Delve into the daring, high-energy world of 2000AD Prog 838, released on 5th June, 1993 — a bold and varied issue packed with thrilling science fiction, supernatural terror, and gritty judicial action. With a striking cover illustration by Simon Jacob featuring the iconic Armoured Gideon, this prog captures the dynamic creative spirit that defined early ‘90s British comics. As an added bonus, this issue originally came with a free Sonic the Comic preview, reflecting 2000AD's engagement with emerging UK comic trends of the time.

The issue includes the explosive second part of Judge Dredd: Muzak Killer – Live!, scripted by Garth Ennis and illustrated with visual flair by Dermot Power. This story arc, running across Progs 837 to 839, finds Dredd embroiled in a riotous case involving anarchic pop culture and targeted assassinations — a satirical jab at celebrity worship and mass hysteria. Power’s artwork leaps off the page with its energy and stylisation, perfectly matching Ennis’s irreverent script. The full story is collected in Judge Dredd: The Complete Case Files 19.

Continuing its immersive and richly imagined narrative is Firekind by John Smith, with beautiful, detailed artwork by Paul Marshall and lettering by Steve Potter. This deep-space eco-saga blends elements of tribal myth, xenobiology, and colonial critique as it nears its conclusion. Though Part 7 was infamously missed out during the initial run and later slotted in after the finale, it didn’t stop this story from earning critical praise and reprint status in 2000AD Extreme Edition 8. Firekind remains one of the most ambitious stories of the era — a must-read for fans of thought-provoking, atmospheric sci-fi.

Also central to this prog is Armoured Gideon: Book 2, written by John Tomlinson with art by Simon Jacob. The series continues its mix of metaphysical threats and giant robot action, with the titular demon-slayer traversing bizarre realms to battle chaos incarnate. Jacob’s illustrations are distinctive and textured, with a visual intensity that complements the high-concept storytelling. The combination of occult horror and mechanised justice makes Armoured Gideon a uniquely British sci-fi experience.

The darkness continues with Purgatory, a brutal survival tale penned by Mark Millar and drawn by Carlos Ezquerra. This story dives into the harrowing existence inside a penal colony for rogue judges, as tensions rise and rebellion brews. Visceral, violent and unflinching, Purgatory lays the groundwork for the explosive events of Judge Dredd: Inferno. It has since been reprinted in Judge Dredd Megazine 322 and Hachette’s Judge Dredd The Mega Collection: Inferno.

Rounding off the issue is a self-contained story under Tharg’s Terror Tales: Waiting for the Night Train, written by Alan Hale with chilling artwork by Eric Bradbury and lettering by the legendary Tom Frame. In just six pages, this supernatural tale delivers a punchy, unsettling narrative that lingers well beyond the final panel — a showcase of 2000AD’s talent for gripping short-form horror.

Also featured is a Futuregraph image of Finn, rendered by Paul Staples, offering an extra visual treat for long-time fans of this rebellious eco-warrior.

From us, a professional UK-based online comic book store, this issue is treated with collector-grade care. Fast shipping & secure packaging ensures it reaches you in top condition, and this comic is bagged and boarded with an acid-free bag and board and sent to you in a book wrap/mailer, offering long-lasting protection whether you’re reading, displaying, or archiving.

For fans of hard-hitting sci-fi, darkly comic justice, and sharp visual storytelling, 2000AD Prog 838 is a standout issue filled with some of the most inventive voices and illustrators in British comics history.