Andrew Newton reviews Strontium Dog: The Life and Death of Johnny Alpha: Dogs of War…
Late 22nd century. After the Atomic Wars, many survivors were warped by the Strontium 90 fallout. These “mutants” became a victimized underclass, and the only job open to them was bounty hunting. One such Search/Destroy agent, or Strontium Dog, is Johnny Alpha, who was thought killed. But he has been resurrected and is now leading mutantkind in a revolution against the Norms! Written by John Wagner, with artwork and a cover by the mighty Carlos Ezquerra.
Ah Johnny Alpha, the legendary Strontium Dog. There were very few characters of 2000AD that could match him for his prowess in a fight. It was so sad when he disappeared from our pages and replaced with the likes of Durham Red, who, despite not an awful character, was no Johnny Alpha.
Never again did I think I would see a published work of our mutated hero (because in 2000AD, once a character is dead they are dead….forever.) but here it is, The Life & Death of Johnny Alpha. Written by John Wagner and drawn by Carlos Ezquerra. This is a compilation of stories from 2000AD including:
- The Life and Death of Johnny Alpha (2000AD Progs 1689-1699)
- The Life and Death of Johnny Alpha:The Project (2000AD Progs 1764-1771)
- What If? Max Bubba hadn’t killed Wulf (2000AD Prog 1772)
As you would expect from these two legendary figures, the artwork and storylines are superb. The talent of these two when working together is unequalled.
Many familiar faces rejoin Johnny on his travels such as Middenface McNulty and Maxie and fits in well with the feel of the universe that Wagner created.
The beauty in this compilation is that it is classic Strontium Dog and feels so right to read. The artwork is truly amazing and classic Alpha at his best.
Do I have any gripes with this superb piece of work? Well actually, yes I do. It ends too suddenly, I mean, I have heard there are going to be other graphic novels in this series but it still feels odd for it to end so suddenly. Overall though I find this the best graphic novel I’ve read for a good long while.
Strontium Dog: The Life and Death of Johnny Alpha: Dogs of War is available now from all good stockists priced £14.99.
Andrew Newton
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2vq4CudKRk&list=PL18yMRIfoszFJHnpNzqHh6gswQ0Srpi5E&feature=player_embedded
Originally published January 16, 2015. Updated April 13, 2018.
