Rebellion have officially announced the 2000 AD Sci-Fi Special 2025, their 48-page summer anthology of one-shot stories featuring beloved characters new and old, complete with gorgeous Chris Weston cover. It will release July 16 to UK newsstands and the 2000 AD webshop (£4.99); and August 20 Stateside ($8.99).
Sci-Fi Specials are a near-annual tradition for British anthologies, and they act as handy accompaniments to weekly issues and as introductory points for new readers. The 2025 edition features a few surprises, including a rare return for Al Ewing to Judge Dredd and the first new Ampney Crucis story since 2013 (give or take a guest appearance in a crossover).
Joining them on 2000 AD Sci-Fi Special 2025 will be Strontium Dog, The Out – plus a Future Shock by Andi Ewington and Nick Dyer. Not all creative teams are known at this time but co-creators Dan Abnett and Mark Harrison are confirmed for their hit series The Out, while Ian Edginton will be joined by frequent collaborator D’Israeli (Scarlet Traces, Stickleback) for Ampney Crucis (replacing artistic co-creator Simon Davis).
News of this year’s Sci-Fi Special might have slipped out a little early, as Chris Weston was eager to showcase his cover on social media (he also followed up with process images, which are a must-see!).
Weston said:
“When I was a kid, being bought a Summer Special comic was the highlight of a day to the seaside; so it’s great to get the chance to continue that tradition.”
Here is the Rebellion press release:
“Whatever the weather, the 2000 AD Sci-Fi Special 2025 is filled with stories to supercharge your Summer! Featuring 48 pages of high-octane action and adventure from across the Galaxy, this year’s edition of the bestseller features the return of classic characters, alongside some of the most exciting new Thrillers this side of Nu-Earth!
“Judge Dredd heads off on his hols thanks to writer Al Ewing, making his long-awaited return to Mega-City One after thrilling readers around the world on series like Immortal Hulk and Absolute Green Lantern! We’re sure it’ll be a nice and peaceful trip for him, and certainly nothing horrific will happen which will require the full force of the Law to be upheld!
“Dredd’s followed through spaceport security by the return of Strontium Dog Johnny Alpha and his team of intergalactic bounty hunters! Best pack a few extra time grenades and make sure you’ve brought a spare charger for the Electro-Nux, because trouble always follows Johnny, Wulf, and the Search/Destroy Agency!
“This packed issue also checks in Cyd Finlea for a one-off The Out story by creators Dan Abnett and Mark Harrison – if anyone knows about getting away from it all, it’s galactic photojournalist Cyd: nobody has gone further “Out” of the known universe than she has!
“We’ve a brand new Future Shock from the team of Andi Ewington and Nick Dyer to get you panicking ahead of your own holiday this year… and this special is rounded out by the return of all-round gentleman and occult detective Ampney Crucis to the Galaxy’s Greatest for the first time in… what, a decade? Where the deuce has he been? Only Ian Edginton and D’Israeli know!
“With five electric stories to get you crackling with Thrill-Power this summer, The 2000 AD Sci-Fi Special is an adventure into the unknown which you can’t afford to miss! All this and a truly zarjaz cover from Chris Weston? Seatbelts on, universal passports in hand, Earthlets – let’s go!”
