Comic Book Review - 2000 AD Regened Vol.3

Rob reviews 2000 AD Regened Vol. 3...

For the last couple of years, Tharg has periodically handed the reigns to the 'Galaxy's Greatest' over to his nephew; Joko-Jargo. As such this allows those same 2000 AD thrills, to be reimagined to an all-ages audience. While some of the "veteran" 2000 AD subscribers scoff at these all-ages issues, they do offer that same classic storytelling - albeit tailored to a different audience.

That's arguably the only concern about every comic book on the market. As its readership ages, the need to appeal to a new audience comes into play. This allows publishers to mess about with their format in a multitude of ways. Whilst some only cater for one age group or the other, the folks over at 2000 AD have attempted to cater for both. 

Not only does the Regened Prog offer a stepping stone for those graduating from The Beano or The Dandy, but it also acts as a bridge for those stepping into the more adult world of the regular weekly Prog. 

Away from this 'Regened' also acts as a sounding board for new and veteran Droids to showcase their talents differently. So far, we've had outings for seasoned 2000 AD vets such as; Mike Carroll, Arthur Wyatt, and Jake Lynch, appear alongside "newer Droids" such as; Liam Johnson and Anna Morozova. It's been a veritable mixture of talent, which works. Not only are we now up to Regened Vol. 3, but we've also seen Regened strips - 'Department K', 'Pandora Perfect' - make their appearance within the normal Prog. 

So without further ado shall we dive in? 

Cadet Dredd: Suboptimal 

Kicking things off is Arthur Wyatt, Davide Tinto and Gary Caldwell. This time around, Cadet Dredd is paired up with Tek-Judge Cadet Quinn. They're both tasked with tracking a missing Juve, but it's not that simple. Things take a turn as Dredd and Quinn are captured and taken underground to the "Opti-Mall". The mall's A.I. has gone mad and as such is kidnapping Juves (and a couple of Judges) to act as replacement shoppers. 

Wyatt's tale not only hints towards Cadet Dredd's impending robot rebellion, but adds a little 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Tron too! 

Cadet Dredd: Lawbreaker

Rounding off the Cadet Dredd outings is Liam Johnson, Jake Lynch, and Jim Boswell. Blocks Donnelly and McPartlin are at the height of their latest Block War. As such the Justice Department have let the Cadets use the situation for some well-needed training 

Not authorised to use live-fire, the Cadets have to utilise their skills to defuse the situation. But it doesn't go to plan. 

'Lawbreaker' is the perfect example of an all-ages strip that wouldn't look out of place in the normal Prog. Liam Johnson gives a pretty gritty account into everyday Judge life. There's a pretty good twist in the tale too, as Johnson also explores the brotherly dynamic between both Dredd and Rico.

Harlem Heroes

Ramzee and Korinna Mei Veropoulou team up to bring an exclusive strip to this volume in the form of Harlem Heroes. This one acts as a prequel of sorts. We follow the early days of Gem as he drops out of the Academy to follow in the footsteps of his Grandfather, Aeroball legend, John "Giant" Clay. 

What follows is a simple strip that charts the origins of the Harlem Heroes, and their ascent into the Ultra Aeroball League. Veropoulou brings a simple yet effective style to the art which helps capture the thrills in Ramzee's script. 

Anderson, PSI-DIV: Deep Burn 

Over her last few Regened outings, Cass Anderson discovered that an alien race has Its sights set on Earth. Now Cavan Scott is back to give us the third and final part of the trilogy. 

This time around, Anderson finds herself in space and she's tagged Cadet Judge Hawkins along with her. They aim to stop the alien fleet from approaching Earth, and in typical fashion - it's not that easy. 

While 'Deep Burn' is a satisfying strip it does require you to have read the previous two outings. However, read them all together and it's a great mini-series that introduces both Cassandra Anderson's "unique" talents. And Cavan Scott's impressive sci-fi mastery (see Star Wars: The High Republic!)

Action Pact: The Radyar Recovery 

As introductions go - it doesn't get more "action-packed" than Action Pact. Mike Carroll wastes no time in introducing us to Commander Drake and his team. Along with Luke Horsman, Carroll brings a fast and frantic strip that's packed full of action and gorgeous artwork. 

Again, this is another strip that could easily fit into the weekly Prog. There's a lot here for Mike Carroll to build upon, regardless if Action Pact stays all-ages or not. 

Viva Forever: 9 Amazing Tips 

David Ballie takes us into the 'Dreddverse' as we learn about super thief; Viva Forever. Much in the style of a modern-day vlogger, Viva is posting her top tips on how to become a master thief. Without a Judge insight, Viva is on a crime spree and its making MegaCity-1's super-rich - super scared. 

Could we see a future where Viva Forever meets a certain Mega-City Judge? Let's hope so! 

Special mention also goes out to Anna Morozova who brings a fresh and unique style to this strip. Alongside Pippa Bowland, the duo gives us a very smooth look at how the other side lives in the 'Meg'. 

Mayflies: Precious Cargo 

Mike Carroll is back as he takes us into the Nort-Souther War of Nu-Earth. It's a dark and gritty sci-fi, which oozes that classic Carroll storytelling. Art also comes from Jaeger's own Simon Colby, which further builds the 'Rogueverse' links. 

In terms of story, Mayflies follows the aptly named unit of disposable genetic test subjects. As their ship comes under attack, this group decide to liberate themselves from their Nort captures and set off into the vast unknown. 

If any Regened strip deserves a full run in the weekly Prog it's Mayflies. And to cement this fact...

Mayflies: The Way Forward 

Yes, a double helping! This time we rejoin the Genetic Infantry as Mike Carroll slows the pace to give these characters a proper introduction. Whereas 'Precious Cargo' introduced us to what these G.I. could do,  'The Way Forward' shows us the people behind the skills.

Future Shocks: Geeno Firenzo

It's only a matter of time before Karl Stock's story of influencers selling feelings comes true. All the feels is a new social media craze that allows users to connect to their desired "star" at an emotional level. What could go wrong? 

Geeno Firenzo is one such star, he's playing the game well. But what happens when his viewers switch off? 

Future Shocks: Space Expectations 

The search for intelligent life in our galaxy has been a long and fruitless endeavour. Expeditions on Venus, Mars, and Saturn's Moon have provided zero results. Now lone explorer droid; Explorer is boldly going where no man has gone before.

He's been out in the cosmos for so long that those back home has forgotten that Explorer even exists. But what happens when he does stumble across extraterrestrial life? 

All in all, Regened Vol. 3 continues to do what the folks over at 2000 AD do so well. While strips such as 'Cadet Dredd' and 'Anderson, PSI-DIV' serve to flesh out their veteran counterparts. Newer strips such as 'Mayflies' and 'Viva Forever' pack a punch that could certainly see them appear within the weekly 2000 AD Prog. 

But for a final word - Regened Vol. 3 - is a great menagerie of tales that not only highlights the best of the "Thrillverse" but also serves as a wicked introduction for younger readers. 

Now, Tharg...about Mayflies...

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