Comic Book Review - 2000 AD Prog 2280 [Regened]

High-Octane All-Ages Thrills...

It's that time again where Tharg takes a week off and hands the reigns over to his nephew; Joko-Jargo for 5-new all-ages thrills. 

It's your typical Regened layout as we get a customary trip to Mega-City One with Cadet Dredd, then it's over to four completely new strips to make their debuts! 

Joining us this week, 'Harry Potter' meets 'Dangerous Minds' in Lowborn High, AI self-awareness in Future Shocks: Smart Home, A return to the class of Omega-Default IV in The Unteachables, and Marlon Shakespeare soars in Chopper: What Goes Up. 

Cadet Dredd: Red Medicine 

We're back on patrol with Cadets Dredd and Rico as they learn to deal with the illicit trade of medical supplies. This time around the young cadets are dealt with a morality case as they're shown that while it's breaking the law, it's improving life within this low-life sector. But as Rico politely puts it "more Cits leads to more potential Perps" - he does have a point...

What then follows is a Cadet Dredd tale that could have easily been seen within the standard Prog. James Peaty and Luke Horsman manage to capture the essence of Judge Dredd, yet without the added bullets and explosions. What we get instead is more Lawmaster action (which is always a plus), more Dredd doing that detective work, and more character building that will go on to define both Dredd and Rico's future. 

Lowborn High 

Lowborn High is a run-down and under-deprived school where spell users get sent when they dont make the cut. While those who do make the grade go on to study at the prestigious Wychdusk Manor, to then become the wizarding elite, those who find themselves in Lowborn High don't have much hope of anything.

So, when the under-performing Androgeus Frost arrives at Lowborn High his family name causes a few heads to turn. As such we get a classic fish out of water tale as Frost sets out to "fit in" at this wizarding comprehensive. Even if that means he's got to tangle with a multiplying demon and a teacher who got a hidden agenda - all on his first day. 

While it's a little predictable, David Barnett's script is an enjoyable read. There's plenty of mystery around as Barnett starts to develop these characters and the situation that's going to arise around this school. Anna Morozova is also the perfect choice to illustrate this one. Not only do we get some pretty detailed characters, but there's also a perfect mixture of sorcery and street smarts all hidden under some teenage angst.

Future Shocks: Smart Home

Honor Vincent is back with another Future Shocks. This time we move away from mice to enter the home of tomorrow! Well, it's today, but you know what I mean!?

Anyway, smart devices are taking over everyday life. From our phones to digital assistants, and even fridges, everything has a "smart purpose". But do these machines even know their purpose? 

That's exactly what Smart Home asks. A  small appliance realises that it's connected in more ways than one to the other appliances that share the local network. And what happens when these start talking? 

Well, it's not quite 'The Terminator'...

The Untouchables

After their appearance within Regened Prog 2130, Karl Stock has decided to bring back the class of Omega-Default IV. Things have changed since the last outing where Arthur acted as the eyes and ears of the teachers. Now the teachers have all gone and a substitute is on her way. 

Overall The Unteachable acts as a continuation of the previous Future Shocks. While Julia Vincente and Matt Soffe produce some great post-apocalyptic art, did we need these Future Shocks expanded? 

Chopper: What Goes Up

Seeing out this Prog is another trip back to Mega-City One. This time we're in the hights with the young Marlon Shakespeare as he Skysurfs his way into more trouble. 

Boing! is sweeping through the Meg. Cits are turning themselves into human-sized pinballs and as such are causing quite a havoc, with some disappearing. This all leads up to Chopper and his crew to investigate, which then puts them under the gaze of Judge Watanabe.

David Barnett and Neil Roche are doing some great work with Chopper. Not only does their continued partnership add a familiar feeling to the strip, but Barnett also strikes a great balance between comedy and the need to keep everything flowing. 

 

And with that, we've come to the end of our journey. While this Regened outing wasn't necessarily the strongest showing, there's still plenty here for younger readers to sink their teeth into.

While these Regened Progs will always have their naysayers, they are a perfect gateway into the much wider world of 2000 AD. And isn't introducing new readers to these weird and wonderful worlds what we all want? 

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