2000 AD has long been one of the glittering gems in the proverbial crown of British Comics. But unless you’re a deep cut fan, you might only be aware of Judge Dredd and not the expansive and sprawling canon of the groundbreaking anthology comic. That’s all about to change as today, we’re excited to reveal that Rebellion is launching a radical new initiative to introduce readers to the legendary magazine, which like any dream announcement comes with some gorgeous new art from Jamie McKelvie.
The publisher shared a press release with us that’s filled with all the awesome details fans new and old fans need to know about what Rebellion is calling their “highest-profile ‘direct market’ release.” “2000 AD today announces it is launching a brand new title in April 2020 – Best of 2000 AD – as a new 12-issue US-format, perfect-bound series featuring a selection of the most incendiary and exciting new science-fiction comics from the legendary UK publisher. Launching in April 2020, Best of 2000 AD is intended as the ultimate 2000 AD mix-tape – an anthology of full-colour stories specially chosen to be accessible to a whole new generation of comic readers who may never have picked up 2000 AD in its traditional format.”
2000 AD
Aside from each issue being stacked to the brim with some of the absolute best stories from the history of the magazine, in full color, it’s also going to feature covers from a whole bunch of your absolute favorite artists. “The first new major monthly title from the British publisher in almost 30 years, the first 100-page issue will be headlined by a self-contained 48-page Judge Dredd adventure and supported by three of the stand-out series from the ‘Galaxy’s Greatest Comic’, primarily focusing on the critically-acclaimed Rebellion era. The title boasts brand-new covers from an all-star line-up of New York Times best-selling and Eisner award-winning artists including Jamie McKelvie (The Wicked and The Divine), Becky Cloonan (Gotham Academy), Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead), Erica Henderson (The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl), and Annie Wu (Hawkeye), with more to be revealed. The entire 12-issue volume will feature design by highly-acclaimed designer Tom Muller (House of X/Powers of X).”
It’s a super cool idea and we’re really excited to see how contemporary comic fans discover the sci-fi joys of 2000 AD, which is exactly what the company is hoping for. “There are very few comics that have had – and continue to have – the impact of 2000 AD,” said 2000 AD editor Matt Smith. “But we often hear, ‘where do I start reading?’. With Best of 2000 AD that question has a brand new answer – accessible, contemporary, high-quality story-telling, available every month direct from your local comic book store. There’s never been a better way to discover some of the best modern comics.”
You’ll have to wait until April 2020 to get your hands on the first issue of Best of 2000 AD but keep your eyes out in the world of direct market comics, as you can expect to be able to pre-order it at your local comic shop early next year!
Featured Image: Rebellion
