Bad Company #1

Bad Company #1 debuted in 1986 within the pages of the weekly British science fiction anthology 2000 AD. Created by writer Peter Milligan and artists Brett Ewins and Jim McCarthy, the series emerged during a period of creative experimentation for the publication, focusing on a gritty, harrowing depiction of interplanetary war. It followed the recruits of a human military unit on the planet Ararat, exploring themes of dehumanization and the psychological toll of conflict rather than traditional heroic tropes.

The visual identity of the series was heavily influenced by the distinct collaborative style of Ewins and McCarthy, whose moody, angular illustrations captured the bleak atmosphere of the narrative. The comic was well-received by readers of the era, standing out for its cynical tone and sophisticated writing. It eventually gained a reputation as a cult classic, celebrated for its unflinching portrayal of the 'Bad Company' squad and the complex, often dark evolution of its characters throughout their protracted struggle.