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[Dredd]

Certainly a smaller prog in terms of the total stories, but still equally as entertaining.

Dredd -- I would have been happy for this to be longer, but Niemand prioritizes an efficient narrative and doesn't waste a panel. Who Killed Captain Cookies? might not have been the murder-mystery I was looking for, and yet that subversion was most welcome. Noam is a suitable heir to Cookies' thrown. I'm excited for A Penitent Man.

Thistlebone -- Simon Bowland is the dark horse of this series, with some of his best lettering since ABC Warriors: The Volgan War. Everything else is great, of course, but it's definitely the lettering that sells this novel being written about something inherently sinister lurking within the woods.

NAKKA of the S.T.A.R.S. -- Gloriously silly, delightfully simple. Penny won the raffle!

Feral & Foe II -- I'm totally unfamiliar with this story but, despite it being twice the length of a typical story, it flowed nicely and was a gentle introduction to this bizarre world.

[Dredd]

I'll preface my review with this simple statement: What. A. Prog.

Dredd -- "Because they think ideas are dangerous?" It's thoughtful, entertaining and glazed in delightfully Dredd-ish bizarreness. I like seeing Chimpsky become increasingly more committed to making a positive difference in a world where tyranny and order are two sides of the same coin.

NAKKA of the S.T.A.R.S. -- Quite the lightness of touch to see Nakrosky balancing his work with village duties. Two entries into this 3RILLER, and it's progressing very nicely. Seeing Penny and Nakrosky investigate in their own unique ways was a clever contrast; one being personal, the other formal.

Thistlebone -- Suitably grim, with pagan themes befitting of its tone. Such an unexpected turn to introduce simplistic art for a flashback in the midst of Davis' detailed illustrations.

Proteus Vex -- I admittedly haven't been a fan of this series from Part 1 but, truth be told, credit where credit is due, this was an excellent conclusion. The writing was strong, the art forthright and its ending relatively ambiguous as to what happened to Midnight Indicating Shame. Maybe I should give this a second-read.

Durham Red -- Another fitting conclusion to what has been, for me, the Prog Highlight since its run began. So many understated moments, as well as strikingly simple art and a clear arc for characters like Sheriff and Red. Considering John Carpenter is my favourite director, Worley was absolutely spot on in making this an effective siege plot.

Prog Rating - 5/5

[Thrills Of The Future]

Thrills Of The Future is plugging the return of Lawless later in the year.

YESSSSSS!!!!!

"It's the town that puts the 'DROKK' back into Badrock!"

This is one of those publications where I continued reading in the hope that it got better and ended by just reading it to get it done.  I was surprised that this was my take on it since I have never read a Pat Mills story which I did not like (even if it felt like a repeat and his obsessive focus on anti-authority story-lines).

That's a shame, man. Can't say I blame you as it is definitely provocative in its themes, but that's why l loved it. I felt it had flare.

Don't know if anyone has asked this already, but what did you all think of Pat Mills' Spacewarp?

Topics merged—IP

A fairly enjoyable prog. Looking forward to some new thrills in a couple of weeks though. Really enjoyed Dredd again, everything else feels like it could've been wrapped up quicker (or maybe I'm just one of them Earthlets who impatiently wants shiney new things and wants them NOW!)

In regards to the letters page and the complaint about Tharg being "too political" min the "Journey of the Plague Years Damage Report". I hadn't even noticed these notes in amongst small print of the Nerve Centre until Earthlet Wilks. Now I'm going to have to go back through a years worth of progs to catch up on what I missed.  Though can I here and now voice my displeasure at Tharg's mocking of 'Police Academy 4' which I consider the series at its absolute best. I read 2000AD to get away from real-world film critiques I don't agree with - its the last thing I want as a reader!

I'm Earthlet Wilks! I must tip my hat to Tharg for publishing my mail. It was a lovely gesture, irrespective of whether it's a notion he agreed or disagreed with. Part of what makes 2000AD so special for me is the clear willingness of Tharg and his Droids to embrace feedback. It means a lot as a fan.

PS: I've only seen the first two Police Acamedy movies. "I hate to break it to you, sir, but I'm straight!"

[Dredd]

Is it just me or does anyone else enjoy the commercial pages? I find them a great break from the stories, and surprisingly effective in making me buy more 2000AD. Anyway, to the Prog!

Dredd -- Like Tjm86, I agree there is little to decipher as the plot develops. I stand by Who Killed Captain Cookies' having Watchmen potential in its murder mystery, which it has lost a bit. But, I give Niemand credit for taking this story to unexpected places; Dredd interrogating Chimpsky was a highlight.

Nakka of the S.T.A.R.S -- Is there a better title out there? Criticisms aside, this was a delightful read. The story exists in a strange nebulous future where the old is mixed with the new, and the art is beautifully executed. It's a police procedural with a somewhat standard set-up, so I'm excited for future instalments.

Thistlebone -- Another slow and considerate entry that increases the atmosphere. Not much to say, other than some well-crafted dialogue sequences.

Proteus Vex -- I can't remember what happened, which, for me, is indicative of this entire story.

Durham Red -- Pure thrills! It's lean, mean storytelling with a strong protagonist. Red being as vulnerable as she is powerful is what sells this premise. Economical, memorable and effective.

[Dredd]

Dredd -- An effective start to a promising series. It was nicely paced with a reliance on dialogue, building anticipation for the following entries. Dare I say I was thinking of Watchmen with its 'murder mystery' tones. Absolutely exquisite colors from Quinton Winter and, as always, Niemand is proving time and again why he is rightfully a recurring writer in this world.

Slaine -- More of the same, I guess. Amazing art that feels as if it's compensating for the story's shortcomings. Can't say this is something that floats my boat so I'm glad it's finishing soon.

Thistlebone -- I felt this was a tightly written introduction regardless of previous continuity. Simon Davis' art is effortlessly complex. I wouldn't say it's one that lasted long in my memory, but I appreciate its effective writing.

Proteus Vex -- Nah. More exposition for a change.

Durham Red -- A very satisfying change of pace. Seeing Warren Hardladder (perhaps a touch ridiculous there) and Durham Red render themselves vulnerable was incredibly restraint for what has been an enthralling action comic.

Prog Rating -- 3/5

[Dredd]

The placement of these Regened progs is, admittedly, somewhat askew. Instead of acting as a temporary lapse from ongoing weekly stories, they would work much better as a break once said stories are finished. Criticisms aside, though, Prog 2220 was entertaining - if not entirely memorable.

Dredd -- Can't say I thought long and hard about this strip, but it was light fun. I enjoyed the Robot Wars reference, and that's about it.

Action Pact -- Had no idea what was happening in this one. I would attribute this to the art, which was stylish but somewhat indecipherable. I had a tough time navigating the story.

Viva Forever -- Great fun. Pippa Bowland's colors are delightful and Baillie's writing is smart, although nine tips was a bit overkill. I think the rule of three would have propelled this story into being brilliant. Less is more, after all.

Geeno Firenzo -- Its execution is a bit rough, but I liked what Karl Stock explored here. Scathing critiques of society and, more specifically, the phone generation, but these Future Shocks have often suffered from feeling overstuffed. Once again, less is more - at least for me.

Mayflies -- Completely agree with everyone that this steals the show. Rogue Trooper has always been more than just about Rogue. There's so much to explore in the world that a continued series of these characters would be very much welcome.     

[Destiny's Child]

Destiny's Child -- A resonant tale that humanizes Dredd ever so slightly, whilst reinforcing how densely overpopulated Mega City-One has proven to be. As a citizen, you are only one of many, and your voice is often lost in the disparate cries of many more. It's a great example of Niemand's range.

Megatropolis -- Wow! This story goes from strength to strength. The plot is carefully unravelling itself, and Niemand is embracing his inner-Alan Moore with some clever juxtaposition of multiple narratives. Taylor's art is especially important in conveying this, with some captivating fiery tones contrasting cooler blues. I also greatly appreciate the application of cinematic techniques here, predominantly the framing and lighting of panels. Unbelievable craftsmanship at work here.

Dreadnoughts --No one illustrates rain like John Higgins. What a badass. There's a lightness of touch that makes this story more personal than anticipated, as Glover is revealed to be a mother, tying the childhood undertones together. Very excited to see the follow-up to this.

The Returners -- A bittersweet tale after the passing of Si Spencer. His storytelling is dialogue-driven with an emphasis on atmosphere, which this story has in spades. The shift in panels to a muted WW1 color scheme is understated.

Deliverance -- The Dark Judges are back in town! Everything else is pretty good, too.

Meg Rating -- 5/5

[Judge Dredd]

Judge Dredd -- Niemand is proving to be a tour de force as a Dredd writer with another simple but effective tale that humanizes mailmen working tirelessly to please customers. The cityscape detail is phenomenal and has a strong "concrete jungle" aesthetic. Partially over-reliant on exposition in parts, but that's a small nitpick.

Slaine -- It's all proficiently crafted - stellar art, great lettering and deliberate paneling - but the story continues to do nothing for me. It's hollow, boring and, honestly, as an introduction to this character, I find Slaine to be a perfect character - dare I say Gary Stu? - who isn't challenged enough. Spacewarp is latter day Mills at his most scathing and entertaining. 

Proteus Vex -- Nah. Consider me untaught but, as someone who knows nothing about this world, I don't think it succeeds in welcoming new readers. It's entrenched in exposition and I seriously have no idea what is happening. (That small Vex thing looks like something out of Dark Knight Strikes Again).

Durham Red -- This continues to be the Prog Highlight. Deceptively simple, striking colour palette and ripe with twists and turns. Alec Worley is quickly becoming one of my favourite writers.

Hershey -- A great end to a great story. I'm relatively new to the Prog so other fans' issues haven't concerned me. Irrespective of legacy or necessity, I loved it. It uses non-linear storytelling effortlessly and unpretentiously, as well as being constantly bolstered by delightful art. Bravo, Rob Williams!

Prog Rating -- 3/5