2000 AD’s 40th birthday – full line-up and schedule announced!

2000 AD is proud to unveil the full guest list and schedule for the sold-out 40 Years of Thrill-power Festival on 11th February.

Featuring more than 140 guests from four decades of 2000 AD, the 40 Years of Thrill-power Festival on 11th February in Hammersmith, London, is the biggest and best 2000 AD convention ever – with special panel discussions, live drawing, exclusive film screenings, interactive features, prop displays, and exclusive merchandise.

The sold-out festival forms the centre of celebrations marking the 40th birthday of 2000 AD, one of the world’s most influential comics.

Representing the cream of British comics, the breathtaking guest list includes Al Ewing, Alan Grant, Andy Diggle, Arthur Ranson, Carlos Ezquerra, Charlie Adlard, Chris Weston, Dan Abnett, Dani, Dave Gibbons, Dermot Power, Duncan Fegredo, Emma Beeby, Frazer Irving, Glenn Fabry, Jesus Redondo, John Wagner, Jock, Rob Williams, Simon Bisley, and many, many more.

From the DREDD movie prop exhibition to interactive displays to live drawing, fans who’ve managed to secure tickets to this once-in-a-lifetime event are in for a Thrill-powered treat like no other!

Become enraptured, entertained, and educated by a full panel schedule that includes talks with legends such as Wagner, Mills, Ezquerra, McMahon, and Gibbons, while also looking ahead with fresh new talent, and even going behind the scenes with editors and designers past and present.

Hit the Iso-Cube stage to watch top artists draw masterpieces before your very eyes as they discuss what it takes to be an artist for 2000 AD.

Relax at the special Sláine-themed bar before hitting the MC1: Artist’s Mega-Way to meet your favourite creators, get your Progs signed, or secure a sketch, or get in line for one of the dedicated signing slots with renowned creators from the past 40 years.

Check out the show-exclusive merchandise before heading over to browse at the displays from 2000 AD’s licensees, from T-shirts and mugs, to toys and replicas, from art prints to back issues!

Get your perp-rags on and get a photo of yourself on the mean streets of Mega-City One with the exclusive Perp Photobooth!

And the day wraps up with a special screening of Future Shock: The Story of 2000 AD as well as the premiere of the fan film based on John Wagner, and Carlos Ezquerra’s Strontium Dog.

2000 AD is also organising a series of satellite events to celebrate this landmark – events already announced include a special life drawing event in London on 5th February and two exhibitions of original artwork in London and Margate, with more announcements to be made!

First published in February 1977, 2000 AD is the legendary weekly British anthology comic and home of Judge Dredd, as well as a galaxy of original sci-fi, fantasy, and horror action stars. As well as producing innovative and provocative comics for almost 40 years, it has brought the industry some of its biggest talents, from Alan Moore, Grant Morrison, and Mark Millar, to Jock, Brian Bolland, Dave Gibbons, and many more. Published in print and digital every Wednesday, 2000 AD is the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic and remains at the industry’s cutting edge.

40 Years of Thrill-power Festival full guest list:

Abigail Ryder, Al Ewing, Alan Barnes, Alan Grant, Alec Worley, Andrew Currie, Andy Diggle, Annie Parkhouse, Arthur Ranson, Ben Oliver, Ben Willsher, Boo Cook, Carlos Ezquerra, Charlie Adlard, Chris Blythe, Chris Weston, Clint Langley, Colin MacNeil, Dan Abnett, Dani, Dave Gibbons, Dave Taylor, David Baillie, David Bishop, David Kendall, David Millgate, David Roach, Dermot Power, D’Israeli, Dom Reardon, Duncan Fegredo, Dylan Teague, Eddie Robson, Emma Beeby, Eoin Coveney, Frazer Irving, Glenn Fabry, Gordon Rennie, Henry Flint, Hilary Robinson, Ian Edginton, Ian Kennedy, INJ Culbard, Jeff Anderson, Jesus Redondo, Jock, John Higgins, John McCrea, John Smith, John Tomlinson, John Wagner, Jon Davis-Hunt, Karl Richardson, Karl Stock, Kek-W, Kev Walker, Laurence Campbell, Lee Carter, Lee Sullivan, Lee Townsend, Leigh Gallagher, Mark Harrison, Mark Sexton, Michael Carroll, Michael Dowling, Mick McMahon, Mike Collins, Neil Roberts, Nick Percival, Nigel Dobbyn, Pat Mills, Patrick Goddard, Paul Cornell, Paul J Holden, Paul Marshall, Peter Hogan, Peter Milligan, Phil Winslade, Richard Burton, Richard Elson, Rob Williams, Robbie Morrison, Robin Smith, Roger Langridge, Rufus Dayglo, Ryan Brown, Sean Phillips, Si Spencer, Siku, Simon Bisley, Simon Bowland, Simon Coleby, Simon Davis, Simon Fraser, Simon Gurr, Simon Jacob, Simon Spurrier, Steve MacManus, Steve Pugh, Steve Roberts, Steve Tappin, Steve White, Steve Yeowell. T. C. Eglington, Tom Foster, Warren Pleece

MILLICOM – MAIN PANEL ROOM

10:30-11:15 AM
BUILDING WORLDS: Dan Abnett, Ian Edginton, D’Israeli, Ian Culbard
Hosted by Mike Romeo
2000 AD has been generating new characters and series for 40 years and two of our most prolific and popular writers, Dan Abnett and Ian Edginton, are joined their regular collaborators D’Israeli and INJ Culbard, to talk about what it takes to build new worlds and new civilisations for 2000 AD, and how these worlds evolve and change over time.

12:00-12:45 PM
THE ORIGINALS: DAVE GIBBONS, MICK MCMAHON & ALAN GRANT
Hosted by Olly Macnamee
Three of the biggest names ever to grace the pages of 2000 AD come together for one unmissable panel. From Mick’s early work on Judge Dredd and Sláine, to Alan’s incredible writing on Anderson PSI Division and Mazeworld, and Dave’s groundbreaking work on Dan Dare and Rogue Trooper, this trio helped define 2000 AD’s earliest days and set it on its path to greatness. Listen to them discuss their groundbreaking work and the industry-shaping careers it launched.

1:15 PM – 2:00 PM
NO SLÁINE NO GAIN: SIMON BISLEY, SIMON DAVIS, GLENN FABRY, CLINT LANGLEY
Hosted by Michael Molcher
Four creators – and we didn’t think it too many! A panel filled with iconic artists discussing their work on Pat Mills’ Celtic saga, from Glenn Fabry’s incredible black and white line work of the ‘80s to Simon Bisley’s groundbreaking painted art on The Horned God and into the 21st Century with Clint Langley and Simon Davies.

2:30 PM – 3:15 PM
THE LAWMASTERS: JOHN WAGNER & CARLOS EZQUERRA
Hosted by Kelly Kanayama
One of, if not the single most important partnerships in comics, the creators of Judge Dredd and Strontium Dog come together again to talk about four decades of working together, how their characters have grown and evolved, and what makes them such enduring icons. A not-to-be-missed opportunity to hear John and Carlos as they celebrate 40 years of 2000 AD.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
CREDO! PAT MILLS CAREER RETROSPECTIVE
Hosted by Tony Esmond
From Sláine to Nemesis the Warlock to ABC Warriors, from Invasion to Flesh to Defoe, hear about the career of 2000 AD’s creator and first editor in his own words. From his groundbreaking work on Action and Battle to his genre-busting writing for 2000 AD, and his brand new crime thriller, Read Em and Weep, Pat Mills talks candidly about his time at the cutting edge of comic books.

7:00 PM – 7:45 PM
SEARCH/DESTROY: A STRONTIUM DOG FAN FILM CAST AND CREW SCREENING
Introduction by Harvey from The Doghouse
From the team behind the acclaimed Judge Minty fan film comes their take on John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra’s mutant bounty hunters Johnny Alpha and Wulf Sternhammer. Co-directed by fans Steven Sterlacchini and Steve Green this is 100% unofficial but 100% zarjaz!

8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
FUTURE SHOCK: THE STORY OF 2000 AD EXTENDED EDITION SCREENING
This is the story of 2000 AD told by those who were there in a comprehensive warts-and-all overview of the birth of this violent, anti-authoritarian, darkly funny, and idiosyncratically British comic book. In a new cut created especially for 2000 AD’s 40th birthday, round off this special celebration by hearing from creators, staff, and famous fans alike about what makes the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic so special.

TIR NAN OG – TALK SPACE

10:45 AM – 11:30 AM
GROWING REBELLION: 2000 AD & The Future
Hosted by Michael Molcher
It’s been four decades since 2000 AD blazed into the Thrillosphere, but what does the future hold for Britain’s biggest comics export? Owners Jason and Chris Kingsley kick off our celebration of 2000 AD with a discussion about their plans for the next 40 years!

11:45 AM – 12:30 PM
OUTER LIMITS: Peter Milligan & Robbie Morrison in Conversation
Hosted by Jason Atomic
Two of 2000 AD’s most distinctive, versatile and mind-bending talents, the work of Peter Milligan and Robbie Morrison has pushed the boundaries of storytelling in surprising, imaginative, and shocking ways, from Bad Company to Counterfeit Girl, from Judge Dredd to Nikolai Dante. Join them in an intimate conversation with Jason Atomic to journey into the outer limits of the mind.

12:45 PM – 1:30 PM
WRITING FOR 2000 AD: Rob Williams, Al Ewing & Emma Beeby
Hosted by Steve Morris
Three of 2000 AD’s newest talents discuss their approaches to writing for the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic, from compressed storytelling to creating compelling characters, from the challenges of working on some of the most famous characters in British comics to combining humour, pathos, and high-octane action in a single strip.

2:15 PM – 3:00 PM
KICKING IT OLD SCHOOL: John Higgins, Jesus Redondo & Ian Kennedy
Hosted by John Freeman
John Higgins, Ian Kennedy and Jesus Redondo discuss British comics rich history and the lasting influence those million-selling comics had on comics storytelling, not just in the UK but beyond. Find out more about titles you may remember like the early 2000 AD and companion titles such as Starlord and Tornado, as well as Action, Commando, Eagle, Lion, Tiger, Thunder, Valiant – and more!

3:15 PM – 4:00 PM
THE LOOK OF 2000 AD: Pye Parr, Rian Hughes, Annie Parkhouse & Simon Bowland
Hosted by Tom Muller
Writers and artists may grab the headlines, but letterers and designers have always been a fundamental part of what makes 2000 AD what it is. Go behind-the-scenes with both the old school and the young Turks to discuss the often overlooked arts of lettering and designing the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic, from the old days of paste and scalpels to modern desktop computers.

4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
THE 4TH GENERATION: Alec Worley, Tom Foster, Eoin Coveney & Dani
Hosted by Steve Morris
2000 AD’s track record for discovering and nurturing new talent is second to none and six creators fresh to our pages come together to talk about picking up the torch of Thrill-power for a new generation.

6:00 PM – 6:45 PM
EDITORS REUNITED: Matt Smith, Andy Diggle, Steve McManus & Richard Burton
Hosted by Matt Smith
From smashing deadlines to cajoling creators, they’re the behind-the-scenes droids who make sure 2000 AD lands on time every week. For the first time these four iconic editors meet together on one panel to talk about their experience of being at the helm of the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic.

LIVE DRAWING ISO-CUBE

Compèred by Adam Sherif

CHARLIE ADLARD – 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
SIMON BISLEY – 12:30 PM – 13:15 PM
D’ISRAELI – 13:45 PM – 14:30 PM (Hosted by Mike Romeo)
HENRY FLINT – 15:00 PM – 15:45 PM (Hosted by Mike Romeo)
JOCK – 16:30 PM – 17:15 PM

THE NERVE CENTRE SIGNINGS

10:30 – 11:15 AM
Alan Grant, Alec Worley, Simon Bisley, Kev Walker, Paul Cornell

11:30 – 12:15 PM
Arthur Ranson, Ian Edginton, Simon Davis, Richard Burton, Steve Tappin

12:30 – 13:15 PM
Jesus Redondo, PJ Holden, Phil Winslade, Dan Abnett, Charlie Adlard

13:30 – 14:15 PM
Mick McMahon, Peter Milligan, Michael Carroll, Si Spurrier, Rufus Dayglo

14:30 – 15:15 PM
Colin MacNeil, David Bishop, Karl Stock, Robin Smith, Richard Elson

15:30 – 16:15 PM
Jock, Chris Blythe, Dylan Teague, Jon Davis-Hunt, Dermot Power

16:30 – 17:15 PM
Carlos Ezquerra, Henry Flint, Annie Parkhouse, John Tomlinson, Robbie Morrison

17:30 – 18:15 PM
Leigh Gallagher, John Wagner, John Smith, Mark Harrison, Paul Marshall

18:30 – 19:00 PM
Si Spencer, Dave Gibbons, Nick Percival, Siku, Simon Bowland

PAT MILLS SIGNING SCHEDULE (Table 37)
10.00 AM – 11.00 AM
3.00 PM – 4.00 PM
6.00 PM – 7.00 PM

Please note: details may be subject to change.