Tag Archives: kek-w

The Judge Death Mega Special Descends this October!

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The Judge Death Mega-Special

Greetingssss! If you’re hoping to send a chill down your spine this Halloween season, look no further than The Judge Death Mega-Special this October!

2000 AD celebrates 45 years of the undead alien superfiend, Judge Death and his Dark Judges, with an all-new 48 page special which will get your heart racing… just in time for Death to gleefully crush it in his skeletal hands!

The Special will be available via newsstands and comic stores – and international retailers should make note that this is our first Special to be available to order via Lunar Distribution!

Featuring a brand new cover from Judge Death’s iconic co-creator Brian Bolland, each of the stories in this special highlights one of the Dark Judges as they wreak havoc across the universe.

Kek-W and Dave Taylor return to Deadworld as Death plays a game of chance with the last living human alive, while Antony Johnston teams with Lee Carter for a story about Judge Mortis – who can kill with just one touch! Eisner-nominated writer Alex de Campi joins Mark Sexton for new calamity caused by Judge Fire, who is coated in ethereal flame, while Alec Worley and Leigh Gallagher dare to take on Judge Fear!

And don’t forget Death himself, as award-winning novelist Lauren Beukes returns to 2000 AD for a new story with chilling artist Tazio Bettin!

The Judge Death Mega-Special celebrates 45 years of absolute bone-chilling terror – all served with a smile, of course. But don’t think for one moment that the Dark Judges have got it easy: as they cause chaos across the dimension, they’ll find stiff opposition from Judge Dredd, Judge Giant… and of course that curssssed Judge Anderson!!

If you’re looking for a fright – you’ve come to the right place, readers!

Preview: The Best of 2000 AD Vol. 4

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The Best of 2000 AD Vol. 4

(W) John Wagner, Alan Grant, Peter Milligan, Jamie Delano, Tiffany Babb, Kek-W (A) Jamie Hewlett, Steve Dillon, Colin MacNeil, John Burns, Alan Davis (CA) Marguerite Sauvage
In Shops: Sep 13, 2023
SRP: $22.99

Best of 2000 AD is a landmark series from the cult comic, bursting with our greatest stories for a new generation of readers. In this volume: When Judge Dredd investigates a potential whistleblower, it’s hard to avoid paranoia when information is this Mega-City Confidential; from medieval Prague to the streets of Elizabethan London, Kek-W and John Burns sound the call to battle extra-dimensional Wurms and join The Order; a rolling stone gathers no mousse as Pete Milligan and Jamie Hewlett tangle you in Hewligan’s Haircut, a shear reality-warping victory roll that’s just the tonic; quake to the Cry of the Werewolf with an all-time Dredd classic by Alan Grant and Steve Dillon. Boasting brand new cover from Marguerite Sauvage (Archie) and \with designer Tom Muller (X-Men), Best of 2000 AD is the essential gateway into the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic.

The Best of 2000 AD Vol. 4

Preview: The Best of Tharg’s Terror Tales

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The Best of Tharg’s Terror Tales

(W) Mark Millar, Al Ewing, Simon Spurrier, John Smith, Alec Worley, Kek-W, Eric Bradbury, Alan McKenzie, Keith Richardson (A) Arthur Wyatt, Laura Bailey, Edmund Bagwell, Tom Foster, Henry Flint, Alan McKenzie, Dom Reardon, P. J. Holden, Mick Austin, Greg Staples (CA) Simon Coleby
In Shops: Oct 11, 2023
SRP: $24.00

From the deepest, darkest recesses of the Nerve Centre vaults, the eerie alien editor of 2000 AD known as Tharg the Mighty presents the creepiest tales to ever grace the pages of the galaxy’s greatest comic! This fear-filled anthology introduces one-off stories full of ghosts, demons, mutants, and killers and is thick with atmosphere, dark humor. and mind-blowing twists. Written and illustrated by some of the biggest names in the comic book industry, this collection features strips by Mark Millar, Al Ewing, Simon Spurrier, Chris Weston, Richard Elson, and Eric Bradbury among others.

The Best of Tharg's Terror Tales

AHOY Comics celebrates 5 years with new series, specials, and Grant Morrison

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In addition to top-quality story and art, AHOY Comics has become known for the short prose extras that run in the back of every title. Now, as part of the publisher’s gala fifth anniversary, a baker’s dozen of the comics industry’s finest prose writers have combined to craft an epic serial that will run through the AHOY line this fall. 

THE ALL-STAR ANNUALLY CONVENING COZY DETECTIVES CLUB in PARTIALLY NAKED CAME THE CORPSE!

…is a thirteen-part epic that kicks off with an extra-long first installment by the bestselling writer Grant Morrison, whose many award-winning comics works include JLA, New X-Men, and Green Lantern, and whose first novel Luda was published last year to great acclaim. The serial will debut in Project Cryptid #1, the first of AHOY’s new fall titles.

Over the following three months, Partially Naked Came the Corpse! will weave in and out of all AHOY’s regular titles, plus the fifth anniversary specials The Wrong Earth: We Can Be Heroes #1-2 and new title Deadweights #1. Finally, in late November, Partially Naked Came the Corpse! will conclude with a bang in the Captain Ginger: The Last Feeder #1, the first of another two-part anniversary series. 

Writers include recent award-winners Mark Russell and Alex Segura, Marvel writer Torunn Grønbekk, plus a murderer’s row of AHOY stars: Bryce Ingman, Carol Lay, Carrie Harris, Hanna Bahedry, Audrey Ryer, Kirk Vanderbeek, Lisa Jonte, Stuart Moore, and Kek-w. Illustrator Jon Proctor’s mind-blowing artwork will adorn each installment.

Project: Cryptid #1 which will be available in stores on September 6, 2022.

Preview: Edgar Allan Poe’s Snifter of Blood #5

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EDGAR ALLAN POE’S SNIFTER OF BLOOD #5

(W) Paul Cornell, Kek-w
(A) Greg Scott, Alberto Ponticelli
(C) Alan Robinson
February 24, 2021
$4.99

Sherlock Holmes returns to investigate murders from two Poe stories, but things get confusing in “The Adventure of the Three Narrators” by Paul Cornell (Doctor Who) and Greg Scott (HIGH HEAVEN). Plus! A sea calamity yields absurd surprises in Poe’s “Ms Found in a Bottle” by Kek-w (2000 AD) and Alberto Ponticelli (BRONZE AGE BOOGIE)!

Plus the usual AHOY illustrated prose stories.

EDGAR ALLAN POE’S SNIFTER OF BLOOD #5

Review: Penultiman #1

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Penultiman #1

There’s been numerous comic series that have launched that are deconstructions or explorations of the superhero. Many have gone on to be praised and considered modern classics. Some have fallen a bit flat. There’s also a point where you wonder if there’s anything new to explore. Penultiman #1 is a worthy entry in that genre taking a different angle exploring superheroes.

Written by Tom Peyer, Penultiman #1 explores a hero who has no confidence. He’s Superman who has been taken being cast out as a blow. Sent back in time from the future, he seems to be on a mission to prove himself worthy to return but taking it all a bit personal resulting in a bit of self-hatred.

Peyer gives us an interesting take on the concept. This is a hero who’s driven by a desire of approval from parents he thinks have rejected him. That lack of confidence extends to his alter-ego whose stumbling doesn’t come off as much as an attempt to protect his secret identity as it does an extension of his personal issues.

But, it feels like it wouldn’t be a comic from AHOY if it took itself too seriously. Peyer infuses the comic with a lot of humor. By the end of the issue it’s clear that this isn’t quite going to be a serious look at the superhero psyche but instead a humorous play on it all. We’ll find out more with the second issue of course.

That humorous tone is helped by the art of Alan Robinson who’s joined by Lee Loughridge on color and Rob Steen with lettering. The modern world of Penultiman is what you might expect with superheroes. It’s nice to look at and the designs are fun. But, there’s the future where things are… odd. That’s the point I realized the comic wasn’t as serious as it might be. The designs there are just weird and funny, and add a bit of quirk to the comic that helps drag it back into the world of fun and not so dour. The art “lifts” the comic in a way and adds enjoyment to the story.

As it’s an AHOY comic, the issue is packed with extras including three prose entries from Kek-W, Chris Lundy, and Philip Ellis, and art by Rob Steen, Joe Orsak, and Elliot Mattice. These are all entertaining and a bit all over in content but to me, it’s the bonus for a comic I’d buy otherwise. It “adds value” to something I’d already get and read.

Penultiman #1 is an interesting comic with what feels like a new take on the examination of the superhero. It does it as well without taking itself too seriously. The combination of something to say with some humor feels welcome in the space and where the series goes should be interesting. It’s definitely a comic to keep an eye on and might be one that gets folks buzzing.

Story: Tom Peyer, Kek-W, Chris Lundy, Philip Ellis Art: Alan Robinson, Rob Steen, Joe Orsak, Elliot Mattice
Color: Lee Loughridge Letterer: Rob Steen
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

AHOY Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Zeus Comics

Review: Dragonfly & Dragonflyman #1

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Dragonfly & Dragonflyman #1

The Wrong Earth introduced us to Dragonfly and Dragonflyman. Similar heroes from very different Earths. Each represented an era of superhero comics. One is innocent with some levity while the other is dark and gritty. Dragonfly & Dragonflyman #1 picks up their adventures in a funhouse mirror version of each.

Writer Tom Peyer continues to nail the two different worlds and able to flow from one tone to another without issues. One version of the character is friendly and nurturing while the other is a jerk.

The adventures of the two heroes are interesting as they each deal with a different version of the same villain. The two depictions is fascinating as it emphasizes how much has changed in the depiction of comics in the twenty-ish years between these two styles (60s vs 80s). The storytelling style too is slightly different in their pacing and focus.

Peter Krause handles the art with Andy Troy on colors and Rob Steen on lettering. Like the dialogue and story itself, the art shifts effortlessly between the two eras. The Dragonfly/Dragonflyman characters have so many subtle differences between the two, many of them visual. The artistic team captures the body language along with the details of each world. It’s impressive to be able to change styles like this and the visuals really enhance the story and is key in making it work.

With it being an AHOY comic, Dragonfly & Dragonflyman #1 is packed with extras. Writers Matt Brady, Tyrone Finch, and Kek-W along with illustrations by Joe Orsak and Shawn Crystal deliver a wide range of topics and prose to enjoy. It’s a bonus as the main comic itself is solid and a draw by itself.

AHOY Comics continues to deliver a series that celebrates and examines the superhero genre. It’s a must for fans who like the concept of deconstruction and those who just enjoy an entertaining tale.

Story: Tom Peyer, Matt Brady, Tyrone Finch, Kek-W
Art: Peter Krause, Joe Orsak, Shawn Crystal
Color: Andy Troy Letterer: Rob Steen
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

AHOY Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Preview: Dragonfly & Dragonflyman #1 (of 5)

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Dragonfly & Dragonflyman #1 (of 5)

(W) Tom Peyer (A) Peter Krause (CA) Jamal Igle
In Shops: Nov 06, 2019
SRP: $3.99

Following from AHOY’s widely-read Free Comic Book Day edition, this prequel to The Wrong Earth follows gritty vigilante The Dragonfly and his innocent, campy counterpart Dragonflyman, before they became trapped on each other’s Earths! Can two versions of the satanic Devil-Man corrupt both of their souls?

Like all AHOY Comics Book Magazines, DRAGONFLY & DRAGONFLYMAN’s debut issue will feature an assortment of extras, including: 

  • “Not Required Reading: The K-T Boundary” by writer Matt Brady and illustrator Joe Orsak;
  • “Franklin Vs. the Minotaur” by writer Tyrone Finch and illustrator Shawn Crystal; 
  • “British Sports Explained” by writer KEK-W and  illustrator Joe Orsak.
Dragonfly & Dragonflyman #1 (of 5)

Review: The Wrong Earth #4

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On one Earth, the Dastardly League lays a lethal trap for Dragonfly! On the other, a disguised Dragonflyman infiltrates a dangerous criminal haunt! Plus, To save a group of missing teens, Dragonfly must beat up the Internet! And, prose and pictures by the multiverse’s most imaginative minds!

Ever want to see Harley Quinn punch out the Joker, standing up for herself, and prove she’s the better? The Wrong Earth #4 delivers that in a way with their homage characters. Writer Tom Peyer delivers another installment full of action as the two heroes deal with their being stranded on the wrong Earth but doing what they know, attempting to fight crime.

The Wrong Earth has been a fantastic ride so far on so many levels. The series continues to stand on its own with unique takes and interesting characters and settings. There’s also a level that takes the series as an homage to comics and a love letter to its history. Then there’s also a bit of it that’s a spoof and parody of that history as well. The fact the comic can work on all three levels is impressive.

Part of that is due to the art by Jamal Igle with ink by Juan Castro, color by Andy Troy, and lettering by Rob Steen. Igle packs in so many gags and winks and nods into this issue that it feels like that alone is an “extra” of the comic. There’s two different moments where the comic is filled with villains that’ll leave you lingering on the pages to figure out who everyone is.

The team have put together another fantastic issue that seamlessly blends both a classic and modern comic vibe into a series in both tone and look and does so at a level that it works. Easily one of the best comics out this year.

And, that’d be worth the price of the comic alone but there’s more!

The issue also features a solo Dragonfly comic written by Paul Constant with art by Gary Erskine, colors by Andy Troy, and lettering by Rob Steen. The there’s three prose entries, one by writer Kek-W and illustrated by Carol Lay, another by writer Matt Brady and illustrated by Joe Orsak and the final written and illustrated by Carol Lay. All of this is bonus material. As I said, the main story alone is worth the price of the comic but AHOY Comics are all about expecting more and once again, they deliver.

Another fantastic issue of the series and another fantastic comic from AHOY Comics who has become a publisher that is standing out from the crowd and delivering some of the best value for your dollars.

Story: Tom Peyer, Paul Constant, Kek-W, Matt Brady, Carol Lay
Art: Jamal Igle, Gary Erskine, Carol Lay, Joe Orsak
Color: Andy Troy Lettering: Rob Steen
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

AHOY Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: High Heaven #2

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What’s worse than being sentenced to Hell? For self-pitying David Feathers, it’s an eternity in Paradise, where he runs afoul of a monstrous angel.

Well that’s unexpected. The first issue of High Heaven was a nice send-up of those person goes to Heaven types of stories giving us a miserable lead and a Heaven that reminds us more of Eastern Europe under Communism. Writer Tom Peyer peels back the clouds in High Heaven #2 to reveal those things that didn’t quite seem right in the first issue. Heaven? Yeah, there’s more to it.

David Feathers is still a miserable lead but the second issue shows there’s some truth to his kvetching. Heaven as presented to him does suck but it’s not like he deserves what’s revealed. The world as presented is an interesting one with clear class delineations and austerity has hit where David has been placed. Is there better? Is there worse? Well, we now know the answer to that and that there is indeed some place to escape to.

What’s interesting is the theme of being happy with what you’re given and how we should shut up about it. Even in Heaven this seems to exist and makes for an interesting debate about the meaning of it all and theological implications.

The art by Greg Scott with color by Andy Troy and lettering by Rob Steen is really solid. There’s some big jumps in locations in this issue and some very different designs and feels to some characters but the team makes it all work and flow easily as one world. There’s nothing that seems out of place. It all is rather quick but each panel of what’s revealed had me linger to see what details I could see that adds to the world and story.

That’d be enough to make this a buy….

The surly science-heroes of Hashtag: Danger adopt an alien pet! Yes, there’s a backup comic too also written by Peyer with art by Chris Giarrusso. It’s a twisted story that had me laughing and the weirdness of it all betrays Giarrusso’s style. Think, a real messed up Archie and you get a better idea of what’s presented.

And that’s not all!

There’s prose and Q&As from Carol Lay, Hart Seely, Kek-W, Austin Wilson, and featuring art by Lay, Rick Geary, and Elliott Mattice. All of it is bonus to what’s already a great issue of comics.

It’s another solid issue that feels like it’s even better than the first and has me super excited to see what’s next. AHOY Comics has something special here not just delivering solid main stories but packing so much into each issue that they really feel like you’re getting your money’s worth. Another must get from this upstart publisher.

Story: Tom Peyer, Carol Lay, Hart Seely, Kek-W, Austin Wilson
Art: Greg Scott, Chris Giarrusso, Carol Lay, Rick Geary, Elliott Mattice
Color: Andy Troy Lettering: Rob Steen
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

AHOY Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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