No thread yet?
The Meg is absolutely flying at the moment - Wagner back on a promising first episode of Dredd, and I'm really enjoying all the other strips. Only thing I'm not too thrilled about is Samantha Slade in the floppy, with a further dose (Casino Royal) confirmed for next month.
Making a new thread on the Meg rather than the Prog is like coming last in a race against a five year old & given Spam as a prize. No thanks!!!!
At least this one has a proper title heading.
Quote from: Batman's Superior Cousin on 29 January, 2011, 11:57:58 PM
Making a new thread on the Meg rather than the Prog is like coming last in a race against a five year old & given Spam as a prize. No thanks!!!!
What the fuck does that even
mean?
Rich, take no notice of me. I'm just grumbling. My point being that making a Meg topic was like winning spam 'cos it's a consolation prize while making a Prog topic is more viable (since it's a weekly & not a monthly)!!!!
Quote from: Batman's Superior Cousin on 30 January, 2011, 12:30:01 PM
Rich, take no notice of me. I'm just grumbling. My point being that making a Meg topic was like winning spam 'cos it's a consolation prize while making a Prog topic is more viable (since it's a weekly & not a monthly)!!!!
so you get 4 chances to every 1 of the meg. :)
Ok, then I'll create next month's Meg topic!!!!
You mean you will if you get it read and reviewed before anyone else- not just bagging a thread and having nothing of any interest to say at all?
I made the thread on my mobile phone. You know hard it is to make a topic on your phone with full reviews only to discover that there are topics covering the same issue?
anyway ..
Good to see Mr Wagner back on Dredd and Hershey back in the Big Meg. I'm looking forward to how this progresses. Interesting choice to have the main plot continuation in the Megazine not toof. Numbercruncher is building up nicely and Insurrection isn't going at all in the direction I thought it would. Not sure if thats a good thing or not but I trust in dabnett.
Cover: Not a bad cover in my opinion!!!
Judge Dredd: Similar to The Pit but replace [spoiler]corrupt Judges[/spoiler] with [spoiler]scared/brainwashed citizens[/spoiler]
Samizdat Squad: Thbis has definately perked my interest. Neat "twist" at the begining.
Numbercruncher: Slowly but surely moving along
Insurrection II: I'm beginning to slowly enjoy this particular story due to BOTH the art & neat storytelling. Plus the small joke by the droid leader was a neat touch.
Floppy: I enjoyed the stories!!!
Cover: I love Steve's work but the colours here are sludgy and dull, like a prog from the 1990s
Judge Dredd: Great stuff fine art too
Samizdat Squad: building nicely
Numbercruncher: not really megazine material but I'm liking the change of pace and story
Insurrection II: crickey, next to no diologue and still its cracking well done all
Floppy: sigh, Sam Slade was, IMHO, a one trick pony and should have been put out to grass ages ago (that was just for you Butman :D)
I find I'm missing the Meg badly, four months into dropping it. And I can't listen to the Whittle and Iz show. Stupid life and its demands.
I really really am getting closer to getting the Meg. Really glad to hear Hershey is back I was hoping it was our ex Chief Judge. Man trade waiting Meg stuff is hard!
Is it just me who is reminded of Mick Austins art with Staz' take on Dredd?
got a letter in! :P
Quote from: James Stacey on 02 February, 2011, 01:59:12 PM
Is it just me who is reminded of Mick Austins art with Staz' take on Dredd?
Exactly who I thought it was before I looked at the credits.
I see there's a letter from another reader in Maidstone in this months Meg. Kevin are you out there?
I'm loving the super, soaraway Meg at the moment. It's a real monthly treat.
Cover - Not too keen on this month's. As has been said, it's a bit murky and dark.
Dredd - This is what we want! Wagner back in the saddle and back to basics as Dredd and Hershey ride into the Meg together to crack some heads.
I know Staz is active on the board so I don't want to sound like a creep but he's one of my favourite artists and I love his Dredd and Mega City One. Excellent stuff.
Samizdat Squad - I'm enjoying this old school thrill too. It's not too deep or complex but it's action packed and fast moving.
Numbercruncher - This is great. I've not been a huge fan of Simon Spurrier's stories previously but this is such a well executed and totally original concept, it's impossible not to be impressed.
PJ's art is brilliant too as he tackles several different styles in each episode.
I kind of wish there was no swearing in the dialogue but only because I think it might alienate certain people (not me to be honest, but I can imagine some people being put off by it) and reduce the audience somewhat.
Insurrection II - I wasn't as into the first series as most other people seemed to be. I thought it was ok but not the classic that it was being lauded as. I'm enjoying this new series more. It's very cinematic and gripping. The falling fight scene was particularly well done with lovely art from Colin MacNeil.
Has anyone noticed the Meg is almost all black and white at the moment? It's only just occured to me...
Features - This is more like it. I've been saying there should be more comics related articles in the Meg and now I've got my wish. Elephantmen seems to be the kind of thing I'd like, so I'll be tracking that down. And a lovely, mouth-watering preview of Strip Magazine.
I'd stopped reading the prog by the time Hogan was writing anything so this interview didn't hold much interest for me. It was good in a general 'behind the scenes' way but that's all.
I've always liked the film reviews and look forward to reading them. Very entertaining.
All in all a great Meg. Long may it continue.
By the way, has anyone else noticed that the Meg is almost all black and white at the moment? It's only just occured to me that Dredd is the only colour strip.
I keep thinking im not enjoying the meg at the moment, partially because i hate the current cover style- then after a few days i read the sodding thing and realise just how good it is.
Dredd was wonderful. The first couple of pages showing us why wagner's still seen as being at the top of his game after all these years. The characterisation there was lovely. Who said joe's two dimensional? The stonings are interesting, along with the 'war on the meg' undercurrent. It's about time the strip tackled the middle east situation, and i hope that's what wagner's doing here.
The other strips continue to delight. Numbercruncher's the highlight for me, genuinely engrossing, and i look forward to seeing where this goes. Insurrection doesnt thrill me as much as it seems to others, but it's a beautifully crafted slice of dreddworld that earns its place by its being exceptionally beautiful to look at. Samizdat Squad hasnt really kicked off for me, im afraid, but it's enjoyable enough.
The features seem to have improved of late too, being more comics-oriented. Or maybe they always were, and i didnt notice. The film reviews still grate somewhat, but it's only a few pages, and my grud it could be worse. It could be music reviews.
In summary then, a great meg- let down by another diabolical cover. Too much text above the logo, murky colours and an ugly logo to boot. Surely they can do better than this? It could also do with a change of paperstock. While it suits the flimsier weekly, the fatter meg just looks wrinkly and is prone to creases and tears.
Oh, and a floppy that i'll never read, as it's one of my least favourite 2000AD things ever. But these are very much a lucky dip, so i dont begrudge the odd duff one or two.
SBT
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 03 February, 2011, 05:01:54 PM
I keep thinking im not enjoying the meg at the moment, partially because i hate the current cover style- then after a few days i read the sodding thing and realise just how good it is.
The Meg is out-dueling the prog for the first time since I can remember. 307 was glorious.
Read through it this morning, didn't follow my normal practice of reading the articles as I went, just hit up the strips. Will most likely still read the articles (Elephantmen looks great at a glance), but just couldn't muster up the enthusiasm today. Plus, I actually want to see Black Swan, and I've learned not to read the Meg film review if you don't want a film spoilerfied.
Strip-wise it was very good this month though.
Dredd - Always enjoy any times Dredd and Hershey are interacting, their relationship is one of the most interesting that Dredd has and Wagner's brilliant writing really makes their exchanges a joy. Great start to a story.
Samizdat Squad - I actually got pretty confused by the first couple of episodes of this, but I've just realized this month it's because I'd forgotten how the sov shields worked (with all that dimension warp stuff) so it all makes sense now and I'm really enjoying it.
Numbercruncher - This is kicking off nicely, Spurrier is a good reliable ideas man and PJ's art is brilliant as always. Been interesting watching his style develop, he's definitely up their with my favorites these days.
Insurrection II - I found this episode a bit confusing to be honest, part of what blows me away about Insurrection is the fantastic art, but this month I'm afraid I couldn't work out what was going on during the falling fight. Maybe I was just bleary eyed (it was the morning after all) but something about it just didn't scan for me. It speaks volumes for Insurrection's quality though that I still loved it.
Quotethis month I'm afraid I couldn't work out what was going on during the falling fight
Nope - not just you, I found that bit quite hard to follow too.
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 03 February, 2011, 06:39:11 PM
Insurrection II - I found this episode a bit confusing to be honest, part of what blows me away about Insurrection is the fantastic art, but this month I'm afraid I couldn't work out what was going on during the falling fight. Maybe I was just bleary eyed (it was the morning after all) but something about it just didn't scan for me. It speaks volumes for Insurrection's quality though that I still loved it.
This. Thought it was just me.
I thought the falling fight scene was pretty straight forward. Luther and the fire-breathing thing are falling and exchanging blows, Luther grabs onto a ladder rung but the thing hangs onto his leg. The thing then breathes fire up Luther's arm and hand, causing him to lose his grip. They both go tumbling down the shaft, Luther's severed fingers falling away from him.
Is that not right?
It's the part when they are both actually falling - it wasn't that clear to me what was happening - can't remember exactly why - I'll have another look at it later.
Put me down in the visually confused camp too, im afraid. But, as said, it didnt overly distract from the story too much.
SBT
Thought Staz's art on Dredd was excellent. Really love the quality of his linework. If I'm honest, he's more suited to Rogue than Dredd, but t was still a joy to behold. Don't agree that Chris Blythe's colours looked like something from the 90's either.
3 out of 4 strips were black & white this month too - love it! (and Peterwolf should be happy)
Quote from: Alski on 02 February, 2011, 02:40:50 PM
got a letter in! :P
Well done Hollo, your first since Meg 291 and your 23rd in total. This maintains your lead of 7 over the weedy Tom Proudfoot total of 15 and one crappy drawing.
Quote from: Buttonman on 04 February, 2011, 05:37:35 PM
Quote from: Alski on 02 February, 2011, 02:40:50 PM
got a letter in! :P
Well done Hollo, your first since Meg 291 and your 23rd in total. This maintains your lead of 7 over the weedy Tom Proudfoot total of 15 and one crappy drawing.
That drawing still urks But'man doesn't it, why? CAUSE YOU HAVEN'T GOT ONE! :lol:
You are bang wrong Tom. I've got this drawing which ganered two points and an honourable mention - far better accolades than the £3 Middenface McDredd made you!
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/friends.jpg)
Wheres the piss stain ?
Quote from: James Stacey on 04 February, 2011, 07:20:39 PM
Wheres the piss stain ?
on Buttonman's gate!!
okay But'man what prog was that in? ::)
5-Star Meg - every strip is a winner - last months too-cool-for-school NumberCruncher even drops to 2nd place due to the beauty of Wagner's Dredd.
2 all action tales with fan-faves on art, a brilliantly off-centre offering from SS & PJ and a magisterial Dredd. What more do you people want to make em pick it up?
Oh yeah, don't care what others say - i could look at gibson art all day. Detail or no-detail his line work is the best 2000AD ever saw.
Cheers to all involved in this Meg - it is excellent.
I haven't received anything for it yet tho...
Quote from: Proudhuff on 04 February, 2011, 07:34:36 PM
Quote from: James Stacey on 04 February, 2011, 07:20:39 PM
Wheres the piss stain ?
Vampire piss stains are only visible in day light hours.
on Buttonman's gate!!
okay But'man what prog was that in? ::)
It wasn't in a Prog, it was in a board art competition. Are tou implying that the board art contests are valueless daub fests populated by losers and talentless fools? is that what you are saying Tom, is it?
Anyway any nitwit can draw a picture, you being a case in point, but to write over 15 letters takes real skill. Unless of course you manage it when the cut off will rise to 16 and so on.
Gibson's enthusiasm for producing the art in Sam Slade exactly mirrored my enthusiasm for reading it. Uncanny.
I want Gibson back in the prog/meg .. its been way too long :(
Quote from: Alski on 06 February, 2011, 03:27:44 PM
I haven't received anything for it yet tho...
I got a loverly Dredd Casefiles for my letter :D
In case anyone is interested, I posted a blg entry featuring some of the art from the Dredd episode in this month'd meg. Showing the process from pencils to finished line art.
Check it out here....http://stazjohnson.blogspot.com/2011/02/judge-dredd-megazine-307.html (http://stazjohnson.blogspot.com/2011/02/judge-dredd-megazine-307.html)
Quote from: Staz Johnson on 16 February, 2011, 10:33:58 PM
In case anyone is interested, I posted a blg entry featuring some of the art from the Dredd episode in this month'd meg. Showing the process from pencils to finished line art.
Thanks for posting. Yes, very interested indeed. I only just read the strip in the Meg today and really liked the loose style, so fascinating to see your work process. Interesting to see that you pencil at A4 and then work in sections. It seems that you ink over very loose pencils but I guess that helps to keep the inks fresh.
Looking forward to seeing the next episode.
Quote from: SuperSurfer on 17 February, 2011, 02:42:46 AM
Interesting to see that you pencil at A4 and then work in sections. It seems that you ink over very loose pencils but I guess that helps to keep the inks fresh.
Yes, this method of working is a relatively new practice for me, but currently at least I'm very happy with it. Also, working in sections rather than the whole page, is simply a product of not having an A3 printer, however I quite like it, even though it will affect my art sales... I don't have physical full pages of original art & I doubt anyone will want to buy the individual sections, but that is a small price to pay for an easier working method.
Working over loose pencils is done for 2 reasons.. firstly because since I know I am going to be inking it myself I don't need to put in every detail at the pencil stage, but also, for my own sanity, if I do more detailed pencils I feel as if I am drawing it twice, making the inking stage very much a chore, however, working this way, the inking process is my favorite part of the job, I really feel I can cut loose &
draw with the pen rather than just trace what's already there, & I have the safety net of knowing that if something doesn't work, I can just print out that particular section of the pencil & start again. I'm sure those who work digitally experience the same benefits & would laugh at my old school ways, but you can't teach an old dog
too many new tricks, & i still like to have a physical drawing at the end of the day.
Glad you're enjoying it.
Quotehowever I quite like it, even though it will affect my art sales... I don't have physical full pages of original art & I doubt anyone will want to buy the individual sections
I think Carl Crtichlow works in the same fashion, and he sells off these smaller panels..?
I've got Carl Critchlow pages from his Tour of Duty work. Full A3 inked pages
Quote from: James Stacey on 17 February, 2011, 12:03:30 PM
I've got Carl Critchlow pages from his Tour of Duty work. Full A3 inked pages
Mmmm... the plot thickens! I'm sure there were folks on the board who'd bought indvidual panels off him at one point.
Quote from: James Stacey on 17 February, 2011, 12:03:30 PM
I've got Carl Critchlow pages from his Tour of Duty work. Full A3 inked pages
Same, (San Fran getting shot )
Is it me or do the monsters in Samizdat Squad resemble the ab-men (http://www.comicartfans.com/gallerypiece.asp?piece=675622&gsub=101616) from Starlord (https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Starlord) way back in the day? After all, that was about people dimension jumping to other worlds, in that case via the Bermuda Triangle. Though I guess the Sovs don't issue alcohol to their penal battalions, so it wouldn't help them anyway :P
I've only just read Meg 307 after getting it from Clickwheel.
Great to see Dredd and Hershey together and I have to say I really like Staz's Lawmasters.