Review: Battle Action #1
New From Rebellion
New from Rebellion this week is the first of a new mini-series. This is Battle Action #1
Following the success of last year's hardcover special, this new series brings classic series from the legendary British comics Battle Picture Weekly and Action such as ‘Johnny Red’, ‘Crazy Keller’, ‘D-Day Dawson’, ‘Dredger’, ‘Major Eazy’, and ‘Hellman of Hammer Force’ back to life, courtesy of John Wagner (Judge Dredd), Dan Abnett (Guardians of the Galaxy), Torunn Grønbekk (Thor), Rob Williams (Suicide Squad), John Higgins (Watchmen) and Chris Burnham (Batman Incorporated)!
UK and DIGITAL: 31 May £4.99
NORTH AMERICA: 5 July 2024 $7.99
DIAMOND: MAR231811
COVER: KEITH BURNS
Johnny Red: The Falcon by Garth Ennis (w) Keith Burns (a) Jason Wordie (c) Rob Steen (l)
Starting in the air, and with a bang! This first story lays out the situation and the problem(s). I like the way it kicks off, and we get a good look at all the characters is a good way. This story has some excellent twists and turns and some nice symmetry to what is happening.
I love the technical aspects, and there are some well-researched parts to it all. The artwork is rough, ready, and well-suited to all the action and character moments. Well done and well coloured.
HMS Nightshade by John Wagner (w) Dan Cornwell (a) Len O'Grady (c) Rob Steen (l)
To the sea, this story had a different tone. It is well paved, with an air of history to it all. I like how this story was told, with the elder passing on knowledge and stories of old. The technical aspects of the story are well done, with some interesting points and make you look a bit differently at the warfare at sea in WWII.
The art and colouring play out well, using fire, attacks and the sea. A bittersweet finish, but well played.
A note, there are also some scripts and planned art at the back of this issue, with the beginnings of both stories. I would recommend reading these too.
Available in print from: 2000 AD and Treasury of British Comics webshop, and comic book stores via Diamond
Available in digital from: 2000 AD webshop & apps for iPad, Androidand Windows 10
