I was annoyed by the cover spoiler, too, but then I realised Maybe's involvement was hardly treated as a big revelation in the story. He simply turns up on the third page.
I think this is a bloody good Meg. The lead Dredd is second-to-none. The continuing adventures of PJ Maybe are some of the best parts of Dredd over the years. MORE!
I'm enjoying Anderson a bit more, but mainly due to the art. I think it's one of those occasional stories to suffer from the Meg's frequency. It would've been better in the weekly, perhaps, given its action-heavy and text-light make-up.
The reprint's very interesting. It's a half-decent story and, although it's recognisably Jock, it's obviously his early work! Is that a Dean Ormston influence there?
Lastly, the Angel Gang story roars along at a blistering pace. I'm loving every page.
Somehow, Si Spurrier's developing these much-loved characters in interesting ways, but staying true to a long-term reader's familiarity with them.
That's bloody difficult to do, and I am deeply impressed.
At the same time the story's really entertaining and the art's a delight.
Give these buggers a pay rise, Meg-Tharg.
Blood of Satan's Arse, as the editor himself has dubbed it, remains unreadable. I made only a half-hearted effort. Life's too short and you're a long time dead.
I also enjoyed the small press story and Revenge of the 1970s, although it could've been given a bit more room. Strong stuff.
I'm looking forward to Mike Molcher's article on Pat Mills. I've skimmed it and it looks good.
Overall verdict: much-improved. The Meg's getting there...
- Trout
