With their Action archive edition incoming Rebellion have announced a new Action Special for the controversial and short-lived British weekly’s 50th anniversary. While characters from the comic appeared in last year’s Battle Action limited series this is, if memory serves, the first dedicated Action Special since the 2020 incarnation (reviewed here at BF). Details, as ever, in the press release below.
Before 2000 AD there was Action!
Action was always ahead of the curve… and sometimes pushed its luck just a bit too far. Celebrating 50 years since the first issue of the original series which inspired readers across the country, The Treasury of British Comics are publishing an all-new oversized Special which brings back all the shock and awe of the original series!
First published in 1976, Action shocked the UK when it first landed on shelves, with a range of stories which not only brought hard-hitting action to the page, but offered social commentary and sharp criticism which soon caught the eye of Mary Whitehouse and her fellow censors.
After an issue which featured a controversial cover that appeared to show a teenager assaulting a police officer as part of “Kids Rule OK”, a moral panic ensued which led to the comic being withdrawn from the shelf! When it did return, readership fell at the new, “safe” version of Action which they found in their newsagent.
Although Action was eventually closed in 1977, the spirit and attitude of the comic found a new home in the form of 2000 AD, which took up the attack and has been running with it ever since. Now, fifty years later, Rebellion Publishing are proud to revive Action for a new Special featuring an incredible lineup of creators, and some of its most famous – and infamous characters – back on shelves and ready to inspire a whole new generation to anarchy!
The Special features:
- Dredger by Garth Ennis and John Higgins. Britain’s deadliest secret agent returns, hitting the vengeance trail after the death of his partner, Breed. Dredger kills and maims his way across London, intent on delivering his own brand of justice. How much of London will be left when he’s finished?
- Hook Jaw by Steve White and Staz Johnson. There’s a killer out at sea! The vicious Hook Jaw has been seen in the depths of the ocean again, the killer shark with no regard for human life – and he’s heading out on the hunt! As a crew of drug dealers attempt to complete a sale in lawless international waters, they attract the attention of the legendary shark… this isn’t going to be pretty!
- Hellman of Hammer Force by Garth Ennis and Mike Dorey. Blazing battle action on the Eastern Front in 1944, as Panzer commander Kurt Hellman leads a small German armoured unit against massed Soviet forces. As the tank men struggle to survive in this frozen hell, they face a new and terrible savagery from their vengeance-crazed Russian enemies.
- Look Out For Lefty by Rob Williams and Patrick Goddard. Footballer Kenny “Lefty” Lampton has the most dangerous left foot in the game, blazing the ball through the net. But Lefty doesn’t play fair, and his temper constantly flares up on the pitch, boiling over into fury and violence! After his anger leaves him stranded on the subs bench, he finally gets his chance – this could be his big comeback, a chance to regain his lost glory! As The Royal Family watch on from the stand, can Lefty keep it under control for ninety minutes?
Featuring a powerhouse lineup of writers and artists, Action is taking no prisoners on its return to the newspaper stand! You thought it was controversial before? You haven’t seen anything yet! Action is back, and more hard-hitting than ever!
The Action 2026 Special is coming to a newsagent or comic book shop near you on 15th April – pre-order it now!
