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Anyway, a young Earth creationist is now in charge of the DUP, and possibly the province...

It's just an embarrassment that clearly sets out how things will run from here on (again). Rumour I've heard postulates Givan for first minister, which is even worse in some ways to Poots. He's like the wee shite that hangs around with the bullies but wouldn't open his mouth when he's on his own. The foreman's half wit son if you will.

They're a pack a dirt in my opinion.

A lot of people saying this.

Without knowing anything about Bolt's specific situation, I will say this;

As someone who has been in dark places there are two problems ith the 'just talk to someone':

1. Often in this situation you don't have anyone you can talk to.
2. Even if you do, they often don't want to be burdened with your problems. They may well lend a sympathetic ear for ten minutes but you will soon find they don;t want to know and will start avoiding you.

That second point is one I've run into a few times. You can get accused of trying to drag people down with you, and I can't begin to tell you how much that hurts when in a bad place such as that.

Have to admit this tallies with my own experience too Scrotnig, so why I added about 'if you can't talk'.

I know talking would help and is more possible for a lot of people but it's definitely important to recognise the reasons for depression mean the person might not be inclined to talk about it, so putting the onus on them to start the conversation isn't how it will go. There has to be recognition from others that the onus should be on them too sometimes.

I had an awful feeling that might have been the case. Not to turn attention away from this, but my brother killed himself coming up to two years ago, like this, out of the blue. There was a huge number of people at his funeral and any one of them would have helped him through, would have listened.

It always sounds trite, but I'll echo what has been said already - if you can talk people will listen and try to understand, and help. If you can't talk to someone just realise it's important you're here, you're better than most others. Look at the shit you've survived already.

Just heard about this. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

I'm glad I met the man even if it was only briefly at the 40th celebration. He was every bit as friendly and genuine as his online persona suggested.

I was always charmed by how he referred to his kids as diminutives of Bolt and it's great to know that came from the estimable Trout. As others have said he was clearly the best of us and touched so many people's lives in nothing but positive ways.

Rest easy Bolt.

Couldn't let the likely end of Sláine go without comment.

The strip was key in my exploring my own identity and provided so many great story moments and arcs. It rightly deserves its place among the greats of the comic. Right up to the end its had some of the best artists doing some of their best work. I can't claim to have always enjoyed Pat's more decompressed style in a weekly format but it generally holds together read in whole form.

I can't think of a satisfying way to finish the story, but Dragonslayer, as TB points out, entirely fits what it's been about. The 'open' ending was a fitting exit, leaving Sláine with a purpose to keep going even against the tide of history and we are spared his final (mortal) demise so he remains a legendary character.

[Tales of Deadworld]

I'd say it's not the SJS as corrupt, but being a bunch of fascists. They can drive the Welcome Wagon all they want and there's no reason ordinary Judges would know about it, or that it's dodgy beyond SJS procedural policy. It is interesting though that ex Titan inmates would be let back at all if they weren't wanted. Loving the yarn in any case.

In other news, Tales of Deadworld takes top laurels again for me this week.

I'm OK with rejuve/cloning/gene therapy/stookie/bionics etc. but I do wonder would Dredd at any point decide he didn't want to carry on with being kept in 'street' condition? If he's at times had questions, felt beaten and weary, surely those times might at some juncture coincide with a rebuild/regrow/whatever.

I can see Justice Dept. deciding on his behalf of course, but a seriously ill or ill content Dredd wouldn't be as capable of his role.

[Necropolis]

Necropolis for Ezquerra and a great big dose of epic Dark Judges. And nostalgia.

But Tour of Duty is friggin awesome.

[1.Day of Chaos]

1.Day of Chaos
2. America
3.The Dead Man

All three are deserving of top billing so this is just how I feel about them right now, so I'm hitting 'post' before I change my mind!

[Apocalypse War]

Has to be Apocalypse War.

[Visions of Deadworld.]

Still in the frustrating permanent one week behind that developed over the last year or so!

But that was a top prog and I really enjoyed the overall dark tone of the majority of strips. Top banana this week for me was Visions of Deadworld. I'm much more keen on these focused one off type episodes for this as it almost feels like your trapped in them. Much as I love the longer form too of course, and Dave Kendal's work somehow manages to get more gruesome and filthy with every outing. Superb.

You'd maybe be surprised at the range of stuff folks round here are into beyond the geek - but having taken a few extended breaks from the board meself, I know exactly what you're saying. So look after yourself on your travels.

Got the first shot of my COVID vaccination this morning, after only having booked it last Wednesday.

I'm putting the event in this thread as it's truly something to consider just over a year ago this virus had everyone in the first lockdown and the numbers of hospitalisations and deaths were only increasing.

The fact we now have more than one type of vaccine available is definitely in the science is drokking fantastic category, as this has been possible due to the years of research into vaccines and epidemiology that the developers have learned from and built upon. This is a Good Thing that should be celebrated.

Also: how about that new eruption in Iceland, eh? It was brilliant being able to follow the events as they developed underground before the surface eruption even began.

[Day of Chaos]

Oz has a special place in my heart. It felt like a real big event and was graced by a superb roster of artists - the switch between artists never seemed to jar. It was brilliant.

However I'm going for Day of Chaos. It was brutal in a way we hadn't seen before. It was magnificent.

[America]

Yep, throwing my helmet in for America. Machine Law would hold its own against many others, but America is something special.