As usual with the Meg, it's a mixed bag. Dredd designed to be the start of something- but I'm not sure I'm too interested in seeing that story come to fruition. We will see. Lawless is again superb in every way and could run and run and run and I wouldnt mind a bit. The final part of (this bit of) The Vigilant was a beautifully rendered but as overwhelmed by multiple characters and obscure motivations, and hamstrung by the time between episodes, as the last few parts. These characters are marvellous and I very much want them back in comics regularly- but it needs retooling and perhaps a clearer narrative. Blunt, I'm afraid I don't read.
The floppy is a joy. While the Dr Sin story is just so weird, coming as it does from the very early days of 2000AD (and how weird to see a 2000AD story with typeset lettering! Those early annuals, eh?) and just such a monumental lump of mad silliness. Cant believe Pat Mills wrote it, frankly. The Leopard and Death Wish episodes were still familiar from ancient childhood memories (can Speed really be 40 years ago? I still remember the tactile nature of the first free gift), Steel Commando- a strip I've never liked- was unexpectedly beautifully drawn (those faces!), but Mesmer and Von Hoffman were the highlights. Will be buying both those collected volumes as soon as I can.
Interesting to note we are nearly due a "bumper anniversary issue". Any news as to the format/ content?
SBT