Cover - wraparound from D'Israeli. Cover of the year so far in my book.
A clearing of the decks for prog 2013 in a stunning way. To say I'm already looking forward to 1812 is an understatement. You know somethings going right when you find yourself cheering the next prog boxes on the Dredd world strips.
ABC Warriors and Brass Sun wrap up. Have really enjoyed these. Best ABC run for ages and Brass Sun has been best new strip for some time. Ace stuff all round.
Mine didn't turn up, as standard when there's an uber cliffhanger from the previous week.
Sharkbah.
Really good prog so can't wait till next week :)
I have officially run out of superlatives.
There was a run of progs through the 300s when 2000AD was as good as it ever got: McMahon on Slaine; Nemesis BkIII; DR & Quinch; Strontium Dog in semi-permanent residence...
That's how this run from 1800 has made me feel: like I was fifteen again. Congratulations and heart-felt thanks to all involved. Superb work.
Cheers
Jim
Although I genuinely couldn't give a flying crap about ABC Warriors (especially given that [spoiler]the 'mystery' effectively once again turned the entire series into a massive introduction to bring back a character, a device Mills has used again and again and again—ABC Warriors now reminds me of scrolling backgrounds in Scooby Doo[/spoiler]), the Dreddworld stuff was astonishing. Every component of this is going great guns, and it's by far the best Dredd 'crossover'/multithread strip that's run in 2000 AD; at the moment I'm enjoying it as much as any Dredd event to date. That Wagner's nowhere to be seen is in itself both surprising and heartening—not because I want Wagner to hang up his typewriter, but because this finally showcases how other people can 'get' the Dredd universe in a manner similar to Wagner.
There's also some real skill in the cliffhangers. Last week's Dredd had a wow moment; this week's is no different. Low Life also has me each week desperately hoping Dirty Frank will make it to the end, which is no mean feat in what's been quite a comedic strip. And Simping Detective—I've never been a big fan, but this strip (bar DeMarco's reduction) has also been handled very well indeed, providing an essential third support for this excellent adventure.
Oh, and Brass Sun was quite nice too.
Bloody rain! My prog looks like it was salvaged from the wreck of the Titanic.
Quote from: Pioneer on 24 November, 2012, 11:04:31 AM
Mine didn't turn up, as standard when there's an uber cliffhanger from the previous week.
Sharkbah.
Mine failed to materialise as well.
Would have been a total washout if my copy of Judge Dredd #1 from IDW hadn't arrived but it did.
Fingers crossed for Monday. :'(
words fail me when it comes to how good this prog was. My excitement for next week is already unbearable as it looks like we may well get a triple header for the whole issue. Tharg is really delivering the goods and I am glad to be here to enjoy the ride.
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 24 November, 2012, 03:30:03 PM
words fail me when it comes to how good this prog was. My excitement for next week is already unbearable as it looks like we may well get a triple header for the whole issue. Tharg is really delivering the goods and I am glad to be here to enjoy the ride.
My postie obviously agrees. He was so excited he forgot to put it through my letterbox!
fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuck
How am I supposed to wait another week for the end of this? Marks out of 10: one million.
Also, people who do not read 2000AD have my pity.
After last weeks late delivery this turned up smack on time. :D
Another stunning prog, really really good stuff from the Dredd world strips, and I can't wait to see it all come together next week. In comparison ABC was boring and kind of went out with a whimper after the shenanigans of weeks past, and I must (sorry!) say that Brass Sun was the same. It started off great yet this past three progs has just devolved into a talking head snooze-fest, with the end of this book being marked by nothing more spectacular than an old bloke talking binary and a [spoiler]mirror mirror on the wall inspired villain[/spoiler].
Must say again though how good the Dredd world strips are, I love all of them and they continue to elicit laughs and shocks in equal measure. :)
ROYAL FAIL YOU UTTER BUNCH OF T*SSERS!
How can I be expected to wait to Monday, or later even, for this much Thrill power? Did you git's not read the prog last week? There's a frikkin' space city heading for MC1!!! GIMME MAH PROG!!! 'Nerd Rage settles'
Has anyone seen prog credits for next week? Do we get one long strip or three that run together? I cannot fucking wait.
This has me swearing a lot. Fucking hell.
Holy fucking shitballs!! That has to be in the top ten of progs OF ALL TIME.
Vast and thunderous plaudits to all the droids responsible for the Dredd stuff and Greenbonce for letting them run with it. Unbelievably good comicry.
Brass Sun continues to please immensely, (and we've got D'israeli on the next book...Weeeeeee. Not that I don't like Ian's work, I just love Dizzy's).
I didn't swear at ABC worriers.
The cover is AWESOME. It instills me with AWE.
Favourite bit? Too many. Frank running on the Moon is magnificent though.
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 24 November, 2012, 04:50:39 PM
ROYAL FAIL YOU UTTER BUNCH OF T*SSERS!
How can I be expected to wait to Monday, or later even, for this much Thrill power? Did you git's not read the prog last week? There's a frikkin' space city heading for MC1!!! GIMME MAH PROG!!! 'Nerd Rage settles'
Nae prog here in the south west region of Cal-HAb either. The first time in MONTHS!!!! Get yer act together its only a wee biy o' rain you sneckers@royal snail !!
Seems like a fair few of us have failed to get their thrill power on the appropriate day.
*sadface*
Well, now I'm really worrying for [spoiler]Frank[/spoiler] and [spoiler]Hershey[/spoiler]. Please don't kill either if em off Tharg, s'nearly Christmas!
Quote from: Supermarine Troutfire on 24 November, 2012, 04:52:36 PM
Has anyone seen prog credits for next week? Do we get one long strip or three that run together? I cannot fucking wait.
This has me swearing a lot. Fucking hell.
I'm hoping it cuts back and forth between all 3 like Match of the Day on the last day of the season.
So fucking glad I started re buying 2000ad.
Quote from: Pete Wells on 24 November, 2012, 07:32:47 PM
Well, now I'm really worrying for [spoiler]Frank[/spoiler] and [spoiler]Hershey[/spoiler]. Please don't kill either if em off Tharg, s'nearly Christmas!
I'm a bit worried about [spoiler]Dredd[/spoiler], he looks terrible!
An excellent prog. I didn't even realise it was a wraparound cover until I got to the back. That was a nice bonus and confirmed the Disraeli droid as my favourite cover artist. He knocks it out of the park every single time.
I'm off to read it again now.
That was Johnsmithwagner...
... nah that doesn't work, how about...
...That was Morrisonkirbywagner(R)...
Nope just doesn't cover it... okay okay I'll try a different tack...
...That was Rushpaisleydalglish...
...oh bugger. I just can't do it. As Jim said there just aren't the superlatives so I thought I'd try to make some up, but just can't think of the words to describe how good the Prog is right now. Just can't do it.
To mention that Brass Sun made its only misstep so far for me in not really having any sort of conclusion to the end of the first book and being a little too open seems a bit ungrateful. Especially given in and of itself it was a fine episode. So I'll not even bother to do that... oh hold on how about...
...Carolynhazelrachel... DAMNIT...
...okay okay this one surely....
Bethansiddeb...
GOD DAMNIT I give up there really ain't the words...
!
That was a bit good, wasn't it?
Dredd / Low Life / Simping were stunning. Again! But I also really liked ABC & Brass Sun this week. That last panel on ABC was very nicely done.
Why is it a week to wait till the next prog? WHY?!?
2000AD is on such a high, it really is. Well done to everyone involved.
I can honestly say the post 1800 run beats anything from the eighties that is deemed "classic". No joke.
What even more astounding is that this is on the back of Day Of Chaos and all the awesomeness that went with that. This actually beats that, and I'm frankly amazed.
Plus John Wagner's not involved...I believe after DoC he uttered words to the effect of "let's see where the other writers go with this"...now we know the answer to that one.
I can't praise too highly everyone who's been involved in these recent progs. Even ABS Warriors has been largely a joy, and I'm not its biggest fan if I'm honest.
Need to mention Brass Sun, although it did tail off a bit at the end it has been a truly fascinating and beautifully presented series and it was up against probably the strongest line up in decades so it had a tough job.
Quote from: DrJomster on 24 November, 2012, 10:30:12 PMThat last panel on ABC was very nicely done.
That entire two page spread is wonderful. The dialogue flows well and the whole composition leads to that silhouette. For all my complaints about Mills' storytelling, it's worth it for moments like that. I think the series overall could have done with less waffle before the flashback but I'm pleased it finally answered the question none of the characters had needed to ask. I really need to get my hands on some early ABCs now so I can read what came before.
Also, what scrotnig said.
Having read it again I'm wondering if Bachmanns speech via radio to Hershey is meant to mimic the current economic situation we're in at the moment. She tells Hershey that [spoiler] spending billions to prop up an outdated 21st century societal model is never going to work, what's needed is a complete game change [/spoiler]. Even if it wasn't deliberate, it's creepily close to whats going on in many countries at the moment, effectively keeping society on life-support with money in the hope that things will get better even though you haven't actually changed anything.
Did ANYONE in Cal-Hab District get their prog delivered yesterday????? :-(
Hang on in there! It WILL arrive! And it will bring the awesome!
Quote from: JUDGE BURNS on 25 November, 2012, 07:02:36 PM
Did ANYONE in Cal-Hab District get their prog delivered yesterday????? :-(
Yep. It landed in Perthshire just fine.
Bah, what ever happened to early posty's? I've gotta wait till after College now to get my thrill power. Gits.
this weeks prog must be in the guiness book of records for having the most gasps and 'oh, shit' moments in a single comic.
Quote from: DanboJohnJ on 24 November, 2012, 07:40:03 PM
So fucking glad I started re buying 2000ad.
Testify!
I'm squarely back in the loving ABC Warriors camp with the latest storyline and the way it's linking together the old and the new.
Quote from: JUDGE BURNS on 25 November, 2012, 07:02:36 PM
Did ANYONE in Cal-Hab District get their prog delivered yesterday????? :-(
aye, first thing Saturday morning :D
and whit a pleasure it was, sausage on a roll, two mugs o coffee, P&Q and THAT Prog and no work!!
TRIFECTA?!and what about that IT ALL ENDS HERE image? I'm hoping that's the 1812 cover = Dredd's chin, Simp Nose and Franks eye patch, The Xmas prog will have to be pretty damn amazing to top that.
Dredd / Low Life / Simping Detective have been masterful up to now, I've really been enjoing the prog recently with this run. Very excited to see how it pans out. As others have said Brass Sun kinda peters out towards the end. An older lady with an eyepatch ? Did Si Fraser do character design for this story or something :) I enjoyed ABC this run more than I expected, clunky Pat Mills dialogue and politics aside. It's been a joy to see Clint back to a more conventional style, although ABC is the strip that shows off his 'shop skills the best. At least we don't have to have another bloody 4 books forshadowing Tubal Cain every 3 pages.
So 3 superb strips, and 2 not half bad. Can't complain and next week looks like it will be a doozy.
Just read the Dredd world strips. F*ck me sideways with bulldozer! If prog 1812 isn't a stone cold clssic that will be referenced for year's to come, then The Cold Deck will simply have been a HUGE succese rather than a giant of comic book writing.
Any one else get the feeling that in years to come Prog 1812 is going to be very sought after? I think it will and I haven't even seen Prog 1811 yet.
Just excellent - feeling sorry for the other strips being eclipsed by the Cold Deck trio.
The way D'Israeli depicted Frank as he starts loping across the surface of the moon is my favourite littel sequence in the prog for ages. The way he goes from knackered resignation to hobo hero space-leap put a huge grin on my face.
Prog's great again (ABCs aside).
Can't wait for prog 1812!
This is what happened in the year 1812:
On September 7, 1812, at Borodino, 120 km (75 mi) west of Moscow, Napoleon's forces met those of General Mikhail Kutuzov in the only concerted stand made by Russia against the seemingly invincible French army. The Battle of Borodino saw casualties estimated as high as 100,000 and resulted in a French tactical victory. It was, however, ultimately a Pyrrhic victory for the French invasion.[7]
With resources depleted and supply lines overextended, Napoleon's weakened forces moved into Moscow, which they occupied with little resistance. Expecting capitulation from the displaced Tsar Alexander I, the French instead found themselves in a barren and desolate city, parts of which had been burned to the ground by the retreating Russian Army.
Deprived of winter stores, Napoleon had no alternative but to retreat. Beginning on October 19 and lasting well into December, the French army faced several overwhelming obstacles on its long retreat: famine, typhus, frigid temperatures, harassing cossacks and Russian forces barring the way out of the country. Abandoned by Napoleon in December, the Grande Armée was reduced to one-tenth of its original size by the time it reached Poland[8] and relative safety.
Possible echos of this in Mega City 1 and the invading God City?
I'm with everyone that is completely out of appropriate superlatives to describe the current run. I'm looking forward to the annual review of the year after prog 2013 is finished. Only thing is that we really have been spoiled with DOC and now the Cold Deck. Personally I'm expecting prog 2013 to be a little disappointing on the back of this since I fail to see how it can be topped (but I'm more than happy to be proved wrong). My only gripe on Dredd is the echoes of Day the Law Died with a power mad senior judge using sleep machines / briefing machines to brainwash the judges. Picky I know but there you have it.
Cover: Whoa. Dude. :o
Dredd: The "two mistakes" line delights me. [spoiler]"You underestimated me... and you picked an office next to accounts."[/spoiler] Genius. Is [spoiler]Smiley the head of accounts division[/spoiler], then? That makes a frightening amount of sense. And yow, that cliffhanger... *bites nails* The art and moody colouring are surpassing themselves this episode, as good if not better than the heights of Day of Chaos. Dredd at its very best.
Brass Sun - More twists. I like this and I'll be interested to read book two, but I hope the plot starts coming together more next time around. It all looks lovely, but I've been finding it hard to get into the story when it keeps throwing in new elements without a clear sense of the overall direction.
ABC Warriors - Huh, I'd almost forgotten the flashback story started out framed by a modern-day Mars sequence. Bit of a jolt to go back to it, really. I usually like Langley's digital art on this, but it suffers from the direct comparison to his b/w linework: I'm conscious of a lack of depth to the art that I don't usually notice. And the dialogue here is pure as-you-know-Bob exposition; I feel like this story would have ended stronger if it bowed out two weeks ago on the introduction of Mek-Quake.
Low Life - Those are some amazing panels of Frank at the bottom of page two. And on page three... okay, this story is just full of amazing panels of Frank. And the 'of Frank' bit may well be extraneous. I love how this story underscores the unlikely parallels between Dredd and Frank, the thing that makes them both such good Judges under their completely different exteriors: their empathy for the people and love for the city they protect. And that heroic leap into space... amazing.
Simping Detective - 'End Slightly Nigh!' is genius. The censored swearing gag is cute, too. This strip benefits from the accelerating pace, I think, with the narration pared down instead of having room to get overindulgent. And I love that panel of Dredd and Frank - all of a sudden I'm jonesing for a Coleby-illustrated Dredd strip. Great reveal at the end as well.
Stunning stuff. Okay, both ABC and Brass Sun sort of meander towards their respective endings, but the full-throttle Dreddworld stuff is so good that's barely a blip in the quality of the prog. I am genuinely expecting at least one of the leads to die, and I'm only seventy percent convinced that it's not Dredd. Is prog 1812 here yet?
Wow...
Highlight image of the week!
HEAVY SPOILER!!!!!!!!!!
HEAVY SPOILER!!!!!!!!!!
HEAVY SPOILER!!!!!!!!!!
HEAVY SPOILER!!!!!!!!!!
http://i.imgur.com/7aXRA.png (http://i.imgur.com/7aXRA.png)
Goaty, is that image from prog 1811? Just want to check before I click it. :D
Quote from: Fisticuffs on 28 November, 2012, 01:12:42 PM
Goaty, is that image from prog 1811? Just want to check before I click it. :D
YES!
Dredd - Joooooe! Joe, get up! Pleeeeeease get up! Now, the logical art of my brain knows he's going to be alright long-term - of course he is, Dredd's going to go on for as long as 2000AD does - but my God if it doesn't genuinely pain me to see him fall down the stairs like a ragdoll. If that's not testament to the wonderful art and script I don't know what is. No superlatives left - although I can't help wondering if Tim86 is right and 2013 is going to feel awfully anticlimactic after this and DoC.
Brass Sun - Hmm. Bemused. I really don't undertand what Edginton's trying to do with his pacing and story structure these days. Remember that Red Seas outing - the Caliban/Ariel one - that ended on a cliffhanger? And then the first episode of the next book resolved the cliffhanger, killed off Caliban, resolved the Ariel/Prospero storyline of the last book and ended with the boys flying off into the sunset for new adventures? Except it had been so long since the last book that all the resolution fell really flat as nobody could remember what had happened last time, and we all wondered why he hadn't just ended the last book with that episode and started the new book with episode two? That.
I'd much rather he'd stretched out the stuff on Hind Leg with Wren's grandfather and the Orthodoxy and finished the book with it's resolution; or finished with the Station Master's explanantion of the orrery's status quo. As it is, this is a really odd place to stop things - Wren and friends are mid-conversation, for crying out loud! We're going to start the next book with them trying to work out why this guy's speaking in binary, but by then nobody is going to remember what was happening when we last left them! Which is all a great shame, as I'm otherwise really enjoying all the character beats. Looking forward to Brass Sun's return, but cautiously so - it's not been quite the unequivocal success I initially thought it would be.
ABC Warriors - Can't help but agree with Chosen Rider that so much of Langley's excellent b+w linework really throws into sharp focus the drawbacks of his digital stuff (which I'm generally a fan of). It does feel somewhat lacking in comparison - and yes, the dialogue's all quite Basil-y this week. And yet somehow none of that bothers me. My ABC blinkers kick in, and I can't help but enjoy myself. Really can't wait to meet Tubal - he sounds wonderfully bitter. Love that Mills is setting up new conflicts within the team now that Blackblood and Mek-Quake are gone, although I hope Zippo gets a bit more to do. As the new boy, he needs a chance to make an impression on the readers. The same thing happened after Steelhorn was re-introduced. He went on to do exactly nothing memorable, and remains my least favourite of the current line-up.
Low Life - Right, first things first - I LOVE Dirty Frank. One of the truly classic Dreddworld supporting cast members, putting old stalwart Anderson, over in the Megazine, to shame. That said, though, either rename the strip 'The Adventures of Dirty Frank' and have done with it, or let's have some new cast members, eh? I still think he works best in small doses and that over-exposure may breed contempt, and I desperately don't want that to happen.
Simping Detective - I've not enjoyed the last few episodes as much as I did the earlier ones, but I'm still on board and rooting for Jack. Worth it just for that panel of Dredd and Frank (and wonderful to see Coleby drawing him again, incidentally).
Bullet to King four indeed. Could Dredd get any better? It's the surprise of all this that really thrills. How often does a comic, or a movie, or a tv series genuinely surprise you these days? Not often, if at all. But these three linked tales right after DOC really came from the deep and blew my circuits.
Adding a letters page each week is the only way to make this prog better. Preferably with reader's art.
Low Life gets my vote as thrill of the week. I feel a severe dose of post xmas Saudade coming on.
So Carl Critchlow is the man on duty for Prog 1812's art. Should be Zarjaz².
Quote from: JOE SOAP on 28 November, 2012, 03:15:37 PM
So Carl Critchlow is the man on duty for Prog 1812's art. Should be Zarjaz².
This. As if I wasn't excited enough already. I don't think Crich has been in the prog since the start of ToD so this is very welcome.
Spoilers for next weeks prog? Just seen in my inbox that this weeks thrill mail offers a sneak peak of 1812, so is it best avoided?
Anyway, just got in after a miserable, wet and cold day, and dodging the x-mas shoppers in Asda, this weeks prog is now at hand.
Thats some cover, but the back inside of it is something else indeed...
Shower, tea, and then a right proper read.
As next prog show it... [spoiler]that Godcity IS a big FISH?[/spoiler]
Quote from: P-BOT/1138 on 26 November, 2012, 01:04:36 PM
this weeks prog must be in the guiness book of records for having the most gasps and 'oh, shit' moments in a single comic.
That's still held by the last issue of the Starman "Grand Guignol" story for me, which had four. This prog's three is still pretty amazingly zarjaz.
Quote from: Judge Jack on 28 November, 2012, 04:34:09 PM
Spoilers for next weeks prog? Just seen in my inbox that this weeks thrill mail offers a sneak peak of 1812, so is it best avoided?
The sneak peek is small image of a double page splash from 1812, without any text included. (Frustratingly small! I kept clicking in the hope it would magically turn into a high res image.) I wouldn't call it too much of a spoiler for the story if you've read as far as 1811 - it's a relatively predictable development rather than a big twist - but on the other hand it did make me say, "Holy crap!" in terms of visual spectacle. So I guess it depends how spoiler averse you are.
Quote from: a chosen rider on 28 November, 2012, 04:53:41 PM
The sneak peek is small image of a double page splash from 1812, without any text included. (Frustratingly small! I kept clicking in the hope it would magically turn into a high res image.)
Ha! Me too! :D
Quote from: Goaty on 28 November, 2012, 04:39:55 PM
As next prog show it... [spoiler]that Godcity IS a big FISH?[/spoiler]
You can see it's a big shark in prog 1811 at both the start of Low Life & the Simping Detective.
Quote from: JOE SOAP on 28 November, 2012, 04:58:42 PM
Quote from: Goaty on 28 November, 2012, 04:39:55 PM
As next prog show it... [spoiler]that Godcity IS a big FISH?[/spoiler]
You can see it's a big shark in prog 1811 at both the start of Low Life & the Simping Detective.
And it even
says so - twice! - in panel 2 of Simp. 'Icthyoid Lunar Object' and then '[The Judges have] Bigger
fish to fry.' Plus there are all the panels in Low Life where it, y'know, looks like a big fish.
It seems that I may be the lone voice with the current Dredd. I've enjoyed the build up but it seems that once again the payoff is just not quite at the same level. Way too many things that just don't quite take it to the next level.
Sleep machine storyline (as mentioned earlier). You would think that after Cal, this would have so many safety overrides built into it that no one department would ever be allowed to alter it for their own gain. Checks and balances!
Dredd has numerous close range rounds impacting into his body, one in the chest, two in the abdomen and one in the thigh and he's not bled out but still manages to waffle on before he even bothers to say his special code words. AND that is after the dialogue between Hershey and Bachmann!
The explosion! This reminds me of the way Stallone dropped through the ceiling, it's that grating! Maitland blasts a hole in the wall and the shrap only manages to take out Estrella, as no-one else takes any hits!
Like I said though, I've enjoyed the build up but...
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 28 November, 2012, 04:55:02 PM
Quote from: a chosen rider on 28 November, 2012, 04:53:41 PM
The sneak peek is small image of a double page splash from 1812, without any text included. (Frustratingly small! I kept clicking in the hope it would magically turn into a high res image.)
Ha! Me too! :D
And me. :lol:
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 28 November, 2012, 05:59:27 PM
Like I said though, I've enjoyed the build up but...
You do know this is fiction, right?Cheers
Jim
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 28 November, 2012, 05:59:27 PM
Sleep machine storyline (as mentioned earlier). You would think that after Cal, this would have so many safety overrides built into it that no one department would ever be allowed to alter it for their own gain. Checks and balances!
After the city's been devastated and with the whole structure of the Justice Dept. being reorganised/consolidated to account for massive losses you can see how things might slip.
Well that was pants wasn't it?
That Frank was wearing running about the moon in I mean.
Top stuff!
I just cannae wait till next week so I'm away tae hibernate.
I suppose it could slip but Bachmanns plans must have been in play for ages and the destruction didn't slow her down at all. Once the department knew that the city devastation was Sov orientated then protocols should have been followed, unless they didn't bother thinking of any possible scenarios. We've already seen sleeper agents nearly take out the Chief Judge. What other schemes could be in play!
As has been said many times over the last few years it seems that the Judges of Mega City One are crap, unless they are Dredd. How on earth did it become the dominant city on the planet!
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 28 November, 2012, 07:03:35 PM
As has been said many times over the last few years it seems that the Judges of Mega City One are crap, unless they are Dredd. How on earth did it become the dominant city on the planet!
Cos they got Dredd?
You do wonder why they don't trust his judgment, but then he has been wrong (mutants) and Hershey's found that more than most. Also, something that's been critical in this story: he doesn't trust enough other people, yet won't take the responsibility of the top job. I feel rather sorry for Hershey in this strip, and I hope not only that she survives, but also that she again tears Dredd down a strip or two, or more or less strong-arms him back on to the council.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 28 November, 2012, 07:03:35 PM
I suppose it could slip but Bachmanns plans must have been in play for ages and the destruction didn't slow her down at all. Once the department knew that the city devastation was Sov orientated then protocols should have been followed, unless they didn't bother thinking of any possible scenarios. We've already seen sleeper agents nearly take out the Chief Judge. What other schemes could be in play!
As has been said many times over the last few years it seems that the Judges of Mega City One are crap, unless they are Dredd. How on earth did it become the dominant city on the planet!
Shit happens.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 28 November, 2012, 07:03:35 PM
As has been said many times over the last few years it seems that the Judges of Mega City One are crap, unless they are Dredd. How on earth did it become the dominant city on the planet!
I'd say cos' they got Dredd. Anderson probably help's a bit there also. And the fact that every other city is corrupt in some way. The future suck's right.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 28 November, 2012, 07:03:35 PM
As has been said many times over the last few years it seems that the Judges of Mega City One are crap, unless they are Dredd. How on earth did it become the dominant city on the planet!
Oh I don't know, if you cut and paste ANY modern police force (upsized to suit) into Mega City One in place of the Judges I reckon they'd implode within 48 hours. I just think they suffer from Stormtrooper syndrome a bit too much sometimes, I actually cringe every time I see a Judge die in the prog now, bit like seeing a Panda dieing, ain't many left to go around!
Burdis; I sort of share your mild dissatisfaction concerning the Ewing/Williams/Spurrier bukake-ing of Dreddworld ... but not for any of the mental reasons you list. It's a story where a shark-headed plutocrat has conspired with a clown seminary and the SAS to build a floating city the shape of a fish on the moon, but your close attention to Justice Department weapons and tactics is always hugely entertaining and very welcome.
Quote from: Fisticuffs on 28 November, 2012, 07:28:29 PM
Oh I don't know, if you cut and paste ANY modern police force (upsized to suit) into Mega City One in place of the Judges I reckon they'd implode within 48 hours. I just think they suffer from Stormtrooper syndrome a bit too much sometimes, I actually cringe every time I see a Judge die in the prog now, bit like seeing a Panda dieing, ain't many left to go around!
I guess we can do with killing off the Black Ops now though...
Quote from: we are all roger godpleton on 28 November, 2012, 07:43:34 PM
It's a story where a shark-headed plutocrat has conspired with a clown seminary and the SAS to build a floating city the shape of a fish on the moon
and Pat Mills is nowhere in sight.
Quote from: JOE SOAP on 28 November, 2012, 08:04:43 PM
Quote from: we are all roger godpleton on 28 November, 2012, 07:43:34 PM
It's a story where a shark-headed plutocrat has conspired with a clown seminary and the SAS to build a floating city the shape of a fish on the moon
and Pat Mills is nowhere in sight.
You think Ewing, Williams and Spurrier are real people? They're the most convincing human characters Mills has created in years.
Querying the naturalism of the dialogue in ABC Warriors? I'm not sure how robots sound when they're nattering away to each other, but I'd be disappointed if their conversations were as halting and desultory as characters in an Andrea Arnold film. A matter of fact restatement of what's just happened and what they intend to do next is a more likely topic of the colloquy of characters who only have algorythmic approximations of emotions than how they're all feeling - and a refreshingly honest way of wrapping up a story which has been a fun digression from the ongoing narrative of the series.
I really enjoy the sensation you get from Mills's best work of being told a story, so when the dialogue and characters' actions are clearly expressing and advancing whatever the author is trying to say and do, it's never a problem for me. Pat's politicking always works best with characters - like the warriors and Nemesis - who aren't human, and art - like O'Neill's and Hicklenton's - which isn't naturalistic. From the blatant emotional manipulation of the stories of George and Charlie to Ukko's narration of Slaine's adventures, Mills has always treated me as intelligent enough to realise that the narrative I'm enjoying is something artificial and constructed.
Once you relax and accept that you're being entertained, characters travelling back and forward in time (and from strip to strip), and radical shifts in tone and narrative mode are all just part of the fun. The tone of my favourite ABC Warriors stories is that of operatic exaggeration though, and I'd rather have all the fun melodratics of Carrie hands emerging from graves, ""Yes Hammerstein, I am your Father!", and the way old red eyes always seems to have fork lightning emanating from him at crucial moments, than something as timidly pseudo-naturalistic as an episode of Eastenders with robots.
I like to keep it real ;)
Oh fuckadiddliedoodah. And people want a movie of this? Why on earth would you sully a comic strip this good by putting it on a screen? This is comics at their finest, and comics at their finest are the best medium in which to tell any story. So this is the very best dredd could ever be- and it's fuckdiddlytucktastic.
I dont want dredd like this all the time- the one parters with joke endings, silly fads and dreadfull puns are the primary reason i like dredd. But once or twice every few years i want something as good as Cold Deck and i cannot wait until next wednesday.
As for the other two strips- brass sun was finally eclipsed by the main event, even though it deserved far more. A reread is required, once the brouhaha has passed- those three weeks with only prog 2013 to keep us thrilled would be the perfect time to read brass sun in context, and away from the overpowering dredd threesome.
I was glad to see the return of Langley's painted ABC art as i wasnt QUITE as sold on his b&w work as others, (cont)
(cont) i love and much prefer the digital storytelling. I cannot wait to read the entirety of the ABCs from top to tail in a series of fart casefiles-style volumes. There's a real mythic quality to them that even Slaine doesnt quite reach.
Next week's prog may make my head expode, but if one sequence makes me laugh as much as "dirty frank is definitely going to just miss it and fly right past!" i will be doubly happy.
SBT
I wonder for Prog 1812, which two stories get double length, and in which order? Hope Dredd is last, but likely Simping got something biggest, ace in the hole?
Quote from: Goaty on 28 November, 2012, 09:14:51 PM
I wonder for Prog 1812, which two stories get double length, and in which order? Hope Dredd is last, but likely Simping got something biggest, ace in the hole?
It's one story drawn by Carl Critchlow, I presume.
The way I see it, there's only one way this can go : [spoiler]Hershey buys it and Dredd feels like he has to take on the job.[/spoiler]
Quote from: JOE SOAP on 28 November, 2012, 09:17:25 PM
Quote from: Goaty on 28 November, 2012, 09:14:51 PM
I wonder for Prog 1812, which two stories get double length, and in which order? Hope Dredd is last, but likely Simping got something biggest, ace in the hole?
It's one story drawn by Carl Critchlow, I presume.
No offense, but it feelings like bittersweet, as wish they kept their artists to their stories, as Carl Critchlow sort of weak one of my fave Dredd stories - Mandroid. :-\
Quote from: DavidNewbigging on 28 November, 2012, 09:17:57 PM
The way I see it, there's only one way this can go : [spoiler]Hershey buys it and Dredd feels like he has to take on the job.[/spoiler]
Letting the B team handle that kind of development would be unprecedented in Wagner world.
My copy of prog 1811 FINALLY Arrived thru the letter box today !!!??? A wednesday ???!!!
The subs copies are supposed to be here on a saturday arent they. This is the latest my subs prog has ever been . Snecking royal Snail.
Besides my rant and rage....I loved this weeks prog. DREDD/LOWLIFE /SIMPING DETECTIVE....awesome.
Looking forward in 3 days for the next prog ( which had better arrive on time, or I'm goona go up to 4 on the dial )
Quote from: we are all roger godpleton on 28 November, 2012, 09:20:25 PM
Quote from: DavidNewbigging on 28 November, 2012, 09:17:57 PM
The way I see it, there's only one way this can go : [spoiler]Hershey buys it and Dredd feels like he has to take on the job.[/spoiler]
Letting the B team handle that kind of development would be unprecedented in Wagner world.
It would fit with what he said about letting other writers run with the new setup. He said at the Glasgow Comic Con this year that he didn't know if he would write another Dredd.
Quote from: Goaty on 28 November, 2012, 09:19:47 PM
No offense, but it feelings like bittersweet, as wish they kept their artists to their stories, as Carl Critchlow sort of weak one of my fave Dredd stories - Mandroid. :-\
Critchlow's the perfect choice for rendering all 3 characters in one episode, he's got the pathos and the humour plus I'm sure it made sense to have one artist working on the 'big one' for consistency.
Quote from: DavidNewbigging on 28 November, 2012, 09:23:22 PM
It would fit with what he said about letting other writers run with the new setup. He said at the Glasgow Comic Con this year that he didn't know if he would write another Dredd.
He all ready has, that new Dark Judges story next year.
Quote from: DavidNewbigging on 28 November, 2012, 09:23:22 PM
It would fit with what he said about letting other writers run with the new setup. He said at the Glasgow Comic Con this year that he didn't know if he would write another Dredd.
Au contraire...
Quote
The Judge Dredd panel at New York Comic Con packed one of the larger panel rooms in the Javits Center with fans who seemed to know "Judge Dredd" better than any of the other comics that run in the British weekly "2000 AD," but who were happy to hear the creators talk about their new and old work -- and to salute each one with a rousing cheer.
Several major announcements were made in the course of the panel: "2000 AD" editor Matt Smith will be writing a "Judge Dredd: Year One" miniseries for IDW Publishing, and writer John Wagner, who created Judge Dredd along with artist Carlos Ezquerra, will return as the writer of the "Judge Dredd" series in 2013. Wagner's last Dredd work was the "Day of Chaos" story....
Creator John Wagner is returning to "Judge Dredd" in 2013, his first work on the strip since the "Day of Chaos" storyline. Wagner will also write a story about the Dark Judges, called "Dark Justice," with art by Greg Staples, which will run alongside the regular "Judge Dredd" comic.
QuoteLetting the B team handle that kind of development would be unprecedented in Wagner world.
I agree that this sort of action would be one that I think only Wagner would or could get away with, I think the use of the description 'B team' is a bit insulting to the creators.
FWIW, this is equal to the run of progs that featured the whole SD Ragnarok Job/Rage run of stories, and they are my favourite comic stories of all time.
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 28 November, 2012, 09:43:08 PM
I think the use of the description 'B team' is a bit insulting to the creators.
(http://albumofawesomeness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/B-Team.jpg)
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 28 November, 2012, 09:43:08 PM
I think the use of the description 'B team' is a bit insulting to the creators.
I've enjoyed all the Ewing Dredd stories I've read, and wouldn't argue with those saying that he's proven he can handle the character better than any new Dredd writer in the last twenty years.
Quote from: we are all roger godpleton on 28 November, 2012, 09:52:58 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 28 November, 2012, 09:43:08 PM
I think the use of the description 'B team' is a bit insulting to the creators.
I've enjoyed all the Ewing Dredd stories I've read, and wouldn't argue with those saying that he's proven he can handle the character better than any new Dredd writer in the last twenty years.
Indeed. At the risk of steering into hyperbole, this current MC-1 story is as good as
any Dredd classic that has gone before.
The scope and ambition and sheer audacity of all the creators is astonishing.
Quote from: JOE SOAP on 28 November, 2012, 09:50:56 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 28 November, 2012, 09:43:08 PM
I think the use of the description 'B team' is a bit insulting to the creators.
(http://albumofawesomeness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/B-Team.jpg)
Left to right: Mike Carroll, Al Ewing, Si Spurrier and Rob Williams (in a wig).
What I'd love (but financially improbable), is to have the 3 artists doing their own variant progs, just to see how they'd approach the same script.
Oh horrible thought about the fate of Hershey's. As few Progs ago, there was Judge Child moments appears, but that was the story introducing Hershey first time... so is it end of her...
Really don't want to see Hershey killed off just as her relationship with Dredd has been getting really interesting. I desperately want more scenes of her bawling him out for his inability to play well with others. And there needs to be long-term fallout from him running this whole sting operation without her knowledge or permission.
I would be happy to see an injured Dredd take a temporary stint in the big chair until he's street-ready again, though.
Whenever Dredd's taken a bad knock in previous adventures I have to confess that I've always been pretty cynically disdainful about it - "oh, he's top billing, there's no way they'd kill him off.", that sort of thing.
But this time... chaps, things really and honestly look dicey for him here. It's going to take more than a spin in the speedheal to fix this...!
QuoteHershey buys it and Dredd feels like he has to take on the job.
You know, that's actually quite credible, particularly when we remember Hershey giving Dredd an Interview Without Coffee a couple of weeks ago which could easily construe some foreshadowing. For over fifty years Dredd has been a latter-day Praetorian ensuring the sanctity of the Law when its practitioners go astray - but when he is, finally, after several near-misses, finally installed in the Chief Judge's seat, he is put to the ultimate test, one far more dangerous than any gunfight or face-off with Judge Death... is Joseph I-Am-The-Law Dredd
truly incorruptible? Or has he just never been tempted before?
Well whats to say...
Crash, Bang, and indeed Wallop!
If Dredd this week feels slightly like an episode too far, then ill put that down to the fact the big pay off is just around the corner, and that the thrill build-up thats been so dazzling that its kinda taken the shine off everything else has, to a degree, come home to roost.
Not that i didnt like it, not at all - and its a minor niggle only, but perhaps the other Dredd-world episodes have outshone it this week. Dirty Frank, im looking at you.
And Dirty Frank is just simply panel after panel of perfection. [spoiler]Though i do think its not gonna end well for Frank..[/spoiler]
Simp i really enjoyed this week as well, after a couple of weeks of scratching my head.
Brass Sun has just been wonderful throughout, and i cant wait for more.
ABCWarriors started off for me, OK-ish, but ive really enjoyed the last handful of episodes, and yes - nice to see a return to full colour. I couldnt help think was that Mills being playful in the Deadlock panel on the 2nd half of the splash?
But getting back to Dredd, [spoiler]to paraphrase Bruce Willis in Pulp fiction, 'Dredd's dead, baby. Dredd's dead'. Or at least he should be. People will say weve seen this kinda thing before, and thats all true, but if this is Dredd's last then im strangely calm about it. And in a lot of ways, it makes kinda sense. I could imagine the aftermath of this, with Dredd gone but having saved MC1 - which ive no doubt he has, he's no longer the focus/sore point for the Sov's, and they may call it evens after the long and destructive Booth-Apocalypse War- DoC tit for tat cycle. Hershey may find the courage to go with her initial convictions of wanting to make a change, and starting again, from the bottom up - all tying up nicely with Origins. And certainly after all thats happened to MC1 there must be a appetite, from everbody, for an end to this circle of destruction. Dredd's gotta go, man! Wagner may not even want to be the one to kill off Dredd, and may only want to deal with its immediate aftermath before closing the book on Dredd. Just random musing on my behalf, as i said it gets you like that.. [/spoiler]
So unless those Mayan's wrong foot us by launching their DoC early, ill see you all at the wrap party.
Quote from: Judge Jack on 28 November, 2012, 10:47:38 PM
[spoiler]to paraphrase Bruce Willis in Pulp fiction, 'Dredd's dead, baby. Dredd's dead'. Or at least he should be. People will say weve seen this kinda thing before, and thats all true, but if this is Dredd's last then im strangely calm about it. Wagner may not even want to be the one to kill off Dredd, and may only want to deal with its immediate aftermath before closing the book on Dredd. Just random musing on my behalf, as i said it gets you like that.. [/spoiler]
After holding out for the trade collection of
Origins, I swore it would take Wagner's final Dredd story to get me buying the weekly again. It would be ironic if I'd already read that story without realising, but I doubt it.
Nah, I reckon Dirty Frank is the Wile E Coyote of 2000AD. He's always getting his head kicked in, but always comes back... I hope...
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 28 November, 2012, 11:01:14 PM
Nah, I reckon Dirty Frank is the Wile E Coyote of 2000AD. He's always getting his head kicked in, but always comes back... I hope...
Did he got about 5 bullet holes in his body when he went to Sino?
Quote from: Judge Jack on 28 November, 2012, 10:47:38 PM
But getting back to Dredd, [spoiler]to paraphrase Bruce Willis in Pulp fiction, 'Dredd's dead, baby. Dredd's dead'. Or at least he should be. People will say weve seen this kinda thing before, and thats all true, but if this is Dredd's last then im strangely calm about it. And in a lot of ways, it makes kinda sense. I could imagine the aftermath of this, with Dredd gone but having saved MC1 - which ive no doubt he has, he's no longer the focus/sore point for the Sov's, and they may call it evens after the long and destructive Booth-Apocalypse War- DoC tit for tat cycle. Hershey may find the courage to go with her initial convictions of wanting to make a change, and starting again, from the bottom up - all tying up nicely with Origins. And certainly after all thats happened to MC1 there must be a appetite, from everbody, for an end to this circle of destruction. Dredd's gotta go, man! Wagner may not even want to be the one to kill off Dredd, and may only want to deal with its immediate aftermath before closing the book on Dredd. Just random musing on my behalf, as i said it gets you like that.. [/spoiler]
So unless those Mayan's wrong foot us by launching their DoC early, ill see you all at the wrap party.
So Tharg will have to scrap Wagner's Dredd stories written for next year then.
Dredd is not Father Karras.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au-u9RWe0Jo&t=1m13s
Quote from: JOE SOAP on 28 November, 2012, 11:11:21 PM
So Tharg will have to scrap Wagner's Dredd stories written for next year then.
Yes, its been stated that Wagners returning to Dredd, as well as Death(?) next year.
Do you happen know what those Dredd stories will be about?
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 28 November, 2012, 11:01:14 PM
Nah, I reckon Dirty Frank is the Wile E Coyote of 2000AD. He's always getting his head kicked in, but always comes back... I hope...
Yeah, i hope so as well...
Franks expressions so wonderfully drawn, and conveying so much. Food for thought.
Quote from: Judge Jack on 28 November, 2012, 11:31:43 PM
Yes, its been stated that Wagners returning to Dredd, as well as Death(?) next year.
Do you happen know what those Dredd stories will be about?
I'm think it's a safe bet that like getting a bullet in the heart or getting a knife in the throat, falling down the stairs won't stop Dredd meeting the DJs next year.
Oh for sure, but its all part of the fun to wonder how itll all play out, isnt it.
If Dredd did go, for the first time i think i'd be OK with that. Credit to how good, and engrossing Dredd(world) has been this year.
Quote from: JOE SOAP on 28 November, 2012, 03:15:37 PM
So Carl Critchlow is the man on duty for Prog 1812's art. Should be Zarjaz².
Big up da Southport posse!
I once got complimented by Carl (in the street, in Southport) for wearing a Prog 2000 T-shirt, but (a) I didn't know it was him, and (b) he kinda took me by surprise, so I gave a smile but got stuck for words. I only realised this year when I saw a photo. The man is a cast iron genius!
If this is Dredd's swansong then maybe it's time for Rico to don the Dredd badge.
V
Quote from: A.Cow on 29 November, 2012, 12:09:59 AM
I once got complimented by Carl (in the street, in Southport) for wearing a Prog 2000 T-shirt
He was looking at your udders.
Dredd dies next week, and everything next year is the continuing adventures of justice dept, and/or Rico. That's what Wagner means by 'dredd stories'- as has often been said, the story is the city.
Either that, or in line with IDW, everything is being rebooted with prog 2013.
SBT
My speculation is that Tharg's pulling a Zenith - Vertex on us.
The Dredd who has been shot is also a cold deck: Rico has been swapped with Joe
Quote from: The Enigmatic Dr X on 29 November, 2012, 08:02:22 AM
My speculation is that Tharg's pulling a Zenith - Vertex on us.
The Dredd who has been shot is also a cold deck: Rico has been swapped with Joe
Naw,Too young, have you seen how grizzled Dredd is these days?
Maybe they pulled "Cold Deck" on the 2000AD readers...?
There something we maybe missed in last few progs about Dredd?
Quote from: Proudhuff on 29 November, 2012, 10:05:36 AM
Quote from: The Enigmatic Dr X on 29 November, 2012, 08:02:22 AM
My speculation is that Tharg's pulling a Zenith - Vertex on us. The Dredd who has been shot is also a cold deck: Rico has been swapped with Joe
Naw, too young. Have you seen how grizzled Dredd is these days?
I remember thinking Flint's Dredd in this week's story didn't have so many lines as usual in the close-ups. In other panels he looks knackered though, and both Maitland and Bachman would have mentioned if he suddenly looked forty years younger. Kit Agee, who had never met Dredd before, remarked that Dredd (Kraken) looked younger than she would have expected in
Necropolis - and there were only twenty years between the hatch dates of those two Fargo clones.
Finally I can post in the prog part of the forum! I've been buying 2000ad since prog 1800 so it's cool to hear this kinda talk
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 24 November, 2012, 11:52:59 AM
There was a run of progs through the 300s when 2000AD was as good as it ever got: McMahon on Slaine; Nemesis BkIII; DR & Quinch; Strontium Dog in semi-permanent residence...
That's how this run from 1800 has made me feel: like I was fifteen again. Congratulations and heart-felt thanks to all involved. Superb work.
and this
Quote from: scrotnig on 24 November, 2012, 10:38:30 PM
I can honestly say the post 1800 run beats anything from the eighties that is deemed "classic". No joke.
as Wednesday has easily become my favorite day of the week. The only negative thing I can muster up is to second
Fisticuffs comment about Brass Sun ending how it has; I'm a bit sad that the prog is taking a break from this universe on the anti-climax and hope it returns soon.
Oh and before I forget, a comment from my local shop keeper a variation of which I get every Wednesday without fail: "Why do they have to make the bloody price so small on this thing?!"
I wasnt initially as crazy about The Cold Deck as everyone else, but this last installment was really exciting stuff. Bravo to all the writers and artists involved (and editorial too) - I have banged on in the past about doing a crossover between Simping/Lowlife and having more continuity between Dredd and its spin offs, so this is very pleasing indeed.
Brass Sun was great, and has so much potential going forwards.
Top stuff all round - a superb run of stories, and I can't wait for next prog!
Quote from: Robert Frazer on 28 November, 2012, 10:47:19 PM
Whenever Dredd's taken a bad knock in previous adventures I have to confess that I've always been pretty cynically disdainful about it - "oh, he's top billing, there's no way they'd kill him off.", that sort of thing.
But this time... chaps, things really and honestly look dicey for him here. It's going to take more than a spin in the speedheal to fix this...!
QuoteHershey buys it and Dredd feels like he has to take on the job.
You know, that's actually quite credible, particularly when we remember Hershey giving Dredd an Interview Without Coffee a couple of weeks ago which could easily construe some foreshadowing. For over fifty years Dredd has been a latter-day Praetorian ensuring the sanctity of the Law when its practitioners go astray - but when he is, finally, after several near-misses, finally installed in the Chief Judge's seat, he is put to the ultimate test, one far more dangerous than any gunfight or face-off with Judge Death... is Joseph I-Am-The-Law Dredd truly incorruptible? Or has he just never been tempted before?
Exactly! That's what I got from the interaction between Dredd and Hershey. Total foreshadowing.
Quote from: Goaty on 29 November, 2012, 10:09:15 AM
Maybe they pulled "Cold Deck" on the 2000AD readers...? There something we maybe missed in last few progs about Dredd?
Aye, the misdirection's targeted as much on the readers as it is on Bachman
et al. I was thinking along similar lines to
Doc X regarding a
Zenith-style switcheroo, but I had the big twist of
Phase Four in mind, where the Lloigor are tricked into thinking they've won. I don't think Tek Dept are up to fabricating scale model universes, but
Burdis's gripes about the plausibility of
another bent judge being able to use the sleep machines to brainwash their own army got me thinking. It seems to me that someone like Smiley (if he actually exists) would be all over something like that, so if he let it happen there must be a reason.
I'm questioning the existence of Smiley and the reality of this story because of that word
saudade (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudade), which I think explains the number of references to the Dredd strip's history in all three stories. At first I imagined it was the writers taking the pish out of themselves and their shameless milking of reader nostalgia for characters like the Kleggs and Murd, and ephemera like the nightmare gun, but now I think it might explain why such a major Dredd story is constructed from the fragments of previous adventures. Smiley's sitting room feels a lot like The White/Black Lodges (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_and_White_Lodge).
I imagine Dredd will be fine, although will also probably end the run in a hospital bed on 'rapiheal'. As for Wagner, he mentioned in reply to me on his Facebook page a couple of weeks back that he's already writing new Dredd material, and so I can't imagine Dredd will be killed off and replaced by anyone else. I do, however, fear for the supporting cast in this one. I really really hope Frank makes it, and Hershey's too good a character to let go.
Quote from: IndigoPrime on 29 November, 2012, 11:13:35 AM
Hershey's too good a character to let go.
As much as I'm inclined to agree, Hershey has the unusual distinction of having left the Chief Judge's post alive once...
twice seems disturbingly unlikely, given the historical record of the position...
Cheers
Jim
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 29 November, 2012, 11:17:15 AMAs much as I'm inclined to agree, Hershey has the unusual distinction of having left the Chief Judge's post alive once... twice seems disturbingly unlikely, given the historical record of the position...
Oh, don't get me wrong—I'm not saying they wouldn't off Hershey; I just hope they don't, because she's a great long-running character, and her ability to stand up to Dredd and make him understand the problems of the office have been really interesting. She'd be a big loss to the strip. Also, given the poor showing in general for women in a lot of media right now, it's good to have a strong women prominent in the strip.
Yeah I also think the resent shift in the dynamic between the two at the start of Cold Deck is too good to let go. Previously Dredd has been on the outs with large parts of the force, but Hershey and a few others have always respected him and arguably in Hershey's case too much so for the office she has held. If she adds to Dredd's feelings of isolation in the force, new pressures build and an interesting route is opened up... mind having said all that I've always been a big fan of making Dredd become Chief Judge for a spell (only relatively briefly) and allowing someone else, Rico being the obvious choice, handle the more action orientated elements of the series during that time...
...I also had a theory that Hershey was in on what Dredd was but that's looking increasingly unlikely... so basically what the heck do I know!
Quote from: IndigoPrime on 29 November, 2012, 11:46:47 AM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 29 November, 2012, 11:17:15 AMAs much as I'm inclined to agree, Hershey has the unusual distinction of having left the Chief Judge's post alive once... twice seems disturbingly unlikely, given the historical record of the position...
Oh, don't get me wrong—I'm not saying they wouldn't off Hershey; I just hope they don't, because she's a great long-running character, and her ability to stand up to Dredd and make him understand the problems of the office have been really interesting. She'd be a big loss to the strip. Also, given the poor showing in general for women in a lot of media right now, it's good to have a strong women prominent in the strip.
Hershey's one of the biggest assets the Dredd strip has. She's got all the legacy and history of Anderson, with the difference that she's not all about the cheesecake, and still feels relevant to proceedings. With the exception of that brief unfortunate Sinfield/Francisco interlude, she's also been Chief Judge since I started reading the prog, so her return has given me a lovely warm feeling inside. I'll be gutted if she ever comes a cropper.
Frank's gonna pull through, as is Dredd. Don't know about Point though, bit of a tricky position was this week's cliffhanger.
It seems like Point is the one who could be killed off with least impact on the ongoing Dreddverse, which is an argument both for and against it being him that gets the chop. If anyone does; no reason to assume that they can't all survive this, though I'm definitely going to be disappointed if Dredd's back on the streets like nothing happened without at least a few progs spent in recovery. I hope the Christmas prog Dredd is going to be set after Cold Deck rather than being an unrelated one-off.
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 29 November, 2012, 12:29:26 PM
Frank's gonna pull through, as is Dredd. Don't know about Point though, bit of a tricky position was this week's cliffhanger.
Maybe Point is the Cold Deck?
Quote from: we are all roger godpleton on 29 November, 2012, 10:58:09 AM
I'm questioning the existence of Smiley and the reality of this story because of that word saudade (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudade), which I think explains the number of references to the Dredd strip's history in all three stories. At first I imagined it was the writers taking the pish out of themselves and their shameless milking of reader nostalgia for characters like the Kleggs and Murd, and ephemera like the nightmare gun, but now I think it might explain why such a major Dredd story is constructed from the fragments of previous adventures. Smiley's sitting room feels a lot like The White/Black Lodges (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_and_White_Lodge).
Stuff to ponder over there.
Quote from: IndigoPrime on 29 November, 2012, 11:13:35 AM
Hershey's too good a character to let go.
Im not getting any feeling that this will be Hershey's swansong at all. Guess we'll find out, or some of us will!, on Saturday.
Saudade: now I know how I feel.
Oooh now I know where I hear that name Smiley from... Was it about spy?
(http://i.imgur.com/fqCX8.jpg)
Well that fits and the flying ducks are the right period as is the rest of the decor behind judge smiley. It also fits with the Russian agent angle. Could Smiley be a pseudonym for a retired judge who had dealings with Kazan?
Quote from: James Stacey on 29 November, 2012, 05:40:11 PM
Well that fits and the flying ducks are the right period as is the rest of the decor behind judge smiley. It also fits with the Russian agent angle. Could Smiley be a pseudonym for a retired judge who had dealings with Kazan?
The snowy backdrop to Frank's origin story in 1809 could suggest some kind of mission on Sov territory. I don't think 'spy' or 'retired judge' adequately describe what Smiley is though.
Loving most of the whole Cold Deck/Lowlife/Simping D crossover even though I do struggle with teh concept of a flying city built on the moon in secret. It just seems too much but then I come across another brilliant bit and let it slide.
Enjoyed Brass Sun.
Did not enjoy any of ABC Warriors. At all.
In the midst of week after week of complete cover-to-cover greatness, the page of Frank's run across the moon was the undoubted highlight for me. Possibly the funniest single page to ever appear in the Prog.
Aside from the the Cold Deck trio, which have moved beyond rational comment for me (not least because it's apparent that the real villain of the piece is only getting started, and all this is merely an extended introduction to a very long game indeed) this was a mixed week for me.
Brass Sun suffered from a 'book' ending that wasn't, with a cliffhanger relating to a peripheral conflict that we don't much care about yet: an artificial break, rather than a dramatic one. Everything else in the episode was its usual engaging, intriguing and very beautiful self, but do think we could have used a bit of 'oomph' at the close to tide us over and maybe sway the waverers. Can't wait myself, Culbard and D'Israeli sound like a well-matched tag team to keep this running.
ABC Warriors was similarly anti-climactic. I've enjoyed this run more than anything since The Black Hole, and it was a bit jarring to return to business as usual. The 'very, very small world' syndrome strikes with the inevitable resurrection of Happy and equally inevitable reveal of Tubal Caine. This wouldn't be as bad if the exact same trick hadn't been already pulled with Steelhorn.
I don't mind the idea of Quartz still trundling along, a search for immortality is the whole point of the character, but I do wish Pat would commit to the idea that this strip is set before Nemesis, thanks to the wonders of escaping the Time Wastes. I really can't buy the idea of the Warriors returning to Mars at Happy's request because their good works had been undone, if this all takes place after the rise and fall of Termight, which would surely have been infinitely more traumatic for Earth's neighbour.
I'm really hooked for what'll wrap up this whole arc, it's been really entertaining to me so far with the way they've introduced elements. I was surprised to see [spoiler]that the "Godcity" that the Simps were invoking was related to the scheme Bachmann and Overdrive were doing[/spoiler].
Overall, I liked the issue. I feel like Brass Sun still has a lot it wants to show in the future. I said it before and I'll say it again, I'm new to 2000 AD so I was lost with the stuff being referred to in ABC Warriors. Still I guess it was alright to read when it was running.
Suffice to say this prog continued the thrills magnificently. Frank's moon lope was a joy and Simp's providing a nicely dark feeling counterpoint in the whole thing. Dredd's 'Bullet to king four' almost had me punching the air too!
Brass Sum and ABCs faded out a bit,it's true, but I'm looking forward to more Brass Sun and that was one of the strongest ABC run in a while.
Hope my prog arrives early tomorrow!
M
Quote from: TordelBack on 29 November, 2012, 11:01:49 PM
it's apparent that the real villain of the piece is only getting started
"Shhh. Our little secret"
Another stellar Prog, well done to all concerned!
I must admit, when I first heard of the 'God City' the only two past stories I thought might link to it were 'Crusade' (I enjoyed it, apparently quite a few didn't), and the Judge Planet tale which I really thought was absolute nonsense.
And don't kill Dirty Frank! He's too good a character to lose!
Cheers
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/Bolt-01/IMAG0226.jpg)
Go, street team ASDA!
Looks like a Zarjaz cover all spread out like that.
That image of Frank, Smiley, and Dredd sitting around drinking tea in Low Life is my fave panel of the year. I audibaly laughed for several minuets.
Dredd: Really enjoying both story & art.
Brass Sun: for me this is a sit down and read in one go story so still got this to look forward to.
SIMP & Low Life: Gave them a go, didn't enjoy either. Art is great on both but the story isn't getting my Thrill Receptors buzzing.
Just glad that you don't need to read either to still enjoy Dredd:
This seems to be getting everyone rather excited so I guess I'm just the lone grumpy voice in the wilderness.
ABC: Please will someone have the balls to stop this and all other Mills retelling of previous stories.
I can't be the only one who thinks just write something new and stop preaching to me.
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 30 November, 2012, 09:12:18 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/Bolt-01/IMAG0226.jpg)
Go, street team ASDA!
Looks like a Zarjaz cover all spread out like that.
LIKE.
Quote from: W. R. Logan on 30 November, 2012, 09:20:54 AM
I guess I'm just the lone grumpy voice in the wilderness.
Admit it: you wouldn't have it any other way...
Cheers!
Jim
I wonder what when Smiley said to Dirty Frank, "One more little thing"
Quote from: Goaty on 30 November, 2012, 10:14:09 AM
I wonder what when Smiley said to Dirty Frank, "One more little thing"
The words 'Any Means Necesarry' did pop into my mind.
It's times like this I wish I had a subscription. Can't wait until Wednesday to see how this all comes together.
On a slightly nerdy note: The Binary code during Brass Sun, does anyone thing that could possilbe be translated? Stranger things have happened. If could contain clues as to where the series is going next. Of coures it could just be a load of random 1's and 0's but the geek in me loves little easter eggs like that.
If it's any consolation, my sub hasn't turned up until Tuesday for the last few weeks...
SAUDADE:
I have a colleague who translates to and from Portugese as a sideline. I asked him about this word, and he explained it amounts to a feeling of nostalgia, but idealistically, almost like a belief in the good old days when they weren't necessarily that good. It was linked to a musical movement and, apparently, a political trend where people became disaffected with a dictatorship.
I've no idea if any of that's relevant but some of it struck a chord.
- Trout
That would resonate with the Kleggs, Murd's race appearing in Low Life.
I felt Fargo's speech at the end of Origins could be read in a similar manner - that it was talking about the strip, or particularly those who take Dredd at face value.
And then there were the Tooth characters in Zaucer...
Just re-read issues 1804-1811.
It's true.
You ain't seen nothing yet.
Quote from: Steve Green on 30 November, 2012, 01:21:28 PM
That would resonate with the Kleggs, Murd's race appearing in Low Life.
I felt Fargo's speech at the end of Origins could be read in a similar manner - that it was talking about the strip, or particularly those who take Dredd at face value.
And then there were the Tooth characters in Zaucer...
And a general longing and even nostalgia for the pre-DoC city.
Just finished reading this weeks Prog...WOW!
More thoughts to follow...
Here's an idea Goaty, if you put a spoiler for the next prog in a thread and mention the fact it's a spoiler, then the least you can do is [spoiler]SPOILER[/spoiler] the DROKKER! The images you have put up may or may not ruin it but come on ::)
I've removed Goaty's post at his request.
And now I look :crazy: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Im sure Goaty dint mean owt by it, but i hope spoilers, especially for 1812, will be confined exclusively to that particular prog's review thread
Im sure everything will be fine, as it usually is on here, but its such a biggie this one.
Quote from: Supermarine Troutfire on 30 November, 2012, 01:14:24 PM
SAUDADE:
I have a colleague who translates to and from Portugese as a sideline. I asked him about this word, and he explained it amounts to a feeling of nostalgia, but idealistically, almost like a belief in the good old days when they weren't necessarily that good. It was linked to a musical movement and, apparently, a political trend where people became disaffected with a dictatorship.
I've no idea if any of that's relevant but some of it struck a chord.
- Trout
Having experienced the feeling of saudade over the last week it got me thinking. My pet theory is that it refers to Frank's feelings for his sanity.
Quote from: Cactus on 30 November, 2012, 06:31:49 PM
Quote from: Supermarine Troutfire on 30 November, 2012, 01:14:24 PM
SAUDADE:
I have a colleague who translates to and from Portugese as a sideline. I asked him about this word, and he explained it amounts to a feeling of nostalgia, but idealistically, almost like a belief in the good old days when they weren't necessarily that good. It was linked to a musical movement and, apparently, a political trend where people became disaffected with a dictatorship.
I've no idea if any of that's relevant but some of it struck a chord.
- Trout
Having experienced the feeling of saudade over the last week it got me thinking. My pet theory is that it refers to Frank's feelings for his sanity.
Ha, nice. The obvious answer is that it refers to Frank's longings for Mega-City 1 and the Lowlife in particular, especially if it ended up being destroyed while he was stuck on the moon.
"Damaged, brutalised and diseased, perhaps... but still Dirty Frank's city."
Foolish squaxx with your high-brow saudade speculation, Dirty Frank is merely channelling Wolverine during his semi-naked moon rambles:
(http://www.bedetheque.com/Couvertures/WolverineSaudade_26102006.jpg)
So Dirty Frank is the big weapon to saving the Mega-City?
Still wonder there something biggest for Jack Point. As they kept try to kill him... He only done sell the list... Something biggest coming?
Quote from: Goaty on 30 November, 2012, 09:22:53 PM
So Dirty Frank is the big weapon to saving the Mega-City?
Still wonder there something biggest for Jack Point. As they kept try to kill him... He only done sell the list... Something biggest coming?
Well, Jack's shutting down the brainwashing but compared to what's happening with Dredd and Frank, he does seem a little less heroic. I'm sure he's got a big moment coming in the next prog. He's got to fight Turner at least.
But in this prog, and probably in this storyline so far, Dirty Frank's getting the big heroic moments.
What a fabulous cover in a year that has seen so many. Good stuff again only ABC induced a "um-so?" reaction -it just didn't seem to sit well aginst the excellence (again) of everything else. Where to start Dredd was just superb and Simping and low Life just top stuff so many great things in all of them. Still gotta love Dirty Frank's "giant step". Wow. Just wow. Congrats to all the teams involved from a gratfeul reader.
Okay first things first, the d'israeli cover is drokkin SUPERB. Really eye catching and of course it doubly awesome because its wrap around. After purchasing the prog i walked into Argos to buy a toy for my daughters birthday, and there were people ogling the prog cover with wide eyes! :D
As for the rest..
JUDGE DREDD// COLD DECK PART 6; wow! I was totally blown away by this strip. Loved the moment old stoney face drops the bomb literally : ''Bullet to king four ''- drokk me! And Dredd isn't looking too good is he? I could almost hear his groans as he falls down the steps. Once again Henry Flint's artwork is superb. I love the way he draws Dredd especially with the visible dent on the right side of his helmet. And Bachman looks like one scary bitch - especially on page 3. :D
BRASS SUN// WHEEL OF WORLDS PART 12; really gutted to see this end...for now. Its been a joy opening the prog these past weeks and finding the superb artwork of Culbard gracing the eyes. The story is also getting interesting. Looking forward to seeing this back in the near future.
ABC WARRIORS// RETURN TO EARTH; And so we come back to Langley's original artwork. Which is no bad thing mind, but the past few weeks i've really enjoyed this strip, and part of it was down to the superb black and white artwork. I wont lie, i wasn't a big fan of ABC warriors at first, but have grown to it, and enjoyed RETURN TO EARTH immensly. My stand out moment from the whole story arc has to be when Hammerstein blows the presidents head CLEAN off. Wow.
LOW LIFE// SAUDADE PART 7; Wow! Simply superb! Loved the shot of Dredd, Frank and Smiley sat around a tavle drinking tea :D, D'Israeli's artwork continues to amaze.
THE SIMPING DETECTIVE// PART 8; I wont lie, i'm not a big fan of Point and his escapades, and for me its the weakest of the strips - HOWEVER, this Prog is the first time i've actually enjoyed reading it without it hurting my head :D. Coleby's artwork is one of the strong points as always.
All in all a terrific programme. I cannot wait for the next prog to see how all the three main stories come to a head. (and reading some of the reviews in the prog 1812 thread, Wednesday cannot come soon enough!)
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 30 November, 2012, 09:12:18 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/Bolt-01/IMAG0226.jpg)
Go, street team ASDA!
Looks like a Zarjaz cover all spread out like that.
If there's such a thing as justice in this world, then this should win "Cover of the Year" award. If it does win, then I'll join Frank and jump over the moon with joy.
Good one, Bolt-01.
That certainly has more impact on the shelf than that Carp Weekly.