking level of maturity and even a spot of remorse? For me it was a very significant interview indeed - Millar for once actually acknowledging the help of his mentors, admitting the shitness of his early work and praising the importance of 2000ad! I seem to remember him being hugely dismissive about it in the past - '2000ad? Oh, is that still going?' or words to that effect. So fair play to him.

Reprint Silo in the floppy, I say. Unashamedly riffing on / ripping off some very famous movies, but it worked for me (possibly because I read it before seeing the movies in question).

JayzusB.Christ · 03 May, 2012, 06:32:35 AM

Oops, just realised Purgatory was the last issue. Ah well. Kipling was a bit of fun anyway

pauljholden · 03 May, 2012, 09:45:42 AM

Quote from: JayzusB.Christ on 03 May, 2012, 06:31:03 AM

However... did anyone think that that Mark Millar interview showed a groundbreaking level of maturity and even a spot of remorse? For me it was a very significant interview indeed - Millar for once actually acknowledging the help of his mentors, admitting the shitness of his early work and praising the importance of 2000ad! I seem to remember him being hugely dismissive about it in the past - '2000ad? Oh, is that still going?' or words to that effect. So fair play to him.

I've always felt that there were two Mark Millars - the PT Barnum "I invented everything" internet persona (deliberately cultivated by Millar) to sell the books (controversy sells) and the perfectly reasonable, smart, pleasant guy - that I imagine he actually is. I suspect it's rare that you get the latter Millar caught in an interview, but it seems to me the Meg would be a good place to do that (as it doesn't cross over into his normal fan base)

-pj

(Also thanks for all the kind words on the art front everyone. Except you people who didn't like it. I hate you.)

Spaceghost · 03 May, 2012, 10:22:04 AM

I really liked the cover. Big, bold, eyecatching. Just a shame the story that it's advertising is such a misfire.

I didn't like the Judge Dredd story much. Liked the art but the story just didn't work. It didn't feel like Dredd at all. I think I'm slightly allergic to Simon Spurrier's writing style. He always seems to be trying too hard. I always get the feeling he's too desperate to impress us all with his cleverness. The strained 'Mega-speak' of the TV presenter was annoying and dated too. If it wasn't for Ezquerra on art duties it would be a total write off.

Samizdat Squad is ok. Straight up action comics of no real consequence which isn't meant to be an insult. Liking the art PJ (please don't hate me!).

Snapshot is getting more interesting and looks to be deviating from the 'regular guy on the run' plot I had imagined it to be. Looking forward to the next episode.

I don't think I'm enjoying Strange and Darke as much as some of you. It's alright I suppose. Not a great deal has actually happened though really has it? And the main characters didn't particularly do anything either. Colin MacNeil gives good art though.

Haven't re-read Harry Kipling but, aside from the main character's forced speech mannerisms, I remember enjoying it when it was in the prog. I'll read it one night when I've cleared my 'to read' pile.

Hawkmumbler · 03 May, 2012, 05:22:25 PM

Harry Kipling: So many un-resolved loss end's. Quite possibly on of my fave smaller storys in the Prog.
Give it a return Tharg. ****

Syne · 04 May, 2012, 02:23:54 AM

Quote from: JayzusB.Christ on 03 May, 2012, 06:31:03 AM

Purgatory: Although it contains one of the most disturbing scenes I've ever seen in comics ([spoiler]the rat one[/spoiler]), it's mindless, childish nonsense and makes not a flitter of sense. I've said it many times, but how the spugging bejayzus would anyone [spoiler]survive immersion in molten metal[/spoiler]? And why would Kaufman [spoiler]begin his efforts to become a prison guard by killing another prison guard[/spoiler]? And how the fook would they [spoiler]repair a limbless man by grafting on spare parts from a crippled woman[/spoiler]? Fuck right off.

What, you mean they actually bothered to reprint that trash? In a way I'm glad: it can now be hung before the eyes of shocked readers as a putrid testimony to 2000ad's lowest point.

Two other things that always bugged me about that strip:

1) The idea that Justice Dept would allow Titan to be run that way. It was meant to be a hellhole, sure, but they're no way they would have countenanced such a sadistic administration.

2) Almost none of the convicts were believable ex-judges. A hippy ex-judge? really? And how the hell could any of the inmates of the psycho ward - gibbering, deformed subhumans, the lot of 'em - ever have got through a single day at the academy??

Syne · 04 May, 2012, 02:36:55 AM

Ok, my curiosity got the better of me and I bought this issue. Looks like I'm hooked now.

Dredd was good. It's hard to equal the Wagner/Grant style of humour without the strip toppling over into self-parody, but this guy does a pretty good job. Admittedly, he pushes it a bit with the Spin judges - again, I have to wonder how those guys would have survived long enough at the academy to be separated out for this division.

Samidatz - promising. I don't have high expectations, but it looks to be entertaining in a thud-bang-cool walking train kinda way.

Snapshot - fantastic. I'm buying the previous issue right now so I can catch the first episode.

Strange and Darke - doesn't seem like Smith at his best, but it's pretty good. Other writers could learn something here - you don't have to explain all the back story in every instalment. I had no previous knowledge of this story, so while I was puzzled as to why one of the lead had a animal skull for a head, I was still able to enjoy the episode and the mention of the 'dark mirror' at the very end keyed me in a possible explanation, no info-dumps required. Someone should point that out to the Grey Area writer. . .

The interview and film reviews were top-class. I agree that Millar comes out it very well. Not only does he recognise how bad his 2000ad stuff was, he shows impeccable taste by citing that Marshall Law panel, truly one of the greatest single frames of all time.