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I think my favourite Viz headline was "Queen Mother says: 'Anyone who thinks my job is easy is talking out their arse!'"

Dredd is 2000AD's main asset. I know no one is seriously suggesting he is dropped, but I think it's inconceivable that could happen or that he could be rested. I can't see how that would make sense on any level. Is it a case of "this story is so great that it will be even better – if we don't include it. Not having it for a couple of years will make for great character/story development". This sounds a bit too Men In Black for my liking. Fine, kill the character, let a clone take over – like others, I do think that might happen one day as the comic is daring enough to do that (having said that, is it not almost standard fare in the Marvel/DC worlds to do that kind of thing?). But as for Judge Dredd the strip being rested? Can't see that happening and wouldn't want it to.  

I count myself lucky every time Wagner writes Dredd as I fear one day he will decide he has enough and will pack it in. I think it is only Al Ewing these days that hits the spot with Dredd, perhaps because he focuses a lot on supporting characters and captures the MC1 black humour that we know and love.

I don't think any other character or series has the depth or mileage to warrant it appearing in every issue. Now I think about it, that's a bit disappointing after all these years. That's not to say there hasn't been stuff as good as Dredd. In fact my favourite ever is probably Nemesis, but such characters, including Nikolai Dante are part of stories that lead to a definite end, unlike Dredd which can run and run.

If my memory serves me correct, is it only two issues that the Dredd strip has not appeared in – prog 1 and another, or is that some terrible nightmare I dreamt up?

Mind you, my favourite Viz special edition offer has to be the 'Elvis Presley Dambusters clock plate of Tutankhamun'.

This reminds me of when I started buying Viz again after a long break. It was soon after the death of the people's Lady Princess Diana. A bloke opposite me on the tube was reading the latest issue. I was trying to stop myself from cracking up out aloud when I saw the mock newspaper headline mourning the supposed death of "the people's Monkey", Mickey Dolenz.

I reckon the first Rogue Trooper issue. That has to be one of the most iconic 2000AD front covers.

If it was me, I would ask him to sign my Watchmen no.2 as he has already signed my Watchmen no.1 (as has Alan Moore) at one of the UKCAC conventions. (How's that for showing off?)

[Gibson Quarter]

1. Gibson Quarter. Great moment of action and mayhem. Got a touch of EC comics about it. (I never forget that Dredd story – I got told off for wasting money on that annual because of it.)
2. Chris Askham. Very graphic. Great use of black and red.
3. Ant O'Donnell. Another great action moment.

HM. James. I really like the simplicity of this.

Very tough to choose as there were plenty more stunning entries. I think this has been the best comp so far.

Welcome Matt. I really like your work especially the use of colour and texture. It's a hive of activity here. I'm sure you'll have fun. Nice art comp entry by the way.

Oh boy, reminds me of way back, when FP in Denmark Street was full of classic era 2000ad art which was going for about £50 a page if I recall correctly. As a student that seemed off the scale expensive.

Always good to hear from art droid dudes on this message board. Wish you all the best with your efforts Lee. Stunning stuff on your links.

When I was a kid, I only wanted to be a comic artist. And then got side tracked with "serious illustration and design" which ended up just as design. Now with minimal amount of work coming in I can't say I am that keen on getting back into it. I always admired those who stuck to what they loved doing.

Great news King Trout!

Happy Birthday young one. Well I was 43 recently. Feeling fit so I can't complain. But I'm not mellowing – quite the opposite. I do a good line in muttering in the street due to the usual shoulder barging I get off rude Londoners.

[The Return of Rico!]

Ok, finally finished. Well done all and thanks again for the deadline extension, Jim.

The Return of Rico!

I'm inking, I'm inking! We can't all embellish as fast as you and Vince, you know.

I always liked Shaky Kane's art. Always felt he was underratted and don't care that it looked similar to Kirby art. So many artists we all rave about here started off with styles similar to other artists and in time they developed their own unique style. Good link there Emperor. Interesting to see Shaky Kane would use acetate and layers. It's very satisfying inking on acetate and painting colour on the reverse side. Tried that at college when we were doing animation (over 20 years ago!). Guess that's almost redundant know what with computers.

Thanks Ant. I find inking in Photoshop is okay. It feels surprisingly natural. I almost gave up recently as my Wacom pen seemed possessed. I thought the reason was that I lost my settings or that it was something to do with my last system upgrade. Found some good advice online and managed to get it working properly again. I haven't tried inking with a brush for ages but the results with Photoshop are surprisingly similar in style to my older ropey brush and ink attempts. I'll try and look into inking with pens on paper as I suspect that is quicker than using Photoshop.