Claiming yet another devastating blow to heaps of excited comic fans, Rebellion has sadly announced that the long-awaited Best of 2000 AD #1, previously set to hit stores and online April 29th, will be delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Not all is lost, however, as Rebellion gave a glimmer of hope for Thrill-seeking fans with the reassurance that the weekly sci-fi anthology 2000 AD, it’s monthly spin-off Judge Dredd Magazine, and their specials Cor!! Buster Easter Special and Action 2020 Special will still be present in independent news stands and web stores.

As the UK government brings in restrictions on movement in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rebellion would like to reassure readers that 2000 AD will continue to be published.

We are working closely with our printers and distributors to ensure that the supply of Thrill-power continues through this difficult time.

This is a rapidly-changing situation so please bear with us – our top priority is the safety of all our staff, as well as those at our printers and distributors, and delivery staff. We are constantly monitoring developments and reappraise our operations on a daily basis, taking both government advice and common sense into account when making decisions.

It is important to us that comics, which can provide distraction and entertainment at a time when people are unable to leave their homes, continue to reach those who need them.

As things stand at noon on Tuesday 24 March, 2000 AD and the Judge Dredd Megazine will continue to be printed and sent to subscribers. Non-subscribers can order physical copies of both titles from the 2000 AD webshop. Newsagents and retailers will receive comics as well, with some exceptions outlined below.

Physical copies of our specials, such as this week’s Action 2020 Special and the forthcoming Cor!! Buster Easter Special, will still go out to customers and stockists, and will be available to buy from the 2000 AD and Treasury of British Comics webshops.

While newsagent chains such as WH Smiths are closing selected stores, we will continue to support independent newsagents, comic book stores, and supermarkets that remain open and which stock our titles. Comic book stores especially face a huge challenge as Diamond Distribution is ceasing all deliveries of new titles, please support them through this difficult time where you can with mail order custom or the purchase of gift certificates etc.

Due to the closure of Diamond’s distribution network, we have taken the difficult decision to postpone the publication of Best of 2000 AD #1, which was due to go on sale on 29 April. This title is postponed until further notice.

All titles will be available digitally on their existing publication dates from 2000 AD and the Treasury of British Comic’s webshop. All pre-orders of physical paperback and hardback editions will also be supplied.

Our huge backlist of titles will continue to be available to order from the 2000 AD and Treasury of British Comics webshop. There will be unfortunate but understandable delays to overseas deliveries. Please consult your government’s advice on postal services for information about local deliveries and border closures.

The 2000 AD webshop and apps will continue to be updated with our latest titles.

Please stay safe, Earthlets: follow the advice to stay home where possible, wash your hands regularly, and maintain social distancing, but ensure you help vulnerable members of your community as much as you safely can.

While Rebellion’s titles may be steeped in pandemics, dystopias, and world chaos, an entire 43 years of vibrant stories have done nothing if not taught the lesson that these are the times to look out for one another. And it seems they’re doing just that.