As a child 2000AD played huge part in my life. I can remember some 40 years ago rushing to the newsagents on a Saturday morning to buy the latest Prog, absorbing every detail cover to cover, retelling the stories to the amusement of my parents and then copying the frames, redrawing panel after panel as I tried to emulate the work of my heroes - Carlos Ezquerra, Massimo Bellardinelli, Brian Bolland, Mike McMahon, Steve Dillon, Ian Gibson...
2000AD set me on a creative journey that continues today and provided an escape route into a world of imagination. But above all else it felt that it had been written and created just for me, a 10 year old working class kid from East London. It was irreverent, gritty, violent, witty, clever, shockingly new and quite frankly set my world on fire.
So this history by Pat Mills, creator of 200AD and leading light of the British Comics Industry was essential reading. The author makes it abundantly clear that the book is based on his recollections and his truth and this is very much his story as much as that of 2000AD. His account oozes attitude, is sometimes hilarious but always warm and genuine, pulls no punches and is scathing of the antiquated business practices and often anti-creative work ethics which have held British comics back while our European counterparts have thrived. The frustrations encountered by both the author and Kevin O'Neill in setting up and running 2000AD day to day, along with the glittering talent they have worked with, are palpable. I can guarantee that you will be continually stunned by the appalling decision making that has dogged 2000AD and British comics in general. Star Wars posters anybody?
But with sheer determination and courage they forged something which has been transformative, changing the landscape of the industry for the better. For anyone with even passing interest in 2000AD and British Comics it's essential reading.
But the book really connected with me on two levels.
Firstly, the way Pat Mills discusses the creative process itself and how to create an environment in which great writing and art can thrive. Here is a true creative and reading about the development of iconic characters such as Judge Dredd, Nemesis and Strontium Dog is absolutely compelling. If you want to go out and create something special, this book is a great place to start learning how. The author is also very honest in relating his own, sometimes painful, life experiences which informed these characters and gave them such authenticity.
Secondly, it's the heart felt believes and social values which permeate all of Pat Mill's creations. As a 10 year old I was aware of the satire within 2000AD - the fascistic oppression of Mega City One and the Judges, the social injustice and mistreatment of mutants and machines alike in Strontium Dog and the ABC Warriors, man's cruelty and stupidity laid bare in Flesh. It was hugely entertaining, often funny and it chimed with my own values and feelings. But only now, reading this book, can I see the purpose and mission behind these characters and stories and as an adult I am thankful to Pat for the work he has done to bring some honesty and balance to our society's storytelling and culture.
As a man of 'a certain age' I take great enjoyment in reconnecting with my youth and rekindling some of those childhood passions. It brings a sense of continuity and completeness, reminding me who I am. It's clear that Pat Mills has lost none of his passion, has never lost sight of who he is and has continually achieved excellence in his work, and this book is no exception. For many of us it's a bridge to our younger selves but for all of us it's a modern day rallying call to get out there and kick ass on a daily basis.
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What a mix this book is...It starts, with Pat Mills and John Wagner, churning out stories in a garden shed in Dundee, (between games of football, volleyball and feeding a pet spider). The humour and frustration of that situation really comes across. You fully understand the reason and drive to make something entirely different to what was around at the time.The explanations of what was then needed to develop, and bring to fruition, "The Galaxy's Greatest Comic", is quite an eye opener. It's a wonder that it ever happened at all, given the ridiculous practises at the time, that seemed more like obstacles than business plans.We get the initial growth and development, before entering "The Dark Ages", that almost killed it and then the rescue by Rebellion and future of 2000AD. It is all so enlightening not just about 2000AD, but the comic book world in general. From the way they are developed, run, royalties paid, comparing how markets in other countries operate compared to our own. (Did you know the US is only the 3rd biggest market, behind Japan and France? No. Me neither). It really does bring across how the people that work in comics do it for the love of it, far more than the money.If you have seen, "Future Shock!", the documentary about 2000AD, you will be familiar with some of this book, but what it does is add a lot of meat to the bones of Future Shock! and then also add a few more bones. And if you've read Serial Killer by Pat Mills and Kevin O'Neill, so see so much of that was based on real events, minus the killings, (I hope)Be Pure! Be Vigilant! Behave! Is funny, thoughtful, provocative and informative... Just brilliant stuff and well worth getting
Top reviews from United Kingdom
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Not just for 2000AD fans! - a funny, honest, opinionated account of the challenges of making comics.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 July 2017Top reviews from other countries
Ozguy
Essential read for anyone interested in the history of British comics and 2000AD!
Reviewed in the United States on 22 August 2017
Adrian Johnson
For Drokk's sake, get this book NOW!
Reviewed in the United States on 22 June 2017Imran Husain
A Fast-Paced Memoir, Essential for Fans of 2000AD and Judge Dredd
Reviewed in the United States on 14 August 2017