2000 AD #851

Slaine is back and making his intentions unmistakably clear — the brawny, fur-clad Celtic warrior dominates this Greg Staples cover for 2000 AD Prog 851 (September 4, 1993), gripping a massive axe and a staff adorned with a dangling skull while crouching in a darkly lush forest setting. The bold "Kiss My Axe!" tagline perfectly captures the defiant energy radiating from the figure, and the banner confirming this is part 2 of a two-prog mini-series gives the whole package a satisfying sense of occasion. With Judge Dredd also featured inside alongside Carlos Ezquerra's linework and colors, this is a richly packed instalment of Britain's premier weekly anthology.