Villordsutch reviews 2000AD’s Prog #1888…
Welcome Citizens to this week’s review of 2000AD Prog #1888 and we are still sticking with the rather packed four story format as we see the beginning of two new tales – Thargs 3hrillers present Voodoo Planet and Judge Dredd – The Heart is a Lonely Klegg Hunter – and we also are given a taste of the excellent Brass Sun, and the possible conclusion to Grey Area.
The opener to the comic is a rather mild tragicomedy titled Judge Dredd – The Heart is a Lonely Klegg Hunter, which follows Klegg (imagine a walking, talking crocodile) who helped save the city from the Luna-2 invasion back in Prog #1812. We follow his life in Mega-City One, ostracised and eventually mocked by those he fought for, and we get to see the humourous things that happen to him along the way. Overly I’m not a great fan of the tale from Rob Williams however the more subtle elements made me smile, and it’s these elements that have hooked my interest; that and the rather excellent art from Chris Weston and palette from Michael Dowling.
Next up is the is a taste of Brass Sun. Now readers of Flickering Myth may have seen my review of Brass Sun #2 and will know that I very much adored this comic, so it may come as a bit of a surprise to read that I think that slotting in this sliver of the forthcoming Issue #3 of Brass Sun was a bit of a mistake. Don’t get me wrong, Brass Sun itself is amazing and this looks fantastic from INJ Culbard but here it makes no sense! I feel like I’ve walked in on a film fifty minutes into its run and the synopsis on the contents page doesn’t really fill you in. All I ask dear Prog reader is don’t be distracted by this Hors d’oeuvre and look at the main meal for you will adore the actual comic of Brass Sun.
Next up is the best story of Prog #1888, Thargs 3hrillers present Voodoo Planet (Part One). This is the story that would have given me nightmares as a child and yet I know I would have returned to it each day before bed to read it over and over again. Our story, written by Guy Adams, set upon a Gods forsaken jungle planet and ruled by a syringe fingered, DNA cloning, voodoo president. We only get a small glimpse of this world (a mere five pages) but it’s enough to make you re-read it as you crave for more. The art is handled by PJ Holden and along with the colouring by Steven Denton it looks fantastic.
Last on the card is Grey Area and we’re delivered the final part written by Dan Abnett and art handled by Mark Harrison. Unfortunately as it is the final part I can’t really comment on how this story has panned out due to not seeing parts 1-4; however I can comment on two things which is the art by Mark Harrison and the layout of the lettering by Annie Parkhouse. Normally I don’t raise the lettering up but it’s all over the place and on some occasions difficult to follow in which order it should be read. This is obviously rather confusing. My other issue was the artwork; I really am not a fan of Mark Harrison’s work here, the background computer generated pieces look great but when it comes to the hand drawn sections then he loses his talent.
So for me the winner of this week’s Prog #1888 is Thargs 3hillers present creepy as hell and I know the nine-year old me would love it even more. Guy Adams, PJ Holden and Steven Denton imagine 1) I’m cheering and 2) there’s a banner with “Winners!” on it just for you Citizens.
Villordsutch likes his sci-fi and looks like a tubby Viking according to his children. Visit his website and follow him on Twitter.
Originally published July 2, 2014. Updated April 12, 2018.
