Comic Book Review - 2000 AD Prog 2214

Rob Lake reviews 2000 AD Prog 2214...

We're back with the second Prog of 2021. With Lockdown 3 - Johnson Strikes Back, appearing across the UK, a few of us are turning to comics as a medium to escape. 

The juggernaut that is 2000 AD continues to provide a weekly Jarjaz of thrills. The long-established weekly comic also continues to pull its weight in showing why it was voted in the top spot in ComicScene's recent Top 10 comics of 2020 list.

In regards to this weeks Prog, it's all systems continue, Dredd is still down South in Desperadlands, Hershey kicks arse in The Brutal, Slaine is still slaying his way through Troy in Dragontamer, Proteus Vex continues to get weird in Shadow Chancellor, and finally, Red goes to war in Durham Red.

Judge Dredd: Desperadlands - Part 2

Micheal Caroll and Will Simpson continue their journey into Ciudad Barranquilla. It's an absolute joy seeing Simpson back in the Progs. 

We're on the outskirts of Ciudad Barranquilla this week as Dredd and ex-Judge Doya Meekins continue their investigation. With the duo on the trail of Syan Hegedos - who's also kidnapped a Cadet Judge, time is of the essence. Unfortunately, Dredd's H-Wagon is taken out of the equation and the pair find themselves in a dangerous location with limited weaponry. 

It's nice to see Dredd out of his comfort zone. Whilst the big Meg is always a sight, Dredd being in unfamiliar territory is even better. Caroll continues to weave a sense of mysticism as something is boiling just below the surface. We don't yet quite know what, but this one far from simple. 

Hershey: The Brutal - Part 3

The Brutal is quite an apt name for this Hershey tale. So far the ex Chief-Judge has been brutal herself. This isn't the Hershey that we're used to. She's a bad-ascend isn't taking any names. Poor Frank is stuck in the middle of Hershey and her agenda. This time around the Wally Squad member is being used to get closer to Edu. 

Both Rob Williams and Simon Fraser dive into Hershey's gritty nature as both herself and Frank sink deeper into the Barranquilla underworld. Williams continues the dark overtones with his writing and Fraser's art is just a thing of dark beauty. 

Sláine: Dragontamer - Part 3

There isn't a lot I can say about Sláine. It's just Sláine...This time around he's fighting Dragons and Lady Imogen is here. Why? Well, Mills doesn't say, but could it be something to do with the Child in the dungeon? 

Leonardo Manco continues to shine and his artwork is phenomenal. Before Dragontamer's release, there was a rumour going around in regards to Manco redoing his art for Sláine. If it's true or not, we will never properly know. But, Manco is the shining light amongst Sláines bloodshed. 

Proteus Vex: The Shadow Chancellor - Part 3

The Silent is attacking The Framework, a construct that allows faster than light travel. On the case is Imperium agent Proteus Vex and his partner Midnight Indicating Shame. 

Its the Imperium against The Silent as the two sides go to war at a Mutaveron outpost. The Mutaverons are essential to The Frameworks survival as, well they built it. 

Jake Lynch choreographs a fantastic battle that builds throughout to its crescendo. Which just happens to be Vex and Shame bursting into the fray.

Durham Red: Served Cold - Part 3

Things don't look good for Red. The Galactic Crime Commission is outside the jail and they have all guns pointing towards Red. 

It's been a bit slow so far for old Red. Thankfully this time things heat a tad. We also get a reveal to the series' big-bad as he finally makes his appearance known. 

Who survives? Who dies? Well my money is on both Red and the Guard surviving but you can never be too sure. Also, I can't be the only one who's getting Assault on Precinct 13 vibes from this one? 

Alec Worley script starts to boil for Red, and Ben Wilsher brings some nice images. But it still feels a little too safe at the moment...

Rating: 8/10

Rob Lake - Be sure to follow us on Twitter @GeekCultureRev for more comic book chat and reviews!