2000 AD Online Forum

Nearly 13 years since the last Sci-Fi special - would anyone else like to see the summer special return? I'm not sure what the budgets and stuff are for on-offs, I'd just like to see the Sci-Fi special make a comeback!

The Sci-Fi special used to be a really nice place for:
- old thrills to be revisited in a test-the-water kind of way.
- one off stories that didn't necessarily fit with the narrative of their respective characters at the time.
- sneaky reminder reprints and new set-up stories that prepared you for upcoming events.
- catch-up editorial for new and lapsed readers.
- guest spots for illustrators that the weekly prog couldn't always afford.

It also represented a pretty good opportunity to recruit new readers.

I'm not unhappy with the prog, meg and yearly special - far from it... I'm just suggesting that another dose of thrill-power each year wouldn't go amiss - or am I recklessly hoping my circuits can sustain it? - what do you think?

It probably kicks up problems from a subscription point of view though, so I won't hold my breath!

Its an interesting idea because the end of year Prog feels more like a springboard for new stories than a replacement for the Annuals (it is really the equivalent of three issues in one with some seasonal one-offs) and a standalone Summer Special with the mix of stories could be interesting - I'd like to see a one-off Devlin Waugh/Tyranny Rex/Indigo Prime story from John Smith, perhaps bring M.A.C.H. 1 up-to-date for the War on Terror (or is that Greysuit?), etc. I also liked the "Tharg's Alien Invasions" single pagers by Henry Flint in Prog 2005 and 2005 and wouldn't mind seeing some other similar endeavours.

I could stand to see a Judge Dredd mega-special too!

My understanding is that it's all down to money - the specials just weren't profitable. Having said that, they did put out a (non-reprint) Winter Special a few years back.

Something that might work is having two yearly bumper-sized progs - one during the summer as well as the end of year one.... Would also give the editorial staff a summer break!

I have particularly fond memories of the '95 Sci-Fi Special - a nice Dredd that parodied the Stallone movie, Steve Tappin Rogue Trooper, a decent Gordon Rennie Mean Machine one-off and Paul Marshall on Durham Red. I remember thinking the Dredd Mega Specials were weak even at a young age, though.

The point has already been raised but the big annual prog doesn't feel the same as the old Specials (and I'm not refering to age of Terry Hall there) or Annuals. Its more like a giant launch Prog. They're very good and all but just different.

Often the 90s specials were themed and so maybe they could be themed to try to tap into potential new readers. So maybe a Manga Special with 2000ad characters done with Manga stylings (much as I hate the idea, might attract different readers). An Old Skool special with work by accessible classic arts on older strips to type into the nostalgia market and I'm sure they're many more others could think of.

Personally I'd rather see these sorts of ideas channelled into the Meg, which still seems to be struggling to find an identity of its own beyond 'big monthly prog'.

Jimbo, do you think the format of the meg could stand the nature of these suggestions?
Being predominantly based in Dredd's world and despite having had reprints etc. of other thrills - don't you think the remit of the meg would stifle some of the potential of strips/features that could really breathe in a special?

You could be right though, mixing it up a bit in the meg might move it away from being a 'big monthly prog' but it might also be problematic to manage such variety on a monthly basis.

As you know, I've just really got back into Toof after an eight year hiatus and I think I'm just letting the nostalgia get to me - a shiny new Sci-Fi Special or anything more from the house of Tharg can only be a good thing in my book.

By the way - thanks again for all the progs and megs - THEY'RE FECKIN' GREAT!!! really, really enjoying them.

I think the problem I'd have with specials being resurrected is that, historically, they've been utter crap. Most of the Dredd ones were terrible, as were many of the summer and winter specials. There were exceptions—notably the Nemesis-oriented winter special from the early 1990s—but they then only highlighted how weak the other examples were.

I have all of them apart from the Dredd 1980 and would happily see them return.  The economic meltdown is going to set us back 20-30 years so one of the good things that could come out of it is these coming back.

The yearly Prog should also only have one off self contained stories so they emulate the annuals.  They did this to begin with but changed it to starting off serialised new stories like a Christmas Summer assault.  Not the same if you ask me, they lose their 'once a year' magic that way as they just become a bumper two week prog.

Quote from: "IndigoPrime"I think the problem I'd have with specials being resurrected is that, historically, they've been utter crap. Most of the Dredd ones were terrible, as were many of the summer and winter specials. There were exceptions—notably the Nemesis-oriented winter special from the early 1990s—but they then only highlighted how weak the other examples were.

I am inclined to go along with this opinion based on what i have read .I think they were very hit and miss generally and the same goes for the Annuals .Back in the early days i was always very disappointed with the content of the annuals which were always Xmas presents.There just seemed to be a lot of what i call filler in them along with some good material but not nearly enough.

Not against them making a return if the content is up to scratch and theres any number of ways to fill the pages...

Ok, I'm sensing resistance to the Sci-Fi Specials...

I'm gonna be out there on my own then, I guess - I used to enjoy them - they came along at some-point in the school summer holidays and I liked the extra dose of 2000ad. More Dredd, a Strontium Dog if you were lucky, some daily star Dredds, a couple of features/text stories - what's not to like?

As far as the annuals go, the earlier ones seem to have been better than the later ones. I think that might also be true of the specials to a lesser extent.

Quote from: "kevlev"what's not to like?

I think, for me, it was about expectation. I always ended up disappointed after reading a special or annual. Once I was old enough, I understood that they were basically dumping grounds and cash cows, but when I was a kid I hadn't figured that out. When done properly, and with care, they were pretty good, but that was rare.

Quote from: "IndigoPrime"

Quote from: "kevlev"what's not to like?

I think, for me, it was about expectation. I always ended up disappointed after reading a special or annual. Once I was old enough, I understood that they were basically dumping grounds and cash cows, but when I was a kid I hadn't figured that out. When done properly, and with care, they were pretty good, but that was rare.

The first few Judge Dredd annuals really showed up the 2000AD ones they were supposed to accompany, as I recall, containing three decent quality Dredd strips by a top rank artist, plus good quality supporting material and surprisingly little reprint. Even as a child, I remember appreciating the superior quality even though the annuals were thinner than the equivalent year's 2000AD annual.

Cheers

Jim

You know, I used to be under the impression that the annuals were terrible too. For years, I've had them all boxed up and hidden behind 3-4000 other comics in the corner of the SpooKave. The other night, on copping the wrath of the wife, I promised to "tidy up a bit", and in doing so found them all again.

Last night, after the dragon had retreated to her lair, me and all my tooth, Dredd, Dan Dare, Starlord, Eagle, Battle, Action, Tornado and, er, "Mighty Heroes" annuals reacquainted ourselves. And do you know what- the toothy ones are actually pretty good, and I found I suddenly remembered several things:

1) The annual story, drawn by Ian Gibson, where he goes out and kills the apes, features my favourite art on any Dredd strip, ever. It's the bright-bluey blueness of the uniform and helmet! Love it. "Ja Dra No Hur Eek!" indeed.

2) There's a Shako strip in (maybe) the first annual that may just be a generic "polar bear adventure" re-lettered to refer to Shako throughout. Even if it is, it's brilliant.

3) The annuals contain Kevin O'Neill's best-ever work. Hello Secret Life of The Blitzspear.

4) The Dredd strips in the Dan Dare annuals should never see the light of day ever again, even in some completist wankathon appendix-volume to the Case Files. The one where he gets a surprise party thrown by Tharg and ends up arresting himself I had to re-check this morning, just to see if I'd dreamt it.

5) There is no end to the amount of words you can pump out about "space" and "the future", if you try really hard.

6) If you reprint Invasion, Shako and Flesh enough times, eventually we will love them. And we do!

So, I for one, would like to see a return to the annuals and specials of old. Not in the same style, obviously. Times have moved on. But the same mix of new and reprint, strip and feature. Yes, I know I've just described the Megazine, but there's a huge kids annuals market out there- and it seems a shame that Rebellion aren't exploiting it.

And while I'm on the subject of exploiting things...

Original graphic novels, anyone?

Who here wouldn't buy an original, hardbacked, 100 page Dredd graphic novel? Who wouldn't love to find one of them in their xmas stocking? Thryllseeker- how about a hardbacked 100 page original Slaine comic? Xmas market, £20, bish bash bosh bob's yeruncle, ching ching.

Steev

QuoteThryllseeker- how about a hardbacked 100 page original Slaine comic?

Chances are that I might already have that one.

Would it be the souveneir hardback edtion 's of "Slaine the King" and or "Slaine Time-Kiler" or the hard back of "Slaine The Horned God" .

(//http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n8/n40173.jpg)

Incidently, that hardback ( Pictured above.) I received from EBAY isn't the complete Horned God.

Though do have three other copies of that story.

No, I meant- if there was an original, not-previously-printed-in-the-prog, hardbacked 100 page graphic novel produced especially for the xmas market (or for anytime, really), surely you'd buy it.

And- in what way is that version of The Horned God not complete? That's the one I have and it seems pretty all there to me!

Steev

Sorry, I tried to EDIT my last post and that wasn't going to happen so here is my full post. with a explantion for why the  French version of "Slaine the Horned God" might have been truncated, the one  got through Ebay. It's definitly a few pages shy of book one of that saga.

QuoteThryllseeker- how about a hardbacked 100 page original Slaine comic?

Chances are..... that I might already have that one.

Would it be the souveneir hardback edtion 's of "Slaine the King" and or "Slaine Time-Kiler" or the hard back of "Slaine The Horned God" . I got those first two hardbacks years ago and the other one earlier this year.

(//http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n8/n40173.jpg)

In french and Autographed by Simon Bisley himself with a photo of him signing it.

A photo of the signing or a sketch from a artist -- like I got from MIke MacMahon-- is the best form of insurance against that type of fraud when your ordering stuff like thsi through Ebay.

I proud to have that one, except that somebody split their seed over inside cover page.

Wasn't me and I'm not sure who it was.  

Incidently, that hardback ( Pictured above.) I received from EBAY isn't the complete Horned God.

Though it claims to be the complete story.

It finishs right where Slaine has just arrived in The Great Round hall of Murias and is greeting Naimh for first time since she had married King Rudraige --For a year and a day.--. This was a scene actuilely made much more exciting in that fan made trailer.

Anyway, it finishs right then and there just before the younger King acknowledges that Slaine wants to fight him for the Sword of the Moon.

Just a few pages shy of the ending of what would have been book one if it was the Titan soft cover book.

I think that last few pages are missing. They might have fallen out or were removed on purpose.

Both pages next to he inside cover were stuck like somebody had to spilt their nut juice/cookies over it.

Almost spoilt the lovely celtic knot worked into two columns on either page.

I don't know who sold it to me exaclty, though I beleive it might have come from America.

Now if it was the seller, then I won't some of my money back, or if it was Simon Bisley''s.

I just like to say I prefer his painting with a brush and real paint than that other type of painting that men generally do up against the toilet wall in pubs.

I love his work, but that doesn't mean I want to buy his used toilet paper.
 
I don't like anybody that much!

Not that matters much... as I do have three other copies of that Saga.

Fully intact.

I'm in no hurry to be buying any more copies of the Slaine : Horned God.

Thanks for the offer.

QuoteNo, I meant- if there was an original, not-previously-printed-in-the-prog, hardbacked 100 page graphic novel produced especially for the xmas market (or for anytime, really), surely you'd buy it.

That sounds like a illgeal printing.  

I'm not sure which one  you are talking about. Can you upload the cover picture or give me a Prog or Edition number?
Though it sounds interesting. I may have have give my bank account a much needed rest as I on savings ( Less than $300 left in the bank.) . As I'm neither employed or on unempoyment benefits for the time being. Thats another long story I don't care to go into and it's really my fault also.

But I just spent money on the expencive leather embossed SLAINE ring binder cover.

Quote from: "ThryllSeekyr"That sounds like a illgeal printing.  

I'm not sure which one  you are talking about. Can you upload the cover picture or give me a Prog or Edition number?
Though it sounds interesting. I may have have give my bank account a much needed rest as I on savings ( Less than $300 left in the bank.) . As I'm neither employed or on unempoyment benefits for the time being. Thats another long story I don't care to go into and it's really my fault also.

I feel eyes are upon me.

Sorry to hear about your financial situ, Thrylly- that sucks. Hope it gets better soon.

But no, I was talking about it being a really good idea if Rebellion WERE to publish original graphic novels. I don't actually have one in my hands. I was merely saying that I think there would be a market.

Steev

Oh, now I understand yah. You don't have , you were just figuring.

I am looking forward to the day where I could just buy the entire run of Slaine in one large volume or perhaps dome forgotten tales would tie up loose ends.

Sorry about my online paranoia, it's would that seem the being lost in translation  ( My own  or yours)   or even the Babel fish is the starter of great world wars.

On subject of unauthorised Slaine stories, I was thinking of that story I heard was written by another script droid toerht Pat Mills. Where upon it was banned or withdrawn as it must have ben messing with continueity of Pat Mills version.

" Ring of something or some such thing. "

I forget the name.

Now if that particular story was still floating around, then it must worth abit to somebody.

I did Google for this years ago. When I first heard about it and now accept that perhaps its' not meant to be found.

It's possible that people might have missed a critical line in TS's last but one post.  Trust me, It deserves rescuing, for posterity's sake:

QuoteI proud to have that one, except that somebody split their seed over inside cover page.

 :shock:  

Quote from: "Jim_Campbell"

Quote from: "IndigoPrime"

Quote from: "kevlev"what's not to like?

I think, for me, it was about expectation. I always ended up disappointed after reading a special or annual. Once I was old enough, I understood that they were basically dumping grounds and cash cows, but when I was a kid I hadn't figured that out. When done properly, and with care, they were pretty good, but that was rare.

The first few Judge Dredd annuals really showed up the 2000AD ones they were supposed to accompany, as I recall, containing three decent quality Dredd strips by a top rank artist, plus good quality supporting material and surprisingly little reprint. Even as a child, I remember appreciating the superior quality even though the annuals were thinner than the equivalent year's 2000AD annual.

Cheers

Jim

The reason for this was IPC had a reprint rule, where in nothing could be reprinted with 5-7 years (what they perceived to be a kid's likely readership of a mag.) Thus the early 2oooad ones had no budget, and used a lot of odds and ends, tryouts, rejected art etc.

The Judge Dredd annuals were given a proper budget, hence the top quality material of at least the first 5 annuals. Gradually they too fell in to the same predicament of reprinting lesser material.

Quote from: "GordonR"It's possible that people might have missed a critical line in TS's last but one post.  Trust me, It deserves rescuing, for posterity's sake:

QuoteI proud to have that one, except that somebody split their seed over inside cover page.

 :shock:  

Erm...

Quote from: "GordonR"

Quote from: "Thyrllseeker"I proud to have that one, except that somebody split their seed over inside cover page.

 :shock:  

Um... wow. Well spotted, Gordon.

I kind of hope Thyrll doesn't come back to explain this.

Not to mention...

QuoteBoth pages next to he inside cover were stuck like somebody had to spilt their nut juice/cookies over it.

I'm scared now.

"Wasn't me and I'm not sure who it was. "

"I just like to say I prefer his painting with a brush and real paint than that other type of painting that men generally do up against the toilet wall in pubs."

 ????

in fact, that whole post is just pure win.

QuoteI just like to say I prefer his painting with a brush and real paint than that other type of painting that men generally do up against the toilet wall in pubs.

I love his work, but that doesn't mean I want to buy his used toilet paper.

Don't go changin', TS.  You make the world a brighter, more eventful place!

As long as there is a Slaine, there'll be a Thryllseeker!

Quote from: "Dog Deever"As long as there is a Slaine, there'll be a Thryllseeker!

and a Slaine book full of (someone elses) spunk!

Imagine the Ebay feedback.

"A++++++. Would come again".

Quote from: "Jamess"

Quote from: "Dog Deever"As long as there is a Slaine, there'll be a Thryllseeker!

and a Slaine book full of (someone elses) spunk!

  It seems a strange assumption to immediately jump to, doesn't it?

The pages of this book are stuck together!  It must be (orange juice....soup....coke....beer....wine....water...ketchup....soy sauce.....any other kind of liquid or fluid)  no.....SPUNK!!!

There's tits and a mickey on the cover. Of course it's full of jizz

Quote from: "SpookyTheCat"4) The Dredd strips in the Dan Dare annuals should never see the light of day ever again, even in some completist wankathon appendix-volume to the Case Files. The one where he gets a surprise party thrown by Tharg and ends up arresting himself I had to re-check this morning, just to see if I'd dreamt it!

Steev

I didn't know there were Dan Dare annuals let alone with Dredd strips in although it does sound like it's not worth chasing up. I take it this has never and will never be reprinted?
Tril

He might have smelt it y'know.

It must have been the scratch and sniff edition.

Well...that's put me off my tea and bacon sandwich!

-Bouwel-

QuoteI proud to have that one, except that somebody split their seed over inside cover page.

It's not as bad as it sounds, excpet if I show this book to somebody else or even try to resell it. They might think it's my handiwork.

QuoteBoth pages next to he inside cover were stuck like somebody had to spilt their nut juice/cookies over it.
It seems a strange assumption to immediately jump to, doesn't it?'

Well, this was something I noticed when I first got the book awhile ago.

The page next to inside cover page at the front of the book which I had to pry apart with a ruler.The damage is mainly on the second page rihght at the top where the words Lexicon are..I only just noticed the same thing was done to the second last page at the back of the book yesterday. I guess I never bothered to try opening that page until then.The damage is slightly more noticable. Whatever it it was the sticky stuff seems to be applied in a uniforrm fashion on the edges of the page. So they might not be the body fluids I thought they were. Probably just Glag glue or some of what ever books are bound with. Perhaps the sellerpurposely did this while repairing the book. I think there it does look suspiciously like love butter been split in excitiment. But thats the only place in the book where it's happned . So might really be glue. LIke who would actualley get excited over a Lexicon. Even if it's written in French.

Quote"Wasn't me and I'm not sure who it was."

QuoteI wonder if this is what Simon Bilesy did
"I just like to say I prefer his painting with a brush and real paint than that other type of painting that men generally do up against the toilet wall in pubs."

I love his work, but that doesn't mean I want to buy his used toilet paper.

Well while I love his work, but thast as far as the love goes. Actuallely I shouldn't accuse him. He proabbly doesn't know. The seller probably does'nt know. Maybe the people in cutom or the mail sorting room know about this.

QuoteAs long as there is a Slaine, there'll be a Thryllseeker!

Actualley, I'm only being sustained on the reprints so far.

QuoteThere's tits and a mickey on the cover. Of course it's full of jizz
 

Only on the inside cover pages.

QuoteHe might have smelt it y'know.

QuoteIt must have been the scratch and sniff edition.

There's no odour, that might distiniguish betwent body fluids or  glue.

Now, I wonder if glue is made from body fluids. I do know it's some sort of animal product.

Overall, I not going to make big fusss over this. Not any bigger than I already have. I doen't want to see habit of this. It's bad thing for ghraphic novels and any chance of a future sale. Not that I was really planning that.

I'll BUY ANYTHING ME
bad habit, but i dont drink dont smoke,dont gamble so 2000ad gets a decent budget from me.
would consider it may be a stretch of resources for the nerve centre though.

but if they create it. I BUY IT.

Quote from: "ThryllSeekyr"

QuoteThere's tits and a mickey on the cover. Of course it's full of jizz
 

Only on the inside cover pages.

I assume the front cover is wipe clean ... just guessing.

QuoteI assume the front cover is wipe clean ... just guessing.

There were no spash marks, on the cover or inbetween.

It's just that I had to pry both the front and the back inside cover pages away from their repsective covers because some sticky substance was holding them together.

The application is uniform enough  to the degree that I think the previuos owner used a glue stick on the outedge of the pages in question.

As if they were ashamed to have those pages seen.

Noting wrong with them and there are no splash marks or places that would have those telltale staines.

I should know. I just opened a bottle of Cola which sprayed everything including my keyboard, but thnaksfully missed the computer itself, televsion screen, the pile of comcis and graphic were saved also.

Incedntly the front cover is just fine and I would never clean it. That is where the artist signed his name.

Forencically, those body fluids would be the ultimate signature if there ever was one.

Is it too late to do the "now that's what I call thrillpower overLOAD" joke on this thread?

Something about dumping your load over thrillpower works too...

Zarjizz!

Ah, message board, don't ever change.

Actually, wait, this would be an occasion where change would be a good thing.

Mmmm... there's a 'Kiss My Axe' or 'He didn't think it too many' gag to be had too, I'm sure...

Or a warp spasm one.

Slaine: The Bride of Cum.

Apologies to whoever came up with that. (I said "came").

Having learnt the secret to Tharg's ThrillPower the Dictators of Zrag launch an attack on the house of Tharg.
(//http://resource.nusonline.co.uk/media/images/capote.jpg)

It was probably just a part of some Meltdown Man.

At least it wasn't leaft by Rogue Pooper....

-Bouwel-

Quote from: "ThryllSeekyr"

QuoteI proud to have that one, except that somebody split their seed over inside cover page.

It's not as bad as it sounds, excpet if I show this book to somebody else or even try to resell it. They might think it's my handiwork.

QuoteBoth pages next to he inside cover were stuck like somebody had to spilt their nut juice/cookies over it.
It seems a strange assumption to immediately jump to, doesn't it?'

Well, this was something I noticed when I first got the book awhile ago.

The page next to inside cover page at the front of the book which I had to pry apart with a ruler.The damage is mainly on the second page rihght at the top where the words Lexicon are..I only just noticed the same thing was done to the second last page at the back of the book yesterday. I guess I never bothered to try opening that page until then.The damage is slightly more noticable. Whatever it it was the sticky stuff seems to be applied in a uniforrm fashion on the edges of the page. So they might not be the body fluids I thought they were. Probably just Glag glue or some of what ever books are bound with. Perhaps the sellerpurposely did this while repairing the book. I think there it does look suspiciously like love butter been split in excitiment. But thats the only place in the book where it's happned . So might really be glue. LIke who would actualley get excited over a Lexicon. Even if it's written in French.

Quote"Wasn't me and I'm not sure who it was."

QuoteI wonder if this is what Simon Bilesy did
"I just like to say I prefer his painting with a brush and real paint than that other type of painting that men generally do up against the toilet wall in pubs."

I love his work, but that doesn't mean I want to buy his used toilet paper.

Well while I love his work, but thast as far as the love goes. Actuallely I shouldn't accuse him. He proabbly doesn't know. The seller probably does'nt know. Maybe the people in cutom or the mail sorting room know about this.

QuoteAs long as there is a Slaine, there'll be a Thryllseeker!

Actualley, I'm only being sustained on the reprints so far.

QuoteThere's tits and a mickey on the cover. Of course it's full of jizz
 

Only on the inside cover pages.

QuoteHe might have smelt it y'know.

QuoteIt must have been the scratch and sniff edition.

There's no odour, that might distiniguish betwent body fluids or  glue.

Now, I wonder if glue is made from body fluids. I do know it's some sort of animal product.

Overall, I not going to make big fusss over this. Not any bigger than I already have. I doen't want to see habit of this. It's bad thing for ghraphic novels and any chance of a future sale. Not that I was really planning that.

Please! Stop! I have a bust rib and the tears of laughter from this thread is killing me- my sides really are splitting!
Brilliant.

I think thread has thread deviated from it's intentianal path pathway, enough. My fault really, I guess, but I think thsi has been been discusssed to death.

I can't think of anymore jism gags.

QuoteI can't think of anymore jism gags.

'Cum On! I'm sure you can if you think hard enough about it

-Bouwel-

Yes, we didn't think it too many.

"2000AD and Palm Lord Summer Special 2009, comes bagged with a small sachet of creator droids' intimate fluids and a voucher for 25% off boxing gloves."

Thrills to include:

Judge Dredd in The Day the Law Jizzed
Shako in Come Dancing (on Ice)
Durham Red (no story here, just tits and arse)
Sinister Dexter in Ray and Finny Make a Porno
Tharg the Mighty in The Dick Tasters of Zrag
Reprint material - Slime Flies

Might work...

...but probably not. Is it time for my tablets, yet?