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Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special attempts to celebrate the character, and two of their main civilian identities: Brian Braddock and Betsy Braddock

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Comic book cover for Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special, featuring a stylized illustration of a woman with flowing hair surrounded by floral designs.

Captain Britain is one of Marvel’s most underrated heroes. He, she, or they is an exploration of British identity through the lens of the occult, Arthurian legends, various signs and symbols, the multiverse, and yes, superheroes. Depending on the creative team, these stories can be memorable or just palette swapped Captain America. Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special attempts to celebrate the character, and two of their main civilian identities: Brian Braddock and Betsy Braddock. It succeeds as a showcase of visually powerful comics art, but for the most part, the scripts are retreads of Captain Britain lore or lack ending in the case of the final story in the book. However, Chris Claremont comes to life writing one of his earliest co-creations, and Alan Davis continues to be one of the great comics storytellers. Sadly, the modern day story from Dan Abnett and Kelsey Ramsay is this book’s weak link.

The Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special kicks things off in a majorly old school way in “Braddock Business” courtesy of Cap’s co-creator Chris Claremont, artist Paul Davidson, and colorist Carlos Lopez. Set between the panels of a classic Captain Britain issue, the story pits Brian Braddock, and for the first time ever, his sister Betsy Braddock against the villainous Dr. Synne. This is mostly a beat ’em up story with Davidson evoking the power and glory of Alan Davis’ work while Lopez puts a digital sheen on the 1970s flat color palette. Synne is definitely one-dimensional, but this story succeeds by leaning on a Claremont trademark: focus on character’s interpersonal relationships. Betsy learns that Brian is Captain Britain, and that she has special abilities too leading to equal parts empowerment and anxiety on her part. She gets a classic Chris Claremont powerful woman moment too.

However, “Braddock Business” ends up commenting on the dark side of violence and revenge as Brian ends up in a physical confrontation with Dr. Synne that is more 1986 than 1976. Alan Moore is probably the most famous Captain Britain (Pet Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant did edit the mag though.) writer and cut his teeth writing his stories before he deconstructed the superhero genre in Miracleman and Watchmen. So, Brian basically blacking out, and the fight against Synne having a more open-ended, less triumphant conclusion is in line with that kind of story. It’s cool to have superpowers, but there are also costs and responsibilities. Not everything is sunshine and roses, but Betsy and Brian still have a great sibling bond. Jamie, not so much ; he’s probably scamming folks on Kalshi right now.

“Chains of Command” fittingly pokes fun at the bureaucracy of the Captain Britain Corps and the labyrinthine web that is Merlyn, Saturnyne, and all the various players in their corner of the Marvel Universe. It’s also a showcase for Alan Davis ‘ considerable talents warping and wefting comics pages together that is matched by the bright, old school colors of Matt Hollingsworth. In the story, Brian Braddock is all action, especially when he fights his classic enemy The Fury while Archibald Payne just sits and pontificates with his big scepter. (He’s definitely compensating or something.) A lot of the story summarizes different elements of the convoluted Captain Britain Corps lore, but Davis’ sarcastic wit and powerful pencil get enough time to shine. If he was the artist or writer/artist on a Captain Britain mini or ongoing series, I would immediately put it on my hold list, especially with Hollingsworth’s colors accentuating the scenes with mystical energy.

The Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special concludes with a story set in the present day starring the current Captain Britain, Betsy Braddock, from Dan Abnett, Kelsey Ramsay, and Brittany Peer. Unfortunately, “Another Day, An Otherworld” is the weak link is this otherwise above average collection of Captain Britain stories. The first two stories explored the themes of family and multiverse, and this one explores the cyclical nature of the omniverse and the Captain Britain Corps. However, it has no conclusion just a half-hearted mention that Opal Saturnyne is going to continue to be devious and scheme and then an advertising for an upcoming comic where we can read more about Betsy Braddock’s adventures. This is definitely a comic where the visuals supersede the text. Ramsay has a scratchy art style with heavy black inks that grounds the magical world of Captain Britain into something human, vulnerable, and even monstrous. She and Peer make sparks fly as Captain Britain fights her opponent, but the story is just a stalemate. As a reader of Excalibur and Betsy Braddock, “Another Day, An Otherworld” touched on some of the lore I knew from those books, but doesn’t continue Betsy’s story in any kind of meaningful way or mention her queerness.

Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special may spark some feelings in folks who have read Captain Britain stories before whether that’s the early Chris Claremont/Herb Trimpe stuff or the Krakoa-era Tini Howard comics, but it won’t create any new fans of the Union Jack clad defenders of the multiverse. Any new Alan Davis interior art is always a blessing though.

Story: Chris Claremont, Alan Davis, Dan Abnett
Art: Paul Davidson, Alan Davis, Kelsey Ramsay
Colors: Carlos Lopez, Matt Hollingsworth, Brittany Peer
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Story: 6.7 Art: 8.2 Overall: 7.4 Recommendation: Read

Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Dark Horse and Wizards of the Coast announce Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Sun

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An unlikely team of antiheroes fights for survival in the wastelands of Athas in the new trilogy of standalone graphic novels, Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Sun. The first volume will be written by Dan Abnett, illustrated by Nil Vendrell, colored by Mattia Iacono, and lettered by Buddy Beaudoin, with cover art by Jeff Stokely.

On Athas, every day is the end of the world. Amidst an arid wasteland defiled by psionic magic, callous survivors fight for scraps in the shadows of sorcerer kings.

Generosity can get you killed in a place like this. But that won’t stop Tikat, a lethal Thri-kreen gladiator, from fighting for the ones he loves. So, when Tikat’s friend Wik is targeted by a powerful psionic enemy, Tikat volunteers himself as bodyguard.

What follows is a brutal battle for survival as Tikat, his cannibal companion Kavora, and the rest of their reluctant party members fight to escape the city of Tyr. As the team rends their way through hordes of bloodthirsty minions, they also hunt for the identity of their faceless enemy. Can Tikat and his comrades unmask their true foe before being butchered by thrall?

Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Sun (hardcover, 56 pages, 6.625” x 10.1875”) will be available in comic shops on April 20, 2027. It is now available for preorder from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and your local comic shops and bookstores for $17.99.

Cover art for Dark Sun, a Dungeons & Dragons setting, featuring a diverse group of characters including a warrior, an elf, and a reptilian figure, set against a colorful desert landscape.

Exclusive Preview: Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special #1

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Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special #1

(W) Alan Davis, Dan Abnett, Chris Claremont (A) Alan Davis, Kelsey Ramsay, Paul Davidson
(C) Carlos Lopez, Matt Hollingsworth, Brittany Peer (L) Clayton Cowles
(CA) Alan Davis and Matt Hollingsworth (VCA) David Mack

LIVE BY THE SWORD!

Join us for a golden jubilee to commemorate fifty years of Brian and Betsy Braddock, champions of the multiversal Captain Britain Corps! Chris Claremont & Paul Davidson weave a tale of Brian’s earliest days defending the realm! Alan Davis shows what happens when you try to rein in a Braddock! And Dan Abnett & Kelsey Ramsay pit Betsy against the forces of Otherworld. Witness a can’t-miss glimpse at the past, present and future of these powerhouse twins!

Cover of 'Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special' comic featuring the main character in a dynamic pose with a Union Jack costume, surrounded by various characters and fans in the background.
Cover of 'Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special' featuring a red, white, and blue design inspired by the British flag. The title and contributions of various artists and writers are prominently displayed.
A vibrant comic book page featuring Captain Britain in a yellow aircraft, flying over a rugged landscape. In the cockpit, three characters engage in conversation while another character on horseback approaches from the right side. The scene includes dialogue bubbles and a title reading 'Braddock Business.'
A comic book page featuring multiple characters engaged in a dialogue about championships, suspensions, and rumors. The scene includes a pilot and a female passenger, as well as a stern-looking man in a suit, a woman sitting at a desk with a laptop, and two other characters in close conversation.
Comic panel featuring two characters in a fantastical setting, discussing interdimensional ley lines. One character is dressed in a colorful superhero outfit, while the other is adorned in regal attire with medals. The background shows mystical rock formations and a swirling sky.
A comic book scene featuring multiple characters engaged in conversation, showcasing a superhero in red and gold discussing a magical artifact with another character in armor. Background elements include mystical symbols and a roster of shadowy figures, highlighting tension and intrigue.
Comic panel featuring characters dressed in colorful superhero costumes, engaging in a sword fight in a vibrant outdoor setting. In the background, a crowd watches the duel. The panel contains dialogue and narrative text about the passage of time and seasonal cycles.
Comic book page featuring characters engaged in a mystical meeting in a vibrant forest setting, discussing rituals and traditions in Otherworld.
A comic book page featuring a large, menacing red creature with horns, shouting and brandishing a threat. Various characters are engaged in a tense conversation, showcasing elements of magic and struggle, while one character wields a glowing sword. The scene is filled with dramatic expressions and dynamic action, highlighting a clash between good and evil.

Preview: 2000 AD Prog 2503

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2000 AD Prog 2503

UK RELEASE DATE: 7th October £3.99
LUNAR RELEASE DATE: 21th October $7.99
COVER: STEWART K. MOORE

JUDGE DREDD // THE NEW FUTURE by Rob Williams & Arthur Wyatt (w) Henry Flint (c) Annie Parkhouse (l)
AZIMUTH // HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DAGON by Dan Abnett (w) Tazio Bettin (a) Matt Soffe (c) Rob Steen (l)
DURHAM RED // HUNGRY CITY by Alec Worley (w) Ben Willsher (a) Simon Bowland (l)
GHOSTED // BOOK TWO by Guy Adams (w) Megan Huang (a) Simon Bowland (l)
HERNE & SHUCK // STORMING THE STONE by David Barnett (w) Lee Milmore (a) Quinton Winter (c) Annie Parkhouse (l)

Comic book cover featuring several armored characters in futuristic outfits, with bold text reading '2000 AD' and 'SECTOR ON THE EDGE!' in a sci-fi landscape.
Comic page from Judge Dredd titled 'The New Future Part Three', featuring a character named Robert Glenn, with various panels showcasing his expressions and dialogue against a futuristic city backdrop.
A comic book page featuring characters on a boat and in a mysterious underwater setting. Dialogue bubbles contain conversations about feelings of loneliness and concerns about unknown happenings below. The title 'AZIMUTH: HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON PART FOUR' is displayed prominently at the bottom.
A rabbit-headed character in a blue suit sits at a table with a purple dish, while two characters in red jackets stand nearby. There is a serious discussion taking place in a decorated room.
A comic book page from 'Ghosted: Book Two, Part Four' featuring vibrant colors and dialogue boxes. The top panel shows a toxic curtain with the text 'This is where the lines are drawn.' The second panel displays a camp scene with a person seated by a fire. The third panel features a character with a concerned expression and the dialogue 'Radio silence, dead? But something's moving out there...'. The art has a blend of suspense and intrigue.
A comic page featuring several characters discussing a mysterious situation. The characters are seated in a living room, with one person looking intensely at another, indicating tension. A large dog sits in the background, and there is a house depicted outside the window. The color palette is dark with a night sky.

Preview: 2000 AD Prog 2502

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2000 AD Prog 2502

UK RELEASE DATE: 30th September £3.99
LUNAR RELEASE DATE: 14th October $7.99
COVER: LEE MILMORE

In this issue:

JUDGE DREDD // THE NEW FUTURE by Rob Williams & Arthur Wyatt (w) Henry Flint (c) Annie Parkhouse (l)
AZIMUTH // HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DAGON by Dan Abnett (w) Tazio Bettin (a) Matt Soffe (c) Rob Steen (l)
DURHAM RED // HUNGRY CITY by Alec Worley (w) Ben Willsher (a) Simon Bowland (l)
GHOSTED // BOOK TWO by Guy Adams (w) Megan Huang (a) Simon Bowland (l)
HERNE & SHUCK // STORMING THE STONE by David Barnett (w) Lee Milmore (a) Quinton Winter (c) Annie Parkhouse (l)

Cover art for 2000 AD featuring a demonic figure breaking through a cracked surface, with bold text reading 'DEMONISED!' in the foreground.
A comic page from 'Judge Dredd: The New Future' featuring a futuristic cityscape and characters discussing themes of justice and control. Prominent text includes the name 'Glenn News' and various speech bubbles highlighting the narrative about societal issues and weather manipulation.
A comic book page featuring two characters aiming guns at a monstrous figure with mechanical limbs. The scene includes dialogue about not killing an ancient entity and testing a tech artifact. The art style is colorful and dynamic.
A comic book page featuring the character Durham Red in a dramatic action scene. She is portrayed with white hair, wearing sunglasses and a distinctive outfit. The panel includes dynamic text elements emphasizing the tension in the scene, with a backdrop of destruction and chaos.
A comic panel depicting a rocket launch with explosions and missiles being fired at a target, showcasing action and intensity.
A comic panel featuring scenes at Stonehenge, showcasing characters in modern attire discussing an alien in a containment pod. One character appears to have a mechanical eye.

Preview: 2000 AD Prog 2501

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2000 AD Prog 2501

UK RELEASE DATE: 23rd September £3.99
LUNAR RELEASE DATE: 7th October $7.99
COVER: LEE CARTER

In this issue:

JUDGE DREDD // THE NEW FUTURE by Rob Williams & Arthur Wyatt (w) Henry Flint (c) Annie Parkhouse (l)
AZIMUTH // HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DAGON by Dan Abnett (w) Tazio Bettin (a) Matt Soffe (c) Rob Steen (l)
DURHAM RED // HUNGRY CITY by Alec Worley (w) Ben Willsher (a) Simon Bowland (l)
GHOSTED // BOOK TWO by Guy Adams (w) Megan Huang (a) Simon Bowland (l)
HERNE & SHUCK // STORMING THE STONE by David Barnett (w) Lee Milmore (a) Quinton Winter (c) Annie Parkhouse (l)

Cover art for 2000 AD comic featuring a female character with red hair in a futuristic cityscape, captioned 'Traces of Red!'
A comic book page featuring various panels with characters in futuristic settings. The top panels quote Abraham Lincoln and show close-up faces with expressions. The middle panels depict action scenes with weapons and technology, while the bottom panels refer to specific sectors and a location called 'Aunty Li's Happy Kindergarten'.
A comic panel depicting a fishing boat named 'Salty Shanthi' on water, with three passengers: a man holding a firearm, a woman lounging on a yellow float in a bikini, and another man in a seated position. The scene reflects a blend of action and casual dialogue about weapons and the environment.
A comic book page featuring a character in a yellow raincoat holding an umbrella in a rainy city environment. Surrounding characters display a futuristic, urban aesthetic, with neon signs and detailed cityscape elements. The text boxes contain dialogues hinting at a narrative involving intrigue and a search for a target.
A comic panel titled 'GHOSTED: Book Two: Part Two' featuring a dark, intense atmosphere. There are abstract illustrations of hands, one human and one robotic, reaching towards each other against a background of swirling lights and colors, conveying a sense of urgency and emotional depth.
A comic panel depicting two characters, one with purple hair and a punk style, walking through a dimly lit corridor with a man in a white shirt, while another character with a beard and a black hat observes. The setting is in a large, eerie building.

Preview: Punisher vs. Spider-Man #3

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Punisher vs. Spider-Man #3

(W) Dan Abnett (A) Álvaro López

Recall now the earlier days of the Marvel Universe, when battle lines were still being drawn and Frank Castle and Spider-Man were that much earlier in their crimefighting careers! Younger, leaner and meaner, THE PUNISHER intends to rid the city’s streets of the criminal element! But when Frank’s lethal sensibilities clash with SPIDER-MAN’s sense of responsibility, the stage is set for an explosive confrontation that will set the tone of their relationship for years to come!

Comic book cover featuring Punisher and Spider-Man, with dramatic colors and action-oriented poses. Punisher is depicted holding a weapon, while Spider-Man looms in the background.
A comic strip style image featuring Spider-Man in action, facing off against the villain Rhino, with a newspaper layout from the Daily Bugle showcasing articles about their conflict.
A comic book scene featuring a character in a blue and white costume shooting at a large, gray, muscular creature with horns. The character is in a dynamic action pose, and bullet effects are illustrated with sound words like 'BRRRAP.' Another panel shows the gray creature responding while the character appears to be in a mid-air kick. Dialogue bubbles include humorous remarks.
Comic book scene featuring Spider-Man and another character engaged in a fight against a large foe. Spider-Man is depicted in his red and blue costume, while the other character wears a dark outfit. Action splashes such as 'KRNNCH' and 'SMMACK' are visible, emphasizing the intensity of the battle.
A comic book page featuring Spider-Man expressing concern, a villain being pulled in, and another character contemplating an important tactical decision amidst scattered boxes.
Comic panel featuring a character loading a gun with rubber bullets, another character, a large muscular figure, in the background, and Spider-Man's face in a close-up, expressing concern.

Preview: Judge Dredd Megazine 496

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Judge Dredd Megazine 496

RELEASE DATE: 16th September £7.50
US RELEASE DATE: 14th October $14.99
COVER: ANTHONY WILLIAMS

In this issue:

JUDGE DREDD // ROJIMBO by Geoffrey D. Wessel (w) Nick Roche (a) Pippa Bowland (c) Simon Bowland (l)
STORM WARNING // SLAUGHTER HOUSE by John Reppion (w) Lee Carter (a) Rob Steen (l)
MEGA-CITY 2099 // ZOMBALL by Ken Niemand (w) Conor Boyle (a) Rob Steen (l)
ROGUE TROOPER // AN ITERATION OF ALLIES by Andi Ewington (w) Sinu Senan (a) Jim Boswell (c) Simon Bowland (l)
LAWLESS by Dan Abnett (w) Phil Winslade (a) Simon Bowland (l)

Cover of Judge Dredd Magazine featuring a chaotic scene with zombies and Judge Dredd in a futuristic setting, promoting a story titled 'MEAT THE TEAM!'
Comic panel from Judge Dredd: Rojimbo featuring characters inspecting broken toy models in a store, with dialogue reflecting a problem involving damaged items.
A comic strip featuring a scene in a dimly lit room with characters discussing the death of Lord Slaughter, expressing concerns about spirits and technology, while strategizing their investigation with a futuristic theme.
A black and white comic panel depicting a futuristic sport called Zomball, featuring genetically modified players in a stadium, showcasing action sequences and humorous text bubbles discussing gameplay and character traits.
A comic book panel featuring a soldier falling backwards with an explosion behind him, accompanied by the sound effects 'GAHH!' and 'BLAM!' The title 'ROGUE TROOPER' is prominently displayed at the top, with action motifs around. Below, another character is seen in a crouched position, offering a compliment on shooting.
A comic book page featuring a bustling street scene. The foreground shows a character in a hooded jacket approaching a shop called 'Planchett's Patent Prophylactics.' Various characters are in the background, and dialogue bubbles express urgency and confusion.

Preview: 2000 AD Prog 2500

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2000 AD Prog 2500

UK RELEASE DATE: 16th September £4.99
LUNAR RELEASE DATE: 30th September $8.99
COVER: MIKE PERKINS

In this issue:

JUDGE DREDD // THE NEW FUTURE by Rob Williams & Arthur Wyatt (w) Henry Flint (c) Annie Parkhouse (l)
AZIMUTH // HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DAGON by Dan Abnett (w) Tazio Bettin (a) Matt Soffe (c) Rob Steen (l)
SILENT HILL: TOWNFALL // THE DOCK HOUSE by Jon McKellan (w) David Roach (a) Emily Roach (c) Rob Steen (l)
DURHAM RED // HUNGRY CITY by Alec Worley (w) Ben Willsher (a) Simon Bowland (l)
THISTLEBONE // THE WITCHFINDER’S APPRENTICE by T.C. Eglington (w) Simon Davis (a)
GHOSTED // BOOK TWO by Guy Adams (w) Megan Huang (a) Simon Bowland (l)
HERNE & SHUCK // STORMING THE STONE by David Barnett (w) Lee Milmore (a) Quinton Winter (c) Annie Parkhouse (l)

Cover of the comic book '2000 AD' featuring a character in futuristic attire holding a firearm, with a cityscape background and bold text announcing 'New Thrills Start Inside!'
Comic page of Judge Dredd titled 'The New Future (Prologue)' featuring characters in a futuristic setting discussing judicial matters and policies.
A comic panel featuring a fishing boat named 'Salty Shanty' sailing through blue waters, with an old captain steering and discussing dangers of the sea. In the background, a large pirate ship and a submarine are visible, surrounded by waves and a cloudy sky.
A dark, atmospheric illustration of a building with glowing windows, surrounded by fog. The scene suggests a sense of isolation and mystery, with text highlighted in the panels conveying themes of stillness and lack of communication.
A comic panel featuring a character with blood on their face and clothing, expressing shock and horror, surrounded by a bloody scene and a disembodied animal's head.
A stylized illustration depicting scenes from 'The Witchfinder's Apprentice' with silhouettes of people, horses, and a house, alongside text describing a foreboding atmosphere and tales of witchcraft.
Aerial view of a futuristic cityscape with skyscrapers. Various characters are depicted in a busy street scene, showcasing a mix of colors and styles, hinting at a vibrant urban life. A close-up shows a sinister figure with a weapon confronting another character, adding tension and drama to the scene.
A comic page titled 'HERNE & SHUCK: Storming the Stone, Part 1' features characters in a room discussing a kidnapping. One character, looking worried, speaks to his mother about the situation, while another character jokes about ketchup. A zombie witch and a talking dog are mentioned, adding a humorous twist to the narrative.

Preview: Flash Gordon #20

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Flash Gordon #20

(W) Dan Abnett (A) Manuel Garcia

THE HIBERGHOSTS ARE COMING… Since their arrival on the huge artificial object hurtling toward Earth, Flash Gordon and his comrades have been hunted. Now their true enemy makes themselves known. One of Flash’s party will change forever—and that’s only counting the survivors. The end of an arc, and the beginning of the biggest Flash adventure yet!

Comic book cover featuring Flash Gordon in a red and black suit, aiming a blaster with a confident smile against a vibrant yellow background.
A muscular hero in a red and black costume holding a wrench in one hand and a toolbox in the other, set against a bright yellow background. The title 'FLASH GORDON' is prominently displayed at the bottom, along with the issue number #20.
Comic panel depicting characters in a sci-fi setting, with a character named Flash Gordon calling out for Director Gamble, who appears to be missing. Other characters are gathered around, looking concerned.
A comic book panel featuring a group of characters engaging in a conversation in a cave-like setting. They discuss concerns about a missing person and express feelings of being watched. The environment is depicted with unusual organic structures, creating a mysterious atmosphere.
A comic book panel depicting a conversation among four characters in a mysterious, cavernous environment. One character holds a futuristic gun and looks startled, while another in a red and black suit appears calm. The dialogue suggests concern about a disappearance and a sense of unease in their surroundings.
A comic book page featuring characters in a space setting, with one female character in a blue outfit and another in a red outfit engaging with a male character in a red and black suit. The scene shows a conversation about adventure and relationships, with several armored figures in the background.
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