STRONTIUM DOG: SEARCH & DESTROY

RELEASED (Digital/limited edition hardback; paperback 12 November)

Publisher Rebellion

Writer John Wagner

Artists Carlos Ezquerra,

Brendan McCarthy, Ian Gibson

One of 2000 AD’s most popular characters, Johnny Alpha actually originated not in the pages of the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic but in its short-lived companion title, Starlord.

That boasted superior production values to the Prog, and early Strontium Dog’s numerous colour pages have been reproduced here in their full glory for the first time. This provides a fine showcase for the late great Carlos Ezquerra’s art, which though a little rougher around the edges in places still embodies the kinetic layouts and rugged linework of his best-loved work. He’s joined here on the three-part “Demon Maker” by the equally fine Ian Gibson and Brendan McCarthy – who draws one of the curious Summer Special/Annual stories that are also included.

Marking his first sustained collaboration with Ezquerra, John Wagner opts for a simpler style of storytelling to the multi-part epics the pair would embark upon, instead favouring two-to three-issue storylines that emphasise Strontium Dog’s gritty “sci-fi western” roots. It makes for an essential collection for fans of vintage 2000 AD – even if these strips didn’t fall under the auspices of Tharg the Mighty. Stephen Jewell