According to artist Colin MacNeil, creating the latest cover for 2000 AD Prog 2494 involved sketching Judge Fire with a flaming trident in a darkened corridor, referencing an original panel by Dave Kendall from The Fall of Deadworld.
Colin MacNeil Breaks Down the Process Behind the Judge Fire Cover
The creation of the 2000 AD Prog 2494 cover started when editor Tharg requested a piece based on Dave Kendall’s art from The Fall of Deadworld, a series created by Kek-W and Kendall according to 2000 AD Covers Uncovered. MacNeil initially sketched the basic figure of Judge Fire, added a placeholder logo to test composition, and submitted it to Tharg for approval.
Once approved, MacNeil transferred the sketch to heavy paper for inking. To combat a sparse background, he added scattered debris to increase visual interest before applying bright colors suited for a Dark Judge. Finally, he integrated the logo digitally to ensure the flames from Judge Fire’s trident interacted correctly with the header elements.
Did you know? Colin MacNeil’s extensive work for 2000 AD and the Judge Dredd Megazine includes iconic issues such as Megazine issues 437 and 461, along with covers for Prog 2433, 2441, and 2475.
Release Schedule and Availability for 2000 AD Prog 2494
Readers in the UK can purchase 2000 AD Prog 2494 at local stockists now. For fans in the Americas, the weekly Prog arrives at local comic shops starting August 19, 2026. Alternatively, readers can buy single issues or subscriptions directly through the official 2000 AD web shop.
This storyline builds toward the first collected edition, The Dark Judges: The Fall Of Deadworld Omnibus, which publishes on September 23, 2026. Fans looking for deeper dives into MacNeil’s career can also access his 2019 Thrill Cast interview discussing John Wagner’s Mechanismo saga.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created The Fall of Deadworld?
The series was created by writers and artists including Kek-W and Dave Kendall.
When is The Dark Judges: The Fall Of Deadworld Omnibus releasing?
The first part is scheduled for release on September 23, 2026.
Where can readers in the Americas buy 2000 AD Prog 2494?
The weekly Prog is available at local comic book shops starting August 19, 2026, or via the 2000 AD web shop.
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