2000 AD Online Forum

2000 AD => News => Topic started by: O Lucky Stevie! on 06 January, 2022, 11:57:37 PM

Title: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 06 January, 2022, 11:57:37 PM
Via CBR (https://www.cbr.com/2000-ad-battle-action-ogn-ennis-oneill/)

"Garth Ennis, Kevin O'Neill and more revive Action for 2000 AD with Battle Action Special, a 96-page hardcover original graphic novel.

"2000AD bringing back the controversial British comic series Action.

"The newly titled Battle Action Special is a 96-page hardcover original graphic novel featuring eight new stories, all written by The Boys co-creator Garth Ennis. He's joined by artists Kevin O'Neill, Keith Burns, Mike Dorey, John Higgins, Chris Burnham, Patrick Goddard and PJ Holden, as well as colorists Jason Wordie, Len O'Grady and Sally Jane Hurst.

"The original Action debuted in 1976 and was published by IPC Magazines. Created by Pat Mills, Mike Dorey and more, the series was notable for putting its own unique spin on classic action stories like Jaws. It also helped pave the way for more adult comic titles, like the aforementioned 2000 AD and the books published under DC's Vertigo Comics imprint.

"Take to the skies with artist Keith Burns and colourist Jason Wordie, and witness the air duel of the century as ace fighter pilot Johnny Red faces off against Skreamer of the Stukas.

"Infamous German tank commander Hellman of Hammer Force bears down on American Colonel Glory Rider in Tunisia, drawn by the legendary Mike Dorey (Ro-Busters).

"Blunt instrument of British Intelligence Dredger returns and takes no prisoners on the streets of 1980s London, courtesy of Watchmen colourist and Judge Dredd artist John Higgins, with co-colours by Sally Jane Hurst.

"Take on the selfish but fearless Crazy Keller by Chris Burnham (Batman) and colours by Len O'Grady, and meet Nina Petrova, the scourge of the Eastern Front, with art by Patrick Goddard (Judge Dredd) and colours by Jason Wordie.

"And roll out into Italy in the heat of 1944 with The Sarge as Ennis reunites with The Stringbags artist PJ Holden.

"Battle Action Special goes on sale in June from 2000 AD before arriving in traditional bookstores in September.

"Source: 2000 AD"

Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: broodblik on 07 January, 2022, 02:54:17 AM
The cover looks great:

(https://static0.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/BATTLE-ACTION-COVER-col.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=740&h=963&dpr=1.5)
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 07 January, 2022, 03:31:53 AM
Quote from: broodblik on 07 January, 2022, 02:54:17 AM
The cover looks great:

(https://static0.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/BATTLE-ACTION-COVER-col.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=740&h=963&dpr=1.5)

Gteat to habe Andy Clarke back at the House of Tharg, innit?
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: broodblik on 07 January, 2022, 04:41:45 AM
Another article:
https://downthetubes.net/rebellion-reveals-hardcover-battle-action-special-from-garth-ennis-but-wed-call-it-an-annual/ (https://downthetubes.net/rebellion-reveals-hardcover-battle-action-special-from-garth-ennis-but-wed-call-it-an-annual/)

Art from Mike Dorey on Hellman of Hammer Force:
(https://i2.wp.com/downthetubes.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_5140.jpg?resize=768%2C958&ssl=1)

Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 07 January, 2022, 05:50:52 AM
Kev's drawing Kids Rule OK!?

SOLD.
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: Colin YNWA on 07 January, 2022, 06:28:55 AM
Who cares what they call it I'm so up for this. Super exciting!
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: I, Cosh on 07 January, 2022, 07:37:37 AM
Blimey. That's a pretty heavyweight lineup of artists.
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: Colin YNWA on 07 January, 2022, 08:02:10 AM
Also worth noting that article from Downthetubes.net also has more details of The Sarge collection due May 12th and is that the first time we've seen the cover - very nice work there. In hardcover too - super excited to see this and his strip with PJ Holden on art... please say that's not going to be all digital art! PPPLLLLEEEEAASSEEEEE. I'd love to get hold of one of those!
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: broodblik on 07 January, 2022, 08:11:18 AM
What would even nicer if this is going to be something that is ongoing even if it is only annually
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: pauljholden on 07 January, 2022, 09:35:04 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 07 January, 2022, 08:02:10 AM
Also worth noting that article from Downthetubes.net also has more details of The Sarge collection due May 12th and is that the first time we've seen the cover - very nice work there. In hardcover too - super excited to see this and his strip with PJ Holden on art... please say that's not going to be all digital art! PPPLLLLEEEEAASSEEEEE. I'd love to get hold of one of those!

All my art's digital, Colin, sorry!

-pj
(you can thank my ropey eyesight and slightly arthirtic fingers for that, I'm afraid...)
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: Colin YNWA on 07 January, 2022, 10:33:48 AM
Quote from: pauljholden on 07 January, 2022, 09:35:04 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 07 January, 2022, 08:02:10 AM
Also worth noting that article from Downthetubes.net also has more details of The Sarge collection due May 12th and is that the first time we've seen the cover - very nice work there. In hardcover too - super excited to see this and his strip with PJ Holden on art... please say that's not going to be all digital art! PPPLLLLEEEEAASSEEEEE. I'd love to get hold of one of those!

All my art's digital, Colin, sorry!

-pj
(you can thank my ropey eyesight and slightly arthirtic fingers for that, I'm afraid...)

I thought I read / heard that you'd gone all digital with 'Chimpsky's Law' (the specific could be wrong???) so had a feeling that might be the case. Either way very excited to see what you do with The Sarge.
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: Tomwe on 07 January, 2022, 11:31:57 AM
Webshop exclusive HC please?
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 07 January, 2022, 11:47:54 AM
Quote from: pauljholden on 07 January, 2022, 09:35:04 AM
you can thank my ropey eyesight and slightly arthirtic fingers Garth Ennis neccessitating the creation of a Clip Studio action called "Add More Tanks" for that, I'm afraid...)
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: Link Prime on 07 January, 2022, 01:40:47 PM
Garth. Garth. GARTH.

Garth baby.

Not only can you write your own cheque on this, we'll even reprint Sleeze 'n' Ryder as a deal sweetener.

< Flashes 80's sleazy exec smile >
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: pauljholden on 07 January, 2022, 03:35:29 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 07 January, 2022, 10:33:48 AM

I thought I read / heard that you'd gone all digital with 'Chimpsky's Law' (the specific could be wrong???) so had a feeling that might be the case. Either way very excited to see what you do with The Sarge.

I think Chimpsky's law might have been the final moment were the joy of traditional was out paced by the frustration with traditional. It's been moving that way for a long long time though.
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: Funt Solo on 07 January, 2022, 05:12:40 PM
I'm so glad I don't decide what gets published - because if you'd asked me whether they should do more Battle/Action, I'd have said no - stop living in the past. But that cover, and that line-up, makes it a no-brainer, must-have.

Really looking forward to this.
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: Tjm86 on 08 January, 2022, 11:42:33 AM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 07 January, 2022, 03:31:53 AM
Great to have Andy Clarke back at the House of Tharg, innit?

Great to have him back full stop.  His work on Relay was something special.  It was a shame he dropped out of sight for so long and that series folded.  Not entirely sure what happened to him.  ISTR that it was health reasons behind his extended sabbatical but I could be wrong.  Certainly it was hard to find out what happened there.

Given the quality of Ennis' war comic output plus the artistic talent lined up for this it is hard to not to have a total geek out.  Webshop exclusive cover?  Yes please!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: paddykafka on 08 January, 2022, 02:48:33 PM
Between this project and the upcoming release of 'The Sarge', the day when I will be forced to swap out my bed for a hammock - to provide room for another bookcase / shelving space - draws perilously closer.  :)
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: Proudhuff on 08 January, 2022, 04:20:32 PM
Take my money!! Hopefully a nice hardback to match recent releases?
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: oshii on 08 January, 2022, 06:48:13 PM
This is really interesting - and exciting

Sounds like it's more of another special but in a nicer format, than a "original graphic novel" as such, unless Garth has got an idea to do a Trifecta and link all the stories.

Very exciting to see Rebellion have the confidence to release something like this with a talent line up that strong





Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: broodblik on 09 January, 2022, 03:49:43 AM
Interview with Garth Ennis:

https://downthetubes.net/garth-ennis-on-the-upcoming-battle-action-special-a-tribute-to-the-greatest-war-comic-ever-by-one-of-its-biggest-fans/ (https://downthetubes.net/garth-ennis-on-the-upcoming-battle-action-special-a-tribute-to-the-greatest-war-comic-ever-by-one-of-its-biggest-fans/)
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: Colin YNWA on 09 January, 2022, 07:41:26 AM
Thanks for sharing Broodblik. Love the way he very quickly waves away the idea that this is a graphic novel and dismisses that as marketing speak - with apologise to Molch-R. Sounds like this is very much a natural successor to the Battle of Britain Special. Saidly also suggests the idea of a hardcover is also out the picture.

Figures crossed it doesn't take Garth pushing to get another one. That said I'm getting way ahead of myself there!
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: IndigoPrime on 09 January, 2022, 03:24:40 PM
Ennis comes across like a good egg. Nice to see him still singing the praises of 2000 AD as well.
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: Richard on 09 January, 2022, 06:59:39 PM
QuoteSadly also suggests the idea of a hardcover is also out the picture.

He doesn't say that, and the article clearly states more than once that this is a hardcover.
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: Colin YNWA on 09 January, 2022, 07:46:38 PM
Quote from: Richard on 09 January, 2022, 06:59:39 PM
QuoteSadly also suggests the idea of a hardcover is also out the picture.

He doesn't say that, and the article clearly states more than once that this is a hardcover.

What you expect me to actually read it before commenting - Jez what do you take me for...

...or to put it another way that really is embarrassing!
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 09 January, 2022, 10:38:46 PM
Quote from: IndigoPrime on 09 January, 2022, 03:24:40 PM
Ennis comes across like a good egg. Nice to see him still singing the praises of 2000 AD as well.

When Garth took over as regular Dredd writer, I really, really hated him. To an irrational extent really , I blamed him for 2000ad's turn for the worse even though it was clearly the Thargs of the day.   But I still hate most of the Dredds he wrote back then.

I never thought the day would come when I looked forward to his work more than pretty much any other regular comics writer but here we are.  I love Garth's stuff and he's ideally suited to this project. I can't wait.
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: Richard on 10 January, 2022, 08:00:19 PM
His original run on Dredd was quite varied. There are some truly horrible stories like Muzak Killer Live and A Man Called Greener. But he also did Raider, which I like very much (and so did Karl Urban), and Justice One, and Twilight's Last Gleaming. And he was much better than everyone who came next until Wagner came back.
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: Proudhuff on 11 January, 2022, 12:49:53 PM
Quote from: Richard on 10 January, 2022, 08:00:19 PM
But he also did Raider, which I like very much (and so did Karl Urban), and Justice One

Justice One where the wonderful Judge Proudfoot was killed off...
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: Proudhuff on 11 January, 2022, 12:52:32 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 09 January, 2022, 07:46:38 PM

What you expect me to actually read it before commenting - Jez what do you take me for...

Or even the first line:
With the exciting news of a new hardcover Battle-Action Special from 2000AD publisher Rebellion, launching in June,


:lol:
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: Colin YNWA on 11 January, 2022, 01:04:35 PM
First line, FIRST LINE. I stopped after "With the exciting news of a..." and clearly was able to form an entirely satisfactory opinion. Jez...
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: Proudhuff on 11 January, 2022, 01:16:18 PM
Being informed is vastly overrated... look at twitter  :)
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 11 January, 2022, 07:12:50 PM
Quote from: Richard on 10 January, 2022, 08:00:19 PM
His original run on Dredd was quite varied. There are some truly horrible stories like Muzak Killer Live and A Man Called Greener. But he also did Raider, which I like very much (and so did Karl Urban), and Justice One, and Twilight's Last Gleaming. And he was much better than everyone who came next until Wagner came back.

I know I'm in a minority, but I wasn't a fan of Kevin Costner IS Karl Raider in Raider.  Correct me if I've misremembered the details, and I may well have, but too many things just didn't make sense.   A judge who quits in disgrace being allowed to keep his lawgiver?  Dredd pistol-whipping a perp who was already in custody (with a cheesy line like 'You have the right to remain silent')?  Dredd, whose brooding had recently become a major ongoing theme, complaining that Raider thinks too much?  Nahh.  When I look at the Garth of his recent(ish) war comics, and his Punisher Max stuff, and even Crossed (where the final fate of those four British army mates actually brought a tear to my eye, and eclipsed Alan freaking Moore's work on the same series), it's hard to believe it's the same writer as those early Dredds.

The Democracy one was pretty good, though, as was Justice One.  And never mind Judge Proudfoot; there was a Judge Gaylord in Judgement Day.

Thread cleanup—IP
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: IndigoPrime on 12 January, 2022, 09:16:52 AM
I don't like a lot of Ennis Dredd, but I respect the way in which he's responded to his old work. He notes he was young and too in thrall to those who went before. He lacked the maturity to take on the mantle, and I'd say a lot of the blame lies with the editorial team in not recognising that. Then again, they at the time seemed quite happy for Morrison and Millar to wreck the crown jewels — and those two have been comparatively arrogant about their time on the comic, rather than regretting the crap they churned out.

I find Ennis a tough read sometimes. I own a set of Preacher, but there's a lot I really don't like about it. I abhorred 90%+ of The Boys (although enjoyed the first series of the TV show). But I'm glad he's thoughtful about the work he produced and the new content he's producing, and that he seems so keen to keep alive important British comics brands when, frankly, he could probably get a gig anywhere he wanted.
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: GoGilesGo on 12 January, 2022, 12:05:17 PM
Quote from: Richard on 10 January, 2022, 08:00:19 PM
But he also did Raider, which I like very much

yes, me too. I think this might be Ennis' best Dredd effort and the closest he ever came to 'getting' Dredd. The dialogue at the end when the two Class of '79 graduates have a showdown

Raider "Been a long time, Joe. I wondered what I'd say to you when we got to this..."

Dredd "I haven't. Drop the guns, Raider. You're under arrest"

is perfectly unsentimental.

Quote from: JayzusB.Christ on 11 January, 2022, 07:12:50 PM
...too many things just didn't make sense.   A judge who quits in disgrace being allowed to keep his lawgiver?  Dredd pistol-whipping a perp who was already in custody? 

though I also can't help agreeing with these points from Jaysus
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: broodblik on 12 January, 2022, 01:48:04 PM
Nice promo with the classic Battle logo:

(https://2000ad.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Untitled-big.jpg)
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 12 January, 2022, 03:00:46 PM
Quote from: IndigoPrime on 12 January, 2022, 09:16:52 AM
I don't like a lot of Ennis Dredd, but I respect the way in which he's responded to his old work. He notes he was young and too in thrall to those who went before. He lacked the maturity to take on the mantle, and I'd say a lot of the blame lies with the editorial team in not recognising that. Then again, they at the time seemed quite happy for Morrison and Millar to wreck the crown jewels — and those two have been comparatively arrogant about their time on the comic, rather than regretting the crap they churned out.

Yep, Ennis shot up in my estimation when I realised he had pretty much the same views of his early Dredds as I do. (He loses a couple of brownie points for hating cats, but nobody's  perfect).  To be fair to Millar, I vaguely remember him in a Megazine interview accepting that his own prog stuff wasn't so hot either, though in his case it was for the opposite reasons - he didn't really know much about 2000ad when he started working for it.

Also, IP, thanks for cleaning up my messy attempts at modifying my posts!
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: Proudhuff on 13 January, 2022, 11:35:45 AM
Quote from: IndigoPrime on 09 January, 2022, 03:24:40 PM
Ennis comes across like a good egg. Nice to see him still singing the praises of 2000 AD as well.

Indeed, he was great at the Lakes Comic Con I attended, happy to talk non-comic stuff with my partner, comic stuff with me and listened politely to my asking for a story about the Red Ball Express and the contribution of the (mainly) black drivers. And he'd happily sign any of his stuff, including the page where Judge Proudfoot is hung out to dry.  :)
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: GordonR on 13 January, 2022, 11:46:31 AM
Quote from: Link Prime on 07 January, 2022, 01:40:47 PM
Garth. Garth. GARTH.

Garth baby.

Not only can you write your own cheque on this, we'll even reprint Sleeze 'n' Ryder as a deal sweetener.

< Flashes 80's sleazy exec smile >


Pretty sure Garth disowned Sleaze'n'Ryder a long, long time ago.
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: broodblik on 29 January, 2022, 03:58:10 AM
If you are not super excited by this here is a picture of The Sarge by PJ (sorry PJ for stealing your thunder I cannot help myself):

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FKOEDWdXsAITXMF?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)

Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: Colin YNWA on 29 January, 2022, 06:19:37 AM
Yep that is one fine, fine, reason to be excited about that story. Brilliant stuff.
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: broodblik on 31 May, 2022, 05:15:40 AM
Some history on merger of Battle and Action:

https://downthetubes.net/exciting-news-inside-looking-back-at-battles-merger-with-action/ (https://downthetubes.net/exciting-news-inside-looking-back-at-battles-merger-with-action/)
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: Richard S. on 14 June, 2022, 06:20:49 AM
about halfway through it so far - really enjoying the comic strips.

As ever, the non-comic strips needed another proof-read* - it's "The Sweeney" not "The Sweeny" and it's "Phil Gascoine" not "Phil Gascoigne"


*I'm sure they were proof-read plenty of times, but, y'know, it needed to be done again
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: IndigoPrime on 14 June, 2022, 09:11:21 AM
Quote from: Richard S. on 14 June, 2022, 06:20:49 AM*I'm sure they were proof-read plenty of times, but, y'know, it needed to be done again
Perhaps there's something amiss at the Nerve Centre in terms of resource. The 45th anniversary book is a lovely object, but the first page of text alone (the intro) is littered with errors. (I just quickly went through it and found nine in a single pass – more if you were to align with broadly standard style across modern press.) That just seems odd to me.
Title: Re: Battle Action returns as original graphic novel.
Post by: IndigoPrime on 14 June, 2022, 11:07:11 PM
Having read a few more pages of this, it's bizarre. It's like a first draft escaped into the wild. It's a good job the book is mostly about the art; but, honestly, if 2000 AD was edited like this, I'd have a hard time reading it.