Invasion! (2000 AD)

Invasion! is a science fiction war story that was one of the original stories featured in the first issue of the British comic anthology 2000 AD in 1977. Written by Pat Mills and initially drawn by Joe Colquhoun, it established the tone of gritty realism and social commentary that would become a hallmark of the comic.

The story depicts a near-future Britain that is economically and socially crippled, making it vulnerable to a full-scale invasion by the Volgans, a fictional analogue for the Soviet Union. The Volgans, possessing superior technology and military might, quickly overrun the country.

The central character is Bill Savage, a truck driver from London who becomes a key figure in the resistance movement against the Volgan invaders. Savage's initial motivation is personal – the loss of his family in the initial invasion – but he gradually becomes a symbol of British defiance and a capable leader.

Invasion! explores themes of occupation, resistance, propaganda, and the human cost of war. It often portrays the Volgans as ruthless and oppressive, though also highlights the complexities of the conflict and the moral compromises faced by individuals on both sides.

The comic series ran for several years and featured numerous artists following Colquhoun's departure, including Dave Gibbons. The storyline has been revisited and re-imagined in various forms throughout the history of 2000 AD, often featuring Bill Savage in different contexts and timelines. The series' initial success helped establish 2000 AD as a major force in British comics.