Introduction: The Soul of the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic
When comic fans talk about the “British Invasion,” they often focus on the names that went to America. But the heart of that movement was forged in the pages of 2000 AD by a powerhouse of talent from north of the border. At the center of it all stood Alan Grant.
While 2000 AD is a British institution, its most iconic eras were defined by a “Tartan Takeover.” Alan Grant didn’t just write stories; he injected the comic with a uniquely Scottish brand of dark humor, political satire, and deep human empathy. Alongside his “partner in crime” John Wagner (raised in Greenock), Grant turned a weekly sci-fi magazine into a global cultural force.
1. The Grant & Wagner Powerhouse
Alan Grant and John Wagner redefined Judge Dredd during the 1980s, creating what many consider the “Golden Age” of the character. Grant’s writing was fueled by a disdain for authority and a sharp, satirical wit.
- 👉 [Essential Reading: Judge Dredd Case Files Vol. 5] – Includes the legendary Apocalypse War co-written by Grant and Wagner.
- 👉 [Judge Dredd: The Dark Judges] – The definitive collection of Dredd’s most iconic villains, shaped largely by Grant’s scripts.
2. The Heart of the Mutant: Strontium Dog
If Dredd was the head of the comic, Strontium Dog (Johnny Alpha) was its heart. Grant became the primary voice of this mutant bounty hunter, using the series to explore themes of prejudice and social exclusion.
- 👉 [Strontium Dog: Search & Destroy] – The perfect starting point for Johnny Alpha’s journey.
- 👉 [Judge Anderson: Shamballa] – Grant’s masterpiece featuring the psychic Judge Anderson, showcasing his ability to blend sci-fi with spirituality.
3. The “Glasgow Mafia” & The Mentor
In the 90s, the “Glasgow Mafia”—Grant Morrison, Mark Millar, and Frank Quitely—took the industry by storm. They stood on the shoulders of Alan Grant, whose success with Batman in the late 80s opened the doors for Scottish talent at DC Comics.
- 👉 [Batman: The Scottish Connection] – Written by Grant and illustrated by Frank Quitely, this is a must-read for any fan of Scottish comic history.
4. Gordon Rennie: The Workhorse of the North
A mainstay of the “Prog” for decades, Gordon Rennie is the writer who arguably “nails” the grit of the 2000 AD universe better than anyone else.
- 👉 [Missionary Man: Bad Moon Rising] – Rennie’s legendary western/Dredd crossover that is essential for any collection.
- 👉 [Absalom: Ghosts of London] – A brilliant modern classic by Rennie about an old-school copper in a world of demons.
5. Jim Alexander: The Master of Calhab
Jim Alexander famously expanded the Dredd universe into a “post-apocalyptic Scotland” with Calhab Justice, bringing a grounded, local perspective to the Mega-City world.
- 👉 [Judge Dredd: Calhab Justice] – Experience the “Tartan” side of the Dredd universe.
- 👉 [Amongst the Stars] – An excellent example of Alexander’s independent sci-fi work outside the Big Two.
6. Gary Erskine: The Technical Visionary
Paisley’s Gary Erskine provided the industrial, cinematic aesthetic that made the future feel real. His technical detail is legendary among fans.
- 👉 [The Filth] – The mind-bending collaboration between Erskine and Grant Morrison that pushed the boundaries of the medium.
- 👉 [Dan Dare: Voyage to Venus] – Showcasing Erskine’s incredible ability to modernize classic British icons.
Conclusion: A Legend Never Truly Dies
Alan Grant passed away in 2022, but his influence is everywhere—from the superhero movies filmed in Glasgow to the vibrant indie comic scene in Scotland. He taught us that the future doesn’t belong to the law; it belongs to the rebels.