2000AD Prog 970 - 15th December, 1995 is an essential issue in any collection, kicking off one of the most influential Judge Dredd story arcs of the decade while continuing several intense, ongoing narratives. With a cover by the legendary Carlos Ezquerra, Prog 970 blends high-stakes law enforcement, supernatural warfare, rebellious sport, and speculative mystery into a single gripping package.

Front and centre is the beginning of Judge Dredd: The Pit, a 14-part procedural crime epic written by John Wagner. Launching here in Prog 970, this storyline delves deep into the political corruption and dangerous factionalism within Mega-City One’s own Justice Department. Illustrated initially by Carlos Ezquerra and later by Colin MacNeil and Lee Sullivan, with colour work by Alan Craddock and Mike Hadley, this is a pivotal arc that helped redefine Dredd’s moral complexity. It features key characters like Judge Castillo, Judge DeMarco, and Judge Giant and is set in the year 2117. The significance of this storyline is reflected in multiple collected editions, including Rebellion’s Judge Dredd: The Complete Case Files 24, Hachette’s The Pit, and the Hamlyn editions.

Meanwhile, A.B.C. Warriors: Hellbringer Part 2 continues its thrilling run. This saga, written by Pat Mills and Tony Skinner, and brought to life by the highly stylised art of Kevin Walker, remains one of the most atmospheric entries in the A.B.C. mythos. Its steely, apocalyptic vision and layered characterisation have earned it reprints in both Hamlyn and Rebellion collections, ensuring new readers and long-time fans can revisit this classic.

Over in the skies, Chopper: Supersurf 13 races toward its conclusion. Alan McKenzie’s script and John Higgins’ kinetic visuals combine to deliver a rebellious tale of freedom and fatal consequences, as Marlon Shakespeare pushes himself to the limit on his illegal skysurfboard. The artwork bursts with vibrant energy, capturing the chaos and euphoria of the forbidden competition.

Rogue Trooper (Friday) concludes its Combat Rocks storyline in this issue, penned by Steve White and rendered in visceral detail by Steve Tappin. It’s a gritty, grounded story that explores both the psychological and physical toll of perpetual war.

Vector 13: Case Six - A Salver in the Heavens introduces a classic sci-fi mystery from the mind of Dan Abnett, accompanied by the understated, eerie linework of John Ridgway. With Vector 13’s trademark tone of cold detachment and high-concept paranoia, it asks the reader to question everything they think they know about UFO encounters.

Bringing in a touch of techno-occult madness, Wireheads: paraSITES - Future King continues its ambitious 11-part narrative. Written by Mark Eyles and illustrated by Mike Hadley, the story fuses cyberpunk dread with esoteric myth, forming a digital tapestry that is both bewildering and captivating. This issue is a vital part of its development, laying groundwork for its penultimate episodes.

Each copy of 2000AD Prog 970 offered here is treated with collector care – this comic is bagged and boarded with an acid-free bag and board and sent to you in a book wrap/mailer, ensuring it arrives in pristine condition. You’ll receive it from a long-established UK-based online comic store, known for fast shipping & secure packaging, making it a perfect addition to your British comics archive.