Some reboot, these guys rebot (2000 AD Comics in general)

Member Name: ianoir

Product:	2000 AD Comics in general
Date:	26/06/09 (6 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, lots of variety, constantly changing well writen stories, contstantly changing impressive art

Disadvantages: It isn' Marvel or DC, stories have to be taken as a case by case

I picked up 2000AD back on issue 1600 (as I write this I'm waiting on 1642) so I've barely been collecting a year at this stage. Still though, its easy to see in that time just why its one of the few comics to stay in circulation since the 70s and not be totally cheesy.

2000AD isn't a single comic or story, instead its an anothology of various science fiction stories from a number of different writers and artists including Alan Moore amongst many many others. Consistantly allowing new talent the opportunity to rise up and be seen its more of an equal ground than other comics which are only done by one or two guys at any one time. Currently the line up includes the perenial Judge Dredd who somehow still after making his first appearance in late 1977 issue 2 is published and loved by fans, Cradlegrave (a new strip based in a fictional estate in modern day England), Savage book five has just finished, Defoe has just started and several one shots have appeared in the form of Future Shocks, a feature which has long been a pleaser for readers.

Alot of the time, the art is amazing, often showcasing the best talent they can find. Just take a look at the last ABC Warriors story and tell me visually it shouldn't be framed and on the wall someplace. Thats right, you cant. When I saw that particular story I thought it was CGI, then I found it was painted. Compare the dark and yet colour rich style of that with something the Red Seas, a simple black and white strip that still manages to impress as well as the traditionally completed Dredd strips and theres a great mix of artistic style on show.

The stories as well are very strong, often bringing in some aspect of modern day life into the setting. For example one of the early stories from my collection involves Mega City one allowing mutants citizenship. It was a Dredd story I must add but still it adds to the effect of bringing home modern day issues to readers in an interesting and engaging way. Compare that to some of the purely sci-fi stories that are printed and theres a nice range of content.

I feel I must say something about this publications sister magazine, the Megazine. A monthly to 2000ADs weekly. Originally designed to house stories set in Mega City one (Dredds universe) and beyond. Although now it also includes Tank Girl as well as interviews or features about artists or writers or styles as well as quick reviews on new films or dvds. Included with each issue currently is a reprinted collection of older works, often focusing on a single persons work for Dredd or even more exciting a complete story from the archives such as "Chopper" or "Deadlock". These are great to read on their own and give readers the chance to read older works that are still as relavent and entertaining as when they were first published.

For me, 2000AD is made such a joy to buy and read because of its price and content, it isn't Marvel or DC and it doesn't just focus on one character.

Summary: A great buy in this current climate and great buy for sci-fi fans