Gaze into the art of Dredd & co

Comic curation Forty years of 2000 AD are celebrated in a display of original art from the ‘galaxy’s greatest comic’…

Since first going into Earth’s orbit in February 1977, weekly sci-fi comic 2000 AD has gone on to become one of the most important titles in the industry. The impact of the British publication continues to this day: 2000 AD remains an enduring critical and commercial success.

Given its important place in comic history, it seems only right that 2000 AD is being celebrated by an exhibition at London’s Cartoon Museum. From futuristic lawman Judge Dredd to 50th century businesswoman Halo Jones, original artwork of the publication’s most iconic characters are on display.

“The Cartoon Museum would have been derelict in its duty of preserving and promoting the best of British cartoons and comic art by not celebrating the milestone that is the 40th anniversary of 2000 AD, ‘the galaxy’s greatest comic’,” says comic artist, tutor and the Cartoon Museum’s curator Steve Marchant. “Many of the greatest artists and writers we have ever seen have sprung from its pages, and it continues as a home for the very best to this day.”

Many of the greatest artists and writers we have ever seen have sprung from its pages

Featured artists include Carlos Ezquerra, the originator of Judge Dredd and Strontium Dog, Rogue Trooper co-creator Dave Gibbons and award-winning fine artist Simon Davis. There’s also work by stalwart 2000 AD artists Brian Bolland, Mike McMahon, Ian Gibson and Henry Flint.

There’s over 80 pages of original artwork, so visitors will get a taste of each decade. “Whether people only read it in their youth or have continued buying it to this day, there’s plenty here to enjoy,” Steve reveals.

Supported by Rebellion Publishing, Future Shock: 40 Years of 2000 AD includes rare pages loaned by artists and collectors. The exhibition runs until 23 April at London’s Cartoon Museum – for more details, visit www.cartoonmuseum.org.

The stylish artwork for Halo Jones was created by Ian Gibson. The Harlem Heroes, illustrated by Dave Gibbons, were part of 2000 AD’s original line-up. Ron Smith started drawing Judge Dredd in 1979, giving the feared lawman more realistic proportions.

Mutant bounty hunter Strontium Dog, drawn here by Carlos Ezquerra, was originally created for 2000 AD’s sister title, Starlord, which lasted for 22 issues.

Simon Davis’ cover celebrates 2000 AD’s British origins, during the era of punk music.