'Not final cover'
Rebellion have announced several new books and collections to mark the 45th anniversary of “2000 AD” in 2022. Ben Smith, head of books, film and TV at Rebellion, said in the press release, “Our line-up for spring 2022 is packed with tributes to the people who have helped make ‘2000 AD’ what it is. It’s a pleasure to be able to bring such collections and special editions to the fans, which really bring ‘2000 AD’s’ rich heritage and characters alive.”
First up in February will be The 2000 AD Encyclopedia, the first “weighty” guide to every series ever published in the magazine. Written by Scott Montgomery and initially published in “Judge Dredd Megazine,” the book will also profile the most popular characters from the series, including Dredd himself.
May will see the release of “45 Years of 2000 AD,” where 45 artists will provide their takes on some of the most popular characters. Contributors will include “2000 AD” veterans Mick McMahon and Henry Flint, as well as David Aja (“Seeds”), Mike Allred (“X-Statix”), Jamie Smart (“Bear”), Colleen Doran (“Chivalry”), Annie Wu (“Hawkeye”), Kevin O’Neill (“League of Extraordinary Gentlemen”), Rachael Stott (“Doctor Who), and Chris Weston (“The Filth”).
Contributors who will receive a “best of” compilation of their work will include Mike McMahon; Brian Bolland; Al Ewing (“Judge Dredd: Blaze of Glory”); Dredd creators John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra; and “Rogue Trooper” co-creator Gerry Finley-Day. The anniversary celebrations will also see the first collection of DC’s 1995 anthology series “Judge Dredd: Legends of the Law,” which featured stories by Wagner, Alan Grant, Brent Anderson, Tommy Lee Edwards, John Byrne, Barb Kaalberg, Gary Martin, and Anthony Williams.
2000 AD 45th anniversary publishing schedule:
February:
The 2000 AD Encyclopedia
“Brian Bolland Apex Edition”March:
“The Best of John Wagner”
“Judge Dredd: Blaze of Glory”May:
“The Best of Carlos Ezquerra”
“45 Years of 2000 AD”August:
“The Best of Gerry Finley-Day”September:
“Judge Dredd: Legends of the Law”October:
“Mick McMahon Apex Edition”
“2000 AD” was launched by IPC Magazines on February 26, 1977, and has been published by video game company Rebellion since (coincidentally) 2000. Rebellion CEO Jason Kingsley commented, “Before the turn of the millennium many people had decided that ‘2000 AD’ wasn’t worth saving, but over the past two decades it has not only proven them wrong but has gone from strength to strength. It is with no small amount of pride that we are now laying plans for celebrating its 45th birthday, even as it continues to produce comics of fantastic quality – not as an anachronism or museum piece but as truly the galaxy’s greatest comic. All that success is thanks to the hard work, commitment, and talent of everyone involved – from creators to editorial and also the fans – I thank them all and look forward to helping shepherd ‘2000 AD’ through its next decades and beyond.”
