Fans of Grant Morrison and Steve Yeowell‘s seminal superhero series Zenith have unexpected news to celebrate, as 2000 AD is set to revisit that universe for the first time in nearly four decades.
This September, the tragic Welsh superhero Red Dragon returns for a new story that explores his past glory and the present-day legacy he left behind.
The new series, aptly titled Red Dragon, will debut in the bumper-sized 2000 AD Prog 2451 on 24th September. The creative team is a thoughtful mix of original talent and modern vision, with writer Rob Williams (Judge Dredd) penning the tale. He’s joined by original Zenith artist Steve Yeowell and Patrick Goddard (Rogue Trooper: Blighty Valley), who will share artistic duties, with colours provided by Dylan Teague.
The comic will navigate two distinct timelines. Yeowell will illustrate Red Dragon’s heyday in the “swingin’ Sixties,” depicting the hero at the peak of his powers. In contrast, Goddard will handle the present-day black-and-white sequences, which follow a documentary crew visiting post-Brexit Wales to investigate the hero’s complicated legacy.
For those unfamiliar with the character, Red Dragon, whose real name was Siadwel Rhys, first appeared in the initial “phase” of Zenith back in 1987’s issue #535. He was a pyrokinetic from Wales who had been a celebrated hero in the 1960s. By the time the cynical young hero Zenith recruited him in the 80s, Rhys was a disillusioned pub owner who had lost his nerve for the fight. He was tragically killed in action while battling the Nazi super-soldier, Masterman.
The character’s poignant story arc has resonated with fans and creators alike for decades. Rob Williams, writer, explains his personal connection;
Reading Red Dragon’s story arc in Zenith in 1987 broke my heart, and I wasn’t alone in that. Grant and Steve created this vibrant, deeply flawed, extremely human character and, what’s more – he was a Welsh superhero. Red Dragon sounded and felt like quite a few people I’ve known over the years growing up in South Wales, just they didn’t have the ability to fly (although there were a few alcoholics and arsonists).
Williams added that the project is an opportunity to delve into Welsh culture and the contrast between eras.
When I was asked if I would be interested in telling a Red Dragon story, I started to think about the idea of a Welsh superhero. Of where the UK and Wales was in the 1960s of Red Dragon’s heyday, of showing some of that optimism and bright colour, and then telling a story about where Wales, and Britain, is now.
The return of the original artist is a significant boon for the series. Steve Yeowell noted how the character has remained a fan favourite.
One of the mainstays of my sketching repertoire. My first encounter with him was when he appeared in Zenith phase one, more than thirty years ago: a broken and disillusioned figure, fated for a tragic end. So I’m really excited at the opportunity to work with 2000 AD writing veteran Rob Williams and fellow artist Patrick Goddard on this dual timeline story, to show him as a super hero in his 1960s prime – charismatic, confident and principled.
The publisher, Rebellion, often features in Geek Native’s coverage of comics and tabletop roleplaying, and this expansion of a classic, self-contained story is a noteworthy move. Williams confirmed that the new series respects the original narrative and will not resurrect the character, focusing instead on uncovering secrets from his past.
To mark the launch, Rob Williams and Patrick Goddard will appear at Forbidden Planet in Cardiff for a special signing event on Saturday, 27th September, from 3pm to 4pm. They will be joined by another Welsh talent, Rogue Trooper: Ghost Patrol artist Neil Edwards.
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