Comic Book Review - 2000 AD Prog 2255

Rob reviews 2000 AD Prog 2255...

Things start to slow down this week as Joko-Jargo returns yet again in next week's Prog 2256. 

As such we're saying goodbye to 'The Hard Way',  'Pandora Perfect', and 'The Diaboliks'. However everything else is retuning after a 2-week break. 

So with the collective "not another Regened!" groan behind us...let's get on with the show.

Judge Dredd: The Hard Way - Part 6 (Final Part) 

Rob Williams and Arthur Wyatt's weird and wonderful assassination tale comes to an end this week. With help arriving from both Brit-Cit and the Meg in the forms of 'The Griffin' and HMS Queen Meghan, things are finally looking up for the Cits of Atlantis. However, Dredd and Maitland still have to deal with Trapper Hag. 

Williams and Wyatt bring The Hard Way to a satisfying conclusion. Naturally this isn't the last that we'll see of La Reine Rouge. And considering that a handpicked team of assassins failed to complete their mission. It asks the question of what next? 

Jake Lynch and Jim Boswell have shined throughout and this ending is no different. Lynch's line work is great and the artist draws some incredible action sequences. It's also worth noting that Dredd's "This Hag Creep" cell has beauty in its ugliness as Lynch shows us just how much shit Dredd has been through so far. 

We're also treated to a possible posthumous dedication to the late Dave Evans as a certain character named "Bolt" appears on the Griffin.

The Diaboliks: Arrivederci Roma - Part 6 (Final Part)

It's the end of the rampage in the Vatican as Gordon Rennie calls time on Jenny's mission. This ending is a little more subdued as Jenny claims diplomatic immunity and as such claims a respite from the wrath of both Heaven and Hell. With both her own child and now the Codices Infama's child host to protect it's definitely going to get a lot worse. 

And that's before we see what Soloman has been up to!

Is quite literally arrivederci Diaboliks as we say goodbye, but they're back in a few weeks time with 'London's Calling'. So expect more The Clash than Dean Martin...

Pandora Perfect: Mystery Moon - Part 6 (Final Part)

The madcap adventure of Pandora Perfect and faithful sidekick - Gort - also comes to an end this week. Sprugg has gotten his just deserts, with Pandora and Gort living to see another heist. 

Whether you've been a fan or not, Roger Langridge's tale has certainly brought a touch of silliness to the often serious Progs. There's been enough comedy to keep the younger fans entertained, with Langridge adding emotional depth to his characters underneath. Brett Parson's art has also been great throughout, with plenty of gorgeous scenes, and some bold line work. 

Scarlet Traces: Storm Front - Part 6

Things are certainly heating up this week as Scarlet Traces goes from quaint sci-fi, to full on action blockbuster. 

Ahron and Ikarys are inside the Martian base with the last of their Jovian allies. With the war still being fought on Earth - and in its Orbit - this ones all about blasting away Martians with really big guns...well that's until Ian Edington throws a almighty spanner into the works. 

'Storm Front' has been a great third part of the Scarlet Traces series. We've gone from the more darker tones seen in both Volume 1 & 2, to a now more action laden sci-fi epic. It's certainly come leaps and bounds from what was an already excellent read, and D'Israeli's art is the icing on the cake. 

The Out: Book 2 - Part 6

Cyd's back on her original adventure of tracking down those Humans who have made the journey Out. In true style they're quite the bunch, probably more so than the aliens that they live amongst. There's also a few possible plot points coming to the surface, but whether Dan Abnett builds upon these is anyone's guess. 

The Out is one of those tales that doesn't need a defined plot to keep you entertained. While there is an overarching narrative, Abnett isn't afraid to go off the beaten track. Not only does it highlight Cyd's journalistic side, we also get to see more of this bizarre universe. 

Not going to bang on about Mark Harrison's work as you all know its gorgeous, and the proof is here in the proverbial Out pudding!

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