It’s the yearly 2000 AD Christmas special and in Prog 2111 there is a selection of naughty and nice – here are my thoughts!
Judge Dredd: Jingle All the Way
by TC Eglington (w) Boo Cook (a) Annie Parlhouse (l)
An amusing Dredd story around Christmas – although this is set in March! There is some funny bits, with the ‘plucky’ hero and a sad villain! I really enjoyed this story, it had some nice throwbacks to past perps too, one linking Dredd to the villain of the story. I like the past/present/future look at Dredd too. I’d read that future Dredd!
Caballistics, Inc.: Visiting Hour
by Gordon Rennie (w) Dom Reardon (a) Simon Bowland (l)
A touching story from Caballistics, Inc – with a touch of Christmas, but a good read. It was quite compelling and the old British soldier made an interesting foe.
Fall of Deadworld: Running Scared
by Kek-W (w) Dave Kendall (a) Ellie De Ville (l)
A dark Deadwold story, with this Judge Fear and what came before him. It’s interesting that the person behind Fear isn’t the person, but the entity. There are some interesting looks at fear and this was a really dark addition to the Deadworld story…
Skip Tracer: Louder Than Bombs
by James Peaty (w) Paul Marshall (a) Dylan Teague (c) Ellie De Ville (l)
This looks to be an interesting Skip Tracer story, and it’s good to see him back so soon. His head isn’t all together after the last adventure, but after what feels like a run of the mill capture goes a bit wrong, it looks like there are bigger problems. This looks interesting!
Sláine: The Bogatyr
by Pat Mills (w) Chris Weston (a) Ellie De Ville (l)
This was an enjoyable old-school Slaine story. It even has Ukko in it. There is a nice bit of mythology, as well as a good close up battle! Then after the story there is a good tease of the upcoming Slaine story arc!
Brink: High Society
by Dan Abnett (w) INJ Culbard (a) Simon Bowland (l)
Bridget seems to be in some serious trouble. Her diversion is played out and it seems the company know why she is there. They also have a mystery of their own, but in a nice twist, Bridget can’t help them. Looks like there may be some help for her though!
Fiends of the Western Front
by Ian Edginton (w) Tiernen Trevallion (a) Annie Parkhouse (l)
These fiends are on our side and this time it is during WWI. There is an interesting dynamic here, and I like the build up. the cliffhanger at the end is very interesting, and I wonder where it will lead. Some great art too!
Durham Red: Three Gifts
by Alec Worley (w) Ben Willsher (a) Annie Parkhouse (l)
This was a really good Red story. With some nice build up, and three good gifts to someone who may have a chance! The build up to the ending was well done, with some good, fun art!
Available in print from: newsagents and comic book stores via Diamond
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