Comic Book Review - 2000 AD Prog 2270

Happy Birthday 2000 AD!...

Birthday bumps at the ready as the "Galaxy's Greatest" celebrates its 45th rotation around the Sun. And what an achievement!

So what better way to celebrate than with a bumper 48-pages of Thrill-Power!

There are a lot of new strips heading our way too! There's the start of John Wagner's latest Judge Dredd thriller 'The Citadel', which promises to blow Dredd's world apart. Then we have the next instalment of Dan Abnett's sci-fi crime epic Brink with the start of 'Mercury Retrograde'. 

Following these, we have a one-off Indigo Prime and the latest instalments of Proteus Vex and Kingmaker. 

Judge Dredd: The Citadel - Part 1

After being teased for a few weeks, we can finally settle down with 'The Citadel'. Written by John Wagner, this one promises a world-changing revelation. And it's going to take us and Joe Dredd back to the Apocalypse War.

This opening takes us into Iso-Block 1 as a prisoner is scheduled to die after years of solitary confinement. However, things take a turn as this prisoner is a former Cadet Judge. So why isn't he on Titan? Well, it turns out that Cadet Judge Winterton was part of a covert operation that took place during the Sov invasion of Mega-City 1 and was led by Judge Dredd. 

The details of this mission have since been buried by the Justice Department and its remained secret for 40-years. But when you've got nothing else to lose, the secret will be revealed...

So far, so good. Wagner delivers plenty within this opening chapter to get you questioning what's going to happen. Dan Cornwell also produces some gorgeous artwork that takes us into the hellish atmosphere of Iso-Block 1. There's a lot of bold line work with plenty of character close-ups. Dylan Teague is also here and we get yet another masterclass of colour in his signature style. Just look at that gorgeous opening shot below.

Proteus Vex: Desire Paths - Part 9

Things are heating up (pardon the pun) as the Scorchers deal with Vex and his Imperium pursuers. As the Imperium appeal to the Scorcher's better nature, they unknowingly reveal something that should have remained a secret. 

Mike Carroll takes us on a political journey this time out as the Scorchers and the Imperium dabble over Vex. The back of forth between characters is full of drama Jake Lynch also continues to amaze with his incredible artwork. The contrast between the towering Tsellest and the rest of the characters is a great contrast to how destructive these large creatures can be. Jim Boswell then rounds things off with plenty of orange and yellow, with a distinct grey tone for the flashback scenes. 

Indigo Prime: Whatever Happened To Mickey Challis? 

Indigo Prime is back on the case of another multiversal conundrum. Master of the weird and wonderful, Kek-W helms this one-shot as we discover how Mickey Challis got recruited to Indigo Prime's ranks. 

Things take a turn for the weird as Micky follows the trail of the living book. This allows Kek to tap into some weird shit as reality and fiction start to build together. Then there's a certain cameo at the end. 

I won't spoil everything in this story, but Kek brings enough to keep you entertained. With Indigo Prime also returning soon, I'm hoping Kek and Lee Carter remain in the creative team.

Kingmaker: Falls The Shadow: Part 7 

After taking a break for a couple of Progs, Ian Edgington and Leigh Gallagher are back. So far we've seen the spirit of Ichnar the Wraith King claim a new host, who just happens to be the Thorn Duke. This had led to a pretty large war as the Nine Kingdoms attempted to fend off the invading Thorn army. 

It's big, bold, and epic fantasy meets sci-fi as Edgington treats us to a massive battle and a returning character. Gallagher brings plenty of large panels which he fills with a lot of detail. Colourwork is also great with plenty of contrasting colours that make it a joy to look at. 

Tharg The Mighty: Stars on 45

Things get a bit daft in this tale as Tharg decides to release a hit single. Trouble is he's not that great of a singer (sorry Tharg), so the Droids call in the help of a few friends. 

David Barnett taps into the more silly side of the 2000 AD Prog as we see a host of classic characters out of their comfort zone. Robin Smith's artwork also takes the fun of classic scenes. So prepare to "gaze into the fist of Red"...what!?

The Order: Fantastic Voyage - Part 9

Ben Franklin is still under siege from the shadows that are inside of him. So in a plan that's very akin to a famous anti-acid reflux advert, Small Paul enters Ben Franklin to tackle the threat. Then we also have the bigger picture stuff as the Order are still being chased by the Shadow Kraken.

John Burns' art continues to sell The Order to me. Whilst I still have no idea what's going on, Burns at least makes it look good!

Brink: Mercury Retrograde - Part 1

I was very hesitant to read this new entry into Dan Abnett's story of crime and cults. Don't get me wrong, I love everything about Brink, but I've only read up to the end of book 1. As such, I feel that Mercury Retrograde is going to spoil the journey along the way. So excuse me whilst I go catch up. 

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