2000AD Prog 2200 is out September 23, 2020. — **2000AD Prog 2200** is out September 23, 2020.

By Benjamin Morin — Borag thungg Terrans! Welcome to our first foray into the world of 2000AD. For those unaware, 2000AD is a weekly British anthology series published since the late 1970s. Since then they have developed and given rise to some of the best talent in both American and British comics, including Alan Moore, Grant Morrison, Brian Bolland, Dave Gibbons, and many more. As an anthology, the weekly prog continually moves new stories in and out of the lineup. This prog in particular is one of 2000AD’s signature “jumping-on progs”, where the majority of the stories have fresh starts and provide new readers with an easy access point. So without any more delay, let's get into this latest scrotnig issue.

As always, we start with a new entry in Judge Dredd’s strip. “Carry the Nine,” comes off the cataclysmic conclusion of the previous arc, and here Rob Williams and Arthur Wyatt continue to pick up the pieces of Mega-City One. “Carry the Nine” serves as a great starting point for readers looking to invest themselves in the world of Judge Dredd. Williams has been one of the major architects of Judge Dredd for the past decade, so readers both old and new should be comfortable following his latest entry. This part in particular provides a great introduction to the crime ridden world of Mega-City One and the Judges that police it. This entry provides an action-packed start and retains the series signature political undercurrent. A solid start to a new arc, that I cannot wait to follow.

Next up comes a Future Shocks one shot, Omnidetectorists. These stories appear in the weekly prog from time to time to showcase new talent in one-off stories. Omnidetectorists follows individuals of the title’s namesake who scavenge desolate worlds for treasures from the past. Rory McConville’s script is tight and humorous and pairs well with Joel Carpenter’s crisp black and white art. This is a fun story that grabs you right from the start and encapsulates the wonderfully wacky core of 2000AD.

The third story starts a new arc for Hook-Jaw. This short delivers nautical mayhem at its finest. Stunningly illustrated by Leigh Gallagher, this story sets up an interesting world revolving around a shark of legend. The swashbuckling terrors of the deep then encroach upon the land for a visceral reveal. Though shark week has come and gone, this story has piqued my interest.

Following up Hook-Jaw comes the third entry in Sinister Dexter’s final arc. Dan Abnett and Nicolo Assirelli are drawing up the curtains on their 25 year long action epic. For new readers, this one may definitely be jarring, especially jumping in on part 3; however, long time readers will not be disappointed with the craft on display. Assirelli’s art imbues the book with his signature kinetic action in one of the most intense entries I have ever read.

Skip Tracer returns in the fourth entry into this oversized issue. This story delivers the start of a brand new arc for the psychic bodyguard. It's an engaging story that grips you from panel one and its frenetic pacing will have you turning the pages as fast as you can read them.

Rounding out this zarjaz collection of stories comes a new arc for the sinister “Pope of Crime,” Stickleback. Taking place at the end of the late 19th century London, Stickleback “New Jerusalem” delves into the mysterious past of the eponymous character. This was one of the most intriguing stories in this week's prog. It blends a Sherlock Holmes-esque mystery with supernatural stakes for an especially unique narrative. Alongside this is the fantastic art by D’Israeli, whose black, white, and grey artistic stylings match the engrossing story. This serves as a rather solid jumping on point for new readers while also rewarding those who are familiar with the previous arcs.

On the whole, Prog 2200 absolutely delivers a standout jumping-on issue. With six unique stories packed into this oversized package, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Even if one story does not appeal to one person there's five others that just might, and that right there is one of the greatest strengths of 2000AD weekly format. 2000AD consistently delivers high quality outputs for every taste and preference, and this latest issue is no different.

Overall: Prog 2200 is the perfect jumping-on point for new readers looking to experience the galaxy’s greatest comic. 9.5/10

200AD Prog #2200 - Review

2000Ad Prog 2200
Writers: Alec Worley, Dan Abnett, Ian Edginton, Rob Williams, Rory McConville, James Peaty & Arthur Wyatt
Artists: Boo Cook, D’Israeli, Leigh Gallagher, Paul Marshal, Joel Carpenter & Nicolo Assirelli
Colorists: Dylan Teague & John Charles
Letterers: Annie Parkhouse, Jim Campbell & Simon Bowland
Publisher: Rebellion
Price: $3.99
In the landmark Prog 2200, it's another stunning bumper jumping-on issue, the ideal place for new readers to jump aboard! The start of new stories - Stickleback returns for "New Jerusalem," as the Pope of Crime, haunted by his true identity, fights to save London; a terrifying spirit lurks in a Cornish fishing port in a mysterious new series; Nolan Blake must bodyguard a pop star in Skip Tracer: "Hyperballad"
Release Date: September 23, 2020

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Ben is a comic buff and film fanatic. A journalism major by day and a comic reviewer by night, he ardently consumes all forms of sequential art. On Twitter, he goes by @BiglikeBen.