Preview: 2000 AD Prog 2356

2000 AD Prog 2356 takes a break this week for another special all-ages edition of the Galaxy's Greatest! That's right; it's the latest Regened takeover.

This bumper issue includes a complete Cadet Dredd thriller, written by Paul Starkey and Ben Willsher, in which the clone embarks on a perilous journey into the dark and dangerous Undercity to search for his missing brother, Rico, in "Deep Trouble."

There's also the return of the Gravity Bombshells, first introduced in Prog 2306, for more high-impact sports action in "Bladers," written by James Peaty and illustrated by Mark Simmons. A society that is forced to watch the lives of others in the Future Shock "Content Provider," by Karl Stock and Joe Currie. And the thrilling conclusion of "Lowborn High" by David Barnett and Mike Walters. The story picks up from the cliffhanger ending of Prog 2346, with the Deadbeats Club transported to the Plateau of Ming.

• UK and DIGITAL: 1 November £3.60
• NORTH AMERICA: 3 January $31.99 (per pack)
• DIAMOND: SEP231932
• COVER: 17TH & OAK  

In Prog 2356

Cadet Dredd: Deep Trouble

Writer: Paul Starkey
Art: Ben Willsher
Letters: Simon Bowland

Mega-City One, 2077 AD. Home to over 800 million citizens, this urban hell is situated along the east coast of post-apocalyptic North America. On one side is the polluted Black Atlantic, and to the west is the blasted radlands of the Cursed Earth. Overcrowding in the metropolis is rife, unemployment is at ninety per cent, boredom is universal and crime is rampant. Only the Judges — a zero-tolerance police force empowered to dispense instant justice — can stop total anarchy. CADET JOE DREDD — together with his clone-brother Rico — is a rising star in Justice Department, and will one day be its finest officer. Make no mistake, he is the Law!

Lowborn High: Fire & Frost

Writer: David Barnett
Art: Mike Walters
Colours: Pippa Bowland
Letters: Jim Campbell

For as long as anyone can remember, Wychdusk Manor has been the school to which all the top magical novices are sent, where they are trained to become the world's greatest wizards. There, students are taught every form of spellcasting by the wisest of mages, and to be part of Wychdusk's alumni is an incredible honour. But what about those that don't make the grade, that don't have the talent to make it to this prestigious establishment? For them, there's LOWBORN HIGH, a rundown inner-city comprehensive that is often struggling with funding. Androgeus Frost has recently joined the school, becoming friends with Maisy, Ali and Drill — but now they've been transported to the Plateau of Ming...

Future Shocks: Content Provider

Writer: Karl Stock
Art: Joe Currie
Letters: Rob Steen

Out in the vast reaches of the universe, there are an infinite number of stories waiting to be told. These cautionary tales pass from traveller to traveller in the spaceports and around campfires on distant planets, acquiring the status of legend, their shocking ends a salutary lesson in hubris. Anything is possible in these twisted trips into the galaxy's dark side. Abandon your preconceptions, and expect the unexpected. Now, in the near future, everyone is obliged to wear Ocula Glasses, livestreaming everything they do to a watching nation. Now, the nondescript Pluto Norgaz is about to become the subject of All Eyes on You, a game show in which he must avoid being seen by the entire nation...

Bladers II

Writer: James Peaty
Art: Mark Simmons
Colours: Gary Caldwell
Letters: Simon Bowland

It's the twenty-fifth century, and humanity has spread out amongst the stars. One of its biggest exports is Gravity Blading, the most exciting, successful and lucrative sport in the galaxy. One person who dreamed of being a Blader was Abi Caine, but severe injury forced her out of the trials. However, an unexpected and sizable inheritance has enabled her to re-enter the world of G-Blading, though not as a competitor — she's bought up the Gravity Bombshells, a team on its last legs after their previous manager proved corrupt. Caine's been moulding her team and improving their form, ready to meet her nemesis in the play-offs — Judi Neutron, coach of the Thunder Blazers...

Available in print from: newsagents and comic book stores via Diamond
Available in digital from: 2000 AD webshop and apps for iPad, Android, Windows 10