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Remember this guy?

http://calumalexanderwatt.com/

I'm sure - just from memory - that he drew RAM Raiders. There's some very lovely work on his website there.

- Trout

Has anyone else had the latest Thrillmail from Tharg? It contains a panel (possibly a page) from prog 1812 - [spoiler]"a glimpse of the incredible artwork from Carl Critchlow".[/spoiler]

So that suggests to me there will be [spoiler]just one artist throughout. It already looked likely that it would be one strip, so that explains how they will merge.[/spoiler] Also, it looks gorgeous.

Full email text here:
[spoiler]Over the past weeks, readers have been stunned by the brilliance of Al Ewing, Simon Spurrier, and Rob Williams' intertwining storylines in Judge Dredd, The Simping Detective, and Low Life.

Now, Trifecta, the city-shattering conclusion to this
trio of Thrills comes to next week's 2000 AD! And here, exclusively for newsletter readers, is a glimpse of the incredible artwork from Carl Critchlow.

Be sure not to miss the thrilling end to this awesome storyline, as Dredd's world - already shaken by the events of the Day of Chaos - is shaken afresh by the nefarious plans of sinister Judge Bachmann.[/spoiler]

I reckon that if you want to see the image you should be signing up to Tharg's mailing list.

- Trout

I'm toying with an idea. I suspect it's a very stupid one but I just can't shake it.

When I was a kid, my dad sometimes brought me home DC Comics. I'm not sure where he got them, but he got them just occasionally and that meant I have just a few non-sequential comics from that time. It was of course a really kind thing he did, and I'm not complaining.

But lately I've filled in a few gaps from that time. Those Bronze Age comics are pretty cheap and they were good fun to read, so I find myself wanting more. In fact, I'm thinking of getting every DC comic from that year, just for fun... and out of slightly-unhinged completism.

I keep reminding myself that I ditched tons of comics this year so buying more would be wrong. But I can't shake the idea...

Does anyone else have any very specific collecting habits? What are you hunting down?

- Trout

A night off last night and an early start with the children does have a silver lining: reading the prog in the morning! It's a great prog, too.

The new Dredd story, by the top team of Ewing and Flint, is special stuff. A dark, brooding Dredd is brought a problem by an old friend, but there are malevolent forces within Justice Department...
A masterclass in tone and storytelling. When did Al get this good? I mean, I knew he was good, but this is particularly high-quality stuff. It's amazing to think this is the secondary writer on this strip - so how lucky are we? Class.

I also loved Brass Sun. Every week a little more story is teased out and I'm left baying for more. Again, art and story are meshing so very well, but this time the high concept of the setting is what has me really excited. Love it love it love it. Finally, we get to see [spoiler]another of the worlds...[/spoiler]

ABC Warriors continues well enough (this is where I say "It's not me for me" and simply respect others' opinions) but I'm sad to see the obvious digital layering back. I was enjoying the line art. I'm not really following the story anyway.

There are twists and turns in The Simping Detective. His online story for Crossed is so good that I've turned into a major fan of Si Spurrier. I've always found The Simping Detective a bit too wordy, although I freely admit that is the point of the strip, but I'm sticking with it. I'll re-read it all in one go later. I will say, though, that I'm enjoying Simon Coleby's work on this strip. It's dark and flows well.

Finally, Low Life is bonkers. What in the name of buggery is going on? Not even Dirty Frank knows! Such magnificent lunacy. The shark character had me sniggering, too, because I've worked with a fair few people like him.

Four out of five from me. A strong comic and a pleasure for my Saturday morning.

- Trout

(PS: A bit of blue to decorate this post. Experimental!)

  WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! 

I like this webcomic:

http://thepunchlineismachismo.com/

This is a new one, and it's about Dredd:

http://thepunchlineismachismo.com/archives/1260

(I suppose this arguably could be in the film section, but Dredd's drawn in the style of the comic and there are no spoilers.)

By Ferg Handley and Barrie Mitchell.

http://bit.ly/O5ZHRG

I love this. Look out for Batman!

Intrigued by the first part of Brass Sun? This interview at CBR gives a lot more background:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=40968

That's a bit spoilery, by the way. I normally hate spoilers but I was pleased to find out more. It's an amazing strip and I can't wait for more. I'm utterly thrilled that [spoiler]it will be an epic[/spoiler], with art by D'Israeli too.

- Trout

Hi.

I'm eBaying a few bits and pieces this week.

Here they are: http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/king_trout/m.html?item=190713366152&sspagename=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&rt=nc&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649&_trksid=p4340.l2562

They include the Judge Dredd calendar from 2189, and Prog 1208. Also, my recommendation for the Astro City comics is genuine. They're really great.

All the best

- Trout

PS: I hope Grant doesn't mind me linking to his blog! It seemed as good an explanation as I could find on the web.

[Anderson]

Anderson is on the cover this month as she returns to the Megazine.
I enjoyed the story, which has her undergoing a re-evalution for return to duty. Didn't she do that before, when she came back from space? It's an intriguing idea that she has stronger psi-powers now, and I'm looking forward to seeing how that pans out. As ever, Boo Cook creates beautiful art.

The lead Dredd - the Dickens-inspired story - comes to an end. I thought it worked very well, although I admit I haven't read the source material. Often, Robbie Morrison's emotive storytelling doesn't work so well on Dredd strips but here, where Dredd is effectively a supporting character, I thought it was successful. Also, again we have some very special artwork. Every page Dave Taylor produces is a treat.

I'm sticking with Snapshot and enjoying it well enough. As can happen with action-packed strips, its episodes tend to fly by, so I'll do a full re-read at some point. But Jock rocks.

I'm saving the text story and Barry Kitson interview for later, but I did enjoy Molch-R's review of Century: 2009. Are we certain, however, that League of Extraordinary Gentlemen has come to an end? I thought Moore had hinted he might do more.

Finally, the highlight of the Meg for me was the Black Museum tale by Alec Worley. It is just filled to the brim with great ideas. It's well-paced, exciting, has a story to tell and takes pure SF elements (talking to machines, etc) and treats them well. Sometimes - and I know it seems odd - I feel that SF elements can jar in a Dreddworld strip but this was great. Also, a European character who isn't a caricature? Nice work!

As for the art, where have you been, David Roach? I am head over hells in love with his style. I remember loving his depiction of Purity Brown when I was younger and I cannot express strongly enough how happy I am to see his work back in the House of Tharg. It's kind of old-school but still inventive, attractive, workable. Love it.

Overall: the Meg's a great, readable package with a high standard, especially for the art.

- Trout

[IN THIS ISSUE: EVERYBODY DIES!]

IN THIS ISSUE: EVERYBODY DIES!

Seeing the discussion about the new X-Men film, and because it's apparently based on a very exciting, successful X-Men storyline, I got to thinking about a 2000AD equivalent.

Just imagine: an oversized, all-action, multi-character death issue! Make it as big as a Christmas prog and make it clear it's all silver age-style "imaginary stories" which don't affect continuity, and you've got a winner.

The Death of Dredd. Dante's Final Orgy. The Last Days of Halo Jones. Zenith's Final Flight. Dr and Quinch Get Killed. Given we've had stories like this in the past (and most recently involving Wulf) I reckon it would be great.

Anyone want to add a few ideas?

- Trout

I've had a couple of messages, apparently via this board, which simply say "hello" or are blank.

They're from user AngryBirdNonAdmin, so apologies if that person actually exists. Please say hello if you do!

I can't find the messages in the Inbox on my profile but versions did come to my linked email. Does anyone want to look into this? In the meantime I've disabled email notifications and messaging from anyone who's not a mod.

It's not a big deal but I thought I should flag it up.

All the best

- Trout

I'm selling five bundles of DC New 52 comics. Each contains the first six issues.

If you click on the link it will transport you to a wonderful place where beautiful people will touch you intimately:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/king_trout/m.html?item=190699701447&sspagename=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&rt=nc&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649&_trksid=p4340.l2562

This is me doing marketing now.

- Trout

Haud on the noo...

I'm reading Case Files 15 (progs 700 to 735) and the art on Driller Killer, from Prog 721, is by one George Coleman.

Is that our very own Dode-C? Proudhuff, we simply must know! Have I been in the presence of greatness? I didn't realise he'd drawn a Dredd.

Barney gives it as said Mr Coleman's only 2000AD credit.
http://www.sex-drugs-rock-roll-thefilm.com/?zone=droid&page=profiles&choice=GEORGEC

We need Dode in the prog!

- Trout

HAAAAAAAAW HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW!

I reckon that's one of the best Dredd stories ever told - and it doesn't even have Dredd in it. Not even a cameo. Utter genius from Wagner and Flint.

For the spoiler junkies: [spoiler]PJ's back and he's bringing some new friendssssss...[/spoiler]

How spoiled are the Dredd fans these days? Saturday mornings get better and better.

I enjoyed the rest of the prog, too, especially the Ezquerra art on Durham Red, although I'm saving Dante for later. It's a favourite of mine and I want peace to read it.

To sum up: [spoiler]YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS![/spoiler]

- Trout

Made by a friend:



It tastes great!

Yes, we ate it. We ruined it. It will not be preserved, collected or otherwise kept in a cellar. Already a big chunk has gone. Delicious!

Separately, this board's own Flip-R has provided this splendid commission:



Somehow, even as cadets cruelly ripped from their family as a young age, my children remain cute. And yes, that's my wife as Chief Judge.  Huge, huge thanks!

- Trout

Here's a comics-related auction that will chill your blood:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/49-Judge-Dredd-POGS-/200747686053?pt=UK_Toys_Games_Games&hash=item2ebd7e98a5

JUDGE DREDD POGS!

And yes, they're images from the film.

What's the worst crap (geeky or otherwise) you've seen on eBay?

- Trout

...this:

http://bit.ly/HMuN7e

Delicious!

Does anyone else enjoy such tingly juices?

Here it is: the GET OWEN IN THE PROG thread, as requested by Owen himself. Round here he's better known as Crazy Fox Machine.

But let's not be too hasty. Let's get him in the prog in the right way. Mwa... haaaa... haaaaaa!

What the worst way to get a fan into 2000AD? I know Logan is proud that a judge is based on him, despite the dismemberment and humiliation heaped upon him by John Wagner, who is slightly evil when he wants to be.

How about Owen being a cross-dressing simp who is eaten by a dinosaur? Or a member of the ill-fated Arbatov family in Dante?

Does anyone have a better idea?

- Trout

Hi. I just unearthed these, as the great clearout continues. Anyone want any of this?

Obviously, the figures will be easier to post than the ships. I suspect the Millennium Falcon is going to the charity shop. Note: all of these are modern; ie they do not date from the first release of the original trilogy.

I'm not too ambitious. Just make me an offer (via DM) and love them.  I'm looking for the postage to be covered (I'll find out what it costs before I ask you to pay) and a wee bit on top. Matron.

Sorry for the crap pics from my phone.

- Trout


Everything:




Close-up of the figures and accessories only: