Action was a controversial British comic published by IPC Magazines from (issues dates) 14 February 1976-12 November 1977, when it merged with Battle Picture Weekly. Created by Pat Mills, it was notable for its extreme violence and anti-authoritarianism, so much so, that after the 16 October 1976 issue, the comic was banned. When it returned two months later (issue dated 4 December), the controversial elements were toned down. As with Battle the title mostly used Italian and Spanish artists who were cheaper.

"Action" was hugely influential on the development of IPC stablemate "2000 AD" also created by Mills. "Action" used many of the same writers (including John Wagner, Gerry Finley-Day and Tom Tully) and scenarios as the early issues of 2000 AD and when Action was cleaned up after the ban these were recycled in 2000 AD.

Notable stories included:

• "Hook Jaw" created by Mills as a "Jaws" cash-in the strip was scripted by Ken Armstrong and drawn by Ramon Sola. Hook Jaw is actually the hero of the series, a Great White Shark who kills corrupt humans seeking to exploit the seas. The strip was largely recycled by Mills with the same artist for 2000 AD as "Flesh".

• "BlackJack" created by Wagner and Trigo told the story of Jack Barron a boxer who fights to help poor kids knowing that he runs the risk of going blind. The strip was accused of being racist eventhough it was one of the first times a black character was the hero of a British Comic strip.

• "Death Game 1999" written by Tom Tully the series was a cash-in on the success of "Rollerball" as a lethal future sport story played by condemned prisoners. Occasional stories were drawn by Ian Gibson and Massimo Bellardinelli .

• "Kids Rule OK" written by Jack Adrian with art by Mike White this series drew most criticism. Set in London 1986 a plague has wiped out the adult population with the result that violent gangs of children run riot.

• "Hellman of Hammer Force" written by Finley-Day this was the story of a German Panzer Captain. It established a pattern followed by 2000 AD for having unconventional or unsympathetic characters as the hero.

Note: it should not be confused with Action Comics, the American comic book which introduced Superman.

External Links

• The Sevenpenny Nightmare, an Action fansite

See also

British comics