Comic Book Review - 2000 AD Prog 2222

Rob Lake reviews 2000 AD Prog 2222...

There's a slight change to proceedings this week as Sláine is taking a hiatus for a couple of weeks. Word on the streets is that Leonardo Manco is running a little behind with his art duties. And who can blame him? His work on Dragontamer has been nothing short of phenomenal, so if he needs mode time then so be it. 

Instead of Sláine, this week we're treated to another Tharg's 3Riller with Nakka of the S.T.A.R.S. Also this week Noam Chimpsky is back in Who Killed Captain Cookies, urban horror stories in Thistlebone, and the penultimate parts to both Proteus Vex and Durham Red. 

Judge Dredd: Who Killed Captain Cookies - Part 2

So Captain Cookies is dead, the Judge's rate it as a low-level crime so who's left to sort it? Yes of course it's down to fan favourite - Noam Chimpsky. 

It's a game of Judge Vs. Chimp as Noam's investigation takes him close to the gaze of Judge Dredd.

Much like last weeks offering, Ken Niemand gives us a trip into the bizarre part of MegaCity-1. There's a lot of silliness and comedy that does a great job in breaking up the normal doom and gloom of Meg life. PJ Holden continues to give us some great art with some fantastic Mega-City skylines. 

Tharg's 3Rillers: Nakka of the S.T.A.R.S - Part 1

So Tharg is back with one of his 3Rillers, a complete tale told within three parts. This time we're with Inspector Nakrosky and his partner, Penny Z8E/4891 of the Space Taskforce Armed Response Squad. 

The duo gets called to investigate a murder at a local tearoom. A murder which I won't spoil, but it's quite clever. 

Much like Durham Red channelling Assault on Precinct 13, Nakka of the S.T.A.R.S feels a bit Midsomer Murders mixed with Heartbeat. It's full of murder and sci-fi silliness all set within the English countryside. 

Brendon McCarthy, Roger Langridge and Len O'Grady give us a simple, enjoyable tale that's so far ticking the right boxes. 

Thistlebone: Poisoned Roots - Part 2

It's amazing how the discovery of skeletons under a tree can affect the tourism of a normally quiet town. And that's exactly what's happening over in Harrovale. 

With the world invested in what exactly been happening in those woods, Seema is dragged back into the nightmare. 

Do I know what's going on yet? Sadly not, but I'm enjoying the mystery of it all. TC Eglinton is giving us a slow builder that's full of suspense, while Simon Davis gives us that sleepy town image with a dark brooding nightmare within its woods. 

Proteus Vex: The Shadow Chancellor - Part 9

We're down to the penultimate part of Mike Carroll's space epic, and it's not looking good for anyone! Vex has escaped from his apparent captivity and the truth surrounding the Silent has finally come out. With talks of genocide, the alliance's forming and breaking, the galaxy is on the brink of all-out war. How's it going to end? 

As always there's some great artwork by Jake Lynch who's done wonders taking over art duties for Proteus Vex. Carroll's story has also come leaps and bounds from its opening part, and I for one will be sad to see it conclude. 

Durham Red: Served Cold - Part 10

Alec Worley gives us plenty of action this week as Durham and the Brain (one is a genius the others...) goes teeth to...brain. 

Enough of the puns! 

Much like the rest of Served Cold, this penultimate part dispenses with any meaningful plot and dishes out more action than an 80's action flick. It's fast, it's got twists and turns and that's what makes it so bloody*  enjoyable.

*Yes another pun!

Rating 8/10

Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow Geek Culture Reviews on Twitter and Facebook @GeekCultureRev