Another week brings us another 2000AD. After last week, we have a couple of new titles to look into that continue this week. Over all in 2000AD #1825, we have Judge Dredd, Dandridge, Tharg’s 3rillers, Stickleback and Zombo. Let’s take a closer look.

First up is Judge Dredd. This concludes last weeks short arc. Michael Carroll offers a quick, well-rounded script that ties up nicely. It opens with some decent action, and ends on a typical ‘Judge Dredd’ note (the man is just never happy). Potential silly romance aside, that I’m sure wasn’t intended just that much, this offers quite a lot for a two-part story.

Next up is Dandridge. Alec Worley continues to write up a funny, if highly unusual script. Bordering a fine line between the supernatural and the bizarre, this title has a strong novelty sense that often hides the plot underneath it. The artwork by Warren Pleece is bright and attractive, suiting the funny, yet often highly fantastical nature of the setting.

After this is more of Tharg’s 3rillers. Gordon Rennie and Emma Beeby carry on with their more unusual script. Whilst its a bit ‘meta’ and over-referencial on nerd-culture, its still got a sense of humor that’s easy to get behind. Its also got a very bizarre setting and atmosphere, one that Neil Googe’s art and Gary Caldwell’s colors make the most of. Not everyone make like the bright, colorful approach, but it suits the lighter nature of the title and story.

We also have the continuation of Stickleback. Again, D’Israeli’s art is instantly striking. The black and white offers sheer contrast, and the designs themselves are fantastically disturbing; the main character, after all, is a hunch back with what appears to be his spine bursting through. It meshes many elements together wonderfully. This is afforded by Ian Edginton’s script, which starts to explore more of this setting, making more for the reader to understand. This week: dinosaur servants!

Finally, we have a new story in the form of Zombo. The writing here is definitely a selling point. Its down right strange, different and hilariously wonderful. Al Ewing captures a fantastic setting, writing in plenty of tongue in cheek moments and references. The artwork by Henry Flint offers a more striking and sinister approach, with plenty of shadows and detail. Definitely a story to keep an eye on.

4/5