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Spoilers => Prog => Topic started by: A.Cow on 01 February, 2019, 05:47:57 PM

Title: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: A.Cow on 01 February, 2019, 05:47:57 PM
Cover:  Ouch.  Not quite as bad as Prog 538's cover (http://www.2000ad.org/functions/cover.php?Comic=2000ad&choice=538) but I'm not convinced it'll appear in anyone's cover-of-the-year lists.  (IMHO, anyway.)

Dredd:  Brilliant.  There's laugh-out-loud shopping and clever social commentary [spoiler](it's said that the tipping point for autonomous cars comes when their accident stats are better than humans.  Makes sense; after all, something similiar has already happened with bank managers giving out loans.  Interesting to see Dredd implying the same with the robot judges ... Logan's love of stats doesn't bode well ...)[/spoiler].

Skip Tracer:  Yawn.  Even turning-up the colour saturation can't save this.

Brink:  Good.  I wasn't much of a fan but it's winning me over slowly.

3rillers:  Eh?  That didn't make much sense to me; will have to re-read the full story to see what I've missed.

Jaegir:  Hmm.  Still a bit too wordy for my liking but Simon Coleby's artwork is stunning.
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: wedgeski on 01 February, 2019, 06:30:48 PM
Wot the fork? What button must I push to get my prog on a Friday?! :)
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: Tjm86 on 01 February, 2019, 07:48:02 PM
Quote from: A.Cow on 01 February, 2019, 05:47:57 PM

Brink:  Good.  I wasn't much of a fan but it's winning me over slowly.


You do realise that this is completely sacrilegious don't you?
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: Colin YNWA on 01 February, 2019, 09:26:16 PM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 01 February, 2019, 07:48:02 PM
Quote from: A.Cow on 01 February, 2019, 05:47:57 PM

Brink:  Good.  I wasn't much of a fan but it's winning me over slowly.


You do realise that this is completely sacrilegious don't you?

Burn the witch... the cow, burn the cow... the errmmm cow witch ... with a helmet...

oh just burn um.
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: A.Cow on 02 February, 2019, 12:16:49 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 01 February, 2019, 09:26:16 PM
Burn the witch... the cow, burn the cow... the errmmm cow witch ... with a helmet...
oh just burn um.

Ah, that explains the toasty-warm feeling I've had this evening.  And the faint whiff of beefy crisps.
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: Andy Lambert on 02 February, 2019, 08:40:23 AM
Quote from: wedgeski on 01 February, 2019, 06:30:48 PM
Wot the fork? What button must I push to get my prog on a Friday?! :)

(https://i.imgur.com/oBdqJ0S.jpg)
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: Eamonn Clarke on 02 February, 2019, 01:40:24 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/PAs6DyO.jpg)

Cover art: Raid71
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: broodblik on 02 February, 2019, 02:11:55 PM
Quote from: A.Cow on 01 February, 2019, 05:47:57 PM
Cover:  Ouch.  Not quite as bad as Prog 538's cover (http://www.2000ad.org/functions/cover.php?Comic=2000ad&choice=538) but I'm not convinced it'll appear in anyone's cover-of-the-year lists.  (IMHO, anyway.)

Wow this is just plain awful. One of the worse covers in years  :-[
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: Dandontdare on 02 February, 2019, 03:06:56 PM
I can see the idea, which isn't bad, but it really doesn't work. Shame as he's got some absolutely gorgeous things on his website
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: broodblik on 02 February, 2019, 03:12:00 PM
Yes I can see the concept behind the cover. I do not think this is a cover to attract potential customers. Hopefully the content inside makes up for this one.
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: Tjm86 on 02 February, 2019, 07:06:20 PM
Snow day .... prog is a 'snow' show ...   :(
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: Colin YNWA on 02 February, 2019, 08:15:23 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 02 February, 2019, 03:06:56 PM
I can see the idea, which isn't bad, but it really doesn't work. Shame as he's got some absolutely gorgeous things on his website

This gets it for me. I'm loathed to just whine about an unsuccessful cover and this one does need to be applauded for its very bold and striking concept. However the execution and particularly colouring is lamentable. Which is odd when you see some of the wonderful work Raid71 has on their website. I'd like to see them get another go as I think 90% of the time they'd produce a stonker. I do wonder why editorial let this run as it is, but art is so subjective what the heck do I know!

Anyway to other matters and content. You'd be forgiven for thinking its as you where really. Dredd and Brink are off the scales good. Dredd jawing with barely masked contempt with Harvey but still jawing is a delight. So much with so little is done here. Brink is a complete shift change from the stunning 'finale' of last issue but its clear that this is far from just an epilogue and there are big things still to be done. All be it returning its Brinks understated genius in doing it!

Skipperty has a pretty solid action episode. Its just I'm disconnected with the story again so it does matter and I have to say for me the 3riller has a shocker of an ending. Who knew chopping [spoiler]off someones leg[/spoiler] would be so easy come, easy go!

The big change is of course Jaegir in for ... well more Brink... so lets set aside the more Brink as more Brink is always going to beat 98% of thrills EXCEPT the great think is the more Brink we got last week now seems very deliberately more Brink foe the specific of the events we got. I wonder if the original plan was for this to land in the X-Mas prog - who know - Tharg does of course  but not me for sure. Anyway what's important is Jaegir has a FANTASTIC grab you by the throat opening. Its done that to me before and let me go, but sometimes it keeps hold, what's important is its got a good chance so this is a win. A very good win at that.

So step up in the Prog and given we get that with less Brink that's quite a thing to say!
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: Dandontdare on 02 February, 2019, 10:04:15 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 02 February, 2019, 08:15:23 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 02 February, 2019, 03:06:56 PM
I can see the idea, which isn't bad, but it really doesn't work. Shame as he's got some absolutely gorgeous things on his website

This gets it for me. I'm loathed to just whine about an unsuccessful cover and this one does need to be applauded for its very bold and striking concept. However the execution and particularly colouring is lamentable. Which is odd when you see some of the wonderful work Raid71 has on their website. I'd like to see them get another go as I think 90% of the time they'd produce a stonker. I do wonder why editorial let this run as it is, but art is so subjective what the heck do I know!

I love the use of black, which is unusual and dramatic, I like the incoming missiles, I just think that there needs to be something striking and identifiable in the centre of the image rather than red/yellow clouds.
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: Geoff on 02 February, 2019, 11:53:09 PM
Yes the cover isn't up to much, has a rather rushed, uninspired feel to it.

Dredd is just great, script and art in perfect harmony.

Looks like there may be a lot more Brink to come, that's great news!  Has her mono-brow been so apparent before though..? It may always have been there, but I've never really noticed it before.  Couldn't help thinking of Frida Kahlo...

Love the art in Jaegir and she's a very engaging character with good action to get stuck into.

Overall a decent prog, thanks Tharg.   

     
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: broodblik on 03 February, 2019, 06:40:09 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 02 February, 2019, 08:15:23 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 02 February, 2019, 03:06:56 PM
I can see the idea, which isn't bad, but it really doesn't work. Shame as he's got some absolutely gorgeous things on his website

This gets it for me. I'm loathed to just whine about an unsuccessful cover and this one does need to be applauded for its very bold and striking concept. However the execution and particularly colouring is lamentable. Which is odd when you see some of the wonderful work Raid71 has on their website. I'd like to see them get another go as I think 90% of the time they'd produce a stonker. I do wonder why editorial let this run as it is, but art is so subjective what the heck do I know!

I went to their website and I was surprise with their work. As you said, there is a lot of good in what they do. https://www.raid71.com/ (https://www.raid71.com/)
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: Richard on 03 February, 2019, 10:41:16 AM
That stuff is amazing. I think he should get another try. I like what he was trying to do with that cover.

In the pictures where he's aimed for realism, his style resembles Arthur Ranson's.
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: 73north on 03 February, 2019, 03:38:35 PM
For me , the Prog Cover was good - and it does the job intended -
its makes you aware that my favourite strip ( apart from Strontium Dog ) is back , Jaegir

For my money a terrific prog, with Skip Tracer doing okay , not the highlight of the Prog
but still readable , Brink , as ever , just wonderful , the 3Rillers not too bad and
Dredd was good - with more to come , in the next Prog ... Colin Macneil's artwork was good .

- however , the total thrill power overload that is Jaegir continues with yet more
great art-work and nice story telling -
I really enjoyed reading this last night , and the new series which has just started in 2000ad -
can only get better !
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: ZenArcade on 03 February, 2019, 06:24:43 PM
Gotta say, Jaegir and Dead world have been consistent favourites of mine as well. Z
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: Southstreeter on 04 February, 2019, 09:59:36 AM
Quote from: 73north on 03 February, 2019, 03:38:35 PM
For me , the Prog Cover was good - and it does the job intended -
its makes you aware that my favourite strip ( apart from Strontium Dog ) is back , Jaegir

For me it doesn't do that job at all well. I didn't find the Nort logo at all obvious, just a blur of colours. And using red on black for the word Jaegar meant that it didn't stand out for me. I'm a long time subber, so I'm buying it anyway, but if I were a casual reader and a Jaegar fan I'd be in danger of not noticing this on the rack.
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: Southstreeter on 04 February, 2019, 10:00:21 AM
Oops, spelling of Jaegir...
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: wedgeski on 04 February, 2019, 10:56:37 AM
Wowsers. Dredd and Brink wonderful, Jaegir getting off to a great start, and new Grey Area around the corner. These are epic times for the Prog.
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: broodblik on 06 February, 2019, 03:16:13 AM
This was a very good prog loved everything in it especially Jaegir.
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: I, Cosh on 06 February, 2019, 12:15:27 PM
Tough crowd. Cover of the Year material for me.
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: norton canes on 07 February, 2019, 10:35:38 AM
Yeah, I'd say that on balance the cover works really well. OK the illustration within the insignia is a little nondescript but the design and colouring are really eye-catching - I love the black/red/yellow palette and the incoming missiles make the whole thing look like a big naval mine. From a distance.

Anyway even up against the strongest of competition the star of the prog is once again Dredd - in fact I'd go so far as to say this installment is one of the most perfectly scripted six pages of comics storytelling I've ever read. It absolutely sings, from the exchange between Dredd and Logan, then Dredd and Harvey, to the painfully funny page of supermarket jokes and the masterful reveal, and the poignant denouement with the brilliantly conceived device of Dredd simply show more compassion than the newly empathic robots. Masterful stuff.

I said the competition was strong, and Jaegir blasts back with, well, another masterclass, this time in how to open a new chapter in a war strip. If Duncan Jones' forthcoming Rogue Trooper movie captures an ounce of this tension and excitement then it'll be a great watch. In fact if he's after pointers on what kind of tone to go for, he should be reading this rather than the original Rogue stories. Brink slips effortlessly back into dialogue-heavy mode without losing a scintilla of interest (the 'weird life' concept is great, looking forward to seeing how that develops) and how about this, even Skip Tracer pulls one of its unfortunately too infrequent killer episodes out the bag - I liked the little bit of misdirection with the bodyguards. And the 3hriller concludes with a satisfyingly grisly twist, although overall it's been a bit erratic.

All in all, a well above-average prog.
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: Theblazeuk on 07 February, 2019, 06:04:12 PM
Anyone enlighten me on what Dredd is referring to with 'Look at Guatemala'?
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: Arkady on 07 February, 2019, 06:22:32 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 07 February, 2019, 06:04:12 PM
Anyone enlighten me on what Dredd is referring to with 'Look at Guatemala'?

I wondered about that. Didn't jog any memories.
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: JamesC on 08 February, 2019, 10:03:49 AM
I don't like that cover at all - very fuggly.

Dredd was fantastic - I'm really enjoying this story. Script, art - everything is just top notch.

Skip Tracer - Just another uninspired episode. The art is quite nice though.

3riller - This one didn't grab me.

Brink - Outstanding.

Jaegir - I enjoyed it but there's something missing. I want the main characters to be a bit more developed and distinctive.
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: Proudhuff on 08 February, 2019, 04:42:32 PM
Loving Dredd, I take it the Big W has had some problems at his local store? :lol:

Great to see Jaegir back in the prog and loving The Bonegrinder...

Thriller doesn't need the grief its getting, I enjoyed this, must be one of the few (non Mills) stories that touches on our class system in the modern world.

Brink nicely done continuation after the crescendo last week

The cover could have done with simplification, too busy for my old diodes.
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: Proudhuff on 09 February, 2019, 03:05:56 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 07 February, 2019, 06:04:12 PM
Anyone enlighten me on what Dredd is referring to with 'Look at Guatemala'?

Doesn't ring any bells, its the kind of throw away line that the Big W does and other writers build a world around... all of which I love
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: Tiplodocus on 09 February, 2019, 07:15:07 PM
More good proggage.

DREDD, BRINK, JAEGIR all top drawer stuff. I even liked the cover - caught my eye even in thumbnail.

Much appreciated, Tharg.
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 12 February, 2019, 09:11:47 PM
Quote from: Proudhuff on 09 February, 2019, 03:05:56 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 07 February, 2019, 06:04:12 PM
Anyone enlighten me on what Dredd is referring to with 'Look at Guatemala'?

Doesn't ring any bells, its the kind of throw away line that the Big W does and other writers build a world around... all of which I love

I was wondering that too.  But I like it if it's not referring to anything in particular; makes you realise there's a whole rest of a world outside MC1.
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: I, Cosh on 13 February, 2019, 12:56:57 AM
Quote from: JayzusB.Christ on 12 February, 2019, 09:11:47 PM
Quote from: Proudhuff on 09 February, 2019, 03:05:56 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 07 February, 2019, 06:04:12 PM
Anyone enlighten me on what Dredd is referring to with 'Look at Guatemala'?

Doesn't ring any bells, its the kind of throw away line that the Big W does and other writers build a world around... all of which I love

I was wondering that too.  But I like it if it's not referring to anything in particular; makes you realise there's a whole rest of a world outside MC1.

To me it seemed obvious that this was not a specific reference but a throwaway line hinting at a wider world beyond what we see in Prog every week. I'm sure Mike Carroll will be able to get a tedious six-parter out if it in 2027.
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: Tiplodocus on 13 February, 2019, 11:54:04 AM
Ooh! Saucer of milk for The Cosh.
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: Molch-R on 13 February, 2019, 06:26:48 PM
Quote from: I, Cosh on 13 February, 2019, 12:56:57 AM
Quote from: JayzusB.Christ on 12 February, 2019, 09:11:47 PM
Quote from: Proudhuff on 09 February, 2019, 03:05:56 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 07 February, 2019, 06:04:12 PM
Anyone enlighten me on what Dredd is referring to with 'Look at Guatemala'?

Doesn't ring any bells, its the kind of throw away line that the Big W does and other writers build a world around... all of which I love

I was wondering that too.  But I like it if it's not referring to anything in particular; makes you realise there's a whole rest of a world outside MC1.

To me it seemed obvious that this was not a specific reference but a throwaway line hinting at a wider world beyond what we see in Prog every week. I'm sure Mike Carroll will be able to get a tedious six-parter out if it in 2027.

That is quite a mean and misjudged comment, Cosh. While everyone is entitled to their opinions, we do ask that users of our forum treat our creators and their work with the respect they deserve.
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: Tjm86 on 13 February, 2019, 07:34:21 PM
Quote from: Molch-R on 13 February, 2019, 06:26:48 PM
Quote from: I, Cosh on 13 February, 2019, 12:56:57 AM
[
To me it seemed obvious that this was not a specific reference but a throwaway line hinting at a wider world beyond what we see in Prog every week. I'm sure Mike Carroll will be able to get a tedious six-parter out if it in 2027.

That is quite a mean and misjudged comment, Cosh. While everyone is entitled to their opinions, we do ask that users of our forum treat our creators and their work with the respect they deserve.

Fair enough, but at the end of the day Carrol has form here.  Maybe it is worth phrasing it a little more elegantly but the critique is valid.  'Tedious' may perhaps be a poor choice of words but a number of recent Carrol strips share a commonality with Star Trek: Next Generation - an interesting set up that pique's interest, but a ending that fails to satisfy ...

Quite a few Dredd tales of late have fallen into the old 'conspiracy at the heart of justice dept' trope.  It has moved far beyond cliche.  Perhaps there is a case for arguing that readers deserve respect as well?
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: I, Cosh on 13 February, 2019, 11:07:30 PM
Quote from: Molch-R on 13 February, 2019, 06:26:48 PM
That is quite a mean and misjudged comment, Cosh. While everyone is entitled to their opinions, we do ask that users of our forum treat our creators and their work with the respect they deserve.
Yeah, fair enough.
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: broodblik on 14 February, 2019, 02:58:17 AM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 13 February, 2019, 07:34:21 PM
Quite a few Dredd tales of late have fallen into the old 'conspiracy at the heart of justice dept' trope.  It has moved far beyond cliche.  Perhaps there is a case for arguing that readers deserve respect as well?

I actually like his Dredd stories but he tends to have his stories fixed on certain themes
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: Theblazeuk on 14 February, 2019, 11:01:26 AM
To balance that out, I bloody love those six-parters and couldn't wait for the next part every week.
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 14 February, 2019, 11:21:50 AM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 13 February, 2019, 07:34:21 PM
Fair enough, but

The "but" rather cancels out the "fair enough", don't you think?
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: DrJomster on 14 February, 2019, 10:14:43 PM
Very pleased to see Jaegir back. Awesome art as always. I know I'm not saying anything new but it really does show the strength and depth of the Rogue Trooper world. Long may Jaegir continue in my books.

As for Dredd and Brink, well.. #PraiseBeToTharg

Good variety to the prog and a nice balance between old and new, which is good to see.
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: sheridan on 15 February, 2019, 01:41:25 AM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 14 February, 2019, 11:21:50 AM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 13 February, 2019, 07:34:21 PM
Fair enough, but

The "but" rather cancels out the "fair enough", don't you think?

The old hermeneutic rule - nothing someone says before the word 'but' really counts.
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: Tiplodocus on 15 February, 2019, 07:32:08 AM
Reg singing "If I was a sculptor... BUT then again, no..."
loses a bit of its meaning.
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: sheridan on 15 February, 2019, 09:47:45 AM
Quote from: Tiplodocus on 15 February, 2019, 07:32:08 AM
Reg singing "If I was a sculptor... BUT then again, no..."
loses a bit of its meaning.

Had to look that up!

The following line would be more positive though:
"I know it's not much, but it's the best I can do."
becomes:
"It's the best I can do."
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: Dandontdare on 15 February, 2019, 03:00:44 PM
If preceded by "I'm not being funny, but..." then it's usually true (the following sentence is rarely amusing) but if preceded by  "I'm not being racist, but..." then  it's usually false (the next sentence is invariably racist)
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: wedgeski on 15 February, 2019, 03:11:07 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 15 February, 2019, 03:00:44 PM
If preceded by "I'm not being funny, but..." then it's usually true (the following sentence is rarely amusing) but if preceded by  "I'm not being racist, but..." then  it's usually false (the next sentence is invariably racist)
The internet would prefer to eradicate the word "but", it seems. Too nuanced.
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: JamesC on 15 February, 2019, 03:13:14 PM
This shoudl probably be in the 'Stupid things..' thread BUT...

Some one generally said 'are you allowed to say that?' in reply to my comment that we have a blacksmith coming to gove a demonstration on Sunday. :lol:
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: sheridan on 20 February, 2019, 12:41:55 PM
Quote from: JamesC on 15 February, 2019, 03:13:14 PM
This shoudl probably be in the 'Stupid things..' thread BUT...

Some one generally said 'are you allowed to say that?' in reply to my comment that we have a blacksmith coming to gove a demonstration on Sunday. :lol:

*shakes head*

Though - haven't seen a blacksmith in some time - last time I can remember was while I was at school (quite a rural school, as you can probably guess - pretty sure that my local inner city schools haven't been visited by a blacksmith in the last century).
Title: Re: Prog 2117 - Hotzone!
Post by: Frank on 15 May, 2019, 09:37:44 AM
Quote from: JayzusB.Christ on 12 February, 2019, 09:11:47 PM
Quote from: Proudhuff on 09 February, 2019, 03:05:56 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 07 February, 2019, 06:04:12 PM
Anyone enlighten me on what Dredd is referring to with 'Look at Guatemala'?

Doesn't ring any bells, its the kind of throw away line that the Big W does and other writers build a world around... all of which I love

I was wondering that too.  But I like it if it's not referring to anything in particular; makes you realise there's a whole rest of a world outside MC1.

(https://i.imgur.com/5GIHwod.png?1)