2000 AD Online Forum

The coverline argues this one is a "Christmas Knockout", and I must admit, that's pretty apt. The Dredd one-shot did the business pretty well, with Carroll continuing to show he has a decent grasp on the character. Newcomer to Dredd Duane Leslie provides art that felt a little off in some cases (odd scaling and a certain cartoonishness that put me in mind of the likes of Yan Shimony) but was nicely dynamic. DeMarco and Anderson have good starts as well, with Dowling's interpretation of Cass looking suitably grown-up, rather than some 20-something model. Ordinary, to my mind, was well on the way to becoming a modern classic, and the new episode does nothing to counter that.

For me, though, I truly loved the interview with Simon Harrison, whose thinking totally resonated with me. Along with his memories about working for 2000 AD, and the path he took, there's a lot of insight into his thinking from childhood onwards about the creative process and the importance of nurturing kids, enabling them to do what they want as a career. Top stuff.

May I say that this year I think has been some of Cliff Robinsons best work on covers

This is already looking like it will be the best new Anderson story we have seen in several years. And I like this new artist Michael Dowling, he reminds me of Peter Doherty.

A decent Dredd outing by Michael Caroll too, I used to not like his Dredd stories but I agree that he has now got the character right. I like the humour too.

Quote from: Richard on 14 December, 2013, 07:01:54 PM
And I like this new artist Michael Dowling, he reminds me of Peter Doherty.

I thought that when I saw the preview over on CBR. Anyhoo can anyone tell me is the mini-trade the early DeMarco stories this month?

yes it is colin

Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 14 December, 2013, 07:11:31 PMI thought that when I saw the preview over on CBR. Anyhoo can anyone tell me is the mini-trade the early DeMarco stories this month?

Ways to Die (3.70–3.71)
Deep Blue Death (4.03–4.05)
Covers: 3.71, 4.03

Harmony: Homeward Bound (2.62)

Next month: More DeMarco and Harmony, apparently.

My what a lovely read, art was superb on all fronts. I'm looking forward to what sort of Anderson story Mr Grant is going to do seeing as we have old stoney tagging along hopefully not to preachy. I liked that the story in Dredd connect with prof 2014 very nice choice Mr Carroll, also looking forward to seeing how the new mega city develops in Demarco.

The interrogations I liked the Davis one but the Harrison one kind of rubbed me the wrong way he seemed a bit full of himself to me.

Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk 2

I had a sneak peak on CBR and was awed to find Guy Davis in the Interrogation feature; the guy (no pun intended) is one of my heroes!  :)

Quote from: IronGraham on 14 December, 2013, 08:36:38 PMThe interrogations I liked the Davis one but the Harrison one kind of rubbed me the wrong way he seemed a bit full of himself to me.

I didn't get that at all from the interview. It felt honest and he noted that he was grateful for the opportunities he got, but that they made him understand what was really important was following his own path.

Yeah I can see after I wrote that I've been mulling it over and think it was too harsh I'll take it back and appologise for my previous comment.

My MEG arrived saturday as usual, BUT......, as the weather was appalling and the flimsy plastic wrap that the MEG arrived in was ripped ...it ruined my copy.  >:(

The packaging is far too thin and rips so easily.  Its taken me a couple of days to dry it off, but its not going to be part of my collection. I will have to go buy another copy when it hits the shops.  :(

Anyone else with the same problem?

Quote from: JUDGE BURNS on 16 December, 2013, 04:11:31 PM
Anyone else with the same problem?

Never. I'd suggest the issue may be more with crap postmen than with the packaging.

Cheers

Jim

Definitely a postie thing. That happens here occasionally when they're being idiots and/or are new. Today, MacUser arrived, shortly followed by the packaging it was freed from after being forced through the letterbox that hadn't been opened first.

we're getting the purple harmony next month?

I assumed that would be with robohunter and brit cit brute in the no chance in hell this will be reprinted box

Dreddlines?

Yes there is Proudh[size=78%]uff[/size]

The countdown continues, with or without Butt'Man  :D

Quote from: IronGraham on 17 December, 2013, 07:03:55 PM
Proudh[size=78%]uff[/size]

Why did that happen?

Drunken fingers?

Is the DeMarco story the first one set in SovSec??

Looks like big things may be planned for that area

It is, as far as I know. And I think, but haven't confirmed, that it also has ties to another previous Mike Carroll story, "The Forsaken".

Quote from: Verence on 19 December, 2013, 12:23:36 AM
Is the DeMarco story the first one set in SovSec??

Looks like big things may be planned for that area

I love the backdrop for the DeMarco story: Mike does a bang-up job of capturing the grimness of SovSec. It's almost got a Blade Runner feel to it. Really cool.

In fact, I love this character, in general - really enjoyed the GN freebie this month of DeMarco's older stories.

Are there any trades out there featuring DeMarco? Couldn't find any on Amazon...

Finally got my hands on the Meg! Lovely little opener, which ties in with prog 2014's Dredd, and some lovely art from newcomer Duane Leslie. You would never think that this is his first work for the Meg looking at it. I'll read the rest later, busy with my girl's birthday party!

And hey, my letter! Woohoo! Thanks JDM!  :)

An all-round excellent Meg, not a single 'bum' note.
Ordinary is fantastic; easily the best story at the mo'.

Cheers

Quote from: HOO-HAA on 19 December, 2013, 11:17:56 PM

Quote from: Verence on 19 December, 2013, 12:23:36 AM
Is the DeMarco story the first one set in SovSec??

Looks like big things may be planned for that area

I love the backdrop for the DeMarco story: Mike does a bang-up job of capturing the grimness of SovSec. It's almost got a Blade Runner feel to it. Really cool.

In fact, I love this character, in general - really enjoyed the GN freebie this month of DeMarco's older stories.

Are there any trades out there featuring DeMarco? Couldn't find any on Amazon...

Judge DeMarco in in the trade Judge Dredd: The Pitt.

Quote from: Judge Brian on 21 December, 2013, 02:35:58 PM

Quote from: HOO-HAA on 19 December, 2013, 11:17:56 PM

Quote from: Verence on 19 December, 2013, 12:23:36 AM
Is the DeMarco story the first one set in SovSec??

Looks like big things may be planned for that area

I love the backdrop for the DeMarco story: Mike does a bang-up job of capturing the grimness of SovSec. It's almost got a Blade Runner feel to it. Really cool.

Yeah The Pit is a great intro to the character. But how good was the start of the new story in the Meg? I thought it was brilliant. Honestly Mr. Carroll, you exceed yourself! Same goes for Steve Yeowell, his artwork is a perfect match for the story.
In fact, I love this character, in general - really enjoyed the GN freebie this month of DeMarco's older stories.

Are there any trades out there featuring DeMarco? Couldn't find any on Amazon...

Judge DeMarco in in the trade Judge Dredd: The Pitt.

Balls. ::)

My reply:

Yeah The Pit is a great intro to the character. But how good was the start of the new story in the Meg? I thought it was brilliant. Honestly Mr. Carroll, you exceed yourself! Same goes for Steve Yeowell, his artwork is a perfect match for the story.

Thanks, guys.

Quote from: NapalmKev on 21 December, 2013, 09:24:52 AM
An all-round excellent Meg, not a single 'bum' note.
Ordinary is fantastic; easily the best story at the mo'.

Cheers

This. It really is on a strong winning streak these days and the latest issue was firing on all cylinders. Loved the tie in to the Prog Dredd and the yarn itself was top stuff. I also really enjoyed Demarco even though I was never too fussed on her previous solo stories, but yes, Ordinary is just lush.

M.

Quote from: HOO-HAA on 19 December, 2013, 11:17:56 PM
Are there any trades out there featuring DeMarco? Couldn't find any on Amazon...

Just a Megazine floppy for her solo stuff as far as I know

Cover - This for me, is hands down the best Christmas cover of the past few years. It's a striking piece of work from Cliff Robinson and Dylan Teague, not to mention wickedly funny aswell. I love the use of colour, not only for the main piece but the design overall.

Judge Dredd: Donner & Blitzin' - A really entertaining story by Mike Carroll (who seems to be everywhere these days!) and excellent artwork from newcomer Duane Leslie; looking at it you'd never realise that this is his first work for the Megazine. The story revolves around an elderly resident who doesn't want to leave her block (which is due for demolition) and so the Judges go about looking for any incriminating evidence in her apartment which would mean that she would have to move - and believe me, some of their attempts are pretty desperate! It's a nice little tale with a festive vibe of course, and it ties in with the recent story in Prog 2014, which I thought was fun. Coming back to the artwork, Duane Leslie's work is really superb; his character designs are a pleasure to behold, and is complemented perfectly by Eva De La Cruz's terrific colours. All in all a great effort, and a much better ending than Carroll's companion piece in the Prog.

DeMarco P.I: The Whisper Part One - Brilliant! I absolutely loved this opening episode to DeMarco's new story, and again we have Mike Carroll on writing duties alongside Steve Yeowell on art. It's a pleasure seeing Steve's work again after his final outing on The Red Seas. His black & white work here is outstanding, with a lot of depth in his panels (something which some thought was missing on the final series of Red Seas).



I mean just looking at the opening couple of pages, it's clear what a talent this guy is and the reason why he's one of my favourite artists. The set up by Carroll was interesting with another visit to MC-2 (which we last visited in Carroll's own 'Wolves' storyline), as DeMarco arrives to investigate some mysterious disappearances. I must confess, I was reading the story late at night and got a little creeped out toward the end esp. when the old lady was talking about 'The Whisper'! I can't wait to read the next episode.

Ordinary - More awesome shenanigans and odd goings on as we catch up with our favourite plumber! This time things are getting a little heated up, not only inside the White House, but on the streets too as Mike Fisher gets himself out of one tight spot only to find himself in another as he continues his search for his son. Meanwhile, the only voice of sanity in the White House (Dr. MacDonald) finds herself increasingly isolated as the vice president tries to push her out, with mentions of her own superpowers the nature of which we still don't know, but it's clear she's not too keen on. This is another memorable episode from Rob Williams and the magnificent D'Israeli. I love the two flashback panels which are rendered in a different style to the rest of the strip. With so many stylistic variations under his wing (from Lowlife to Stickleback and now this) one must ask - is there no end to D'Israeli's talents?

Judge Anderson: Dead End Part One - This too, like the preceding strips, was a real treat. I love Mike Dowling's fabulous artwork, and to be honest I wish we saw more from him. I like his depiction of Anderson which is very different to Boo Cook's vision, more grounded shall we say (by the way, I love both variations). I also love Dowling's depiction of the Mega City, with its multiple skedways and buildings. And his colours are bloody gorgeous, bringing an almost dreamy feel to proceedings. Alan Grant's story is also engaging and affecting, with Anderson finding a school bus full of dead children. And later we see her atop Cypress Hill with a breath-taking view of the city as she contemplates on the insanity of life. This is a really mediative Anderson, and one which I find fascinating. But seeing as Dredd is also present in the story, it's clear there'll be some heavy arse kicking later on. I loved this opening episode and can't wait for the next one.

Features: Two Interrogations -

Simon Harrison - A really indepth look into the art and talent of Simon Harrison. I find his artwork fascinating and really enjoyed this piece by
Matthew Badham.

Guy Davis - I was ecstatic when I saw that Guy Davis was featured in this months Meg - I bloody love his work! There are very few artists who can creep you out with their artwork and Guy is one of them - a true visionary. His work on B.P.R.D was jawdroppingly magnificent, and it was a pleasure to see him team up with Rob Williams for the Meg story 'Out Law'. I wish we can see him doing another story for the Meg or even Prog, sometime soon. A big thanks to Barry Renshaw and the folks at Judge Dredd Megazine for doing this very special Interrogation. Now, all we need is a Judge Dredd story or Interrogation from Richard Corben and I'll die happy!

Dreddlines - Great to see the letters back after missing them last month. And what's even great is seeing my own letter amongst that fabulous lot! I wrote in because I had to defend my beloved Floppy....er, reprint graphic novels that is! For me, a Meg isn't complete without it. Speaking of which, this months Floppy - DeMarco P.I Volume 1 - was a real treat! Alongside the main character, I also loved her Brit-centric Gorilla sidekick, Perkins. Which makes his absence in the main story that much sadder.....

In conclusion, an outstanding Meg this month.

Definitely some of the best Yeowell art in a long time. Stunning work.

And the first Anderson in years that hasn't made me cringe. Can only be a good sign.

Quote from: HOO-HAA on 19 December, 2013, 11:17:56 PM
Are there any trades out there featuring DeMarco? Couldn't find any on Amazon...

I think in a very old trade... I´m not sure, but... Scorpion Dance? I dón´t remember, but I think that was in Scorpion Dance a very good DeMarco story.

Another great Meg!

Particularly pleased to see Steve Yeowell's art looking fine here. The extra background detail sets it off very well. Duane Leslie's Dredd and Michael Dowling's Anderson were very accomplished too and D'Israeli was his usual excellence. All round good work this month! Happy script-wise too!

A very fine floppy too.

Thanks Gang!  :thumbsup:

Sorry, double post!

Forgot to ask. Does anyone else think that picture of Travis at the bottom of p82 on the digital version (14 pages in for the print version I think) looks very, very Bolland? Good homage!

Quote from: DrJomster on 03 January, 2014, 12:50:01 PM
Sorry, double post!

Forgot to ask. Does anyone else think that picture of Travis at the bottom of p82 on the digital version (14 pages in for the print version I think) looks very, very Bolland? Good homage!

I can't find it!   :(

Which story was it in, Dr Jomster?

In the DeMarco Vol 1 floppy, 14 pages of story in, at the bottom right. He's just next to a hover car taking off on the bottom left as viewed from above.

Yep, seen it. You're right - it does look very Bolland-esque!

Is that D'israeli back on the Fishpaste?

The truck stuck in the side of the building could be a fishpaste truck

This was the 7th Meg I've read & it was by far the best.

DeMarco was a great introduction to what's going on in MC2. I was also glad to see her leave the simp.

Anderson is my favorite 2000ad character that isn't russian & from the 27th century. It's strange that after more than a decade Lawless is still wearing his masked costume even after he's gone straight.  Other than that I loved the strip & cannot wait to read more.