With a potential double sales pull targeting both new readers looking for an easy jumping-on point and established audiences looking to revisit old favourites, Rebellion have announced their latest project representing the glories of their now expansive library of back material. Best of 2000 AD debuts in the Spring in a US format. The full press release is below.
REBELLION PRESENTS THE BEST OF 2000 AD
Company announces highest ever profile ‘direct market’ release, showcasing the finest stories of the UK publication’s modern era!
2000 AD today announces it is launching a brand new title in April 2020 – Best of 2000 AD – as a new 12-issue US-format, perfect-bound series featuring a selection of the most incendiary and exciting new science-fiction comics from the legendary UK publisher.
Launching in April 2020, Best of 2000 AD is intended as the ultimate 2000 AD mix-tape – an anthology of full-colour stories specially chosen to be accessible to a whole new generation of comic readers who may never have picked up 2000 AD in its traditional format.
The first new major monthly title from the British publisher in almost 30 years, the first 100-page issue will be headlined by a self-contained 48-page Judge Dredd adventure and supported by three of the stand-out series from the ‘Galaxy’s Greatest Comic’, primarily focusing on the critically-acclaimed Rebellion era.
Best of 2000 AD #1 cover by Jamie McKelvie
The title boasts brand-new covers from an all-star line-up of New York Times best-selling and Eisner award-winning artists including Jamie McKelvie (The Wicked and The Divine), Becky Cloonan (Gotham Academy), Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead), Erica Henderson (The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl), and Annie Wu (Hawkeye), with more to be revealed.
The entire 12-issue volume will feature design by highly-acclaimed designer Tom Muller (House of X/Powers of X).
“There are very few comics that have had – and continue to have – the impact of 2000 AD,” said 2000 AD editor Matt Smith. “But we often hear, ‘where do I start reading?’. With Best of 2000 AD that question has a brand new answer – accessible, contemporary, high-quality story-telling, available every month direct from your local comic book store. There’s never been a better way to discover some of the best modern comics.”
Following Rebellion’s hugely successful ‘Day of Dredd’ in September, which reached over 20 million individual social media accounts and saw international sales spike, during which comic stores, libraries and creators celebrated the cultural impact of the fan-favourite character Judge Dredd, Best of 2000 AD is the next step in building a wider international audience, and stands as a major jewel in the crown of Rebellion’s 2020 publishing initiatives.
“It’s called the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic for a reason,” said Rebellion CEO Jason Kingsley. “If you love your comics dangerous, thrilling and life-affirming but have never read 2000 AD then this is your moment. This new publication is precision-engineered for new and curious readers. We want the Best of 2000 AD to convert a whole new generation into 2000 AD readers for life.”
The first issue of Best of 2000 AD is scheduled for release in late April 2020. It will be available from comic book stores through Diamond Distribution in North America and the UK.
