2000 AD publisher Rebellion have shut down their legacy The Weekly Prog app – consolidating from two apps to a single dedicated app for the beloved British scifi anthology. The two had been running side-by-side for nearly a decade. The Weekly Prog app was the first iteration to provide a means for smart device readers to enjoy the comic digitally.
2000 AD posted on social media on January 11 (as of now, the app is no longer available for download):
“Still using our old ‘Weekly Prog‘ app? Make sure you switch to the 2000 AD app ASAP – we’re shuttering the old app. But fear not, your subscriptions and purchases will still be available on the 2000 AD webshop and app!”
While not a doom and gloom piece like other news these days (such as Comixology being disappeared into Kindle last month or recent personnel shifts at Omnibus), it is a reminder that – when it comes to digital – apps can disappear at the click of a button.
The Weekly Prog app on iOS was the first offering from Rebellion to supply the nascent digital comics market on mobile devices in the early 2010s, supplying the weekly anthology (issues being referred to as “progs”, meaning programs) and monthly Judge Dredd Megazine to more readers – and allowing non-UK based fans the opportunity to get their doses of thrill power almost direct from the source without waiting months. In 2015 a new 2000 AD app was introduced to both iOS and Android devices (which weren’t served by the initial app) which added bundles, DRM-free downloads, and the chance to buy collections of classic strips. The 2000 AD webshop at the same time provided fans a chance to download their issues and collections DRM-free to enjoy on their comics reader of choice without necessitating the use of the current – somewhat imperfect – app experience.
