2000AD To Reprint UK Sci-Fi Classic Comic Strip The Trigan Empire In 2020
by Olly MacNamee
As a child of the 70’s I have fond, albeit hazy memories of The Trigan Empire when it appeared in the oversized British magazine, Look and Learn, a kind of educational, entertaining magazine aimed squarely at boys. Like many of my generation, I imagine other readers will also have these same strong memories. The haziness comes in trying to remember what other content Look and Learn had, as all I can remember decades later is the amazing, painted artwork of UK comic book legend, Don Lawrence. I certainly left an impression on me and many, many others with the likes of Liam Sharp, Brian Bolland and Neil Gaiman all having cited this classic series as an influence in their works, with Sharp having been mentored by Lawrence, along with 2000AD alumni, Chris Weston, who will both be contributing their own introductions to this terrific tome.
Well, finally our wait for a re-issue of The Trigan Empire is over thanks to 2000AD publishers, Rebellion, and as initially reported by The Hollywood Reporter over this past weekend.
Created by Mike Butterworth and Don Lawrence and originally serialised as The Rise and Fall of the Trigan Empire, this fully painted lush and luxurious sci-fi series, which ran from 1965 to 1982, was full of political intrigue and empire building, with more than a smattering of the ancient world of Greece and Rome about it visually. And, it will finally see the light of day next year when the first 304 page volume comes out. I’ve waited this long, so another year – or less – won’t be too much of a hardship.
Well worth checking this out for fans familiar with this fan-favourite comic book saga, and for anyone who loves classic sci-fi and beautiful artwork. Something to look forward too next year.
