Opinion: ‘2000 AD’ Needs Its Own Absolute Universe

The Absolute Universe has done more than just revitalize DC Comics, it brought new energy into the local shops. It’s also being matched and mirrored with other publishers. Oni Press is making interesting moves with Archie and EC Comics. Humanoids brought back Metal Hurlant and is producing prestige format hardcovers on Kickstarter. Fantagraphics is launching a new era of titles to celebrate their 50th anniversary this year. There’s another comic publisher from the UK that could benefit from a relaunch or new universe initiative: 2000 AD.

The magazine is the home of badass characters like Judge Dread, Slaine, Rogue Trooper, Strontium Dog, and Nemesis the Warlock, as Richard Bruton highlights on Comicon every week. However, it’s inarguable that the characters beyond Judge Dread are virtually unknown in America. 2000 AD can be one of the most exciting and influential comic magazines in Western comics.

I think the publisher should emulate what works with the Absolute Universe. Boil down the iconic characters to their core, strip away anything that’s antiquated, and then rebuild the characters for a new readership. Bring on writers and artists who will subvert expectations and take big artistic risks that will speak to new readers across the pond. 2000 AD can go even further than DC because it was always a more provocative magazine. The stories should embrace the kinetic action, dynamism, and cinematic pacing of contemporary seinen manga.  If 2000 AD wants to be the galaxy’s greatest comic, it needs to honor the past by moving forward.