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**** ALL SPOILERS *******
Great cover and even greater Flint art on the Dredd section. Niemand pitches the set up well and the dynamic between Alpha and Dredd rings true. Flint's Alpha is glorious. The 2000 A-lternative D-imensions thing from Helter Skelter never really worked for me
The other stories only feel tangentally connected to the Dredd, despite it acting as a framing narrative
Rogue Trooper is OK - great art again - couple of oddities - having other (dead) GIs wandering around makes sense I suppose, though the art had him looking so fresh that it caused a bit of dissonnance. From the Quartz zone I'd expect it to be crustier - felt like it needed some explanation there - also the "killing" of Rogue at the end isnt very clear (and looks like it is straight through the chip!)
Not to drag over the other stories in detail, but just to say they run off with the idea of "Zombies" to greater or lesser effect, but completely disregard that the Zombies (at least Sabbat's zombies) are magic based, rather than a disease or other such, so they dont really addd anything.
Stront comes back with some nice Staz Johnson art, but pedant mode has to be engaged here - Torso was killed years before the events of Judgement Day, as was more obviously Wulf, so why are they here other than fan service? You can say "different time line" but the starting conceit of the strip appears to be a single different path taken at the end of Judgement Day. Not sure how Alpha is aware of other dimensions being directly affected when he returns to the Doghouse either, but I suppose its a minor quibble - i just like to see the characters discover the plot through events rather than have it explained in a narrative box I suppose - as far as Alpha can tell at this point, he just hasnt succeeded in stopping Sabbat turning his own Universe bad?
All of this might seem pedantic but it does undermine the "cliff hanger" a bit - overall, an interesting experiment - worked better for me than the Summer Special with the linked stories, but I do have to divorce the "back up strips" from the arc - I suppose there are all kinds of explanations you could give to explain why Sabbats "Necro Magic" leads to very different types of zombies just sprouting up elsewhere (its "complex" as Alpha says!), but not having that cohesion diminishes the overall impact for me.
Looking forward to getting the Meg , which will hopefully concentrate on the main plot more, and therefore have more "ahem" bite for my taste...
Quote from: Leigh S on 20 September, 2022, 05:52:17 PM
No thread?
Alternate dimension, innit.
Signed - Sideways Scuttleton
Cover and Logo:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FdF3BGWWAAAjhMN?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)
Well after we can all stop being offically sad the Prog is allowed to land and bring the good times.
I mean this is all utter nonsense and poppycock, but by george it knows its nonsense and poppycock and simply revels in that fact. I'm going to break with tradition and not review this story by story as there's little point. The framing sequence sets up a flimsy premise just there to serve up the playful, chomping fun. Each story handles its take on the zombies their own way. Nothing is of any substance or consequence it all played for laughs. Best punchline is defo the end of Robo-Hunter. That's a beaute!
Sinister Dexter is particular fun too.
Couple of artists I want to call out - in what is generally a wonderful draw piece. Do we know Russell M. Olson (on S&D) or Kieran McKeown (on Meat Arena) both new to me (I think) and both great.
The biggest problem is the framing sequence. In trying to give it a serious underpinning - well of sorts - it almost undermines the fun. Johnny going around being stern and all Johnny kinda tips things over. Mind Henry Flints simply breathing art more than makes up for that. Each time you think Henry Flint can't get any better you read his next thing and realise he can. Truly Mr Flint is a wonder to behold.
So yeah for a special issue (or 2 with the Meg coming) this is well worth the price of entry.
I thought it was great fun. It knows what it wants to be and it just runs with it.
Sad to be the dissenting voice but I thought this Prog was abysmal.
Nice art.
I enjoyed it as silly fun. The one that really stood out for me especially the last few panels where Ampney Crucis. Super to have Flint back on Dredd he is just an awesome artists.
Not the john smith series i was expecting to show up in this but it made me smile just seeing [spoiler] Zombie firekind dragons[/spoiler]
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 20 September, 2022, 11:02:36 PM
Sad to be the dissenting voice but I thought this Prog was abysmal.
Nice art.
Gotta agree but then I always thought the idea was stupid. Seems strange to do a zombie thing in 2022. maybe about 15 years ago this would have been new & novel? Seems old fashioned & tired.
its the 30th anniversary of judgement day its just a bit of fun
Quote from: judgeurko on 21 September, 2022, 11:12:43 AM
Seems strange to do a zombie thing in 2022. maybe about 15 years ago this would have been new & novel? Seems old fashioned & tired.
Try 30 years ago - because I think a lot of people are missing the point. It's a bit of silliness to mark Judgement Day's anniversary, that's all. And Judgement Day was all about zombies, so it would be hard to do that without 'em!
I thought it was good silly fun. I think that Russell Olson is new to the prog, but I would recommend checking out his Gateway City series, which is very good. The only thing that I didn't get in the prog was the person making Psi-division's heads explode. Who was that?
Quote from: Timothy on 21 September, 2022, 11:22:14 AM
Who was that?
I think that was Wolfie Smith, a psychic lad who briefly graced the pages of the Prog in 'The Mind of Wolfie Smith' after the merger with Tornado.
The whole thing works even better when you read the prog and immediately read the meg. Read it as one big contentious story. Silly fun that's it, I love the fact that [spoiler]Dredd becomes the big villain and the whole multiverse is destroyed[/spoiler]
yup that was wolfie smith
Quote from: Leigh S on 20 September, 2022, 05:52:17 PM
pedant mode has to be engaged here - Torso was killed years before the events of Judgement Day, as was more obviously Wulf, so why are they here other than fan service?
Torso was killed on the Doghouse by the Stix Brothers. Could he have been laid to rest there? Then been reanimated by whatever force is bringing the zombies back to life. Same goes for Evans. Wolf is a little harder to explain, not his reanimation but his position in the S/D HQ.
Maybe he was buried with a pre-programmed timebomb: reanimates, activates bomb, emerges in the Doghouse.
Quote from: gogilesgo on 21 September, 2022, 12:42:16 PM
Quote from: Leigh S on 20 September, 2022, 05:52:17 PM
pedant mode has to be engaged here - Torso was killed years before the events of Judgement Day, as was more obviously Wulf, so why are they here other than fan service?
Torso was killed on the Doghouse by the Stix Brothers. Could he have been laid to rest there? Then been reanimated by whatever force is bringing the zombies back to life. Same goes for Evans.
The last panel of Outlaw is Alpha and the survivors launching the coffins of their fallen friends out into space. As for Wulf, Alpha uses a time bomb on the corpse after his brief zombie reanimation during The Final Solution to give him, too, a space burial.
Well, for me that was the single best Prog in years- and the best Meg since that recent run with Dreadnoughts, Megatropolis and Lawless. Huge fun, gorgeous to look at, can't be faulted.
Robin Smith floppy I would definitely buy if presented between gard covers and expanded with extra text etc.
Prog up to £3.50 from next week I seem. Ho hum.
SBT
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 20 September, 2022, 11:02:36 PM
Sad to be the dissenting voice but I thought this Prog was abysmal.
Nice art.
"Abysmal" is a bit strong, but I didn't really care about any of it. An endless parade of "look, it's X, but they're a zombie" gets tiresome after a while.
Okay it was pure fanwank, but it was a lot of fun. Personal favourite was the Survival Geeks endlessly arguing about what type of zombies they were.
Quote from: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 21 September, 2022, 02:06:11 PMRobin Smith floppy I would definitely buy if presented between gard covers and expanded with extra text etc.
Was your cover on the right way round?
QuoteProg up to £3.50 from next week I seem. Ho hum.
I didn't spot that. Not overly surprising, given * waves arms around *
Quote from: nxylas on 21 September, 2022, 02:44:05 PM
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 20 September, 2022, 11:02:36 PM
Sad to be the dissenting voice but I thought this Prog was abysmal.
Nice art.
"Abysmal" is a bit strong, but I didn't really care about any of it. An endless parade of "look, it's X, but they're a zombie" gets tiresome after a while.
Fair point. I'm not interested at all in crossover events, what-if type stories or zombies, so there was nothing here for me. Mostly strong art throughout I didn't think any of the stories were interesting but I suppose ymmv depending on how you feel about the above. This is the first Prog I can remember though where I didn't enjoy a single story in it: I'd have preferred it to have been a Halloween special or something so I could have safely skipped it.
That's all my subjective opinion though, so I could have worded things better! Glad most others enjoyed it.
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 21 September, 2022, 11:21:54 AM
Quote from: judgeurko on 21 September, 2022, 11:12:43 AM
Seems strange to do a zombie thing in 2022. maybe about 15 years ago this would have been new & novel? Seems old fashioned & tired.
Try 30 years ago - because I think a lot of people are missing the point. It's a bit of silliness to mark Judgement Day's anniversary, that's all. And Judgement Day was all about zombies, so it would be hard to do that without 'em!
Why do we need a 30th anniversary of one of the worst epics ever?
Quote from: judgeurko on 21 September, 2022, 04:31:09 PM
Why do we need a 30th anniversary of one of the worst epics ever?
You really are a little ray of sunshine, aren't you...?
In answer to the question above- my cover was the Dredd annual one, and yes, I'm assuming it was the right way round.
SBT
My floppy had Dredd annual 1983 (intended as the actual inside back cover) as the cover, the back cover (Cheers, Robin) as the inside front cover, the actual cover (Robin Smith cover layouts) as the inside back cover, and the inside front cover (copyrights etc) a the back cover.
Quote from: IndigoPrime on 21 September, 2022, 05:50:01 PM
My floppy had Dredd annual 1983 (intended as the actual inside back cover) as the cover, the back cover (Cheers, Robin) as the inside front cover, the actual cover (Robin Smith cover layouts) as the inside back cover, and the inside front cover (copyrights etc) a the back cover.
You are absolutely correct. I didn't even notice, due to being blown over by the content. Oh well. But! It says "Volume One" on the cover- which means hopefully another one!
SBT
Quote from: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 21 September, 2022, 06:10:09 PM
Quote from: IndigoPrime on 21 September, 2022, 05:50:01 PM
My floppy had Dredd annual 1983 (intended as the actual inside back cover) as the cover, the back cover (Cheers, Robin) as the inside front cover, the actual cover (Robin Smith cover layouts) as the inside back cover, and the inside front cover (copyrights etc) a the back cover.
You are absolutely correct. I didn't even notice, due to being blown over by the content. Oh well. But! It says "Volume One" on the cover- which means hopefully another one!
SBT
Volume Two will be the next floppy for the meg
Quote from: Leigh S on 20 September, 2022, 05:52:17 PM
Torso was killed years before the events of Judgement Day, as was more obviously Wulf, so why are they here other than fan service? You can say "different time line" but the starting conceit of the strip appears to be a single different path taken at the end of Judgement Day.
Dredd's present is technically Alpha's past, so the path would likely divert from a point decades before
any of the events previously shown in Strontium Dog and alter the entire sequence.
What I want to know is why does Dredd seem to have glowy zombie eyes, when his eyes are meant to be bionic and therefore should look how they normally* look?
*Not that we ever see them much.
Abso. Lutely. Fucking. Glorious.
(excuse the language)
These what if stories have a lot more leniency regarding to canon and do not need to follow the previously laid-out path. So the authors/artists can also have some fun.
QuoteWhat I want to know is why does Dredd seem to have glowy zombie eyes, when his eyes are meant to be bionic and therefore should look how they normally* look?
Zom-borg eyes. It's science.
I enjoyed it, especially the comedy stories in the prog. The Meg was very bleak! Still enjoyed that too.
This isn't the first time Johnny's had to deal with Zombie Wulf (who sadly is not coloured as green as der cucumber). You'd think he'd be getting deja vu.
Quote from: judgeurko on 21 September, 2022, 04:31:09 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 21 September, 2022, 11:21:54 AM
Quote from: judgeurko on 21 September, 2022, 11:12:43 AM
Seems strange to do a zombie thing in 2022. maybe about 15 years ago this would have been new & novel? Seems old fashioned & tired.
Try 30 years ago - because I think a lot of people are missing the point. It's a bit of silliness to mark Judgement Day's anniversary, that's all. And Judgement Day was all about zombies, so it would be hard to do that without 'em!
Why do we need a 30th anniversary of one of the worst epics ever?
From what I remember of the meeting that we were all at, the reasoning was something like "what would really fuck off that urko guy that's really looking forward to the Dredd television series we're secretly making?" And the answer, by a unanimous vote, was "a 30th anniversary of everyone's favorite least favorite pseudo-epic". Of course.
And that's why all of the creators got together and made a humungous effort to create a one-off zombie crossover event between the weekly and the Megazine. Just to fuck you off. And look - it worked! I imagine you are very pleased and thankful, now that you realize it was all done for your benefit.
Shine on!
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 21 September, 2022, 12:54:37 PM
The last panel of Outlaw is Alpha and the survivors launching the coffins of their fallen friends out into space.
Thanks Jim.
You'd think I would have remembered that since I re-read
Outlaw only six months ago.
That was hugely enjoyable.
And a proper 2000AD finish where the entire world being destroyed and everyone dying is officially a happy ending.
Lol!
Now what is the more interesting thing about this event, who is the real villain? It can not be Sabbat since he was removed from the equation. Can it be [spoiler]Dredd[/spoiler]? and actually we also have to say no since he was also a victim of circumstances. As we all know the Zombie-thing is not very original but what makes this even better for me is that we do not have a "real" villain like in the classic sense.
Natch, the real villain is... the law!
Let me expound on my rather coarse endorsement (encoarsement?)
The Niemand droid opens up in imperious style with a spectacular opening salvo perfectly setting the apocalyptic tone, with Henry Flint's artwork as breath-taking as ever. That awesome final frame was reminiscent of the droids' first work together for Tharg, prog 2061's Starlord shocker 'Watch the Stars!'. In fact the only consistent let-down throughout the prog was the failure of some art droids to similarly bring out the grisly side of their zombie protagonists.
Peerless, top-of-their-game work from all droids concerned on the Rogue Trooper, Survival Geeks, Sin/Dex and Ampney Crucis segments. Particular congratulations have to go to Ian Edginton for this, and the rest of his flawless period dialogue:
"We seem to be on something of a sticky wicket!"
"The stickiest, sir!"
Yes, it might have been better had that makeshift spear been seen emerging in a spume of blood from Rogue's chest in the climactic scene.
It's probably fair to say that Meant Team and Robo-Hunter offered fewer opportunities for gruesome fun but still, sterling efforts from the droids concerned.
A slightly sombre and restrained (by the rest of the prog's standards) Strontium Dog interlude was nevertheless impressive (Staz Johnson comfortably proving himself Henry Flint's equal in his depiction of Johnny Alpha), before the Niemand droid's return for an absolute tour de force of a conclusion. "Zombie maniac with stone axe destroying Pat-Wagons", indeed.
Not going to claim that crossover zombie events are the most original thing ever but the 30th anniversary of Judgement Day deserves recognition and I can't think of a better way it could have been provided.
The real villain is that dipshit Sov judge who ruined everything for everyone.
Although Dredd did helpfully silence the other dissenting voice, rather than saying: "Interesting point, only person in the room with a strong grasp of inter-dimensional mechanics. Do please tell us more about why the Sov plan is a bucket of stomm."
Well I can't argue with that!
I wonder if Kenneth Niemand asked Gordon Rennie and Dan Abnett for Harry Absalom and Finny's dialogue?
Also, I notice Henry Flint snuck in a zombie Torquemada. I think that's the first time since the Pat spat that a Millsverse character has been depicted in the prog (not counting generic things like dinosaurs). I wonder if Flint got the memo..?
Quote from: norton canes on 22 September, 2022, 04:12:46 PM
Also, I notice Henry Flint snuck in a zombie Torquemada. I think that's the first time since the Pat spat that a Millsverse character has been depicted in the prog (not counting generic things like dinosaurs).
Zombie Slaine? Zombie Ukko? Zombie Ro-jaws?
There was a Zombie Slaine in the meg or rather you could figure it out that the zombie with an axe was indeed Slaine.
Given how some folks argue Sláine doddered on for years after his prime, it'd be quite funny if his last appearance in the Prog was as a zombie.
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 22 September, 2022, 04:16:58 PM
Zombie Slaine? Zombie Ukko? Zombie Ro-jaws?
Bah, of course. Is that Dan Dare in front of Ro-Jaws? Think I can see a hint of curly eyebrow
It's interesting to see more experimentation with trying to thematically tie in all strips in the prog and the meg. Given attempts in recent specials it is arguably a bit of a gamble.
Did it work? Well, the inter-dimensional cluster-flob was arguably a better hook than the "planet Earth is out to get the human race" hook from a recent SF special. The rather poorly-regarded Judgement Day epic does actually provide one of the better rationales here.
I would agree with the idea that the scenario did present significant challenges for some writers over others. One or two episodes across the two volumes barely merited more than a 'flick n follow.' That said, nothing was so dire as to qualify for offensive (whereas some of the American offerings of recent years can leave you wanting to gouge out eyes and brain matter).
Overall though there was more positive than negative. As an anniversary event it worked well for my money.
It was great. Silly, fun, great.
And almost as enjoyable is everyone here trying to figure out continuity in multiverses. Kinda missing the whole point of multiverses....
I heard there's even a multiverse where Evans the Fist is married to Lynn Truss. Shudder. Zombie Lynn Truss, natch.
I heard there's even a multiverse where the Prime Minster is called Lynn Truss
Quote from: norton canes on 22 September, 2022, 11:08:46 PM
I heard there's even a multiverse where the Prime Minster is called Lynn Truss
Even one where there's a Bojo Truss but at least Evans is buried where wagner left him.
Zombies aren't really my thing but this was brilliantly done and great fun throughout.
Made a lovely change from the norm as well. Fantastic prog!
Highly enjoyable hokum, well done all involved!!
This review covers the Meg as well as the Prog.
I didn't find it particularly engaging - as a "what if?" I found there was no jeopardy. And I guessed the outcome well before the end. Some of the individual segments seem to end too quickly. It actually felt more like a Regened Prog to me.
The parts with Johnny Alpha just didn't have the same feeling as classic Strontium Dog.
So overall it was no more than ok.
I enjoyed the prog and the artists chosen to do the old school strips really did them justice.Not really one for buying the prog these days but his lured me back and next weeks is looking good.
Quote from: Swerty on 25 September, 2022, 11:07:49 PM
I enjoyed the prog and the artists chosen to do the old school strips really did them justice.Not really one for buying the prog these days but his lured me back and next weeks is looking good.
Welcome back to the fold!
The Prog has been on fine form a while, well worth it in my view.
Hi all. Long time, no see. So, just been in my local Smiths and saw - for the first time ever - two progs sat side by side*
That's right- prog 2300 has been restocked and is next to prog 2301.
And next to those, the latest Megazine.
I'm wondering if the 2300s are reprints?
Anyway, a lovely surprise!
* maybe I should've taken a pic?
Catching up so read this and the meg together. I've got to agree with most of the comments here, that was an absolute blast. Well done to everyone who pulled it together. I'll admit, I've never read a Zombie crossover event before. But I doubt they are all as much fun as this.
And hey, I liked Judgement Day.