The 2000AD fanzine Zarjaz has a long and slightly complex history that has already been covered reasonably thoroughly elsewhere. The purpose here is to review the title's triumphant return in 2025. With my copy in hand, and as promised, here are my thoughts.
Let's start with the basics. Prog 1 of Vol 3 of Zarjaz is not just a joy to behold, but also a joy to actually hold. Between the full colour card front and back cover are 48 brand new pages with stories all inspired by the early days of the Galaxy's Greatest Comic.
Apart from a colour centre page spread, like the Progs Zarjaz harks back to, the remainder of this debut issue presents its collection of goodies in crisp black and white.
Unlike the early issues of 2000AD that inspire Zarjaz, the paper stock and printing are far superior. Some may argue these modern developments and techniques may diminish the finished product, perhaps robbing them of a potential sense of nostalgia, respectfully I say poppycock. This is an ever so long winded way of saying, that this is a well made, professional production. Physically it is impossible to be disappointed.
How about the stories themselves? Well each deserves special praise but all for different reasons, and it is possible other fans will disagree because anthologies always offer different joys to different people. Arguably it is why they provoke so much debate. I'd be amazed and saddened slightly if everyone agrees with my point of view. Nonetheless here goes...
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The opening salvo is the first of a two part step back in time. Strontium Dog: Winterkill introduces us to Johnny Alpha as a young teenaged mutant rebel. It is appropriate this story reboots Zarjaz. It at once represents the spirit of Zarjaz and 2000AD but also the spirit of the fandom that has kept both titles thriving for long. It is the story of a rebellious teen battling authority and the world around him... I wonder how many 2000AD readers over the years may empathise with this description?
Amanda Kear AKA Dr Bob's script is tight, but told with feeling and ends on a cliffhanger Tharg himself would certainly smile upon. Alba Ceide's eye catching full colour art also graces this issue's cover and on the basis of these six pages alone I am exciting to see more. These pages boast a kinetic energy full of movement. A great start !
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Our second story comes courtesy of writer Craig Dawson and artist Tom Bonin, and takes us back to Pat Mill's classic Invasion storyline. As I understand it this is the first part of a six part epic that will continue to feature in subsequent issues of Zarjaz. I had to re-read the first couple of pages again just to be absolutely sure about what was happening, but this is a very tiny quibble. Otherwise these pages begin what could be a genuinely exciting story. There is a shift from daylight to an ominous area full of shadows that is very effectively handled. Again, readers familiar with the very early days of 2000AD are treated to a teasing cliffhanger. I can say no more... there's a belligerent Volgan close by that has sworn me to secrecy.
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Confession time: I am a huge Judge Dredd fan, and I adore a well told short story. Pete Howard and Brett Burbridge present Judge Dredd: The Ship. These six pages are just quintessentially what a vital part of 2000AD (and by virtue Zarjaz) should be all about. Judges, Monsters, stupid jerks, and the cold hard truth of a tidy ending to cap a well told short story. This story ticks all the boxes and more.
I can't be alone in finding echoes of Cam Kennedy's art in the story here, and it is damn welcome. These pages are gorgeous. This story made me feel young again. More stories like this please.
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In M.A.C.H. 1 exe I face a couple of problems. Pete Hobson, Jonno and Tim Burnell bring this classic character kicking and screaming into 2025. Firstly it has been a little while since I have read the original material, but I know I LOVED it.
Interestingly from a series with such improbable juvenile science fiction roots I have a sneaky feeling from the outset here the intention may be to touch on some genuinely mature themes. I may be mistaken but the themes of aging, living in a society that has surrendered to a culture of violence and perhaps PTSD may all heavily feature as the story unfolds.
Tim Burnell's art is raw, but it effectively attempts to simultaneously evoke the original strip and the real world. No easy task. The flashbacks are a little jarring. I sense that perhaps there's too much narrative detail being crammed in suggesting that the artist may have been a little overwhelmed, but experience tells me this will pay off further down the line.
This I believe will be a story that comes into its own once the introductions are over with and then the fun can really begin in earnest. I'll look back in the future and think, "Yup, now I get it." (Insert appropriate sound effect as I eventually palm slap my forehead.)
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Tom Davies and Paul Malone provide an ABC Warriors story that is the comedy highlight of this issue. Beginning with the colour centre page spread this outrageously simple story had me smiling like an absolute idiot. This I enjoyed.
It is just simply a well told, great looking and bloody good fun story. It also includes my favourite piece of dialogue from issue one, "Ain't even a proper word...!!!" ...Taken in the proper context it is very funny.
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Next we return to 2000AD stalwart character, Bill Savage, except here he is a carefree horny 18 year old teenager that like a magnet gravitates toward trouble. Daniel Whiston's script and Bobby Brice's razor sharp art combine beautifully to present the first part of a story that promises a very great deal. There are themes presented here that feel uncomfortably relevant even today. Despite the 1980's setting this feels troublingly contemporary. These six pages are excellent! This is one to watch.
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Like Tharg's Future Shocks before them here we have The Cosmic Claw Presents...
Clerical Oversight. There is very little that can be said on this occasion, because the slightest comment risks spoilers. Just let it be known David Court and Brett Burbridge showcase their skills excellently together with a story that would not feel out of place in any of the first 300 progs. The writer and artist deliver the type of one and done story that Alan Moore used to tell. This is intended as high praise indeed.
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Our next stop brings us into the world of Pat's Mills' Nemesis. Mathew Ellis and Chris Geary offer a cheeky but all too brief glimpse into some sordid bedroom goings on.... These pages are beautifully formed, but I'll say no more. Why spoil all the fun?
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Dan Pollard and Wayne Hughes serve up the penultimate Thrill with Part One of a Legends of Rogue Trooper Story. Once again Zarjaz offers up a tasty morsel. This is a terrific war story full of cynicism, heroism and dark humour with a frenetic art style that is thoroughly absorbing.
This is another highlight. Hidden amongst the gunfire look out for an absolute zinger of a one liner! I am stunned no one has stumbled upon the joke before.
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Closing out proceedings is Ade Bamforth's satirical tale Pret a Porker. I gather this story owes its origins to the early days of Zarjaz. The creator has revamped his original Mega City One story and it is a beautifully re-drawn tale that is a forever timely warning of the dangers of excess and the nature of success. If you'll excuse a metaphor, imagine a satisfying meal in a lively restaurant, this is the shot of espresso that leaves you wanting to return for more.
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And so to a conclusion? What to make of Zarjaz Three point oh? Is it good? Is it perfect? 
Is it good? You're Grud-damn right it is! This is a triumph that can stand alongside some of the best issues of 200AD. It continues a fine tradition and long may it continue.
Is it Perfect? I have gone back and forth on this. It is tantalisingly close. There are a couple of story telling fumbles and occasional pacing issues, but let's remember Zarjaz is a fanzine at heart. Whilst everyone involved is clearly talented no one here is a seasoned veteran of the comic industry. Mistakes happen at the highest level of any field, so perfection is a high bar to clear... so to say Zarjaz is approaching it already is meant as a massive compliment.
Sure, there are issues, but they are the challenges all anthologies face. Should every story be drastically different and distinct, or ought they all follow an overall theme eventually leading to a bland tasteless casserole of ideas that all feel identical to one another?
Editorially finding that balance to me sounds like mastering one those plate spinning acts often found on variety style quiz shows like The Generation Game. The British comic industry is littered with the shattered debris of failed anthologies.
With this in mind enormous credit must go to Andrew J Lewis for pulling off the Herculean task of relaunching this much loved title with such confidence and a long term plan to boot. His measured editorial control can be felt in how this first issue reads. This is a special accomplishment and long may it continue. He may not be Tharg, but that's fine...
I'd like to end on a movie quote that feels appropriate.... "He's not the Messiah, he's just a very naughty boy"
I for one hope one hope he keeps doing it. I said it before and I'll say it again: More of the same please.
If you don't believe me, prove me wrong.... Buy a copy and we can talk.
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To order future issues here are the details you will need:
https://zarjazvol3.blogspot.com
Zarjaz Vol 3
For those interested in further reading, I recently interviewed Zarjaz editor Andrew J Lewis for Tripwire's website. A link is provided below:
Andrew J Lewis Talks About The Latest Volume Of 2000AD Fanzine ZARJAZ - TRIPWIRE MAGAZINE
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