Tharg Leads Rebellion

Last updated: 07/09/2006 - 10:50

The Galaxy's greatest moves to a new home as legendary comic 2000AD acquired by games company.

Game publisher/developer Rebellion has made the acquisition of the year - literally - with the purchase of the long-running science-fiction action comic 2000AD from publisher Egmont International.

Software Developer

The Oxford-based software developer will assume creative control of the magazine's content - all other publishing and distribution will continue to be carried out by Fleetway - while looking to maximise the potential of the many characters and storylines which the franchise has created (in both commercial and creative terms). There will be no interruption to publication.

2000AD - the self-styled 'Galaxy's Greatest Comic' occupies an unequalled position in the world of science fiction, as well as in British comics - having been published constantly for more than 23 years, alongside a host of spin-off publication specials, novels, two role-playing games, a major feature film (starring Sylverster Stallone (Rocky, Rambo, Stop, of My Mom Will Shoot), Christmas annuals, two series of audio plays on CD, countless action figures and t-shirts and a sister title - on news stands since 1990 - The Judge Dredd Megazine.

During this time, the comic has introduced a number of the genre's most popular characters , including: ultra-violent lawman of ther future Judge Dredd, mutant bounty hunter Johnny Alpha (aka 'Strontium Dog'), celtic barbarian adventurer Slaine, blue-skinned gentic infantryman Rogue Trooper, Nemesis The Warlock, Shakara and many, many more, to numerous to mention...An important launching point for the careers of some of the UK's most successful comic writers and artists since it's inception in 1977 to the present day 2000AD has featured Alan Moore (Watchman), Mike McMahon, Carlos Ezquerra, Dave Gibbons (Watchman, Dan Dare, Green Lantern), Brian Bolland (The Invisibles, Judge Dredd), Pat Mills, Bryan Talbot (The Tale of One Bad Rat, Nemisis The Warlock, Alice in Sunderland, The Adventures of Luther Arkwright), Grant Morrison, Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon.

"I am only too happy to confess that I have been an avid 2000AD reader since Prog 1," says Rebellion's Chief Executive Officer, Jason Kingsley. "However, that doesn't mean that this deal was done for sentimental reasons. 2000AD is not only a goldmine of intellectual properties, it is also a hugely enjoyable read. We are looking forward to helping this top quality publication to achieve its fullest potential."

British Comics Legends

Rebellion's acquisition of 2000AD will allow the team full use of more than 700 characters and series, not only in computer games, but also in films, as action figures, in collectable card games and in any other suitable merchandising vehicle. Also, it is possible that some of Rebellion's own characters and storylines - beginning with the forthcoming Gunlok - to be released by Virgin Interactive later this year - will make it into the pages of 2000AD.

In addition to its new owners, 2000AD also has a new Editor, Andy Diggle, who adds: "This is a very exciting time to be taking over the editorship of 2000AD, with a new look and a new owner. There is so much untapped potential within our universe of characters that the sky's the limit in terms of licensing and branding. But my first priority will always be the comic itself: sci-fi and fantasy action with skewed black humour, bizarre imagination and attitude. The best of the old and the best of the new."

"As fans of the galaxy's greatest comic, we will do everything within our powers to make sure that 2000AD reaches its widest possible audience on Earth before we expand into other galaxies - ridding the Universe of all thrill-sucker infestations along the way, of course," says Kingsley.

The first issue of 2000AD ('Prog 1' to use the comic's own terminology) hit the streets on February 28 1977, for the down-to-earth price of 8p (or 17 Galactic Groats on Mercury) and featured a number of characters and stories which went on to enjoy huge popularity, including M.A.C.H. 1, Flesh and Invasion. It was not until Issue 2, however, that the publication's most enduring and notorious icon, Judge Dredd, first appeared. At the height of its popularity, the comic (which has just published its 1,200th issue) sold more than 120,000 copies per week.

The following links may be useful for more information on 2000AD: