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Spoilers => Megazine => Topic started by: jrdd on 13 September, 2020, 02:39:23 PM

Title: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: jrdd on 13 September, 2020, 02:39:23 PM
It feels a bit rude starting the thread, not having contributed to the reviews before...  Hope I'm not treading on anyone's toes, but I couldn't sit on my hands any longer - I reckon it's a stunning issue!

On initial flick-through I was a little disappointed at the lack of anniversary features, but, having read the issue, Matt's definitely made the right call:  The Meg just full to the brim doing what it does best, and I came away realising such features would not have added much value (so much has been said already).  The features we do have are a welcome Dave Hunt interview (including a page of photo-strip era Doomlord!) and a preview of the Battle Special (it sounds great too...).

The 2000AD Encyclopaedia is just sort of there with not much of an explanation.  It's clearly well produced, but I don't see that it's the sort of thing I will sit down and read each month.  In collected book form it has more appeal as a useful reference perhaps, at least until the following prog appears and makes it out-of-date  ;).  My favourite use of the floppy is for exploring the depths of the Treasury of British Comics archive, an interesting curiosity at the very least and uncovering the odd hidden gem at its best.

I'm not going to comment on individual strips, they all bring so much in their own way and have definitely got me looking forward to seeing where they go over the next few issues.  I must just give a mention to Dan Abnett who uses a style of story telling on Lawless that I thought was a brave move to sustain for 20 pages, but of course he steers it along with ease.

In some ways I'm a reluctant Meg reader, only coming on board for the Judgement Day crossover and drifting away until the following Wilderlands crossover, and yet here I am commenting on its 30th anniversary as a now long-time subscriber (you see Mr. Bishop, if you're reading, proof that the crossover strategy worked...).  Having seen a few low periods, and many re-launches, it's fantastic to see the Meg still around for its 30th and in such fine form.  Thanks to all involved over the years.  :thumbsup:

(By the way, does anyone else's art print show last issue's cover again?  Was quite looking forward to having one of this issue's great Greg Staples cover.  Not that I don't appreciate Cliff and Dylan's cover of course!)
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: broodblik on 13 September, 2020, 02:41:56 PM
Quote from: jrdd on 13 September, 2020, 02:39:23 PM
It feels a bit rude starting the thread, not having contributed to the reviews before...  Hope I'm not treading on anyone's toes, but I couldn't sit on my hands any longer - I reckon it's a stunning issue!

First come first serve  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Richard on 13 September, 2020, 03:01:51 PM
Yes anyone can start a review thread, it's a race!
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Eamonn Clarke on 13 September, 2020, 03:33:30 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/oH9SeAh.jpg)
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: dweezil2 on 13 September, 2020, 03:42:01 PM
Quote from: jrdd on 13 September, 2020, 02:39:23 PM

In some ways I'm a reluctant Meg reader, only coming on board for the Judgement Day crossover and drifting away until the following Wilderlands crossover, and yet here I am commenting on its 30th anniversary as a now long-time subscriber (you see Mr. Bishop, if you're reading, proof that the crossover strategy worked...).  Having seen a few low periods, and many re-launches, it's fantastic to see the Meg still around for its 30th and in such fine form.  Thanks to all involved over the years.  :thumbsup:


Have to agree with this.

I picked up the odd Meg in its first year, but it was the Wilderlands crossover epic that got me reading regularly and ultimately subscribing, many years later!
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Swerty on 13 September, 2020, 05:02:36 PM
Wonderful cover.Feel free to start a Prog 2199 thread
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: davidbishop on 13 September, 2020, 10:40:09 PM
Quote from: jrdd on 13 September, 2020, 02:39:23 PM
you see Mr. Bishop, if you're reading, proof that the crossover strategy worked...

Bwa-ha-ha! My opportunistic marketing spivery worked!
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: scrotnig on 14 September, 2020, 02:29:03 AM
Quote from: dweezil2 on 13 September, 2020, 03:42:01 PM
Quote from: jrdd on 13 September, 2020, 02:39:23 PM

In some ways I'm a reluctant Meg reader, only coming on board for the Judgement Day crossover and drifting away until the following Wilderlands crossover, and yet here I am commenting on its 30th anniversary as a now long-time subscriber (you see Mr. Bishop, if you're reading, proof that the crossover strategy worked...).  Having seen a few low periods, and many re-launches, it's fantastic to see the Meg still around for its 30th and in such fine form.  Thanks to all involved over the years.  :thumbsup:

I'm another who only started getting The Meg for Wilderlnads, and then I just stuck with it.
Have to agree with this.

I picked up the odd Meg in its first year, but it was the Wilderlands crossover epic that got me reading regularly and ultimately subscribing, many years later!
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: scrotnig on 14 September, 2020, 02:30:36 AM
Quote from: dweezil2 on 13 September, 2020, 03:42:01 PM
Quote from: jrdd on 13 September, 2020, 02:39:23 PM

In some ways I'm a reluctant Meg reader, only coming on board for the Judgement Day crossover and drifting away until the following Wilderlands crossover, and yet here I am commenting on its 30th anniversary as a now long-time subscriber (you see Mr. Bishop, if you're reading, proof that the crossover strategy worked...).  Having seen a few low periods, and many re-launches, it's fantastic to see the Meg still around for its 30th and in such fine form.  Thanks to all involved over the years.  :thumbsup:


Have to agree with this.

I picked up the odd Meg in its first year, but it was the Wilderlands crossover epic that got me reading regularly and ultimately subscribing, many years later!

I'm another who only started getting The Meg for Wilderlands, and then I just stuck with it.
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: JimmyNailz on 14 September, 2020, 10:24:43 AM
Happy Big Three-Oh to the Meg!

Dredd - action packed opener! Look forward to the rest of this one. I feel like its going to have big repercussions for Judge Beeney.

Megatropolis - I'm always enjoy an alt-universe and so absolutely LOVED this brand new thrill. Dreddworld meets Batman The Animated Series in style. Loads of cameos from alternative reality versions of characters we know and love/hate. Brilliant stuff!

Dreadnoughts: Breaking Ground - I'm a big fan of the JUDGES novellas so am thrilled to see more of the early years of the Justice Department in the Meg.  Chillingly on the nose.

Anderson Psi Division:  I must confess, I'm a bit lost to who is who in the Psi Div corner of Mega City One, but managed to keep up with this story.  Better than recent Anderson tales, and nice to have a single episode story, but I wasn't totally enamoured with it.

The Returners - As a recent Meg subscriber, I'm not 100% certain what the deal is with The Returners. Is it that they have their minds wiped then get sent on missions/heists? (I should probably just google this).  Anyway, besides, being uncertain as to the goings-on, I enjoyed this. Lovely art. Zingy dialogue. And always enjoy a story set in Brit Cit.

Deliverance - Always nice to have the Dark Judges return.  There is one particular Judge Death panel that is visually revolting but balanced out with a nice bit of humour, which is how I prefer my horror. Gorgeously grotesque!

Lawless - This is very much a personal, subjective thing, but I really don't like it when songs are used in comics, so an entire musical episode was a bit much for me (curse you Buffy The Vampire Slayer!!!!). I just can't decide on a tune in my head and this one has several songs within it.  I ended up reading most of it to the tune of Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious from Mary Poppins (expect the rap bit).  All that aside, the art is still incredible and for a musical episode it was done well, just not my cuppa tea.

Looking forward to Battle Of Britain and enjoyed the Dave Hunt interview (I'm currently reading The Mighty One by Steve Macmanus, so it was nice to get a slightly different perspective of that same era)

I too got last months print included, but don't mind too much (though this months cover definitely warrants a frame)

My Meg story, is that I remember getting the first few issues and picking up occasional ones for crossover stories, but only subscribed fairly recently when I caught up with Lawless.

 
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Bolt-01 on 14 September, 2020, 10:42:51 AM
Did any of the other Subbers get 'last' months cover as the art card or was it just me?
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: JimmyNailz on 14 September, 2020, 11:04:48 AM
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 14 September, 2020, 10:42:51 AM
Did any of the other Subbers get 'last' months cover as the art card or was it just me?

I did too (as did someone posting above). Shame, coz this months cover was particularly zarjaz!
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Magnetica on 14 September, 2020, 11:38:05 AM
Mine has just arrived and yes the print is last month's.

I am looking forward to reading the encyclopaedia. I much prefer that to a reprint of something I already have.
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: dweezil2 on 14 September, 2020, 12:08:57 PM
Quote from: scrotnig on 14 September, 2020, 02:30:36 AM
Quote from: dweezil2 on 13 September, 2020, 03:42:01 PM
Quote from: jrdd on 13 September, 2020, 02:39:23 PM

In some ways I'm a reluctant Meg reader, only coming on board for the Judgement Day crossover and drifting away until the following Wilderlands crossover, and yet here I am commenting on its 30th anniversary as a now long-time subscriber (you see Mr. Bishop, if you're reading, proof that the crossover strategy worked...).  Having seen a few low periods, and many re-launches, it's fantastic to see the Meg still around for its 30th and in such fine form.  Thanks to all involved over the years.  :thumbsup:


Have to agree with this.

I picked up the odd Meg in its first year, but it was the Wilderlands crossover epic that got me reading regularly and ultimately subscribing, many years later!

I'm another who only started getting The Meg for Wilderlands, and then I just stuck with it.

We should start our own subgroup, "The Wilderlands Gang!".  :thumbsup: :lol:
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: broodblik on 14 September, 2020, 01:07:53 PM
I am not a big fan of cross-overs but if it can gain audience then so much better
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Richard on 14 September, 2020, 11:35:32 PM
I also got last month's card. I also got three or four copies of it last month!
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: IndigoPrime on 15 September, 2020, 10:49:58 AM
Hopefully we'll get two cover cards next issue.
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Magnetica on 15 September, 2020, 01:33:10 PM
Did anyone get the right cover print?
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: MacabreMagpie on 15 September, 2020, 02:43:38 PM
2000AD's twits account has replied to someone that they're investigating with the printer what went wrong RE: the cover print and how they can put it right.
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Leigh S on 15 September, 2020, 02:53:02 PM
Hachette has clearly taken over responsibility for the cover print!
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Magnetica on 15 September, 2020, 02:54:29 PM
Quote from: MacabreMagpie on 15 September, 2020, 02:43:38 PM
2000AD's twits account has replied to someone that they're investigating with the printer what went wrong RE: the cover print and how they can put it right.

That makes sense - I was wondering how come they had such a large quantity of last month's print. Sounds more likely someone at the printers selected the wrong image.
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: dweezil2 on 15 September, 2020, 03:35:55 PM
Quote from: Magnetica on 15 September, 2020, 02:54:29 PM
Quote from: MacabreMagpie on 15 September, 2020, 02:43:38 PM
2000AD's twits account has replied to someone that they're investigating with the printer what went wrong RE: the cover print and how they can put it right.

That makes sense - I was wondering how come they had such a large quantity of last month's print. Sounds more likely someone at the printers selected the wrong image.

Maybe they could pop the print into next month's Meg?
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Art on 15 September, 2020, 04:12:43 PM
Well...

"Attention Squaxx Dek Thargo: due to interference from the Dictators of Zrag, an incorrect subscriber print was enclosed with Judge Dredd Megazine #424. The print of the #424 cover will be added to subscriber copies of  #425 next month. Tharg, in his awesome humility, apologies."

https://twitter.com/2000AD/status/1305885337340780545

Darn Zraggians.
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Laser Skeleton on 15 September, 2020, 06:00:23 PM
I thought this was a spectacular issue. Loved it!
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: dweezil2 on 15 September, 2020, 06:25:49 PM
Only read the Dredd story so far but it promises to be another classy Wagner story-full of action, high stakes and razor sharp dialogue!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Leigh S on 15 September, 2020, 06:37:29 PM
Didn't realise the Dredd was more than just a one off - this has made me extremely happy -  Can't imagine how daunting following Colin MacNeil must have been for Dan Cornwell, but  good job well done!
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: AlexF on 16 September, 2020, 09:14:58 AM
Killer issue and I haven't even finished it yet! Best Anderson story in years, such a clever idea to explore what happens when institutionalised psychics enter old age and lose control.
But it's got proper stiff competition from the latest in the Beeny saga, and then there's Dreadnoughts, which is basically the story we were promised but never got from 'Armageddon: the Bad Man' way back in Volume 2 issues 1-10. And then there's Megatropolis, stunningly beautiful and so far a ton of fun. I don't suppose there are many new readers of the Megazine who might not immediately undertsand that this is an alt-universe thing, but it's engaging enough even without all those nods and winks.
Talk about artists and strips - I already can't imagine anyone other than Dave Taylor attempting this.
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Proudhuff on 16 September, 2020, 11:24:35 AM
Quote from: davidbishop on 13 September, 2020, 10:40:09 PM
Quote from: jrdd on 13 September, 2020, 02:39:23 PM
you see Mr. Bishop, if you're reading, proof that the crossover strategy worked...

Bwa-ha-ha! My opportunistic marketing spivery worked!

He's not the messiah, he's a very naughty boy!
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: broodblik on 16 September, 2020, 11:39:04 AM
This was a great anniversary issue.  If you do not have a subscription then now is the time to jump onboard.

The two new strips Megatropolis and Dreadnoughts are my highlights. Two different and unique strips with some great artwork to add to the great new stories.

Great to read another Wagner Dredd story.

I love the art of Nick Percival on The Dark Judges story. His art is made for this dark gritty story.

First time in a very long time that I can say that Lawless was not my highlight in the Meg. I understand it is something different but I am no fan of musicals. I am not sure how to read this since my musical abilities are not existing. Reading it on the tune of "We Will Rock You" or "Sweet Child O' Mine" just do not work.


As I said an excellent meg 5/5
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 16 September, 2020, 12:17:13 PM
Yep, this is a good one. And like broodbilk this is the first time in an age where Lawless didnt take the number one spot for me- for the same reasons. I'm not one for musical comics- going right back to that Robo Hunter story in the prog back in the day, I've found them generally irritating.

That said, this one was better than most as the lyrics served the story and the story was fantastic as I would expect from Lawless. And, of course, the art was phenomenal.

But still, top thrills for me were Dredd, Megatropolis and Dreadnoughts- and of those I would not like to choose between them. While Dredd was as youd expect, a superb piece of writing and art, Megatropolis was instantly absorbing and probably the best example of art absolutely fitting the tone of the story in a way that is seldom gotten exactly right in comics... it was probably Dreadnoughts that impressed me the most.

I've not read the "Early judges" books, but the way this was ripped off the front pages of the newspaper (figuratively) in front of me and from the headlines of the news I'm watching while writing this actually put a shiver up my spine. If this were a lesser writer than Mike Carroll I'd worry that the mirroring of this story by current events would put the comic at risk of media ire for having dared to go there. As it is, I hope some media outlet picks up on it because this is 2000AD at its very best and proof if any were needed that comics can be relevant to people over the age of six.

I'm not a fan of these Judge Death spin off things- neither this one or Deadworld do much for me, but the art here is nice. The Anderson strip was perfunctory and stuck out like a sore thumb when surrounded by much better material and I have no idea what The Returners is about or why it is there.

Encyclopaedia part one was as I expected it to be. Are we to have this every month for the next year with no more comics? Hmm. Not happy about that, but hey ho.

SBT
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Eoin_McLove on 16 September, 2020, 02:43:53 PM
So I haven't bought a Meg (or Prog!) for several years now, and also haven't posted on here for six years! I'm looking to start again seeing as both are jumping on issues.

But is the Meg always £7.99 now or is the price just because it's an anniversary issue?
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Bolt-01 on 16 September, 2020, 02:55:41 PM
Previous issue was £5.99.
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: broodblik on 16 September, 2020, 03:08:36 PM
Quote from: Eoin_McLove on 16 September, 2020, 02:43:53 PM
So I haven't bought a Meg (or Prog!) for several years now, and also haven't posted on here for six years! I'm looking to start again seeing as both are jumping on issues.

But is the Meg always £7.99 now or is the price just because it's an anniversary issue?

As Bolt said this price is only for the anniversary issue
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: IndigoPrime on 16 September, 2020, 03:13:23 PM
And to clarify, the price-hike is because this is a bigger mag—more pages = higher price. (Also: perfect bound again.)
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Eamonn Clarke on 16 September, 2020, 03:34:21 PM
Do pages 12-13* make more sense if reversed?

*Going by digital edition numbering which calls the cover page 1
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Leigh S on 16 September, 2020, 03:59:17 PM
Yeah - looks that way! Same transposed pages i the physical as well, sadly - still it has been a while snce the grand tradition was upheld - it's pretty rare for 40 years of comics.... there was the whole episode of Firekind, a few speech bubbles on wrong pages - a Durham Red and a Rogue....?

Quote from: Eamonn Clarke on 16 September, 2020, 03:34:21 PM
Do pages 12-13* make more sense if reversed?

*Going by digital edition numbering which calls the cover page 1
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: broodblik on 16 September, 2020, 05:02:23 PM
Quote from: Eamonn Clarke on 16 September, 2020, 03:34:21 PM
Do pages 12-13* make more sense if reversed?

*Going by digital edition numbering which calls the cover page 1

Yep, it does now.  Thanks for highlighting that
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Colin YNWA on 16 September, 2020, 09:42:14 PM
Has anyone got the Lawless Badrock Melody to play? I've downloaded SoundCloud and everything buts its saying there's no actualy tracks... its not a joke I've been sucked into is it???
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: IndigoPrime on 16 September, 2020, 09:51:19 PM
It's there now. This is bonkers.

https://soundcloud.com/2000-ad/sets/lawless-the-musical
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Colin YNWA on 16 September, 2020, 10:11:54 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 16 September, 2020, 12:17:13 PM
Yep, this is a good one. And like broodbilk this is the first time in an age where Lawless didnt take the number one spot for me- for the same reasons. I'm not one for musical comics- going right back to that Robo Hunter story in the prog back in the day, I've found them generally irritating.

That said, this one was better than most as the lyrics served the story and the story was fantastic as I would expect from Lawless. And, of course, the art was phenomenal.


I was going to agree with this. I struggle to get the tune in my head and reading musical comics, even by masters is a chore rather than a pleasure. This one was smart though as it rolled the reason for the singing into the story which was quiet bit of genius in itself...

Then they made the songs.

THEY MADE THE FUCKIN' SOUNDS

and all of a sudden its one of the GREATEST things ever!
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 16 September, 2020, 10:26:04 PM
HOLY SHIT!

I take back everything I said and that is now the coolest thing in 2000AD history. And I am now SO going to listen to that while reading Lawless again *first thing in the morning*.

Brilliant.

SBT
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: broodblik on 17 September, 2020, 04:40:33 AM
Another article on what the meg could have been:

https://neotextcorp.com/culture/the-megazine-that-never-was/?ct=t(EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_19_09_02_COPY_01) (https://neotextcorp.com/culture/the-megazine-that-never-was/?ct=t(EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_19_09_02_COPY_01))

I find the concept of "Bad Company" quite interesting
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Colin YNWA on 17 September, 2020, 06:59:09 AM
Sorry got carried away with all the singing and dancing there. Have read the rest of the Prog and its a pretty solid read.

Dredd is an excellent, explosive start examining Judge Beeny and her relationship with her families past. Art shift could have been jarring, but both artists are so good it drifts past.

Megatropolois has a fantastic start. Stunning art by David Taylor and the noir corrupt cop story cast into an alternate Mega City One is a fantastic premise. A way to go but this is an excellent start.

Dreadnoughts as folks have said is grimmy timely and put together fantastically. His one isn't going to be fun, but it could well be very good.

Anderson PSI Division - I get that there's the idea that you have to have an Anderson story in these big Meg issues but it needs to mean something. It needs to add or say something. For me this was simply didn't alas.

The Returners Glad to have this one back and it looks amazing. Interesting down to earth start and we'll see how it develops.

Delieverance Wonderfully grim start and these stories have really engaged me in a way Dark Judges stories haven't for the longest time and this one starts with great potential.

Lawless - Well discussed already but its long, looks amazing and now comes with a free audio book! Genius.

Great text pieces, particularly the interview with Dave Hunt.

I was really looking forward to the Encyclopedia but the excecution was a bit wanting. Its as if they hadn't quite got it planned out as they started and didn't have time to edit back once they got going. So the 'A' entries wash around in open space while thr 'B' are all crammed into corners. Not sure what happened but hopefully can be tidied before the final print edition as it has such potential.

Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: broodblik on 17 September, 2020, 07:38:52 AM
Do anyone know why Colin did not finish the Dredd story ? Will Cornwell do the next two episodes or will Colin return ?
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: TordelBack on 17 September, 2020, 07:52:54 AM
Not feeling the Megatropolis love at all. Glorious atmospheric art, an interesting world, fairly conventional cops'n'corruption opener, but the pervasive alt.Dredd schtick, why?  I enjoyed the Mirror Universe Hershey intro, thought Amy Jara was a mildly clever idea, but by the time we got to 'Joe Rico' all I was thinking was OH DROKK OFF. And then it kept coming. And coming.

I have the greatest respect for 'Mr. Niemand' as a writer, but as a comedy conceit this was like a lead boot on an otherwise very lovely strip.
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 17 September, 2020, 08:04:38 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 17 September, 2020, 07:52:54 AM
but as a comedy conceit this was like a lead boot on an otherwise very lovely strip.

I'm not entirely sure why you think this is supposed to be funny, TB...? I'm pretty sure if it was meant to be, Ken would have put some jokes in it.

(Edit: by which I mean, it's clear the basic conceit is meant to amuse but Dave's deco-noir stylings wouldn't seem to be a good fit for 'comedy' and that doesn't seem to be where this is pitched.)
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: TordelBack on 17 September, 2020, 08:26:18 AM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 17 September, 2020, 08:04:38 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 17 September, 2020, 07:52:54 AM
but as a comedy conceit this was like a lead boot on an otherwise very lovely strip.
I'm not entirely sure why you think this is supposed to be funny, TB...? I'm pretty sure if it was meant to be, Ken would have put some jokes in it.

I assume it's meant to be funny,  because why else would you do it?  In the space of two pages there's Cal, Quincy, Slocum and effin' Fish. If that's not meant to be a gag, what exactly is it?  The idea of a noir art deco MC-1 I like,  even America and Rico as protagonists, but EVERY CHARACTER. It's like being hit over the head with Sc*j* script.
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 17 September, 2020, 08:43:41 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 17 September, 2020, 08:26:18 AM
I assume it's meant to be funny,  because why else would you do it?  In the space of two pages there's Cal, Quincy, Slocum and effin' Fish. If that's not meant to be a gag, what exactly is it?  The idea of a noir art deco MC-1 I like,  even America and Rico as protagonists, but EVERY CHARACTER. It's like being hit over the head with Sc*j* script.

Again, I'm not quite sure why you'd assume that. Lots of mirror/alt-universe stories in Star Trek/Stargate/et al play the actual stories completely straight — there's a meta-level of intellectual amusement for the viewer in seeing characters they know well play against type, or stick to type despite different circumstances. That was the vibe I got from the first page and, in the absence of actual gags, is what I assumed was the intent.

YMM, plainly, V, and I'm not going to try and convince you otherwise but, maybe, try to give it a chance with that more in mind?

(I recently had to restart reading a novel after a significant number of chapters because I realised that I wasn't enjoying it not because it was bad, but because I was reading it with the wrong tone in my head. Maybe that's not what's happening here, so feel free to ignore me on this.)
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: TordelBack on 17 September, 2020, 08:58:10 AM
Well indeed, and I wouldn't ask anyone not to like it - there's a lot to like.

I like a Mirror Universe story as much as the next nerd (Angelic and Deadworld for example), it's the relentless shoehorning of every single name... Fish wasn't even a person, and yet here is, a Judge-analogue.  It's as if Indendant Kira git some Klingons to gang up on a hapless bloke called Kobayashi Maru. It's so persistent and silly ('Joe Rico') that it takes away from something that I would otherwise enjoy.

A tonal mash-up too far for me!
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 17 September, 2020, 09:33:35 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 17 September, 2020, 08:58:10 AM
A tonal mash-up too far for me!

Ah, well. Enjoy the pretty pictures, then! :-)
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: TordelBack on 17 September, 2020, 09:36:34 AM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 17 September, 2020, 09:33:35 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 17 September, 2020, 08:58:10 AM
A tonal mash-up too far for me!

Ah, well. Enjoy the pretty pictures, then! :-)

Ah you know me, in a few months I'll be insisting it's the best story EVAH.
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: The Amstor Computer on 17 September, 2020, 10:00:07 AM
Quote from: broodblik on 17 September, 2020, 04:40:33 AM
Another article on what the meg could have been:

https://neotextcorp.com/culture/the-megazine-that-never-was/?ct=t(EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_19_09_02_COPY_01) (https://neotextcorp.com/culture/the-megazine-that-never-was/?ct=t(EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_19_09_02_COPY_01))

I find the concept of "Bad Company" quite interesting

There's some stuff in that article that looks very familiar, as well as a couple of pieces of art that I am pretty certain appeared for the first time like that in "Fantastic Adventures" (the Helltrekker design sketch and the Badlander art stand out, as I worked on scans of both to prepare them for print, and the Badlander piece in particular had to be assembled from multiple scans).

Ho-hum...
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: broodblik on 17 September, 2020, 01:16:35 PM
Article about the meg:

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/how-judge-dredd-megazine-is-celebrating-30th-birthday (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/how-judge-dredd-megazine-is-celebrating-30th-birthday)

It looks like we will be getting the encyclopedia until the 45th anniversary of the prog
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Colin YNWA on 17 September, 2020, 01:41:26 PM
Quote from: broodblik on 17 September, 2020, 01:16:35 PM

It looks like we will be getting the encyclopedia until the 45th anniversary of the prog

Which terrifyingly is less than 18 months away!
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: broodblik on 17 September, 2020, 02:15:57 PM
I am going to miss the variety we got with the floppies.
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 18 September, 2020, 11:08:23 AM
I haven't said this for a very long time, but I really love this month's Megazine.  It feels again like it did when it started - something you'd look forward to for a whole month.

Dredd is great - I wish Colin had done the whole thing, and I don't know why they switched artists, but it's a Wagner Dredd, a rare treat these days.

Lawless - I really didn't like the idea of an all-singing strip; I always struggle to find a tune that fits and end up being taken out of the story.  But then... Wow.  What can I say?  The highest praise I could possibly give a comics writer - Alan Moore, look and learn.  (That League of Extraordinary Gentlemen where half the comic is a song without a tune - nahh.)

Really love the Mike Carroll story - makes a whole lot more sense than Armageddon: The Bad Man if we're building Dredd's world, and Kenneth Niemand's alternative universe Dreddworld is lovely (sorry, Tordelback, but I just can't see how this is supposed to be a comedy strip).

Deliverance starts off strong, and I haven't read the other two strips yet, but keep up the good work, Meg-Tharg, I'm buying the Meg after not doing so for a long time.
Quote from: broodblik on 17 September, 2020, 04:40:33 AM
Another article on what the meg could have been:

https://neotextcorp.com/culture/the-megazine-that-never-was/?ct=t(EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_19_09_02_COPY_01) (https://neotextcorp.com/culture/the-megazine-that-never-was/?ct=t(EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_19_09_02_COPY_01))

I find the concept of "Bad Company" quite interesting


Thanks for this; it's a fascinating article.  A Cursed Earth strip by Alan Moore - god almighty, what might have been.
By the way, broodblik, the first episode of the aborted Wagner / Ezquerra Bad Company was printed in an old Megazine.  Can't remember which number, I'm afraid. 
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: broodblik on 18 September, 2020, 11:13:12 AM
Quote from: JayzusB.Christ on 18 September, 2020, 11:08:23 AM
By the way, broodblik, the first episode of the aborted Wagner / Ezquerra Bad Company was printed in an old Megazine.  Can't remember which number, I'm afraid.

If anyone can remember or know which meg please share the no
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Richard on 18 September, 2020, 12:44:17 PM
4.15
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: broodblik on 18 September, 2020, 12:48:51 PM
Quote from: Richard on 18 September, 2020, 12:44:17 PM
4.15

Thx but unfortunately I do not own any megs before 2003
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Max Headroom on 18 September, 2020, 01:08:57 PM
Broodblik - This aborted story also appeared at the end of 'The Complete Bad Company' graphic novel which you may own or want to pick up.
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: broodblik on 18 September, 2020, 01:20:54 PM
Quote from: Max Headroom on 18 September, 2020, 01:08:57 PM
Broodblik - This aborted story also appeared at the end of 'The Complete Bad Company' graphic novel which you may own or want to pick up.

Thanks, I do own it. Can not remember that I actually read it  :(.
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: broodblik on 18 September, 2020, 04:02:58 PM
Here is another article but mostly covered in the other articles:

https://downthetubes.net/?p=121511 (https://downthetubes.net/?p=121511)
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: wedgeski on 21 September, 2020, 10:47:53 AM
I'm amazed by how Wagner's Dredd remains so distinctive. As an opener to an amazing issue of the Meg, it was quite something.

I'm not hugely educated in the modern history of 2000AD...should we expect this to be a novelty one-off? Is Wagner even writing full time these days?
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: broodblik on 21 September, 2020, 10:53:23 AM
I think we will get less and less of Wagner's Dredd. We must enjoy it will it last. Wagner is still busy, he just recently released the awesome Rok the God.
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: repoman on 21 September, 2020, 09:05:53 PM
I'm not 100% sure about this new Judge Death story.

Obviously it's got the right people behind it but the set up (a Death-obsessed space cult) is a little lacking for me.

There was something so sinister about the Dominion and Torture Garden and that made them really stand out.  But I'm not sure how many times you can repeat the trick.

Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Proudhuff on 23 September, 2020, 12:05:11 PM
Well, with the exception of Judge Death getting his braces caught in the car door, everything about this Megazine is wonderful!! Well done Tharg for pulling this off under C19, Great to have the Big W back on Dredd and the Alt-Meg is a cracker too, the young Judges and lawless flawless too.
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Freddychopper on 23 September, 2020, 09:04:49 PM
Managed to grab the last copy my local WH Smiths. Was worried it had sold out. Fantastic issue on first glance. Only read Deliverance yet. Amazing grisly art and looks like a great start to the Torture Garden follow up. Noticed the paper quality inside seems better than usual as well but I'm guessing that's just for this Anniversary issue? Cuppa strong coffee and on to the rest!
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 25 September, 2020, 04:43:51 PM
Quote from: wedgeski on 21 September, 2020, 10:47:53 AM
I'm amazed by how Wagner's Dredd remains so distinctive. As an opener to an amazing issue of the Meg, it was quite something.

I'm not hugely educated in the modern history of 2000AD...should we expect this to be a novelty one-off? Is Wagner even writing full time these days?

Sadly not; he's been winding down to retirement for a long time now and only occasionally writes a Dredd script.  And you can't really blame him - he wrote Dredd almost single-handedly for decades, and the quality of his work never so much as wavered. 

On another note, while of course Mike Carroll and Rob Williams are playing a blinder, my favourite ever non-Wagner Dredd writer was Al Ewing, and I'd put some of his one-offs into the category of best Dredd one-offs ever, including Wagner's.  (Though I'll always have a lot of love for Grennie's first Planet Gary one-off too.)
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: ianlineham@yahoo.com on 25 September, 2020, 06:05:59 PM
Seriously, get the podcasts, and read Lawless with the soundtrack ...
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Darren Stephens on 25 September, 2020, 07:25:55 PM
Dan Cornwell knocks it out of the park on this. Great to see a more serious tone to his art. Superb stuff!
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: TordelBack on 25 September, 2020, 08:48:42 PM
Quote from: Darren Stephens on 25 September, 2020, 07:25:55 PM
Dan Cornwell knocks it out of the park on this. Great to see a more serious tone to his art. Superb stuff!

Yeah,  it's actually amazing how quickly I went from "shit, I was really enjoying Colin! ' to 'hey,  this is really good! '.  It's obvious Cornwell and Wagner have that all-important rapport.
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 25 September, 2020, 09:34:12 PM
Quote from: davidbishop on 13 September, 2020, 10:40:09 PM
Quote from: jrdd on 13 September, 2020, 02:39:23 PM
you see Mr. Bishop, if you're reading, proof that the crossover strategy worked...

Bwa-ha-ha! My opportunistic marketing spivery worked!


:lol: :lol:
Just noticed this post.

Didn't work on me, mind you - I couldn't afford the Meg back then anyway, and only read the rest of Judgement Day in later years. I didn't mind too much, though; I wasn't a fan of Ennis Dredd at all and didn't feel like I was missing out too much.  (Little did I know that I was missing quite a bit, given the quality of the rest of the Meg at the time.)

I did manage to read both sides of Wilderlands though, thanks to summer factory jobs and a far-too-tempting student overdraft.  Far from the greatest Wagner Dredd epic ever, but essential reading given the gripping political shindigs leading up to it and resulting from its conclusion.
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Apestrife on 27 September, 2020, 04:02:56 PM
Quote from: broodblik on 17 September, 2020, 04:40:33 AM
Another article on what the meg could have been:

https://neotextcorp.com/culture/the-megazine-that-never-was/?ct=t(EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_19_09_02_COPY_01) (https://neotextcorp.com/culture/the-megazine-that-never-was/?ct=t(EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_19_09_02_COPY_01))

I find the concept of "Bad Company" quite interesting

That Helltrekker page in colour. Wonder if it means a collection in colour is in the works?
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: The Sherman Kid on 27 September, 2020, 04:25:37 PM
Congratulations to all on 30 years!! An amazing achievement

Cover Perfect. One of the best ever -a real eye- catcher

Dredd Anything by Wagner and I'm in -great episode (do we know why the art changed mid-way?)

Megatropolis Mmmm not sure what to make of this. Love the art but it's by the numbers noir and I agree with Tordleback it comes across partly as very heavy handed 'humour'. I don't feel we need this alt-history spin-off. Been a while since we had a strip set in another city -that would be more interesting

Dreadnoughts Superb opening page, great start and very promising -One query though how does Glover just disregard a direct order without consequence -that was unclear. Still looking forward as to how this develops

Anderson Anderson generally seems to have fallen from her lofty heights where she used to have solid stories and interesting character developments. Now she comes across as rather staid and boring -which really needs turning around as she used to be a fan favourite -including me.

This story has a good title (nice touch dunthinkin  :D) and interesting premise but doesn't really go anywhere. The detail also seems off-
* Anderson can paralyse at will now?
*They carry boing wherever they go?
*Shakta is no longer blind but somehow still looks blind?
* She later thanks boss for getting 'resources' for sight -why wouldn't they do it, a PSI is valuable?
*Shakta orders pizza, watches netflix on phone or does something incredibly important whilst Anderson is in trouble just FEET away -with a whole page of dialogue passing before she returns.
*Some very clunky and off dialogue

Anderson needs a reboot methinks with fresh writers.

Deliverance A welcome return with the same exquisite artwork -bit of easy exit for Judge Death with another 'death cult', still intrigued to see where it goes

Lawless Loved it. the art is jaw-dropping in it's detail (can't believe they belted it out on the cloud -excellent  :lol:. A classic episode for me.







Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: TordelBack on 27 September, 2020, 08:23:14 PM
Quote from: The Sherman Kid on 27 September, 2020, 04:25:37 PM
One query though how does Glover just disregard a direct order without consequence -that was unclear.

I thought that it might be an indication that Glover actually understands the role and power of the Judges - her superior is still mired in ideas of policing and due process.
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Tiplodocus on 01 October, 2020, 03:49:30 PM
Well that was a very, very good Megazine. Well done on thirty years. Thank you Tharg and all your droids.

Every time I think about the audacity of LAWLESS THE MUSICAL, I chuckle to myself. Just sheer genius idea that is brilliantly executed. Who'd have thought we'd ever have to write "The writer, artist, letterer, singers and musicians knocked it of the park on this episode"?
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: maryanddavid on 02 October, 2020, 12:07:39 AM
It's amazing how Wagnery a Wagner Dredd is, great art too, superb.

MegaTropolis, good intro, It will be interesting to see where this goes, much prefer this to 'world Judge' stories. Fantastic art, reminded me of Warren mags for some reason.

I love Mike Carrolls world building and the art is great, I'd be happy to see this as a semi permanent feature like Lawless.

Anderson was a decent one off, low key. Big event Anderson stories never work for me, I much prefer the investigative stories, like the Possessed. I'd like to see where McHugh could take Anderson.

The Returners, I'm on the fence. Loved the first series, not so much the second. Spencer is a great writer and the art is lovely too. Wait and see!

Deliverance, not my cuppa. Frazer was the last time I think I enjoyed the DJ's properly, the DOC appearance was fun, but we never really got how they got away from PJ. It has it fans and tbf it's well written and drawn, just not for me.

Lawless was just great, like something from mid eighties W&G Dredd. The depth and quality of the world that the creators have made is on show when they can pull a story like this off.

Dave Hunt interview-  Dave is a great guy, nice interview and great to see him getting the recognition he deserves.

The Floppy, I rarely read them, (unless old or Treasury ones)  and then do a binge at Christmas. I was ambivalent when I heard about this, but its not bad, lot of stuff I had forgotten about! The only think I could say, more images!

Overall a great Meg, it has always struggles a bit with its identity. It has a good core of stories for the future Dredd, Lawless, Anderson, Carroll's proto Dredd world and Anderson if done well. A non Dredd world strip would be good too.





Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Tiplodocus on 03 October, 2020, 11:11:47 AM
I haven't been able to stop humming the LAWLESS tunes. I don't think a story has ever ingrained itself into me this way before.

Oh-oh! Maybe I actually have been denying myself. Maybe I like musical theatre more than Judge Dredd?
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Bolt-01 on 03 October, 2020, 01:10:27 PM
hmmm - has Judge Dredd ever said anything about how much he likes musical theatre?
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: DrJomster on 03 October, 2020, 11:00:38 PM
Quote from: maryanddavid on 02 October, 2020, 12:07:39 AM
It's amazing how Wagnery a Wagner Dredd is, great art too, superb.

So true!

Great Meg, folks! You've done us proud. Here's to the next thirty years!
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: dweezil2 on 03 October, 2020, 11:27:48 PM
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 03 October, 2020, 01:10:27 PM
hmmm - has Judge Dredd ever said anything about how much he likes musical theatre?

He probably said it with a hi-ex!  :lol:
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: JimmyNailz on 07 October, 2020, 03:20:30 PM
Finally got round to listening along to Lawless and now feel foolish for complaining about "songs in comics". That was brilliant! #VoteLawson
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Judge Olde on 22 October, 2020, 03:31:53 PM
I think this was the best Meg in 30 years! Fantastic, loved every page. More like this please :)
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: The Enigmatic Dr X on 21 April, 2021, 08:56:52 AM
I am just catching up on a Meg backlog; until last week, the last one I had read was April 2019.

While I am sorry for the necropost, I just have to say that (a) Dreddnoughts was the freshest thing I have seen in the Meg for a good while, and (b) the musical Lawless was dross of the highest ordure and really spoiled what would have otherwise been a smash out the park for the 30th anniversary.

Musical comic strips do not work, because you cannot rely on the reader to know the tune. It didn't work for Robo-Hunter in 1982, and it didn't work here.
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: TordelBack on 21 April, 2021, 10:32:42 AM
Did you try listening to the audio (https://2000ad.com/news/lawlessthemusical/), Dr. X? I was a bit negative going in myself, but it's really very good.
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: The Enigmatic Dr X on 21 April, 2021, 11:56:47 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 21 April, 2021, 10:32:42 AM
Did you try listening to the audio (https://2000ad.com/news/lawlessthemusical/), Dr. X? I was a bit negative going in myself, but it's really very good.

It's not mentioned in the Meg...
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Colin YNWA on 21 April, 2021, 12:21:43 PM
Wait until you hear it - its MAGNIFICENT!
Title: Re: Meg 424 - Thirty Megnificent Years
Post by: Swerty on 21 April, 2021, 01:18:54 PM
Quote from: The Enigmatic Dr X on 21 April, 2021, 08:56:52 AM
I am just catching up on a Meg backlog; until last week, the last one I had read was April 2019.

While I am sorry for the necropost, I just have to say that (a) Dreddnoughts was the freshest thing I have seen in the Meg for a good while, and (b) the musical Lawless was dross of the highest ordure and really spoiled what would have otherwise been a smash out the park for the 30th anniversary.

Musical comic strips do not work, because you cannot rely on the reader to know the tune. It didn't work for Robo-Hunter in 1982, and it didn't work here.

It did work for Robo Hunter in 1821
I enjoyed it very much