I always enjoy reading the review threads, but don't often contribute to them. Anyway, it's Monday, and I've had my prog since Saturday, so it seems like for once I'm ahead of the pack!
So, Dredd - art terrible, story interesting.
Hershey - art great, story a bit nasty, and I'm still bemused at how healthy Hershey is (I know she is faking being dead, but she was always seriously ill).
Slaine - looks fab, story unoriginal but still engaging.
Vex - still bonkers good.
Red - good in an old skool way.
Cover by Neil Roberts:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ErH2GQUXAAArf-D?format=jpg&name=large)
Cover plus logo:
(https://i2.wp.com/www.comicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Screenshot-2021-01-08-11.36.00.png?resize=768%2C997&ssl=1)
Very good Prog, not great, but...
Dredd. Look I'm going to say it I'm struggling with Will Simpson's art a bit. I've always loved it but its getting a little loose and fuzzy at the edges for me now. Mind I still love the way he draws Dredd's lips! The story is solid.
Hershey just brilliant its hard, its bitter and its very, very good. The art is just sublime too.
Slaine well its doing Slaine very well isn't it. Its so very Slaine, so absolutely Slaine. The trouble is I've not really enjoyed Slaine - the odd story aside - for like 25 years or something. Its takes 8 lush pages to say almost nothing and certainly nothing new.
Proteus Vex on the other hand is just superb. It looks brilliant and its nicely different to what we've had before and I really enjoyed the indirect insight into our lead.
Durham Red okay it lost me for a second when ... something exploded.... I mean stuff explodes in 2000ad all the time but here I wasn't sure what it was. Then I read it again and I did. Fine I got it. The trouble is this would normally really throw me out the story and kill the tale. The thing is this is really good. It has an old school charm and a modern edge. Its just plain fun and - one explosion aside - fantastically crafted.
Good prog just not without its prioblems.
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 11 January, 2021, 08:49:23 PM
Its takes 8 lush pages to say almost nothing and certainly nothing new.
This is the essence of modern Slaine! And this series is indeed the Slaine-iest of all Slaines!
I won't be reviewing this weeks prog in detail because I only just did the previous weeks yesterday, and nothing much has changed for me. Slaine looks FANTASTIC (that underwater bit especially) but says nothing yet still top thrill for me this week. Vex looks good but felt a little ponderous this week story-wise. Durham Red looks good too but finding this tale a bit slight. Dredd looks awful and not digging the story - the back up cast lasted less time than expected! Hershey is not for me at all.
This prog was good not the best we had but still enjoyable. Story wise must of the stories is starting to pick-up some direction, but it was the art this round that gets most of my attention. Nice bonkers cover by Neil Roberts to semi-warp the prog.
Dredd – Everything was fine and then everything was not as this chapter ends our heroes in a bit of a pickle. This round the art worked much better, the colouring at least did not reflect the same messiest as the previous episode. The story is still going strong and I am interest in how Dredd gets out of this one.
Hershey- This was a particularly good episode, and the path of destruction is set. Simon's art is a real strength for the story. The use of less colour set the tone for each panel.
Slaine – So no more, say no more but the art is just fantastic. The story has not got more momentum and I am now more infested into the last warp-spasm of Slaine. Yes, but before I forget the art is great.
Proteus Vex – The sci-fi romp continues, and the variation and variance of aliens and creatures keeps me wanting more. This is a great story by Carroll with Lynch providing great visuals.
Durham Red – This has now become a standard give-me-what-I -want-or story, still it is interesting, and we know how this will end.
It looks like this year might be a busy one for Edginton with another reveal of what is to come. So, more Fiends and Scarlet Traces.
What a cover!
Indeed. I'd seen it online but in the 'flesh' - fantastic.
Top quality coverage there Neil.
Really enjoyed the rest of the prog too.
Really spectacular cover, highlights just how strong a design Vex is as he moves through the hands of very different artists and remains instantly recognisable - think we have an enduring 2000AD character on our hands.
Good to see Scarlet Traces returning, could this be the final chapter, now all the characters are (nearly) back on Earth?
The Dredd feels a bit like a missing chapter from Carroll's 'Black Snow' sequence (wittily over-titled 'Dredd in the Land of the Soviets' by a certain AlexF), or 'Deep in the Heart', neither of which would be my favourites from his work, but I can't deny that I'm intrigued to see where it goes.
Unfortunately the high-concept setting doesn't really suit Simpson's lovely character-focused art. I sometimes have no idea what the characters were looking at. Million-dollar tanks? Where? I find myself imagining what D'Israeli or Googe could have done with the brief 'Death Belt Ewok Village'.
That said, I really do love the smoky, visceral action Simpson draws, and above all else his craggy Dredd, another chunk of lofted rock in motion. More of this, please!
I've considered mentally replacing resurrected Hershey with a resurrected Aimee Nixon with an undercover Hershey face-job, and enjoying the very pretty story on that basis. Maybe one day.
Sláine. Manco's beautiful art eases back a bit on the stuffing and becomes much more enjoyable for me. I'm pleased to see that he's gone for a mix of 2- and 4-legged dragons, bridging the considerable design gap between Dragonheist and Horned God, with a healthy nod to Bellardnelli in his red female dragon.
I've no problem with the story being simple, Sláine has found new purpose and is coming to destroy New Troy in vengeance for the events on the Isle of Man, a direct continuation of the last episode of Brutannia Chronicles. He's also coming to terms with the truth and meaning of his origins. In some ways this would have worked better positioned as a conclusion to that story, and I wouldn't be surprised to learn that was the original plan: it always seemed odd that most of the events in the 'Brutannia Chronicles' didn't take place in Britain.
What does puzzle me a bit is why Sláine seems to be moving from Ballina to Enniscrone on his journey from the Isle of Man to London, but maybe all will be revealed.
Proteus Vex continues in high style, a well-balanced mix of space mystery, violence and striking visuals. Interested to see if Andrum is really a wee pilot-person too. May need to re-read that bit.
Durham Red chucks a nice baddie design Inyo an already stylish story, particularly enjoying the colours.
Neil Roberts has drawn Vex fantastically there, in a real dramatic, action-packed pose. Unfortunately the lurid background is a bit of a distraction.
I can't believe I've butchered the work of a highly-respected art droid, but... I reckon something like this would have looked better:
(https://i.imgur.com/ullcvNI.jpg)
Sorry Neil (sheepish emoji).
norton I like your take on the cover it gives it a very sci-fi feel.
Norton's version is very stylish and eyecatching indeed, but I think the kaleidoscopic background speaks to the wider technicolour weirdness of the setting, which is as big a part of the strip as the titular character.
I suppose it's a toss-up between a striking character cover, and trading on/promoting the appeal of the strip.
Quote from: TordelBack on 14 January, 2021, 09:16:50 AM
Norton's version is very stylish and eyecatching indeed, but I think the kaleidoscopic background speaks to the wider technicolour weirdness of the setting, which is as big a part of the strip as the titular character.
I suppose it's a toss-up between a striking character cover, and trading on/promoting the appeal of the strip.
I agree. The cover background is integral to it's design. I see where Norton is coming from, though.
Anyway. After thoroughly derailing the thread, onto the prog's contents (don't worry, I won't be rewriting chunks of dialogue)
Desperadlands: a solid Carroll script coming across a bit by-numbers but I'm sure that's because the story is really intended as a showcase for Will Simpson's vividly vibrant art. He's obviously having a whale of a time, channelling his inner Pollock with the spatter and switching between styles from frame to frame. It's almost like two or three different artists have drawn Dredd himself.
Hershey: For a series that's supposed to represent a fresh start it contains a few too many callbacks, especially since I wasn't around for most of Dirty Frank's backstory. And it feels like with the boxing stuff Hershey's taking a bit of a convoluted route to get to Edu. Still, nothing wrong with a bit of slow-burn.
Slaine: Taking it right back to basics, this is just great. If, as it appears, this is going to be the last time we see Slaine it would be fantastic to have it go out with us wanting more, rather than just limping away.
Vex: Lovely stuff, proper hardcore space opera with a glam flourish. Jake Lynch's boisterous artwork is a heady cocktail of Mike McMahon, Jim Baikie and Ramon Sola. I'd love to see Vex and Midnight guest in a Dredd story.
Red: Also fantastic, and just the sort of thing that would make great TV action drama. Top marks for floating jellyfish brain villain and for introducing her with no explanations!
Finally, I guess the 2000 AD accountant droids might disagree, but I'm all in favour of expanding the length of strips so that we get a story on the back page instead of an advert.
Quote from: norton canes on 15 January, 2021, 10:52:27 AM
Finally, I guess the 2000 AD accountant droids might disagree, but I'm all in favour of expanding the length of strips so that we get a story on the back page instead of an advert.
Cannot remember the last time that we literally only had story no nothing else. I am also more for this...
Potential Cover of the Year for me. I want this on a tee-shirt.
I'm really enjoying this Dredd. Great characters from Carroll as always. I'm really loving Will Simpson's take on this too. Its making great use of his GoT bloody body count experience too.
Finally, something intriguing about Hershey with the flashback to Judge Sam's demise.
Wow, Slaine. I'm loving this! Every page turn brings a bigger smile to my face. The third party reporting-to-your-boss narrative is a great device.
The change of pace of Proteus Vex from complex world building to full throttle action is great. Plus any episode with Midnight Indicating Shame warping out is a thumbs up from me.
Durham Red is ramping up to be a great Assault on Precinct 13. Any suggestions for a John Carpenter soundtrack to go with this? I'm thinking Ghosts of Mars.
Quote from: Southstreeter on 11 January, 2021, 05:32:57 PM
I always enjoy reading the review threads, but don't often contribute to them.
I can empathise. I've been a lurker for too long. My New Year's resolution is to make more of an effort.
Quote from: TordelBack on 13 January, 2021, 04:36:18 PM
I've considered mentally replacing resurrected Hershey with a resurrected Aimee Nixon with an undercover Hershey face-job, and enjoying the very pretty story on that basis.
Like! Aimee would've been a great candidate for this story.
Quote from: TordelBack on 13 January, 2021, 04:36:18 PM
What does puzzle me a bit is why Sláine seems to be moving from Ballina to Enniscrone on his journey from the Isle of Man to London, but maybe all will be revealed.
He's clearly on his way to Medb's tomb at Knocknarea in Sligo. That's The End.
Norton - I love your alternative cover but Neil's psychedelic original is a home run.
Quote from: Andrew_J on 16 January, 2021, 12:27:27 AM
He's clearly on his way to Medb's tomb at Knocknarea in Sligo. That's The End.
Genius!
Quote from: Andrew_J on 16 January, 2021, 12:27:27 AM
I can empathise. I've been a lurker for too long. My New Year's resolution is to make more of an effort.
Same - and given this is already the 2nd prog of the year I guess I really should start making good on that.
I really want to like
Dredd but the art is making it hard to follow who's doing what to who and where. It's a cool set up though and it'll be interesting to see where it goes - there's a few less red shirts to keep track of now too.
Hershey on the other hand looks great but the story isn't really pulling me in.
If this is the final ever
Slaine then so far it's shaping up to be an epic exit. Those dragons are absolutely stunning. The story might be slight so far but I'm loving this.
Good to see some action in
Proteus Vex after last weeks backstory heavy episode. This is the perfect combo of story and art and probably the overall best strip in the prog right now (imo).
Bringing us to
Durham which is another tale that's just not really grabbing me. I can't really pinpoint why though, the art's great, there's plenty of action, cool baddies. All the elements of a great 2000AD story are there, I'm just not feeling it.
Just been catching up from Xmas onwards and thoroughly enjoying the current line-up.
Apologies if its been asked on an earlier thread, but is SLAINE's attack on knights and their "code", earlier in the story, a not-so-subtle dig by Uncle Pat on Sir Jason Of Kingsley and his love of shing armour? As everyone seems to agree, that art though!!!
Durham Red is highlight of the current line-up for me. Great job showing why Red is very much an anti-hero (what with her habit of getting a bit "hangry") and setting up an Assault On Precinct 13-esque story.
Quite enjoying Hershey from a "its just the delusions of a dying woman" stand point.
Proteus Vex is an enjoyable Hitcherhikers Guide With Guns.
Dredd is letting the side down a little. Art aside, i prefer Mega City One based Dredd tales.
Solid progging!
Quote from: JimmyNailz on 16 January, 2021, 12:14:34 PM
Apologies if its been asked on an earlier thread, but is SLAINE's attack on knights and their "code", earlier in the story, a not-so-subtle dig by Uncle Pat on Sir Jason Of Kingsley and his love of shing armour?
It's certainly a plausible reading (and definitely amusing, and in keeping with Mills' body of work), but equally it's not like this is the first or even the third time Sláine has had a beef with shiny kerniggits, and those earlier 'attacks' pre-date Rebellion. I choose to enjoy the not-very-subtext.
On the topic of Sláine,
Brutannia ended with the warped one re-naming himself 'Sláine Mac Macha', so I'm a bit puzzled by this week's almost-biblical recitation of patrilineal descent. I do like the idea of his merging his warrior and druidical halves, it's in keeping with his overall journey towards balance, and I hope we get to see him communicate his new understanding to Kai before we're done.
Talking about Slaine: I read on Pat's twitter that he and Rebellion have an agreement that no-one except him will write Slaine. So hopefully we get a proper send-off with the current series. So far the art for me has played its part but the script is still a little bit lacking.
So what day does the subscribers copy come out these days?
I know it used to be Saturday and then we had the time lag towards 2-3 days later for a Monday / Tuesday but I'm still awaiting proggy 2214 and can't tell if its a week late or not yet? :think:
I agree with the comments about the current line up and Slaine, this would indeed be a fine finale, go out with the story all told and some truly superb artwork, rather than years more aimless wandering about. We just need Ukko to make an appearance and they can toddle off into the solstice sunset...
Quote from: Jacqusie on 16 January, 2021, 07:44:29 PM
So what day does the subscribers copy come out these days?
I know it used to be Saturday and then we had the time lag towards 2-3 days later for a Monday / Tuesday but I'm still awaiting proggy 2214 and can't tell if its a week late or not yet? :think:
I agree with the comments about the current line up and Slaine, this would indeed be a fine finale, go out with the story all told and some truly superb artwork, rather than years more aimless wandering about. We just need Ukko to make an appearance and they can toddle off into the solstice sunset...
Never anymore, unfortunately!!
The Dredd art is terrible. It looks like it's been done in crayon by a 1
Dunno what happened there. I was going to say...
The Dredd art is terrible. It looks like it was done by a 15 year old art student in my eyes. The Dredd in the opening panel is a good example. It feels blocky and unsuited to a comic strip.
I get this is a style. I get that not everyone will like it, but I fear it looks amateurish and puts off casual readers. I know it isn't. I know Will Simpson is an experienced artist.
So, it's just not for me. It's not helped by an action orientated strip (page three has a Yaaah!, Guk!, Gaah! and Aaah! across it). This, and the art, makes the whole story feel childish to me.
Quote from: The Enigmatic Dr X on 19 January, 2021, 03:30:27 PM
Dunno what happened there. I was going to say...
The Dredd art is terrible. It looks like it was done by a 15 year old art student in my eyes. The Dredd in the opening panel is a good example. It feels blocky and unsuited to a comic strip.
Some of the textures look like crayon, but I geuss it's paint. Some panels (eg the second on page 1, with the building in the background) feel rushed and unfinished.
I get this is a style. I get that not everyone will like it, but I fear it looks amateurish and puts off casual readers. I know it isn't. I know Will Simpson is an experienced artist.
So, it's just not for me. It's not helped by an action orientated strip (page three has a Yaaah!, Guk!, Gaah! and Aaah! across it). This, and the art, makes the whole story feel childish to me.
Quote from: sintec on 16 January, 2021, 10:39:46 AM
Quote from: Andrew_J on 16 January, 2021, 12:27:27 AM
I can empathise. I've been a lurker for too long. My New Year's resolution is to make more of an effort.
Same - and given this is already the 2nd prog of the year I guess I really should start making good on that.
Me too, have enjoyed the art droid tournaments on here and wanted to start 2021 by doing some Prog ratings and contribute :cool:
So here are my top 3 for Prog 2214
1st - Proteus Vex. Great writing, starting to get this character a bit more now. This ep was well done
2nd - Hershey. Colours, art style
3rd - Slaine. Nice work calling out the bloodline in battle