The Telegraph
·Mar 2026
Action Comic: The Violent 1970s Comic That Corrupted Britain’s Boys
Action, launched by Pat Mills in 1976 for IPC, revitalized Britain’s formulaic boys’ comics with graphic violence, contemporary themes and stories such as Hook Jaw, Dredger and Hellman of Hammer Force. Its popularity, with sales of up to 180,000 copies a week, was accompanied by a fierce backlash from tabloids, Mary Whitehouse, newsagents and football authorities, especially after stories depicting hooliganism. IPC withdrew and sanitized the comic, which survived briefly before merging with Battle. Despite its short life, Action strongly influenced 2000 AD and remains celebrated by creators and historians, with Rebellion issuing anniversary collections in 2026.