2000AD, PROG 2056

Writers: Michael Carroll; Pat Mills; Kek-W; Dan Abnett; Gordon Rennie
Artists: PJ Holden; Simon Davis; Lee Carter; Steve Yeowell; Tiernen Trevallion; John McCrea
Colourists: Quinton Winter; John Charles
Letterers: Simon Bowland; Ellie De Ville
Publisher: Rebellion

There’s a slow burn to violence in Judge Dredd: Black Sun. Dredd is off to the frozen north, where a Siberian refinery is under attack from some frosty ninjas. The Russian's bureaucracy has stifled their own response, so Dredd leads a Mega City One mission to liberate the facility and its precious, shiny ore. After last week’s exposition filled episode, there’s further discovery of motivation this week and the gradual demonstration of the speed and fury of these new foes in comparison to the blunt object that is the Justice Department. There’s still limited action as the tension builds, but we do get Dredd in a tastefully understated Arctic uniform, with subtle design work from PJ Holden.
 

There are plot developments in this week’s Slaine: The Brutania Chronicles: Book Four: Archeon. “There are plot developments” shouldn’t really be a big deal in fiction, but Slaine’s unique and interminable attitude to storytelling means that “something actually happens” is in itself a big deal. Slaine is on a mission to discover the identity of his father – a compelling search for self, which has been sidelined over the previous six issues as he got into a series of loud and repetitive fights. Luckily, art by Simon Davis has meant that there was at least something good to look at whilst this story crept by.

There is enough plot to sink a trans-dimensional Nethership in Indigo Prime. The detail in writing and art, the multi-layered characters, the slow reveal of complex conspiracies – Indigo Prime: A Dying Art is an almost overwhelming experience. This week sees a battle in the ruins of the Tower of Babel, a double agent working for atheist terrorists, the author William Burroughs struggling with his personal demons and an examination of his writing techniques, a sword fight in a dream, and the teased return of yet another long since absent character. All within six pages. And that’s without giving anything away. Indigo Prime is a masterful display of writing and art.  

Sinister Dexter: Aztec Cameraderie comes to an explosive end as a plot is hatched to end the cycle of violence between warring restaurants. Aztec Cameraderie might not set the world on fire, but there have been some lovely comedic moments in this three parter as a family-run Indian restaurant struggled against the monopolistic Aztec themed Chicken Itza corporation, only to have the hitmen escalate things in defence of their favourite curry. Like recent Sinister Dexter stories, it’s really been about the passage of time and how the character’s world has changed since their journey began way back in 1995.

Harry Absalom world just got even more complicated in Absalom: Terminal Diagnosis: Book One. Harry is an old-school copper, tasked with maintaining the accord between the British authorities and Hell. It’s not an easy job, but it looks like he might have some new allies, as well as some new foes. This episode finely balances a car chase and gunfight with afternoon tea and scones. Its a competent piece of storytelling which rattles along at a great pace.