Invasion!: 'The Prince', Part 5

NAME
Invasion!: 'The Prince', Part 5

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 41

DATELINE
3 Dec 77

PAGE COUNT
5

REPRINTS
Invasion!

SYNOPSIS
Prince John takes Savage and Silk to Balmoral.

FIRSTS & LASTS
None.

INFORMATION
The Volgans have seized Balmoral.

BILL SAVAGE
He loads his gun with a black shell and puts a pair of stag's antler into the end of his gun. When he fires the antlers shoot out like a spear and kills the huntsmen collaborator who lead the Volgans to them.

OTHER CHARACTERS
SILK
When Savage killed the huntsmen collaborator, Silk grabbed his gun and shot his Volgan acquaintance.

PRINCE JOHN
He knows his way around the Balmoral estate and leads Savage and Silk to a cave behind a waterfall that he had visited as a child. He was last at Balmoral a year ago with his father and family on their annual holiday.

DEATHS
Savage kills three Volgans.

BEST LINES
Savage: ""We'll take you lot as trophies too!"

WORST LINES
Volgan: "A good day's killing - but our collaborator friend has found something"

CATCHPHRASES
Another dying Volgan, another "Aieeeeeeee!". "Nie" is presumably Volgan for no.

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
Savage has already been to one of the Royal residences in Invasion!: 'Sandringham'.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
The Volgan Worst Line (see above) has no full stop.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Gerry Finley-Day
Artist: Carlos Pino
Letters: Peter Knight

REVIEW
'The Prince' proves so far not to be a story per se, but a new format that sees Savage and Silk as bodyguards and it's good to see Prince John getting a bit more character. Even with this new format, this strip still relies on luck, with the fortunate discovery of the shotgun shells and the stag skull between panels are odd.

Next Prog: - Savage And A Circus And An Old Friend!

Invasion!: 'The Prince', Part 4

NAME
Invasion!: 'The Prince', Part 4

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 40

DATELINE
26 Nov 77

PAGE COUNT
5

REPRINTS
Extreme Edition 3 and Invasion!

SYNOPSIS
Savage gets Prince John to a failed rendezvous.

FIRSTS & LASTS
None.

INFORMATION
(This part takes place weeks after Part 2)

Storm Bay is on the west coast of Scotland. The Royal Navy uses Seawolf class destroyers.

The Volgan airforce uses Vulture high altitude spy planes. It has a crew of eleven and is armed with Cyclops missiles, which are equipped with televisual control.

BILL SAVAGE
He gets Prince John to the rendezvous with the Royal Navy, but when the Seawolf Destroyer is attacked by a Volgan Vulture spy plane. He kills all eleven of the plane's ejecting crew.

OTHER CHARACTERS
PRINCE JOHN
Before the Volgan invasion he did a course in the RAF.

DEATHS
More than eleven. Savage kills all eleven of the ejecting Vulture crew, but it's not clear if any of the Seawolf Destroyer's crew lose their lives.

BEST LINES
None.

WORST LINES
Savage: "Blow me - another Volg! An' me pump gun's outta ammo - still - this Volg pistol is good enough for killing Volgs!"

CATCHPHRASES
"Dasga" is presumably a bit of Volgan lingo, while a dying Volgan chalks up another "Aieeeeeee!".

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Gerry Finley-Day
Artist: Mike Dorey
Letters: Bill Nuttall

REVIEW
This is nothing special and Savage's sudden dislike of initials is overwrought. Savage shooting the last Volgan airmn through the forehead is great, but loses it's impact after the first ten.

Order 2000 A.D. Now + For Big-Picture Power

Invasion!: 'The Prince', Part 3

NAME
Invasion!: 'The Prince', Part 3

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 39

DATELINE
19 Nov 77

PAGE COUNT
5

REPRINTS
Invasion!

SYNOPSIS
Savage, Silk and Prince John take refuge at a B & B in Dundee.

FIRSTS & LASTS
None.

INFORMATION
(This part takes place days after Part 2)

Dundee is surrounded by checkpoints manned by Volgan guards.

BILL SAVAGE
His name is William A. Savage. He, Silk and Prince John take refuge at Jean and Janet McDonald's Bed & Breakfast in Dundee. When a patrol of Volgans arrive, Savage kills their N.C.O. and escapes with his two friends and a pile of the McDonald sisters' clothes. When the McDonald sisters are arrested, the trio dress up in drag and attack a Volgan checkpoint in an effort to shift the blame.

OTHER CHARACTERS
JANET & JEAN McDONALD
Sisters that run a bed and breakfast in Dundee. The McDonalds are unmarried monarchists who recognise Prince John immediately. They feed and shelter the prince, Savage and Silk. When a Volgan patrol arrives they accidentally give way the prince's identity, but redeem themselves when they knock out two of the Volgans.

DEATHS
About six. Savage kills the Volgan N.C.O., and at least five other Volgans.

BEST LINES
Prince John: "And I've just realised - when the Volgans hear we were dressed as women they won't have reason to suspect those old ladies!"

You hope.

WORST LINES
Jean McDonald: "Oh your highness!"
Volgan N.C.O.: "The old crone has told us - it's the prince - and Savage!"

CATCHPHRASES
Two dying Volgans give us an "Aieeeee!" and an "Aieeee!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Gerry Finley-Day
Artist: Carlos Pino
Letters: Bill Nuttall

REVIEW
This is nice. It returns Invasion! to one of its strengths, dealing with the huge political ramifications and imperial ambition on a domestic level. The reader is invited to be pleasantly surprised when the McDonald don't turn out to be Volgan informants (at least not on purpose) and the twist at the end is great, but the naïveté with which it is employed is also very revealing. Yes, the attack in drag could provide the Volgans with an alternative to executing the McDonald sisters, but given everything else we've seen should expect them to survive? No. It's far more likely that with two old ladies in custody they could make an example of them and publically blame them for Savage's attack.

Big-Picture Power - Programmed For You

Invasion!: 'The Prince', Part 2

NAME
Invasion!: 'The Prince', Part 2

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 38

DATELINE
12 Nov 77

PAGE COUNT
4 and a 1/2

REPRINTS
Extreme Edition 3 and Invasion!

SYNOPSIS
A traitor reveals the location of the prince.

FIRSTS & LASTS
None.

INFORMATION
The spider-troops are Volgan commandos who operate suspended from helicopters.

BILL SAVAGE
He introduces Prince John as the son of a friend of his. He kills Gypsy Jake to prevent him harming the prince.

OTHER CHARACTERS
PRINCE JOHN
When Gypsy Jake asks for a royal pardon, he complies.

GYPSY JAKE
He wants the gold ring that Prince John wears and recognises the royal crest upon it. He gives the information to the Volgans and accompanies the Spider-troops to the Resistance HQ. He is injured in the subsequent crash and asks Prince John for a royal pardon and Savage kills Jake before he can stab the prince with his hidden knife.

DEATHS
Eight. At least one Resistance fighter is shot by the Volgan spider-squad, five spider-squad members killed by flying axes and their pilot and another Volgan are killed in the crash. Savage shoots Gypsy Jake dead.

BEST LINES
Savage: "Braw bricht night, eh Jake? Can 'ol Bill help yer with summat?"

WORST LINES
Ex-Oilworker: "No green stamps, Volgs! Just red death!"

CATCHPHRASES
An "Aieee!" is heard from the helicopter and a dying Gypsy Jake says "Aieeee!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Braw bricht night is a Scottish phrase meaning beautiful, bright that is probably from 'Hoots Mon' a song written by Harry Robinson and performed by Lord Rockingham's XI, it was a number-one hit single for three weeks in 1958. Green stamps are a reference to Green Shield Stamps, a UK sales promotion using trading stamps, between 1958 and 1991.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Gerry Finley-Day
Artist: Mike Dorey
Letters: Tony Jacob

REVIEW
The aerial altercation is impressive and it's good to see a bit of Prince John's character here, but Gypsy Jake's knowledge of royal symbols seems a bit lucky. An improvement on Part 1.

Sequence Ends Continuance Follows

Invasion!: 'The Prince', Part 1

NAME
Invasion!: 'The Prince', Part 1

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 37

DATELINE
5 Nov 77

PAGE COUNT
4

REPRINTS
Extreme Edition 3 and Invasion!

SYNOPSIS
Savage finds himself babysitting a high profile son and heir.

FIRSTS & LASTS
First appearance of Prince John.

INFORMATION
British Naval submarines deliver arms to the Resistance.

Volgan Patrol Jets are equipped with black box voice recorders.

BILL SAVAGE
He and Silk supervise a delivery of arms from a Royal Navy Submarine. It transpires that Prince John is aboard. The Volgans attack and sink the submarine, but not before they are destroyed themselves. Savage and Silk swim to safety and rescue the prince.

OTHER CHARACTERS
PRINCE JOHN
Son of King Charles III and heir to the British throne. He smuggles himself aboard a submarine bound for Britain. When the submarine is attacked he swims to safety and is rescued by Savage and Silk. Savage nicknames him Sunbeam.

DEATHS
At least six. We see four British submarine crew, two Volgan pilots and three Resistance men perish in the fight over Prince John.

BEST LINES
Savage: "Name's Savage, your 'ighness, an' you may be a prince, but I'm a king!...King Bill the Volg killer! An' first chance I get I'm packing you safely off to Canada!"

WORST LINES
Volgan naval officer: "What?! None of those bodies is the prince - He must be ashore in hiding! Rush up Special Divisions at once - now is our chance to get our hands on the British heir!"

How are you certain he's still alive? Also "Rush up" sounds awkwardly British.

CATCHPHRASES
"Vlasta!" is back, but this time it's joined by "Strovnak".

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Gerry Finley-Day
Artist: Carlos Pino
Letters: Tomas Frame

REVIEW
This is an interesting start. Prince John seems like a deeply annoying character in the making, but an interesting predicament to saddle Savage with nonetheless. The Volgan pilot who recognises the heir to the throne even in the heat of battle seems more than a little unlikely. As does the naval officer who is absolutely certain Prince John made it ashore. How do you hide a member of the British royal family on a submarine full of British sailors?

+ + + Alert Status Red + + +

Judge Dredd: 'New Year Is Cancelled'

NAME
Judge Dredd: 'New Year Is Cancelled'

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. and Tornado Prog 146

DATELINE
5 Jan 80

The first prog of 1980, also contained Blackhawk, Captain Klep, The Stainless Steel Rat, Tharg The Mighty and The V.C.'s strips, another postergraph featuring The V.C.'s and a Judge Dredd cover by Brian Bolland.

PAGE COUNT
5

REPRINTS
The Complete Judge Dredd 14, Judge Dredd 29, Judge Dredd: Rough Justice and Judge Dredd: The Complete Case Files 03.

SYNOPSIS
The King of Mega-City One decrees that new year is cancelled.

FIRSTS & LASTS
Last strip of 2101, first strip of 2102.

INFORMATION
(This strip begins on December 31st, 2101 and runs into January 1st, 2102)

Mega-City One's Andy Stewart Block is within sight of Bosanquet Block, neither these nor Wilkes Warehouse are in Sector 7.

Auto-teach machines educate automatically. Megasynthe, Mega-Trust, Mutiebran and Sunshine Synthi-Foods are companies floated on the stock market. Monotany is a game for 2 to 4 players.

The Justice Department has technology that can read minds to some degree. Named Judges: Judge Frost, Judge Hellman, Judge Ono.

JUDGE DREDD
He ensures that new year goes uncelebrated in Mega-City One, while he locates the H-bombs that Albert Sherman has planted. He takes Albert into custody just after the boy has punched in the safety code, which gives them fifty minutes to diffuse the first bomb. He uses a device to read Albert's mind and deduces which bomb will go off first and takes the boy to its location on top on Andy Stewart Block. Dredd handcuffs Albert to the roof and smashes the controls leaving Albert to diffuse the bomb to save his own life.

OTHER CHARACTERS
KING ALBERT
Born Albert Sherman four years ago to Frank and Betty Sherman. His parents bought him an auto-teach machine as a newborn. At six months he could speak and in 37 different languages on subjects as varied as atomic physics and the history of the universe. By the age of four he was an expert in the stock market and had made his parents a fortune. Bored, he declares himself King of Mega-City One. He explodes an H-Bomb in the Cursed Earth beyond the North Wall of Mega-City One. He holds the city to ransom claiming there are five more bombs and that they will detonate one per hour unless he types in a safety code. His first decree as king is to cancel new year. Having located the bombs, Dredd takes Albert to the site of the first bomb due to explode and handcuffs him next to it, giving him 41 minutes to diffuse it. Albert diffuses all the bombs and Dredd enrols him in the Academy of Law.

ARRESTS
There are some arrests for those celebrating new year under the reign of King Albert, but they are all released after his abdication.

DEATHS
None.

BEST LINES
Dredd: "New Year Is Cancelled! Get off the streets!"

WORST LINES
Betty: "A Judge? But I thought he was going to be a King!"

CATCHPHRASES
The Chief Judge lets out a "Dok!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
Dredd previously enrolled a wayweard child in the Academy Of Law in the second instalment from A Tale From Walters Scwapbook .

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Albert Sherman's parents, Frank and Betty share their first names with the couple from Some Mother's Do 'Ave 'Em (1973-1978). Andy Stewart Block is named after Andy Stewart (1933-1993), the singer of 'Donald Where's Your Troosers?' which was a hit in both 1960 and 1989. Bosanquet Block could refer to Bernard Bosanquet (1848–1923) a philosopher, Bernard Bosanquet (1877–1936) cricketer credited with inventing the googly, Charles Bosanquet (1769-1850) a writer, Lancelot Stephen Bosanquet (1903-1984) mathematician, Reginald Bosanquet (1932–1984) a newsreader
Robert Carr Bosanquet (1871–1935) a archaeologist, Robert Holford Macdowell Bosanquet (1841–1913) a scientist and music theorist, Admiral Sir Day Hort Bosanquet (1843–1923) a 16th Governor of South Australia or someone else entirely.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
Bombs hidden around Mega-City One is an idea that John Wagner will return to and there are comparisons to be made between Albert Sherman and PJ Maybe.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: John Howard
Artist: Brendan McCarthy
Letters: Tom Frame

REVIEW
Albert Sherman's blackmail of Mega-City One is wonderfully convoluted and Dredd's ruthless manipulation of a child is excellent.

Invasion!: Jump Jet

NAME
Invasion!: 'Jump Jet'

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 36

DATELINE
29 Oct 77

PAGE COUNT
5

REPRINTS
2000AD Annual 1984 and Invasion!

SYNOPSIS
Savage teams up with the French Resistance and attacks the Channel Tunnel.

FIRSTS & LASTS
The first and last Invasion! script written by Chris Lowder. Probably the first use of the phrase "Mean Machine" in 2000 AD.

INFORMATION
Volgan architects have built a tunnel under the English channel linking Britain and France. The tunnel runs along the sea-bed and is constructed from titanium-reinforced concrete. It is 100 feet wide and 50 tall. Shortly before it was due to be opened, it was flooded from within by the Resistance.

The Volgan Air Force has a new three-seater Jump-Jet and uses helicopters with spotter-cameras mounted in their noses.

BILL SAVAGE
He and Silk have travelled south from Scotland to sabotage the Channel Tunnel. Before the Volgan invasion he drove through Calais and frequented Raoul's transport café. Savage kills a Volgan soldier at the garrison for his uniform and has Raoul dress up in it. Raoul hands both he and Silk over to the Volgans who take them both back to Britain via the tunnel on a convoy carrying the new three-seater Jump-jet. Savage and Silk steal the Jump-Jet while Raoul holds off the Volgan troops. They fly it through the channel tunnel's ceiling and eject before being picked up by their rendezvous boat.

OTHER CHARACTERS
SILK
He and Savage have travelled south from Scotland to sabotage the Channel Tunnel. Disguised as a Volgan, Raoul hands both he and Savage over to the Volgans who take them both back to Britain via the tunnel on a convoy carrying the new three-seater Jump-jet. He can fly a Volgan Jump-Jet and steals it, while Raoul holds off the Volgan troops. He flies it through the channel tunnel's ceiling and they eject before being picked up by their rendezvous boat.

RAOUL
French Resistance. He used to run a transport café in Calais. Savage is an acquaintance of his. He disguises him as a Volgan soldier to hand over Savage and Silk. He accompanies them in a convoy through the channel tunnel, until on Savage's orders they attack and steal the Jump-Jet. Raoul remains behind and holds of the Volgan troops. He is shot dead.

DEATHS
At least six. Savage kills a helicopter crew of unknown size, a Volgan trooper for his uniform, another in the jeep whilst in Raoul's custody and the driver of a truck in the convoy. Raoul kills at least one Volgan, before he himself is shot dead.

BEST LINES
Silk: "Savage - you're mad...but it just might work!"
Savage: "Of course it'll work, Silk! We've got a 50-50 chance of survival!"

WORST LINES
Savage (whilst underwater): "...ejector seats! They'll take us to the top!"

CATCHPHRASES
"Vlasta!" is a great slice of the Volgan language.

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
Train Story mentioned that a Channel Tunnel was due for completion in 2002.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Savage references The Big Sleep, sort of. The 1939 novel by Raymond Chandler (1888=1959), has been adapted for film twice in 1946 and again in 1978.

MISTAKES
The reprint Invasion! credits both Peter Knight and Tom Frame with providing the letters for this strip.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Chris Lowder
Artist: Ian Kennedy
Letters: Peter Knight/Tom Frame?

REVIEW
This is a lot of fun, although once again it sees Savage rely on the sacrifice of others. Can the French Resistance do without Raoul? They'll have to now. Raoul wears the uniform, Silk flies the plane and Savage steals a uniform. He is very much just along for the ride here.

Next Prog: An Arms Drop, A Nuclear Submarine And One Very Special Stowaway!

Judge Dredd: Uncle Ump's Umpty Candy

NAME
Judge Dredd: Uncle Ump's Umpty Candy

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. and Tornado Prog 145

DATELINE
29 Dec 79

This prog also contained Blackhawk, Captain Klep, The Stainless Steel Rat, Tharg The Mighty, The V.C.'s and The Mind Of Wolfie Smith strips, a postergraph featuring The V.C.'s and a Tharg cover by Carlos Ezquerra.

PAGE COUNT
5

REPRINTS
The Best Of 2000AD 2, Judge Dredd Classics 66, The Complete Judge Dredd 13, Judge Dredd Chronicles Book 2, Judge Dredd 15, Judge Dredd (Volume 2) 17 and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 03.

SYNOPSIS
When Uncle Ump's Umpty Candy causes riots, Dredd take extreme action.

FIRSTS & LASTS
First appearance of Uncle Ump.

INFORMATION
Mega-City One's Arnold Stang Block has a hospital with a robodoc.

Umpty Candy is the most popular confectionary of the early 22nd Century. Bat Ump, Dairy Ump, Five Umps, Mivvump, Opal Umps, Sherbet Umpty, Suck Ump, Ump Dust, Ump Gums, Ump Lump, Ump Magic, Umpties, Umpty Bar, Umpty Chews and Umpty Street are among the available products. Uncle Ump's Umpty Candy Factory has been open for a few months and sales have rocketed, causing all the competitors sales to fall. It is deemed to tasty that it ids addictive and withdrawal symptoms include hallucinations and hysteria.

Named Judges: Judge Schuster

JUDGE DREDD
He is present when a riot begins at Uncle Ump's Umpty Candy Factory and begins to investigate.

OTHER CHARACTERS
UNCLE UMP
Uncle Ump opened his Umpty Candy Factory a few months ago and sales have rocketed, causing all the competitors sales to fall. The recipe for his Umpty Candy is so tasty is addictive and the Judges decides to exile him to life on a spacecraft and tell the population of Mega-City One that he had died without passing on the recipe.

ARRESTS
None. Uncle Ump is secretly exiled.

DEATHS
None.

BEST LINES
Dredd: "I'm sorry, Citizen. Sometimes it is the innocent who must suffer."

WORST LINES
Dredd: "Rot this stuff! It's hard to stop eating it!"

CATCHPHRASES
None.

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
The story calls Charlie And The Chocolate Factory (1964) to mind. Uncle Ump dresses like Uncle Sam, a national personification of the American government that, apparently, came into use during the War of 1812. Arnold Stang Block is named after Arnold Stang (1918–2009) an actor who provided among other things the voice of Top Cat (1961-1962).

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: John Howard
Artist: Mike McMahon
Letters: Tom Frame

REVIEW
Another craze hits Mega-City One, but this time causes riots by being too good. Once removed it causes riots all over again. This is another riff on the main theme of 'Christmas Comes To Des O'Connor Block', that too much of a good thing is bad for you, but what this strip lacks if sympathy for the victims it more than makes up for in the extraordinary lengths Dredd goes to prevent Uncle Ump's recipe being used again.

The End

Invasion!: 'New Recruits'

NAME
Invasion!: 'New Recruits'

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 35

DATELINE
22 Oct 77

PAGE COUNT
5

REPRINTS
Invasion!

SYNOPSIS
Two factions of new Resistance recruits give Savage a dilemma.

FIRSTS & LASTS
None.

INFORMATION
The Volgans have taken Fort William.

BILL SAVAGE
He organises a fight between the leaders of the oil workers and the lumberjacks to bring an end to their rivalry. He tips off the Volgans of the fight's location. When they are caught, he leads an attempt to rescue them which cements the two factions together as one.

OTHER CHARACTERS
SILK
Savage volunteers him to referee a fight between the leaders of the oil workers and the woodmen. He escapes into the mist when

DEATHS
At least nine. Three die in hangings. Savage, the oilman and the woodman all kill two Volgans each.

BEST LINES
Savage: "Cor - I'm so 'ungry I could eat a cart horse between two baker's vans!"

WORST LINES
Silk: "Their axes held our weight. We're in the fort! Now let's find out where the prisoners are..."

CATCHPHRASES
None.

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Gerry Finley-Day
Artist: Carlos Pino
Letters: Peter Knight

REVIEW
So Savage betrays his countrymen to teach them a lesson, but it's all well that ends well. This is ridiculous. What if the Volgans had executed the brawlers immediately? Why isn't Silk more angry that he could have caught or killed?

Too Hot To Handle, It's Inferno, Next Week

Judge Dredd: 'Christmas Comes To Des O'Connor Block'

NAME
Judge Dredd: 'Christmas Comes To Des O'Connor Block'
(according to Barney (the website), this strip is also known as The Day Barney Went Haywire)

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. and Tornado Prog 144

DATELINE
22 Dec 79

This prog also featured Blackhawk, Captain Klep, Ro-Jaws, The Stainless Steel Rat and The Mind Of Wolfie Smith strips and a wraparound super cover poster by Brian Bolland and John Burns.

PAGE COUNT
6

REPRINTS
The Best Of 2000AD 2, Judge Dredd Classics 66, The Complete Judge Dredd 13, Judge Dredd Definitive Ed. Metal Fatigue, Judge Dredd Chronicles Book 2, Judge Dredd 15 and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 03.

SYNOPSIS
Barney declares it Christmas at Des O'Connor Block.

FIRSTS & LASTS
None.

INFORMATION
(Apparently it's not Christmas)

Des O'Connor Block has at least 63 floors, a school, a plaza, a penthouse and a feedway that heads directly into the block. Barney, the town hall computer, starts a fire in the block school, sends letters to the residents and invites them to a Christmas party in the block plaza.

Toy Universe supply toys in Mega-City One.

Named Judges: Judge Lee, Judge Roper, Judge Shapiro, Judge Telfer.

JUDGE DREDD
He is trapped in Des O'Connor Block when Barney declares an early Christmas.

OTHER CHARACTERS
BARNEY
The town hall has a down-home voice and a video smile. It starts a fire in Des O'Connor Block school, sends letters to the residents and invites them to a Christmas party in the block plaza. Barney can erase government records and is in charge of every other computer in the city. He can electrify himself to prevent tampering and he can turn himself off.

ARRESTS
Plenty. Smythe is arrested for murder. Another citizen is arrested for theft.

DEATHS
Two. Hunk Smythe stabs Mr. Gregori from 32-112 to death. A little girl gets trampled to death.

BEST LINES
Dredd: "Merry Christmas, Creep!"

WORST LINES
Barney: "Aw, heck...I'm sorry..."

CATCHPHRASES
A Judge shouts "Dok!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
Barney was previously seen in Father Earth, part 2.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Des O'Connor Block gets its name from Desmond O'Connor (born 1932), a British entertainer and singer who had a number-one hit with 'I Pretend' and was the butt of many of Eric Morecambe's jokes (1926-1984). A citizen sings 'Happy Days Are Here Again', a song copyrighted in 1929 by Milton Ager (1893-1979) and Jack Yellen (1892-1991).

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: John Howard
Artist: Mike McMahon
Letters: Tom Frame

REVIEW
There's a nice bit of social commentary here as Barney gives the people of Des O'Connor Block everything they want and chaos ensues. McMahon's art is wonderful. Dredd says it's not Christmas, so Christmas is an odd time to schedule this strip.

Next Dredd: Uncle Umpty's Magic Candy!

Invasion!: 'Collaborator'

NAME
Invasion!: 'Collaborator'

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 34

DATELINE
15 Oct 77

PAGE COUNT
4

REPRINTS
Invasion!

SYNOPSIS
Savage apparently turns collaborator.

FIRSTS & LASTS
First 2000 AD work by Nick Flynn. Last 2000 AD work by Nick Flynn and Luis Collado.

INFORMATION
The Volgan forces are also known as the Armies Of The Skull.

BILL SAVAGE
He and Silk come down from the Highlands to attack the Volgan top-brass on MacGregor's land. MacGregor betrays the Resistance and Savage and his men kill the Volgan troops accompanying MacGregor. Savage convinces MacGregor that he wishes to collaborate and has MacGregor drive him to MacGregor Mansion in a Volgan troop carrier. Savage primes a box full of grenades and then takes the wheel, steering the carrier into the mansion's dining room and gatecrashing the dinner party MacGregor was hosting for the Volgans.

OTHER CHARACTERS
SIR JAMES MACGREGOR
British landowner, lives in MacGregor Mansion. Collaborates with the Volgans and leads them to find the Resistance hiding on his land.

DEATHS
At least fourteen. Savage and Silk kill the four Volgans on MacGregor's land and then Savage's grenade ramraid kills MacGregor and nine more people.

BEST LINES
Silk: "Quite nice to drive in a vehicle for once, Savage..."
Savage: "Don't get used to it, Silk! I know this bloke down in Aberdeen. Always gives yer a good price for a motor, and he don't worry 'bout where it came from..."

WORST LINES
MacGregor: "Good show, Savage...Jolly decent of you!"

CATCHPHRASES
The dying Volgan top brass scream "Aieeee!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Nick Flynn
Artist: Luis Collado
Letters: Peter Knight

REVIEW
Somehow MacGregor believes that the man who has just killed four Volgans suddenly has a change of heart and wants to collaborate with them and lets his guard well and truly down. It's not clear if Silk is meant to believe that Savage has double-crossed the Resistance or not. This is awful.

Stabilize Thrill Generators

Judge Dredd: The Black Plague, Part IV

NAME
Judge Dredd: The Black Plague, Part IV

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. and Tornado Prog 143

DATELINE
15 Dec 79

This prog also contained Blackhawk, Captain Klep, The Stainless Steel Rat, The V.C.'s and The Mind Of Wolfie Smith strips, a cover featuring The Stainless Steel Rat by Carlos Ezquerra and the last part of The Starlord Guide To The Galaxy.

PAGE COUNT
5

REPRINTS
2000AD Monthly 2, The Complete Judge Dredd 13, Judge Dredd Chronicles Book 24, Judge Dredd Annual 1987 and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 03.

SYNOPSIS
The spiders get into Mega-City One.

FIRSTS & LASTS
First use of roman numerals to indicate number of parts.

INFORMATION
In Mega-City One, over a million people live west of the Mega-Circular. A mass evacuation would take at least twenty minutes. The entire sector is destroyed to contain the spiders. The spider swarm is immune to insecticide.

Robochefs and robot waiters work in some restaurants.

Named Judges: Judge Oliver (deceased).

JUDGE DREDD
He orders the mass evacuation and destruction of an entire sector.

OTHER CHARACTERS
HENRY FORD
He witnesses Dredd cure for the plague.

ARRESTS
None.

DEATHS
At least eight. Judge Oliver, at least two insecticide sprayers, four more citizens and a rat are killed by the spiders.

BEST LINES
Robot: "Tell the robochef to hold all orders. The customers are off!"

WORST LINES
Dredd: "If they can dig holes in solid concrete, I'll eat my Judge boots!"

CATCHPHRASES
Dredd says "Drokk!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: John Howard
Artist: Ron Smith
Letters: Tom Frame

REVIEW
Too many plot holes and not enough Henry Ford here. Why is Dredd so certain bombing the sector will be completely effective when the wall cannons weren't? All in all, a disappointing end.

The End.

Judge Dredd: The Black Plague, Part Three

NAME
Judge Dredd: The Black Plague, Part Three

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. and Tornado Prog 142

DATELINE
8 Dec 79

This prog also featured Blackhawk, The Stainless Steel Rat, The V.C.'s and The Mind Of Wolfie Smith strips, a Blackhawk cover by Massimo Belardinelli and some more of Starlord Guide to the Galaxy.

PAGE COUNT
6

REPRINTS
2000AD Monthly 2, The Complete Judge Dredd 13, Judge Dredd Chronicles Book 24, Judge Dredd Annual 1987 and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 03.

SYNOPSIS
Dredd, Henry Ford and the spiders reach Mega-City One.

FIRSTS & LASTS
None.

INFORMATION
The guns on the walls of Mega-City One fire shells that each contain one ton of liquid fire.

H-Bomb Bridge lies on a direct route between Atom Gulch and Mega-City One. It bears a memorial for those that died. Judge Dredd destroys it to slow down the spiders advance.

The spider swarm reaches Mega-City One and the Judges open fire with their wall mounted cannons. The spiders burrow underground and wait for the temperature to decrease. At night they emerge and attack new.

H-Wagons can be equipped with lifting gear.

JUDGE DREDD
He borrows Henry Ford and rides for Mega-City One. He destroys H-Bomb Bridge to slow down the spiders. He calls for an H-Wagon with lifting gear to carry them both over the spiders.

OTHER CHARACTERS
HENRY FORD
Dredd rides him toward Mega-City One and through the swarm. Henry gets bitten a few times and is paralysed. Dredd calls for an H-Wagon with lifting gear to carry them both to Mega-City One.

ARRESTS
None.

DEATHS
Eight died at Atom Gulch.

BEST LINES
Henry Ford: "You're outa your cotton-pickin' mind, Moze! Wild humans wouldn't drag me through them spiders again! An' that's final!"

WORST LINES
Judge #1: "Odd...there were billions of spiders. There ought to be more bodies..."
Judge #2: "They probably melted. Be thankful it's over!"

CATCHPHRASES
None.

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: John Howard
Artist: Ron Smith
Letters: Tom Frame

REVIEW
This is a great chase sequence and I could happily read a lot more of The Adventures Of Dredd And Henry Ford.

Next Prog: ++ Spider-Power Peaks ++ City Invaded! ++

Judge Dredd: The Black Plague, Part Two

NAME
Judge Dredd: The Black Plague, Part Two

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. and Tornado Prog 141

DATELINE
1 Dec 79

This prog also contained Blackhawk, Captain Klep, The Stainless Steel Rat, The V.C.'s and The Mind Of Wolfie Smith strips, the second part of the Starlord Guide To The Galaxy and a cover featuring The Stainless Steel Rat by Carlos Ezquerra.

PAGE COUNT
6

REPRINTS
2000AD Monthly 1, The Complete Judge Dredd 13, Judge Dredd Chronicles Book 24, Judge Dredd Annual 1987 and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 03.

SYNOPSIS
The spiders are repelled from Atom Gulch but go in search of another target.

FIRSTS & LASTS
None.

INFORMATION
The spiders surrounding Atom Gulch are a mutant strain. They communicate via a complex chemical code. It is said that one bite leaves you unconscious and two will kill you. Atom Gulch had a schoolhouse, but it was sacrificed to exterminate the spiders.

Judges use at least seven emergency codes.

JUDGE DREDD
He is hard on the people of Atom Gulch to prevent a panic. He orders the drainage ditch around the town is filled with wood and fuel, then when the spiders attack he order it lit.

OTHER CHARACTERS
MOZE BIGLEFTEAR & HENRY FORD
They are detailed with keeping the fire going.

MISS FLATFACE
Atom Gulch's schoolmarm. She is attacked and killed by the spiders.

ARRESTS
None.

DEATHS
Two. Miss Flatface and another citizen are killed by the spiders.

BEST LINES
Mayor of Atom Gulch: "It took us a year to build it, Judge Dredd. But I suppose this is the only way..."
Dredd: "It is, Mayor - unless you want to start classes in undertaking."

WORST LINES
Paxon: "The schoolhouse roof - it's black with them!"

CATCHPHRASES
None.

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: John Howard
Artist: Ron Smith
Letters: Tom Frame

REVIEW
This is still great fun and it escalates nicely. Although it sidelines the townsfolk and Dredd's slap to the face of a snivelling citizen comes out of nowhere.

++Spider-Power Increases Next Prog + + Do Not Miss It! + +

Judge Dredd: The Black Plague!, Part One

NAME
Judge Dredd: The Black Plague!, Part One

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. and Tornado Prog 140

DATELINE
24 Nov 79

The prog also featured Blackhawk, Captain Klep, The Stainless Steel Rat, The V.C.'s and The Mind Of Wolfie Smith strips, the first part of the Starlord Guide To The Galaxy to cut out and keep and a Star Trek: The Motion Picture cover by either Lefevre or Lefebre.

PAGE COUNT
6

REPRINTS
2000AD Monthly 1, The Complete Judge Dredd 13, Judge Dredd Chronicles Book 24, Judge Dredd Annual 1987 and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 03.

SYNOPSIS
A plague of poisoned spiders heads for Mega-City One.

FIRSTS & LASTS
First talking horse.

INFORMATION
Atom Gulch is a Mutieland town thirty miles from Mega-City One. Warpcorn is a crop that grows in the Cursed Earth and Jackrat steaks are an example of local cuisine. The Cursed Earth can cause radio interference. A plague of poisoned spiders swarms across the Cursed Earth.

Named Judges: Judge Paxon, Judge Dyll.

JUDGE DREDD
Moze Bigleftear heads to Mega-City One to ask for his help. He agrees and travels to Atom Gulch arriving just before the first spiders. When evacuation is ruled out, he decides to help the locals hold the town and cured the plague.

OTHER CHARACTERS
MOZE BIGLEFTEAR
His farm is overrun by a plague of poisoned spiders. He escapes to Atom Gulch and then to Mega-City One to get help from Judge Dredd.

UNCLE FLATFACE
He lives in the Cursed Earth. He is killed by the spiders and eaten.

HENRY FORD
Mutated talking horse owned by Mose Bigleftear.

COUSIN AMOS SIXFINGERS
Neighbour to Moze Bigleftear. His farm is five miles from Atom Gulch. It is overrun by the spiders and he is presumed dead.

ARRESTS
None.

DEATHS
Probably two. Uncle Flatface is poisoned by a spider bite and digested by the swarm, while Cousin Amos Sixfingers probably goes the same way.

BEST LINES
Moze Bigleftear: "There's a man I heard tell of. They say he's hard as petrified hickory - but fair with it! They say he 'll never stand by an' watch wrong bein' done...his name is Judge Dredd!"

WORST LINES
Moze Bigleftear: "Sheee-ucks!"

CATCHPHRASES
Judge Paxon or Dyll says "Dok!" upon seeing the spiders. Dredd says "Drokk!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Henry Ford shares his name with the car manufacturer that pioneered mass production, Henry Ford (1863–1947).

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: John Howard
Artist: Ron Smith
Letters: Tom Frame

REVIEW
A talking horse, a cast of well-rounded mutant characters, apparently insurmountable odds and Dredd. This is a great start.

Next Prog: Bite, Baby...Bite!

Invasion!: 'Volgess', Part 2

NAME
Invasion!: 'Volgess', Part 2

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 33

DATELINE
8 Oct 77

PAGE COUNT
4

REPRINTS
Extreme Edition 3 and Invasion!

SYNOPSIS
Savage wants to see Nessie and Volgaska takes him to Loch Ness to make this possible.

FIRSTS & LASTS
First appearance of Nessie McHairn.

INFORMATION
Volgan Propaganda Television crews can broadcast live.

BILL SAVAGE
Volgaska administered half the normal dose of Volgan Mountain Poison and Savage is calling for Nessie. Volgaska has a propaganda team broadcast television footage of him apparently mad. She has him driven to Loch Ness to humiliate him further. When there he snaps out of it as soon as hew sees Big Nessie McHairn who throws him a shotgun. Savage insists that the Volgan propaganda television crew film McHairn and Volgaska wrestling. Savage shoots Volgaska's finger off when she tries to used a poisoned ring on McHairn.

OTHER CHARACTERS
COLONEL ROSA VOLGASKA
She orders a propaganda film Savage's drugged ramblings and then takes him to Loch Ness. Savage insists that she wrestle Big Nessie McHairn. She wears a spiked poisoned ring, but when she tries to use it on McHairn, Savage shoots her finger off.

BIG NESSIE McHAIRN
Lorry driver and wrestler before the invasion. Friend of Savage. At his suggestion McHairn wrestles Volgaska on television. McHairns wins.

DEATHS
One. Savage kills a Volgan.

BEST LINES
Savage: "Y'see I can't hit a woman meself, but Nessie 'ere is an expert at it. Right seconds away and let's see a good dirty fight!"

WORST LINES
Volgan: "Ha, ha, what propaganda pictures this will make!"

CATCHPHRASES
A dying Volgan screams "Aaiieeee!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
Loch Ness also appeared in http://dreddalert.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/flesh-book-two-part-14.html.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Gerry Finley-Day
Artist: Mike Dorey
Letters: Bill Nuttall

REVIEW
This is brilliant. Reading Part 1, it would be impossible to predict where this story would go. It would be difficult for Volgaska's fall from grace to be more humiliating. The girl on girl action is very well choreographed and Big Nessie is another great characterisation. However it does beg the question, on page 1 how did "Nessie" spouting Savage know that Volgaska would put him on the telly?

Keep Calm + + + Thrill Factor Overload + + + Keep Calm

Invasion!: 'Volgess', Part 1

NAME
Invasion!: 'Volgess'. Part 1

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 32

DATELINE
1 Oct 77

PAGE COUNT
5

REPRINTS
Extreme Edition 3 and Invasion!

SYNOPSIS
A new Volgan Colonel takes over command in the Highlands and to everyone's surprise, it's a woman.

FIRSTS & LASTS
First appearance of Colonel Rosa Volgaska.

INFORMATION
Volgan Mountain Poison paralyses instantly.

BILL SAVAGE
He plans to kill the new Volgan Colonel. He and Silk head to the Volgan Barracks, but see a cleaning woman and decide to warn her to steer clear of the Colonel's Quarters. They encounter her again and she stabs Savage with Volgan Mountain Poison which paralyses him.

OTHER CHARACTERS
PETER SILK
He sets up his sniper rifle on a hillside overlooking the barracks. He is captured with Savage by Volgaska.

COLONEL ROSA VOLGASKA
The new Volgan commanding officer in the Highlands area. She tortures a number of prisoners, disguises herself as a cleaning woman and enters the barracks. Believing her to be British, Savage tries to warm her not to clean the Colonel's Quarters. Later she disguises herself as an old woman collecting heather and confronts Savage and Silk as they prepare to kill the new Colonel in 'his' room with a sniper rifle. She stabs Savage with Volgan Mountain Poison and has her troops surround them both.

DEATHS
One. Silk kills a Volgan guard.

BEST LINES
Volgan guard: "Our most defiant prisoners, Colonel - we have tried to break them but they haven't even screamed..."
Volgaska: "They will soon! My torturing will be heard all over Scotland..."

WORST LINES
Silk: "That room at the top of the barracks is the new Colonel's quarters, but with them guards everywhere ye'll get no closer..."

I thought Silk was meant to be posh.

CATCHPHRASES
None.

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
Savage and Silk have remained in Scotland following 'Dirty Volgs'.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Rosa Volgaska bears a similarity to her namesake Rosa Klebb in From Russia With Love, published as a novel in 1957 and released as a film in 1963.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Gerry Finley-Day
Artist: Mike Dorey
Letters: Bill Nuttall

REVIEW
This is an improvement. Volgaska's unveiling is initially well-handled and hers is a great character, but the revelation that she is a woman is beyond pointless. And why is Volgaska disguised as a cleaning woman?

Next Prog - Deadlier Than The Male!

Judge Dredd: The Great Plasteen Disaster

NAME
Judge Dredd: The Great Plasteen Disaster

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. and Tornado Prog 139

DATELINE
17 Nov 79

The line up for this prog also included ABC Warriors, Disaster 1990, Blackhawk, Captain Klep and The Mind Of Wolfie Smith strips and a a cover by Carlos Ezquerra

PAGE COUNT
6

REPRINTS
Judge Dredd 29, The Complete Judge Dredd 13 and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 03.

SYNOPSIS
Mega-City One's reliance on plasteen causes chaos when a bacteria that eats it arrives in town.

FIRSTS & LASTS
First mention of the Judges Tek department.

INFORMATION
Mega-City One's spaceport has at least 43 terminals.

Plasteen is a cheap and versatile material that can be hard as rock or soft as paper. It is used in everything from buildings, hats, wigs, boots, suits, underwear, dentures, tyres, suspension cables, microphones, burglar alarms, bullet-proof security screens and artificial hearts. A bacteria that dissolves plasteen is unwittingly released. The Justice Department labs develop a chemical that kills the plasteen eating bacteria, but only if it is included in the plasteen during construction.

Inter-Space Corporation is a huge company owned by K.K. Danvers. It is blamed for the plasteen disaster.

JUDGE DREDD
He investigates the plasteen disaster.

OTHER CHARACTERS
K.K. DANVERS
Billionaire owner of Inter-Space Corporation. He suffered from heart disease. Last month, he had an operation to have his own heart replaced with a artificial plasteen one and is inside an isolation tent. When angry citizens arrive to serve him writs he is exposed to contaminated air, his plasteen heart ceases to function and Danvers dies.

ARRESTS
None.

DEATHS
At least nine. Three Inter-Space Corporation employees are crushed by the falling terminal building. At least three people are killed in plasteen-related traffic accidents. Two more are killed as plasteen bullet-proof security screen fails to stop two bullets during an armed robbery. K.K. Danvers dies when his new plasteen hearts succumbs to the bacteria.

BEST LINES
Writ-Server: "We've got a right to serve these writs! Don't try to stop us, Judge Dredd!"
Dredd: "The thought never entered my mind."

WORST LINES
Motorist: "Look out!"

Bit late.

CATCHPHRASES
An Inter-Space Corporation employee and Dredd both say "Dok!", during the plasteen-related chaos on the roads we hear an "Aieeeee!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
The plot is very similar the first episode of Doomwatch called The Plastic Eaters (1970), which as the title suggests features a virus that eats plastic.

MISTAKES
The Chief Judge is presented here with dark hair, a uniform that has Chief Judge written across the front and, surprisingly, two eyes.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: John Howard
Artist: John Cooper
Letters: Tom Frame

REVIEW
This is great. It's like a disaster movie with a domestic twist. The over-reliance on plasteen is well-realised here.

Next Prog: The Black Plague!

Invasion!: Tank Trap

NAME
Invasion!: Tank Trap
(This is merely listed as Tank Trap on the strip itself and in the Annual's contents)

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Annual 1978

DATELINE
1st September, 1977 (this date is from Barney)

PAGE COUNT
8

REPRINTS
None.

SYNOPSIS
Savage takes of the Volgans in a tank and under a tanker.

FIRSTS & LASTS
First Invasion! appearance in an Annual. First eight page Invasion! strip.

INFORMATION
(This strip take place over the course of two weeks)

The Volgan Republic have seized the North Sea Oil reserves. Ninety per cent of it is refined at Gravesend. The Resistance destroy it.

BILL SAVAGE
He and Silk steal the rear tank in a Volgan convoy and use it to attack another. They escape to the sewers and back to the Resistance HQ on the Isle of Dogs. He is tasked with destroying the oil refinery in Gravesend. Savage undergoes two weeks of training in skindiving. He and Silk plant limpet mines on a Volgan supertanker, but are discovered and instead plant one mine on a diver who returns to his ship just as it explodes.

OTHER CHARACTERS
SILK
He learned how to drive a tank at Sandhurst. He teaches Savage to skindive and accompanies him on the assault against the supertanker.

COLONEL ZOKOV
Volgan tank Commander.

BRIGADIER BENTLEY-PEARSON
He orders Savage to destroy the Gravesend refinery.

DEATHS
At least seven. Savage shoots a Volgan two-strong tank crew dead, and then claims to have got three more with the stolen Volgan tank. Savage and Silk kill two divers and then attach a limpet mine to a third.

BEST LINES
Savage (to Silk): "Right, get down there Laughing Boy!"

WORST LINES
Silk (in answer to WORST LINES): "Down a sewer? That's about your level, Savage!"

CATCHPHRASES
A dying Volgan screams an "Aaaeeeeeee!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
Savage mentions his dead "wife and kids" no less than three times as revealed in 'The Resistance'. The Isle of Dogs hideout is shown so this strip must take place before 'Breakout' and probably after 'Wembley'. Savage's inability to dive was shown in 'Ships'

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
The Brigadier says that no less than four mines would be required to destroy the supertanker, but in the end one does the job. Silk describes Savage's scheme as hair-brained, but the conventional spelling would be hare-brained. Not that somebody with hair in their brain would necessarily be smarter than a hare...

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Unknown
Artist: Unknown

REVIEW
This is a game of two halves and the link between them is a tenuous one. The first half with the tanks is more fun, while the second half with the drowning divers is more graphic. The artwork feels cartoonier than the usual Invasion!, which makes the slitting of airpipes all the more shocking. On the whole, this feels like a re-tread of several elements from other strips.

Judge Dredd: Night Of The Bloodbeast

NAME
Judge Dredd: Night Of The Bloodbeast

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. and Tornado Prog 138

DATELINE
10 Nov 79

This prog also featured ABC Warriors, Disaster 1990, Blackhawk and The Mind Of Wolfie Smith strips and an ABC Warriors cover by Mike McMahon.

PAGE COUNT
6

REPRINTS
The Complete Judge Dredd 13, Judge Dredd 16 and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 03.

SYNOPSIS
Dredd chases the last Klegg on Earth as goes on a killing spree.

FIRSTS & LASTS
First mention of Ricardo Montalban Block, first use of dum-dums.

INFORMATION
Enid Blyton Block is on the North Side of Mega-City One. It has at least 67 floors (as well as a basement), 2707 apartments and five stairwells. It was used during Chief Judge Cal's reign to provide accommodation for the Kleggs. Ricardo Montalban Block is considered a step up from Charlton Heston Block, which in turn is thought of as nicer than Enid Blyton.

A Klegg can hear the heart beating inside a human chest.

Judges are equipped with dum-dum bullets which provide maximum kill power, but are only used in emergencies.

JUDGE DREDD
He attends the Enid Blyton Block murder scene and searches for the killer. When he comes upon the Klegg gatecrashing the party in Apartment 2599, he fires dum-dums to stop the creatures. The Klegg attacks him as it dies.

OTHER CHARACTERS
URK
Klegg, but mutated at birth. He came to Earth with the Cal's Klegg forces and resided in Enid Blyton Block. Urk was left behind when the rest of the Kleggs attempted to leave Earth. The Johnsons kept him like a pet, feeding him leftovers. He breaks free and kills both of the Johnsons, before going on a killing spree throughout Enid Blyton Block. Eventually he is killed by Dredd and another Judge with dum-dum bullets.

MR & MRS JOHNSON
They live in a basement flat in Enid Blyton Block and were forced to shared their accommodation with the Kleggs. When the Klegg's departed, but left Urk behind the Johnons elected to keep him in the hope that he would be worth a lot of money once feelings had died down. Urk breaks free and kills them both. Mrs Johnson'd diary later provided the Judges with full story.

ARRESTS
None.

DEATHS
Seven. Urk the Klegg kills a couple, Mr Kramer, Mr and Mrs Johnson and a man he stuffs into an air duct. Urk himself is killed by Dredd and another Judge.

BEST LINES
Dredd: "Sometimes it is our duty to protect the city against the innocent!"

WORST LINES
Dredd: "Brainshot!"

Headshot, surely?

CATCHPHRASES
Dredd says "Dok!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
There are several references to The Day The Law Died, specifically mentioning Cal and featuring the Klegg escape attempt. Charlton Heston Block was previously seen in Cityblock 1

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Enid Blyton Block is, of course, named after Enid Blyton (1897–1968), prolific author of Noddy, The Famous Five, The Secret Seven and The (Insert Location) Of Adventure books. Ricardo Montalban Block is named after Ricardo Montalban (1920-2009), an actor most famous for playing Khan in the Star Trek episode, Space Seed (1967) and the movie follow up Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan (1982). He also starred in Fantasy Island (1977-1984)

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: John Howard
Artist: Gary Leach
Letters: Tonty Jacob

REVIEW
This is a great callback to The Day The Law Died and the flashbacks help lift this story from being just another 'monster-of-the-week'.

Next Prog: The Great Plasteen Disaster!

Invasion!: 'Dirty Jocks', Part 5

NAME
Invasion!: 'Dirty Jocks', Part 5

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 31

DATELINE
24 Sep 77

PAGE COUNT
5

REPRINTS
Invasion!

SYNOPSIS
Savage and Silk take on the Volgan ski-troopers.

FIRSTS & LASTS
None.

INFORMATION
Volgan use snow-cat vehicles and train their ski-troopers on their highest mountain ranges.

Nei translates from Volgan to English as No.

BILL SAVAGE
To the Volgans he is the most wanted man in Britain. He and Silk make it to the Ardmore Ski Lodge and kill the ski-troopers sent after them. He traps their comrades with a group of wildcats and then steals their winter clothing and Snowcat. He and Silk head to another Resistance hideout to the North.

OTHER CHARACTERS
SILK
He and Savage make it to the Ardmore Ski Lodge and kill a ski-trooper sent after them. They head north to another Resistance hideout.

DEATHS
Savage and Silk impale a ski-trooper on a garden fence, and then two more on ski-poles.

BEST LINES
Silk: "[Phew!] This is tough going, Savage..."
Savage: "Yeah - wish Id had me porridge for breakfast!"

WORST LINES
Silk (about Wildcats): "They've used this place as a den and they must've grown bigger and wilder than ever before. How'd you know they were there?"

They must've.

CATCHPHRASES
Another dying Volgan, another "Aieeeeeeee!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Silk's "They got the point" after Savage stabs two ski-troopers with their comrades poles is straight out of James Bond's Thunderball (1965) and the ski sequences are reminiscent of The Spy Who Loved Me (1977). The Scottish Wildcats is an endangered species.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Gerry Finley-Day
Artist: Luis Collado
Letters: Peter Knight

REVIEW
This starts well with Savage and Silk make their way through the snow and inventively despatching Volgan ski-troopers, but things go downhill (no pun intended) as Savage merely gets lucky again with the Highlands Wildcats taking on the rest of the Volgans for him and with no sign of any other survivors from the Gorbals Ghetto it appears that it was all for nothing. Savage has apparently given hope to a community and then lead them into a genocide while he himself escaped. Again. Collado's artwork veers from empty to cluttered and apart from one beautifully rendered silhouette on the last page, the Wildcats are barely visible in the gloom.

Watch Thrill-Powered Continuance + + + Next Prog

Invasion!: 'Dirty Jocks', Part 4

NAME
Invasion!: 'Dirty Jocks', Part 4

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 30

DATELINE
17 Sep 77

PAGE COUNT
4

REPRINTS
Invasion!.

SYNOPSIS
The inhabitants of the Gorbals Ghetto fight to escape to the Highlands.

FIRSTS & LASTS
None.

INFORMATION
The Volgans use Jumpjets.

BILL SAVAGE
Whilst trying to get his men safely to the Highlands, they are attacked by a Volgan Jumpjet. Savage realises it is after him in particular and lures it onto some electric wires killing the pilots. He and Silk head for the Highlands.

OTHER CHARACTERS
THE SOLDIER AND THE POLICEMAN
The are shot by the Volgans and remain behind to hold them off so that Savage and the rest of the Resistance can escape through the pass to the Highlands. The Policeman is killed and the soldier surrounded. He uses a grenade to kill the most of the Volgans and killed in the explosion.

DEATHS
Dozens. A Volgan Jumpjet mows down half of Savage's men. Both pilot and co-pilot of the Jumpjet are later electrocuted. The soldier and the policeman are shot dead by the Volgans, but the soldier successfully takes out a trio of Volgans with a grenade

BEST LINES
None.

WORST LINES
The soldier: "Here's ma parting gift to ya, Volgs - your own deaths!"

Arguably, the best line as well.

CATCHPHRASES
A dying Scot screams an "Aieee!", an electrocuted Volgan pilot spells it both "Aiee" and "Aieeeeeeee!" and a surprised Volgan goes by "Aieee" again.

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Gerry Finley-Day
Artist: Carlos Pino
Letters: Peter Knight

REVIEW
Disappointing. Half the men are killed in the Jumpjet attack, but we barely see anything. The other half are represented by Savage, Silk, the still unnamed soldier and the policemen (remember them?) as well as a man with moustache and flat cap. Another supreme sacrifice allows Savage and Silk to escape the Volgans, but we don't see anyone else. Not even flat-capped 'tache man. Thus robbing the noble sentiment of the sacrifice of any real worth.

Keep Calm Thrill Factor Overload

Invasion!: 'Dirty Jocks', Part 3

NAME
Invasion!: 'Dirty Jocks', Part 3

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 29

DATELINE
10 Sep 77

PAGE COUNT
4

REPRINTS
Invasion!

SYNOPSIS
The Barlinnie Brigade attack.

FIRSTS & LASTS
First Invasion! drawn by Luis Collado.

INFORMATION
The Volgans have a guarded perimeter around Glasgow. The Barlinnie Brigade are armed with flamethrowers.

BILL SAVAGE
When his men meet encounter the Barlinnie Brigade, he sees through their pretence at not working for the Volgans and leads an attacks. The Barlinnie Brigade are defeated and Savage and his men steal their uniforms and return to the Volgan guarded perimeter of the city where they attack the Volgan guards and defeat them as well, before heading out of the city and toward the Highlands.

OTHER CHARACTERS
THE GLASGOW STRANGLER
The Glasgow Strangler was in Barlinnie Prison. He joined the Barlinnie Brigade.

DEATHS
Probably more than eight. At least two die when in the clash between the Resistance and the Barlinnie Brigade, and later Savage's men make "short work of the guard lines", but we only see six Volgans.

BEST LINES
None.

WORST LINES
Ghetto inhabitant #1: "The Glasgow Fire Station!"
Ghetto inhabitant #2: "Aye-biggest in Britain!"

Really? That's fascinating, but maybe the tour guide routine could wait until after the ex-prisoners armed with flamethrowers have flambéd our flesh.

CATCHPHRASES
An ex-Ghetto inhabitant screams an "Aieeeeeeeeee!", a dying Volgan and Barlinnie prisoner each let out an "Aieeee!", while a surprised Volgan goes for "Aiee" instead.

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Sauchiehall Street is a genuine street in the centre of Glasgow. Someone mentions Rob Roy, meaning Robert Roy MacGregor (1671–1734), a famous Scottish folk hero and outlaw.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Gerry Finley-Day
Artist: Luis Collado
Letters: John Aldrich

Luis Collado also drew for M.A.C.H. 1

REVIEW
Well, that was pointless. The Barlinnie Brigade might as well have been any old Volgans, while the artwork is cluttered in places and weirdly empty in others.

Alert Status Red + + + Crisis Point Averted

Invasion!: 'Dirty Jocks', Part 2

NAME
Invasion!: 'Dirty Jocks', Part 2

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 28

DATELINE
3 Sep 77

PAGE COUNT
4

REPRINTS
Invasion!.

SYNOPSIS
Savage and the Scots break out of the Gorbals Ghetto.

FIRSTS & LASTS
None.

INFORMATION
Every key city in Britain is under Volgan control. The main Volgan garrison near Glasgow is a Stirling Castle

Volgan grenadiers are equipped with Globe Grenades.

Barlinnie Prison was reopened by the British in 1990 for their most dangerous criminals. The Volgans have recruited the prisoners as 'The Barlinnie Brigade'. When their is an uprising in the Gorbals Ghetto the Volgans send in the Barlinnie Brigade.

Before the Volgan invasion, Jock Steel was one of Scotland's top footballers.

BILL SAVAGE
He fights with the ghetto inhabitants against the Volgans.

OTHER CHARACTERS
PETER SILK
He listens to the radio for Volgan troop movements.

JOCK STEEL
Scottish professional footballer. When a Volgan Globe Grenade lands in the Gorbals Ghetto he kicks it out of harms way.

DEATHS
At least thirty-eight. Savage kills four Volgans with explosive canisters fire from his shotgun with a blank shell. The Former Policeman and the Ex-Soldier kill at least two Volgans with their truncheon and dirk respectively. Savage and his men kill at least thirty more Volgans in a hail of bullets. The two Volgan grenadiers "were spotted and dealt with..."

BEST LINES
Savage: "The battle of Jericho ain't got nothin' on Bill Savage! Watch them waalls come tumblin' down"

WORST LINES
Former Policeman: "This used to be my beat - now I'll do some beating again!"

CATCHPHRASES
The dying Volgans scream "Aieeee!" twice and an "Aieee!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Stirling Castle is a 12th Century castle and was home to many kings of Scotland. Hampden Park is the football stadium at which Queen's Park Football Club play their home games. Barlinnie Prison was opened in 1882 in the north east of Glasgow.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Gerry Finley-Day
Artist: Carlos Pino
Letters: John Aldrich

REVIEW
This is a bloodbath for the Volgans and Jock Steel's involvement is fun, even though it's pretty obvious. The cliffhanger comes out of nowhere though.

Next Prog - Night Of The Barlinnie Brigade!

Invasion!: 'Dirty Jocks', Part 1

NAME
Invasion!: 'Dirty Jocks', Part 1

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 27

DATELINE
27 Aug 77

PAGE COUNT
4

REPRINTS
Invasion!

SYNOPSIS
Savage and Silk deliver some bad news to mobilise the Gorbals Ghetto.

FIRSTS & LASTS
Savage's first proper visit to Scotland.

INFORMATION
The people of Scotland that fought the Volgans were imprisoned in the Gorbals Ghetto of Glasgow. The order has been given to exterminate them all.

BILL SAVAGE
He and Silk are in Scotland. They kill the Volgan special envoy, steal his papers and head for the Gorbals Ghetto. They break in using scaffolding poles to pole vault over the wall.

OTHER CHARACTERS
PETER SILK
He accompanies Savage to the Gorbals Ghetto.

DEATHS
At least five. Savage and/or Silk kill the Volgan Special Envoy, two motorcyclists and two drivers.

BEST LINES
Scot (brandishing a broken bottle): "I don't know who y'are, Jimmy- but y'are not wanted here!"
Savage: "Now that's not a nice welcome for an English tourist, is it?"

WORST LINES
Savage: "Fighters are never helpless!"

CATCHPHRASES
The Volgan Special Envoy lets out an "Aieeeee! as he dies.

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
This obviously builds on the story established in 'Hadrian's Wall'.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Gerry Finley-Day
Artist: Mike Dorey
Letters: Tony Jacob

REVIEW
It's an interesting start and illuminating to see the different strategies employed by the Volgans in different areas of Britain. Savage's is a lucky swine as his pole vault him land conveniently on a discarded mattress. For no particularly good reason Savage keeps Silk in the dark about the papers. What if Savage had been killed?

You Must Watch Ghetto Breakout - Next Prog!

Judge Dredd: Death Of A Judge

NAME
Judge Dredd: Death Of A Judge

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 137

DATELINE
3 Nov 79

This prog also featured ABC Warriors, Disaster 1990, Blackhawk and The Mind Of Wolfie Smith strips, as well as a Blackhawk cover by Massimo Belardinelli and a Blackhawk Star Pin-Up by Colin Wyatt

PAGE COUNT
6

REPRINTS
The Best Of 2000AD 2, Judge Dredd Classics 75, The Complete Judge Dredd 13, Judge Dredd Definitive Ed. Hall Of Justice, Judge Dredd Chronicles Book 26, Judge Dredd 4 and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 03.

SYNOPSIS
The death of a Judge has two very different effects on her colleagues.

FIRSTS & LASTS
First Judge in love story.

INFORMATION
Some citizens of Mega-City One turn to crime out of boredom. The Hellfire Club is an organisation

Speedwalks are a form of pavement. Robodocs answer emergency calls. Roadhogs are a street vehicle that can be customised.

Joyhopping is a crime that involves driving recklessly.

Judge's Lawmasters are equipped with a button on the handlebar that transmits a signal on every Justice Department frequency that means that the Judge in question is in trouble. A Judge may drive the wrong way down a one way street. Judges are not permitted to fall in love. Named Judges: Judge Bryce (deceased), Judge Harkness (deceased).

JUDGE DREDD
He arrives on the scene of Judge Harkness' murder and chases after Judge Bryce when he goes in search of her killer.

OTHER CHARACTERS
ZIT
Member of the Hellfire Club along with Nick and Boom. He kills Judge Harkness. When Judge Bryce catches up to him and sentences him to death, Dredd steps in a kills Bryce to prevent him carrying out the sentence.

JUDGE HARKNESS
Judge Bryce's partner. She is killed by Zit, a member of the Hellfire Club, when she pulls them over.

JUDGE BRYCE
Judge Harkness' partner. He is on the scene as she dies. He goes in search of her murderer for revenge.

ARRESTS
Presumably three. I would imagine Dredd arrests Zit, Nick and Boom.

DEATHS
Two. Judge Harkness is shot dead by Zit, while Bryce is shot dead by Dredd.

BEST LINES
Bryce: "Hellfire Club! Well I'm going to give you a taste of what hellfire is really like! I'm sending you on a one-way trip to hell!"

WORST LINES
Bryce: "Hellfire Club? I'll give you hellfire!"

This was evidently the rehearsal.

CATCHPHRASES
Bryce says "Drokk it" and "Aaaieee!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
The Hellfire Club (also known as the Order of the Friars of St. Francis of Wycombe) was a network of 18th century high society clubs that delighted in mocking religion and courting blasphemy.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: John Howard
Artist: Ron Smith
Letters: Steve Potter

REVIEW
This strip speaks more to what it means to be a Judge than any of its predecessors. Fantastic.

The End

Invasion!: 'Bluebird'

NAME
Invasion!: 'Bluebird'

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 26

DATELINE
20 Aug 77

PAGE COUNT
4

REPRINTS
Invasion!.

SYNOPSIS
Savage plans to destroy the Volgan V-Boat prototypes, but fails.

FIRSTS & LASTS
None.

INFORMATION
British holiday resorts are under Volgan control. The Volgans are testing prototype vessels on Coniston Water in Lakeland. The V-Boat could be the world's fastest military vessel.

The Warbird broke water-speed record in the 1980s and is capable of 400 miles per hour. Apparently Robb breaks the record again on Coniston Water.

The Volgans have set up local radio stations to broadcast propaganda.


BILL SAVAGE
He and Silk plan to destroy the Volgan navy's new prototype V-Boat. He and Silk meet Commander Robb by accident. Later they attempt to launch an attack on the V-Boat but are caught. Robb comes to the rescue and crashes into both V-Boats with the Warbird and destroys them. Savage and Silk break into the local Volgan propaganda radio station and broadcast the news that Robb broke the speed record.

OTHER CHARACTERS
SILK
He and Savage plans to destroy the Volgan navy's new prototype V-Boat. Silk is shot in the arm whilst swimming away from the V-Boat. Robb comes to their aid and destroys the Volgan vessels.

COMMANDER ROBB
Before the invasion, he broke his during an attempt to break the record for water-speed. He briefly meets Savage and Silk on Coniston Water. Later, he sacrifices himself and uses the Warbird to destroy the Volgan boat that is chasing them.

DEATHS
Probably eight. Savage kills a spotlight operator, whilst Robb crashes the Warbird into two ships each with what looks like three crew and is killed himself.

BEST LINES
Volgan: "Run down the scum! Turn them into a red stain on the water!"

WORST LINES
Savage: "Go on Grandad you give it to 'em!"

CATCHPHRASES
An unseen Volg shouts an "Aaiiiee!", whilst another goes for a "Aieeeeee!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Why is it called 'Bluebird'? Well Bluebird was the name of a series of vehicles, some cars some boats, all designed to break speed records by Sir Malcolm Campbell and his family. The V-Boat obviously recalls the U-Boat used by the German Navy during World War II. Savage name checks James Bond, the spy in a series of novels by Ian Fleming (), beginning with Casino Royale (1953) and followed by a series of films, the most recent of which would have been The Spy Who Loved Me (1977).

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Gerry Finley-Day
Artist: Carlos Pino
Letters: John Aldrich

REVIEW
This strip takes another notable hallmark of Invasion!, the noble British sacrifice and couples it with Savage bungling his plan. It's still very lucky for Savage (less so for Silk), but it doesn't seems as easy as is was before.

Thrill Value Increases + + + Next Prog

Judge Dredd: Palais De Boing

NAME
Judge Dredd: Palais De Boing

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 136

DATELINE
27 Oct 79

This prog also featured ABC Warriors, Disaster 1990, Blackhawk and The Mind Of Wolfie Smith strips, a Captain Klep Star Pin-Up and a cover by Massimo Belardinelli.

PAGE COUNT
6

REPRINTS
The Best Of 2000AD 13, Judge Dredd Classics 74, The Complete Judge Dredd 13, Judge Dredd's Crime Files 5 and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 03.

SYNOPSIS
Teenagers wreak havoc using Boing®.

FIRSTS & LASTS
First use of Boing® and indeed first fad to sweep Mega-City One.

INFORMATION
Mega-City One has a Palais de Boing®. Mega-Power is a power company. The Megaton Hotel has 5000 floors. West Mutieland Turnpike is near the West Wall.

Boing® is a new spray which surrounds an individual with a breathable membrane that puts them at the centre of a bouncing bubble. Its use isd only permitted in an approved Palais de Boing®. It is proving very popular in Mega-City One. Fire alters the chemical composition of Boing® and it sticks the next surface it hits. Following a series of deaths in an outdoor Boing, the Judges pass a new law stating that the product is for adults only and the penalty for improper use is twenty years.

There is a Judges' Fund. Named Judges: Judge Bridle, Judge Parker (deceased).

JUDGE DREDD
He witnesses the death of Judge Parker and follows the three responsible Boingers. He traps one on the road and allows another to bounce out over the Cursed Earth. He arrests them both and one of their fathers.

OTHER CHARACTERS
JUDGE PARKER
He is killed by a pair of illegal Boingers.

ARRESTS
Presumably three. We see one of the Boingers arrested by Dredd and sent to a correction block (presumably the other one is as well) and Dredd also arrests one of their fathers for attempting to bribe him.

DEATHS
Fifteen. Judge Parker is squashed by an illegal Boing, five people are knocked out of a hover vehicle at great height and one of the Boingers is electrocuted is what is apparently referred to as terminal Boing®.

BEST LINES
Bridle (as he witnesses a Boinger bouncing out over the Cursed Earth): "I've seen everything now!"

WORST LINES
Parker: "Always knew I'd die...on duty...but not like this...not...an illegal Boing..."

CATCHPHRASES
Dredd says "My Dok!", a Terminal Boinger scrams an "Aieee!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
There's a mention of the tyrant Cal building a huge wall.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: John Howard
Artist: Barry Mitchell
Letters: Tom Frame

REVIEW
This is inspired, witty and very enjoyable. Each page surpasses its predecessor: the opening advert is fantastic, but deliberate misuse is better, the killing of a Judge up the stakes, but Terminal Boing® is brilliantly ludicrous, a Boinger bouncing out obver the Cursed Earth is excellent and in any other strip would be the absolute highlight, but following that up with a band of Muties worshipping the still trapped Boinger as a God is hilarious.

The End

Invasion!: 'Bathtub'

NAME
Invasion!: 'Bathtub'

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 25

DATELINE
13 Aug 77

PAGE COUNT
5

REPRINTS
Invasion!

SYNOPSIS
Savage gets revenge for the gas attack on Novatown.

FIRSTS & LASTS
None.

INFORMATION
Novatown is a new city in the north east of England. It was attacked by the Volgans early in their invasion of Britain using 6-5. They have left it empty.

6-5 is a nerve gas used by the Volgans.

BILL SAVAGE
He and Silk visit Novatown. They meet Charlie who puts them up in his hotel. The Volgans followed their trail to Novatown, to the hotel and ultimately to the bathtub Savage is relaxing in. Savage kills the Volgan patrol with the shotgun he has hidden in the bathwater. They discover Charlie is dying in the foyer. He tells Savage about an unexploded gas canister at ground level. Equipped with gasmasks, Savage and Silk stand atop the hotel's roof and when a Volgan shock force arrives, Savage shoots the canister and releases the gas killing all the Volgans.

OTHER CHARACTERS
SILK
He and Savage visit Novatown.

CHARLIE
The last man alive in Novatown. He lives in a hotel. He had a gas mask when the Volgan attack came. He put Savage ands Silk up in his hotel. He is stabbed by the Volgans and left for dead in the hotel foyer. He tells Savage about an unexploded gas canister.

DEATHS
Potentially millions. Charlie is stabbed in the back with a couple of Volgan bayonets. Savage and Silk kill four Volgans while washing. The gas canister kills the entire Volgan shock force of at least 21 men. It's unclear what the population of Novatown was when the Volgans attacked.

BEST LINES
Silk: "What the-? Volgans!"

I was really hoping that Silk would swear.

WORST LINES
Savage: "'Ang about Grandpa's still alive!"

Such respect, Savage.

CATCHPHRASES
A dying Volgan shouts a variant spelling of "Aaaiee!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
I'm reliably informed that Savage's gun would fire after being submerged in the bath, but probably only once.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Gerry Finley-Day
Artist: Mike Dorey
Letters: John Aldrich

REVIEW
As with its predecessor this strip features Savage using the Volgans own methods against them and is all the better for it. The artwork starts bleak veers into a more cartoony style and finally ends up bordering on harrowing.

Don't Miss Your Copy Of 2000 A.D. + Place A Regular Order.

Judge Dredd: 'The Invisible Man', Part 2

NAME
Judge Dredd: 'The Invisible Man', Part 2

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 135

DATELINE
20 Oct 79

This prog also contained ABC Warriors, Disaster 1990, Blackhawk, Tharg's Future Shocks and Captain Klep strips and a ABC Warriors cover by Carlos Ezquerra.

PAGE COUNT
6

REPRINTS
2000AD Monthly 4, The Best Of 2000AD 8, The Complete Judge Dredd 13, Judge Dredd Definitive Ed. Future Crime, Judge Dredd Chronicles Book 5, Time Twisters 13 and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 03.

SYNOPSIS
Dredd sees through the Invisible Man.

FIRSTS & LASTS
First Spont, although as yet unnamed as such.

INFORMATION
Carlos Santana Block, Chubby Checker Block, 9th Street and a branch of Smith & Clone Bankers are all in the same part of Mega-City One. Among the newspapers available are the Mega-City Standard, the Daily News and the Morning News. Jack Caldwell make Old Fashioned Umpty Candy.

Inter-Time have developed a time-warp device that slows time down and can make a second last for hours.

Named Judges: Judge Baxter, Judge Brown, Judge Johns, Judge Jones, Judge Layer, Judge Lowe.

JUDGE DREDD
He interrogates, releases and follows Edwin Parsey to gain information about the real 'Invisible Man' and watching security footage frame by frame discovers that it is Benji Doonan. He heads to Doonan's home and shoots him dead.

OTHER CHARACTERS
EDWIN PARSEY
He lives in Carlos Santana Block. Nicknamed 'Edwin The Confessor' he regularly pleads guilty to crime he hasn't committed. He claims to be the Invisible Man and knows about the Hammond job. Under interrogation he reveals nothing, so the Judges let him go and follow him. They discover he was aware of Benji Doonan, the real 'Invisible Man' and therefore arrest him for giving false evidence and sentence him to one month imprisonment.

BENJI DOONAN
'The invisible man'. He lives in Chubby Checker Block and works as a cleaner at Inter-Time. He is using a time-warp device to slow down time and commit his robberies whilst to those outside the time field he would appear invisible. He has stolen from Mega-Bank, Smith & Clone Bankers, a Bullion Van and done what is described as "the Hammond Job", his thefts total 40 million credits. Dredd crashes through the window of Doonan's apartment and shoots him just as he activates his time-warp device. He takes hours to die from his wounds in the seconds it takes Dredd to turn off the machine.

ARRESTS
One. Edwin Parsey is arrested for giving false evidence and sentenced to one month imprisonment.

DEATHS
One. Dredd shoots Benji Doonan and due to the effects of his time-warp device he is unable to receives medical attention and dies of his wounds.

BEST LINES
Edwin: "It's not fair! You've got no right to release me!"

WORST LINES
Doonan: "Judge Dredd! Hell!"
Dredd: "Don't reach for that time machine, Doonan!"

CATCHPHRASES
None.

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
Inter-Time could be a forerunner of Trans-Time seen in Flesh.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Carlos Santana is a 1947 born Mexican guitarist. Chubby Checker is a 1941 born singer famous for singles such as 'The Twist' (1960)
'Twistin' U.S.A.' (1961), 'Let's Twist Again' (1961), 'Slow Twisting' (with Dee Dee Sharp) (1962), 'Twistin Round the World' (1962), 'Twist It Up' (1963) and 'The Twist (Yo, Twist!)' (with the Fat Boys) (1988). The nickname Edwin The Confessor obviously references one of the last Anglo-Saxon kings of England, Edward the Confessor (between 1003 and 1005-1066), ruling from 1042 to 1066. He was called 'Confessor' a name given to someone who was believed to have lived a saintly life but was not a martyr.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS

Script: John Howard
Artist: Ron Smith
Letters: Tom Frame

REVIEW
This strip is good fun, but it leaves so many unanswered questions: why was Benji Doonan taunting Dredd with notes in Part 1? How does Edwin discover that an invisible Doonan did the Hammond Job by looking through his window? That said the concept, Edwin's character and Doonan's grisly death are great.

The End