It seems no time at all since we were celebrating 2000 AD’s 40th anniversary at that splendid birthday event in London in 2017. Here we are though with the 45th looming and news of Judge Dredd co-creator John Wagner returning to the character alongside Dan Cornwell, Dylan Teague and Annie Parkhouse for ‘The Citadel’ for a major new serialised story in 2022. Preview art and the full press release run below.
Within the intimidating walls of Iso-Block 1, a prisoner is scheduled to die after decades in isolation. But he has a tale to tell – one that may blow Judge Dredd’s world apart!
Master writer and co-creator of Judge Dredd, John Wagner, returns to 2000 AD in its anniversary year with a thrilling new Judge Dredd story: ‘The Citadel’
Drawn by Dan Cornwell (Rok of the Reds), with colours by Dylan Teague (Madi) and letters by Annie Parkhouse, the new story begins in 2000 AD’s 45th birthday issue, on sale in February.
’The Citadel’ takes Judge Dredd back to the events of The Apocalypse War, in which he led the desperate fight against the invading armies of the Sov mega-cities.
The story will also be collected in a 128-page paperback graphic novel edition in July 2022 (ISBN: 9781786185686), available from all good book and comic book stores, as well as online retailers and the 2000 AD webshop and app.
As the Apocalypse War rages, Judge Dredd leads a squad of Cadet Judges into battle – launching an assault upon The Citadel, where the invading Sov forces have set up base.
But now, 40 years later and on the day of his execution, former Cadet Judge Winterton will tell the truth about what happened during the war, why the mission was subsequently covered up, and reveal the secret that Judge Dredd himself has been hiding for the past 40 years.
‘The Citadel’ begins in 2000 AD Prog 2270, the landmark issue celebrating forty-five years of the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic. The special 48-page issue hits newsstands on 23 February 2022.
Matt Smith, editor of 2000 AD, said: “’The Citadel’ is a rip-roaring, unmissable story that will have readers on the edges of their seats. Serving up action and intrigue in the only way John Wagner can, and with Dan Cornwell providing some career-best artwork, it proves that even after forty-five years that 2000 AD and Judge Dredd can still deliver the goods.”
The first issue of 2000 AD hit newsstands in mid-February 1977 and Rebellion plans to mark forty-five years of groundbreaking comics with special collections, signing events, and online celebrations.
