Review: 2000 AD – Prog 1886
Altogether very suitable this weeks cover goes to Sláine; Simon Davis and Pat Mill’s epic is coming to a blood-splattered halt for part one within these hallowed pages. The chaos that has been reaching a fever pitch is well represented here with our warrior in the middle of a maelstrom of miscreations who’ll be helping him to exact his revenge. Davis’ color choice is, as always, on point and his ability to represent action on the page is incredible. Literally jumping off the page at us, ready to be consumed and enjoyed.
Our very own Michael Carroll’s Traumatown is where we find the judge, jury and executioner this Prog as Dredd’s second guessing himself has led to the entire city having outbreaks of people being haunted by demons in their mind. This story started well and has only gotten better, choosing to place Dredd at the centre of the kerfuffle as he tries to find out what’s been getting into his head, and why it’s doing it. The imagery being utilized is some of the darkest seen in Tharg’s favorite in quite a while, and is a welcome descent into real gore. Nick Percival’s art just looks incredible here, the colour is so dank and grim, and the dystopic futuristic world of Mega-City One fits the aesthetic to a tee. The story is leading to a big reveal next issue, and considering Michael’s writing so far here has been top class, next issue will be one to pick up.
Continuing the string of shorter tales that 2000 AD likes to inject into it’s publications every so often, we get Terror Tales’ Done Deal, a one-shot short story. Short and sharp with a straight to the point script by Alec Worley, Done Deal leaves you jaw ajar in the right kind of way. Pulling strong on your heart-strings while leaving a distinct air of mystery, Deal very much shows the strength of 2000 AD in that Tharg’s Mightiest has a real penchant for telling stirring stories in short periods of time, and keeping the narratives astute and to the point. Four pages and this is done and dusted and leaves the most food for thought – considering the company it’s keeping currently in the book, that’s a serious accomplishment.
A Simple Killing Book One reaches it’s epic thirteen part end next as Sláine unleashes his blood-soaked vengeance. The plot plodded at times and even Davis’ beautiful artwork couldn’t save it from being almost tedious, but this pay-off is worth every last second. Glorious axe-swinging redemption is begun as Sláine works to save Sínéad and get his own back, complete with an obvious analogy of man against the establishment and ending on a perfectly-timed cliffhanger. The world is spreading farther and the lore is getting ever deeper as this continues. Can’t wait for part two from these veterans.
O
ccasionally, a story comes along that has a narrative that just stumps me. And I LOVE it when that happens. I enjoy the challenge of keeping track of a slightly obtuse plot that has clear rules that take a bit of time to work out. Enter Grey Area with Nearer My God To Thee. It’s second coming of God plot and odd-timed jump between primary and secondary characters without much exposition is a bit jarring to read, and only now on part three has my grasp on what’s happening begun to strengthen. It’s not surprising then that Dan Abnett is behind the thrill as there’s an assurance that there is a big pay-off coming, it’s just getting there in a swift and at times hard to follow manner.
Closing out this weeks book is Indigo Prime and Perfect Day. Nazis. Nazis and time travel and multi-dimensional travel. Things are only getting crazier and we are only along for the ride. Lee Carter continues to bring the story to life in a very real way as Jesus Christ is paid a visit and a more sinister plot is revealed. It’s hard to describe this story other than the word ‘ridiculous’, because it is absolutely ridiculous, and absolutely feels like the creators are just having fun and seeing how far they can go with beloved and hated imagery before people speak out. The direction has gone from part to part very unpredictably, and it looks like it will continue in that manner before reaching an end. Which suits me down to the ground.
2000 AD Prog 1886 is on sale now.
[easyreview cat1title=”The Arcade Verdict” cat1detail=”The Progs continue their great form.” cat1rating=”9″]
