Tharg the Mighty
Encyclopedia
The Mighty Tharg is a recurrent character in science fiction
comic
2000 AD, one of only two characters to appear in nearly every issue of the comic (the other being Judge Dredd
). The main Tharg-free period in 2000 AD
was when the men from Vector 13
staged a takeover (in prog 1014), while Tharg was away dealing with a crisis.
Other than a spate of strips in the early 1980s, Tharg rarely appears in stories, but instead purports to be the comic's editor
. Stories involving Tharg have been written by such notable writers as Alan Moore
.
from the fictional planet "Quaxxann", supposedly in orbit around the real-life star Betelgeuse
(but he works in a British publisher's office), with green skin and a "rosette of Sirius" on his forehead. His favourite food is said to be polystyrene
cups.
Tharg writes the comic's introduction, answers letters, and doles out prizes to readers (for artwork or story suggestions) - winners could choose payment either in pounds sterling or in "galactic groats". Tharg speaks mostly in English
, but with various pithy Betelgusian aphorisms thrown in for colour.
In one episode, a Tharg suit in the comic's office was explained as a skin that Tharg had shed
.
Tharg was recently created as a 12" vinyl figure by Ashley Wood's company 3A.
These appearances include:-
The Mighty Tharg is a recurrent character in science fiction
comic
2000 AD, one of only two characters to appear in nearly every issue of the comic (the other being Judge Dredd
). The main Tharg-free period in 2000 AD
was when the men from Vector 13
staged a takeover (in prog 1014), while Tharg was away dealing with a crisis.
Other than a spate of strips in the early 1980s, Tharg rarely appears in stories, but instead purports to be the comic's editor
. Stories involving Tharg have been written by such notable writers as Alan Moore
.
from the fictional planet "Quaxxann", supposedly in orbit around the real-life star Betelgeuse
(but he works in a British publisher's office), with green skin and a "rosette of Sirius" on his forehead. His favourite food is said to be polystyrene
cups.
Tharg writes the comic's introduction, answers letters, and doles out prizes to readers (for artwork or story suggestions) - winners could choose payment either in pounds sterling or in "galactic groats". Tharg speaks mostly in English
, but with various pithy Betelgusian aphorisms thrown in for colour.
In one episode, a Tharg suit in the comic's office was explained as a skin that Tharg had shed
.
Tharg was recently created as a 12" vinyl figure by Ashley Wood's company 3A.
These appearances include:-
The Mighty Tharg is a recurrent character in science fiction
comic
2000 AD, one of only two characters to appear in nearly every issue of the comic (the other being Judge Dredd
). The main Tharg-free period in 2000 AD
was when the men from Vector 13
staged a takeover (in prog 1014), while Tharg was away dealing with a crisis.
Other than a spate of strips in the early 1980s, Tharg rarely appears in stories, but instead purports to be the comic's editor
. Stories involving Tharg have been written by such notable writers as Alan Moore
.
from the fictional planet "Quaxxann", supposedly in orbit around the real-life star Betelgeuse
(but he works in a British publisher's office), with green skin and a "rosette of Sirius" on his forehead. His favourite food is said to be polystyrene
cups.
Tharg writes the comic's introduction, answers letters, and doles out prizes to readers (for artwork or story suggestions) - winners could choose payment either in pounds sterling or in "galactic groats". Tharg speaks mostly in English
, but with various pithy Betelgusian aphorisms thrown in for colour.
In one episode, a Tharg suit in the comic's office was explained as a skin that Tharg had shed
.
Tharg was recently created as a 12" vinyl figure by Ashley Wood's company 3A.
These appearances include:-
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
comic
Comics anthology
Comics anthologies collect works in the medium of comics that are too short for standalone publication.- U.S. :- UK :British comics have a long tradition publishing comics anthologies, often weekly...
2000 AD, one of only two characters to appear in nearly every issue of the comic (the other being Judge Dredd
Judge Dredd
Judge Joseph Dredd is a comics character whose strip in the British science fiction anthology 2000 AD is the magazine's longest running . Dredd is an American law enforcement officer in a violent city of the future where uniformed Judges combine the powers of police, judge, jury and executioner...
). The main Tharg-free period in 2000 AD
2000 AD (comic)
2000 AD is a weekly British science fiction-oriented comic. As a comics anthology it serialises a number of separate stories each issue and was first published by IPC Magazines in 1977, the first issue dated 26 February. IPC then shifted the title to its Fleetway comics subsidiary which was sold...
was when the men from Vector 13
Vector 13
Vector 13 is a 2000 AD comic strip which featured the eponymous agency setup to investigate anomalous phenomena and conspiracy theories. It was influenced by The X-Files and other events like the 1995 release of the alien autopsy film...
staged a takeover (in prog 1014), while Tharg was away dealing with a crisis.
Other than a spate of strips in the early 1980s, Tharg rarely appears in stories, but instead purports to be the comic's editor
Editing
Editing is the process of selecting and preparing written, visual, audible, and film media used to convey information through the processes of correction, condensation, organization, and other modifications performed with an intention of producing a correct, consistent, accurate, and complete...
. Stories involving Tharg have been written by such notable writers as Alan Moore
Alan Moore
Alan Oswald Moore is an English writer primarily known for his work in comic books, a medium where he has produced a number of critically acclaimed and popular series, including Watchmen, V for Vendetta, and From Hell...
.
Description
Tharg is an alienExtraterrestrial life
Extraterrestrial life is defined as life that does not originate from Earth...
from the fictional planet "Quaxxann", supposedly in orbit around the real-life star Betelgeuse
Betelgeuse
Betelgeuse, also known by its Bayer designation Alpha Orionis , is the eighth brightest star in the night sky and second brightest star in the constellation of Orion, outshining its neighbour Rigel only rarely...
(but he works in a British publisher's office), with green skin and a "rosette of Sirius" on his forehead. His favourite food is said to be polystyrene
Polystyrene
Polystyrene ) also known as Thermocole, abbreviated following ISO Standard PS, is an aromatic polymer made from the monomer styrene, a liquid hydrocarbon that is manufactured from petroleum by the chemical industry...
cups.
Tharg writes the comic's introduction, answers letters, and doles out prizes to readers (for artwork or story suggestions) - winners could choose payment either in pounds sterling or in "galactic groats". Tharg speaks mostly in English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
, but with various pithy Betelgusian aphorisms thrown in for colour.
In one episode, a Tharg suit in the comic's office was explained as a skin that Tharg had shed
Ecdysis
Ecdysis is the moulting of the cuticula in many invertebrates. This process of moulting is the defining feature of the clade Ecdysozoa, comprising the arthropods, nematodes, velvet worms, horsehair worms, rotifers, tardigrades and Cephalorhyncha...
.
Tharg was recently created as a 12" vinyl figure by Ashley Wood's company 3A.
Comic strips
On occasion the comic runs short humorous strips featuring Tharg. The plots of these often concern:- His conflict with "the thrill suckers", a plague of psychic pests which attempt (inevitably unsuccessfully) to steal the comic's "thrill power".
- His abuse of the "droids" (robots which reportedly write and draw the comic, depicted as mechanical caricatureCaricatureA caricature is a portrait that exaggerates or distorts the essence of a person or thing to create an easily identifiable visual likeness. In literature, a caricature is a description of a person using exaggeration of some characteristics and oversimplification of others.Caricatures can be...
s of the actual staff), who work long hours for little reward, and are summarily disintegrated should Tharg become displeased with them. - His unbridled egotism.
- Battles against The Dictators of Zrag, rulers of the dull cube-shaped planet Zrag. This trio of incompetent alien warlords hope to usurp Tharg's position and use the comic's powers to revitalise their planet. Tharg uses the Dictators as convenient scapegoats whom he can blame for printing errors and plot holes.
These appearances include:-
- Tharg the Mighty:
- "The Last Laugh" (with Steve MacManusSteve MacManusSteve MacManus is a British comic writer and editor, particularly known for his work at 2000 AD.Born in London and educated in Devon, MacManus joined IPC in 1973, aged 20, as a sub-editor on the boys' weekly comic Valiant, until 1975 when he moved to Battle Picture Weekly under editor David Hunt...
and Carlos EzquerraCarlos EzquerraCarlos Sanchez Ezquerra , who has also worked under the alias L. John Silver, is a Spanish comics artist who works mainly in British comics and currently lives in Andorra...
, in 2000AD Winter Special 1990) - "A Night 2 Remember" (with various artists and writers, in 2000 AD #1280, 2002)
- "The Last Laugh" (with Steve MacManus
Catchphrases
Tharg had various 'catchphrases', beginning with the earliest years of the comic. The following is a short list, with approximate translations:- "Borag Thungg, Earthlet" - greetings, human.
- "Zarjaz" - excellent!
- "Grexnix" - a churlish person, or an ignoramus.
- "Nonscrot" - someone who doesn't read 2000 AD2000 AD (comic)2000 AD is a weekly British science fiction-oriented comic. As a comics anthology it serialises a number of separate stories each issue and was first published by IPC Magazines in 1977, the first issue dated 26 February. IPC then shifted the title to its Fleetway comics subsidiary which was sold...
. - "Quaequam Blag!" - an expression of surprise or outrage
- "Rigellian Hotshot" - a form of punishment (as in "I sent him a Rigellian Hotshot for suggesting this week's Dredd strip was less than zarjaz.")
- "Scrotnig" - good or exciting.
- "Squaxx dek Thargo" - Friends of Tharg. Often used in reference to loyal readers.
- "Splundig Vur Thrigg" - so long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, adieu.
The men behind the Rosette of Sirius
Although claiming to be an actual alien the "part" has been played over the years by these editors:- Pat MillsPat MillsPat Mills, nicknamed 'the godfather of British comics', is a comics writer and editor who, along with John Wagner, revitalised British boys comics in the 1970s, and has remained a leading light in British comics ever since....
(1977) - Kelvin GosnellKelvin GosnellKelvin Gosnell is a British comics writer and editor. He was involved in the founding of the long-running comic 2000 AD in 1977.-Biography:...
(1977–1978) - Steve MacManusSteve MacManusSteve MacManus is a British comic writer and editor, particularly known for his work at 2000 AD.Born in London and educated in Devon, MacManus joined IPC in 1973, aged 20, as a sub-editor on the boys' weekly comic Valiant, until 1975 when he moved to Battle Picture Weekly under editor David Hunt...
(1978–1987) - Richard BurtonRichard Burton (comics)Richard Burton is a British comic editor who worked on 2000 AD. However, he is possibly better known to readers as Tharg the Mighty's bumbling assistant Burt who appeared in a number of strips with him....
(1987–1993) - Alan McKenzieAlan McKenzieAlan McKenzie is a British comics writer known for his work at 2000 AD.-Biography:McKenzie worked for Marvel UK during the early 1980s, editing Starburst, Cinema and Doctor Who Monthly magazines. After leaving the Marvel staff in 1985, he wrote several Doctor Who comic stories for the Monthly under...
(1993–1994) - John TomlinsonJohn Tomlinson (comics)John Tomlinson is a British comic book writer known for his work on various 2000 AD strips.-Biography:Tomlinson worked at Marvel UK in the early 1990s and helped nurture various talents, including Matthew Bingham and John Freeman. He has co-written strips with Nick Abadzis.He was editor of 2000 AD...
(1994–1996) - David BishopDavid BishopDavid Bishop is a screenwriter and author. Born in New Zealand, he was a UK comics editor during the 1990s, running such titles as the Judge Dredd Megazine and 2000 AD, the latter between 1996 and the summer of 2000....
(1996–2000) - Andy DiggleAndy DiggleAndy Diggle is a British comic book writer and former editor of 2000 AD. He is best known for his work on The Losers, Swamp Thing, Hellblazer, Adam Strange and Silent Dragon at DC Comics and for his run on Thunderbolts and Daredevil after his move to Marvel.-Career:Diggle took over editing 2000 AD...
(2000–2002) - Matt SmithMatt Smith (comics)Matt Smith is the editor of long-running British science fiction weekly anthology comic 2000 AD, and the sister title Judge Dredd Megazine. He has also written two novels.-Biography:...
(2002–present)
The Mighty Tharg is a recurrent character in science fiction
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
comic
Comics anthology
Comics anthologies collect works in the medium of comics that are too short for standalone publication.- U.S. :- UK :British comics have a long tradition publishing comics anthologies, often weekly...
2000 AD, one of only two characters to appear in nearly every issue of the comic (the other being Judge Dredd
Judge Dredd
Judge Joseph Dredd is a comics character whose strip in the British science fiction anthology 2000 AD is the magazine's longest running . Dredd is an American law enforcement officer in a violent city of the future where uniformed Judges combine the powers of police, judge, jury and executioner...
). The main Tharg-free period in 2000 AD
2000 AD (comic)
2000 AD is a weekly British science fiction-oriented comic. As a comics anthology it serialises a number of separate stories each issue and was first published by IPC Magazines in 1977, the first issue dated 26 February. IPC then shifted the title to its Fleetway comics subsidiary which was sold...
was when the men from Vector 13
Vector 13
Vector 13 is a 2000 AD comic strip which featured the eponymous agency setup to investigate anomalous phenomena and conspiracy theories. It was influenced by The X-Files and other events like the 1995 release of the alien autopsy film...
staged a takeover (in prog 1014), while Tharg was away dealing with a crisis.
Other than a spate of strips in the early 1980s, Tharg rarely appears in stories, but instead purports to be the comic's editor
Editing
Editing is the process of selecting and preparing written, visual, audible, and film media used to convey information through the processes of correction, condensation, organization, and other modifications performed with an intention of producing a correct, consistent, accurate, and complete...
. Stories involving Tharg have been written by such notable writers as Alan Moore
Alan Moore
Alan Oswald Moore is an English writer primarily known for his work in comic books, a medium where he has produced a number of critically acclaimed and popular series, including Watchmen, V for Vendetta, and From Hell...
.
Description
Tharg is an alienExtraterrestrial life
Extraterrestrial life is defined as life that does not originate from Earth...
from the fictional planet "Quaxxann", supposedly in orbit around the real-life star Betelgeuse
Betelgeuse
Betelgeuse, also known by its Bayer designation Alpha Orionis , is the eighth brightest star in the night sky and second brightest star in the constellation of Orion, outshining its neighbour Rigel only rarely...
(but he works in a British publisher's office), with green skin and a "rosette of Sirius" on his forehead. His favourite food is said to be polystyrene
Polystyrene
Polystyrene ) also known as Thermocole, abbreviated following ISO Standard PS, is an aromatic polymer made from the monomer styrene, a liquid hydrocarbon that is manufactured from petroleum by the chemical industry...
cups.
Tharg writes the comic's introduction, answers letters, and doles out prizes to readers (for artwork or story suggestions) - winners could choose payment either in pounds sterling or in "galactic groats". Tharg speaks mostly in English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
, but with various pithy Betelgusian aphorisms thrown in for colour.
In one episode, a Tharg suit in the comic's office was explained as a skin that Tharg had shed
Ecdysis
Ecdysis is the moulting of the cuticula in many invertebrates. This process of moulting is the defining feature of the clade Ecdysozoa, comprising the arthropods, nematodes, velvet worms, horsehair worms, rotifers, tardigrades and Cephalorhyncha...
.
Tharg was recently created as a 12" vinyl figure by Ashley Wood's company 3A.
Comic strips
On occasion the comic runs short humorous strips featuring Tharg. The plots of these often concern:- His conflict with "the thrill suckers", a plague of psychic pests which attempt (inevitably unsuccessfully) to steal the comic's "thrill power".
- His abuse of the "droids" (robots which reportedly write and draw the comic, depicted as mechanical caricatureCaricatureA caricature is a portrait that exaggerates or distorts the essence of a person or thing to create an easily identifiable visual likeness. In literature, a caricature is a description of a person using exaggeration of some characteristics and oversimplification of others.Caricatures can be...
s of the actual staff), who work long hours for little reward, and are summarily disintegrated should Tharg become displeased with them. - His unbridled egotism.
- Battles against The Dictators of Zrag, rulers of the dull cube-shaped planet Zrag. This trio of incompetent alien warlords hope to usurp Tharg's position and use the comic's powers to revitalise their planet. Tharg uses the Dictators as convenient scapegoats whom he can blame for printing errors and plot holes.
These appearances include:-
- Tharg the Mighty:
- "The Last Laugh" (with Steve MacManusSteve MacManusSteve MacManus is a British comic writer and editor, particularly known for his work at 2000 AD.Born in London and educated in Devon, MacManus joined IPC in 1973, aged 20, as a sub-editor on the boys' weekly comic Valiant, until 1975 when he moved to Battle Picture Weekly under editor David Hunt...
and Carlos EzquerraCarlos EzquerraCarlos Sanchez Ezquerra , who has also worked under the alias L. John Silver, is a Spanish comics artist who works mainly in British comics and currently lives in Andorra...
, in 2000AD Winter Special 1990) - "A Night 2 Remember" (with various artists and writers, in 2000 AD #1280, 2002)
- "The Last Laugh" (with Steve MacManus
Catchphrases
Tharg had various 'catchphrases', beginning with the earliest years of the comic. The following is a short list, with approximate translations:- "Borag Thungg, Earthlet" - greetings, human.
- "Zarjaz" - excellent!
- "Grexnix" - a churlish person, or an ignoramus.
- "Nonscrot" - someone who doesn't read 2000 AD2000 AD (comic)2000 AD is a weekly British science fiction-oriented comic. As a comics anthology it serialises a number of separate stories each issue and was first published by IPC Magazines in 1977, the first issue dated 26 February. IPC then shifted the title to its Fleetway comics subsidiary which was sold...
. - "Quaequam Blag!" - an expression of surprise or outrage
- "Rigellian Hotshot" - a form of punishment (as in "I sent him a Rigellian Hotshot for suggesting this week's Dredd strip was less than zarjaz.")
- "Scrotnig" - good or exciting.
- "Squaxx dek Thargo" - Friends of Tharg. Often used in reference to loyal readers.
- "Splundig Vur Thrigg" - so long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, adieu.
The men behind the Rosette of Sirius
Although claiming to be an actual alien the "part" has been played over the years by these editors:- Pat MillsPat MillsPat Mills, nicknamed 'the godfather of British comics', is a comics writer and editor who, along with John Wagner, revitalised British boys comics in the 1970s, and has remained a leading light in British comics ever since....
(1977) - Kelvin GosnellKelvin GosnellKelvin Gosnell is a British comics writer and editor. He was involved in the founding of the long-running comic 2000 AD in 1977.-Biography:...
(1977–1978) - Steve MacManusSteve MacManusSteve MacManus is a British comic writer and editor, particularly known for his work at 2000 AD.Born in London and educated in Devon, MacManus joined IPC in 1973, aged 20, as a sub-editor on the boys' weekly comic Valiant, until 1975 when he moved to Battle Picture Weekly under editor David Hunt...
(1978–1987) - Richard BurtonRichard Burton (comics)Richard Burton is a British comic editor who worked on 2000 AD. However, he is possibly better known to readers as Tharg the Mighty's bumbling assistant Burt who appeared in a number of strips with him....
(1987–1993) - Alan McKenzieAlan McKenzieAlan McKenzie is a British comics writer known for his work at 2000 AD.-Biography:McKenzie worked for Marvel UK during the early 1980s, editing Starburst, Cinema and Doctor Who Monthly magazines. After leaving the Marvel staff in 1985, he wrote several Doctor Who comic stories for the Monthly under...
(1993–1994) - John TomlinsonJohn Tomlinson (comics)John Tomlinson is a British comic book writer known for his work on various 2000 AD strips.-Biography:Tomlinson worked at Marvel UK in the early 1990s and helped nurture various talents, including Matthew Bingham and John Freeman. He has co-written strips with Nick Abadzis.He was editor of 2000 AD...
(1994–1996) - David BishopDavid BishopDavid Bishop is a screenwriter and author. Born in New Zealand, he was a UK comics editor during the 1990s, running such titles as the Judge Dredd Megazine and 2000 AD, the latter between 1996 and the summer of 2000....
(1996–2000) - Andy DiggleAndy DiggleAndy Diggle is a British comic book writer and former editor of 2000 AD. He is best known for his work on The Losers, Swamp Thing, Hellblazer, Adam Strange and Silent Dragon at DC Comics and for his run on Thunderbolts and Daredevil after his move to Marvel.-Career:Diggle took over editing 2000 AD...
(2000–2002) - Matt SmithMatt Smith (comics)Matt Smith is the editor of long-running British science fiction weekly anthology comic 2000 AD, and the sister title Judge Dredd Megazine. He has also written two novels.-Biography:...
(2002–present)
The Mighty Tharg is a recurrent character in science fiction
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
comic
Comics anthology
Comics anthologies collect works in the medium of comics that are too short for standalone publication.- U.S. :- UK :British comics have a long tradition publishing comics anthologies, often weekly...
2000 AD, one of only two characters to appear in nearly every issue of the comic (the other being Judge Dredd
Judge Dredd
Judge Joseph Dredd is a comics character whose strip in the British science fiction anthology 2000 AD is the magazine's longest running . Dredd is an American law enforcement officer in a violent city of the future where uniformed Judges combine the powers of police, judge, jury and executioner...
). The main Tharg-free period in 2000 AD
2000 AD (comic)
2000 AD is a weekly British science fiction-oriented comic. As a comics anthology it serialises a number of separate stories each issue and was first published by IPC Magazines in 1977, the first issue dated 26 February. IPC then shifted the title to its Fleetway comics subsidiary which was sold...
was when the men from Vector 13
Vector 13
Vector 13 is a 2000 AD comic strip which featured the eponymous agency setup to investigate anomalous phenomena and conspiracy theories. It was influenced by The X-Files and other events like the 1995 release of the alien autopsy film...
staged a takeover (in prog 1014), while Tharg was away dealing with a crisis.
Other than a spate of strips in the early 1980s, Tharg rarely appears in stories, but instead purports to be the comic's editor
Editing
Editing is the process of selecting and preparing written, visual, audible, and film media used to convey information through the processes of correction, condensation, organization, and other modifications performed with an intention of producing a correct, consistent, accurate, and complete...
. Stories involving Tharg have been written by such notable writers as Alan Moore
Alan Moore
Alan Oswald Moore is an English writer primarily known for his work in comic books, a medium where he has produced a number of critically acclaimed and popular series, including Watchmen, V for Vendetta, and From Hell...
.
Description
Tharg is an alienExtraterrestrial life
Extraterrestrial life is defined as life that does not originate from Earth...
from the fictional planet "Quaxxann", supposedly in orbit around the real-life star Betelgeuse
Betelgeuse
Betelgeuse, also known by its Bayer designation Alpha Orionis , is the eighth brightest star in the night sky and second brightest star in the constellation of Orion, outshining its neighbour Rigel only rarely...
(but he works in a British publisher's office), with green skin and a "rosette of Sirius" on his forehead. His favourite food is said to be polystyrene
Polystyrene
Polystyrene ) also known as Thermocole, abbreviated following ISO Standard PS, is an aromatic polymer made from the monomer styrene, a liquid hydrocarbon that is manufactured from petroleum by the chemical industry...
cups.
Tharg writes the comic's introduction, answers letters, and doles out prizes to readers (for artwork or story suggestions) - winners could choose payment either in pounds sterling or in "galactic groats". Tharg speaks mostly in English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
, but with various pithy Betelgusian aphorisms thrown in for colour.
In one episode, a Tharg suit in the comic's office was explained as a skin that Tharg had shed
Ecdysis
Ecdysis is the moulting of the cuticula in many invertebrates. This process of moulting is the defining feature of the clade Ecdysozoa, comprising the arthropods, nematodes, velvet worms, horsehair worms, rotifers, tardigrades and Cephalorhyncha...
.
Tharg was recently created as a 12" vinyl figure by Ashley Wood's company 3A.
Comic strips
On occasion the comic runs short humorous strips featuring Tharg. The plots of these often concern:- His conflict with "the thrill suckers", a plague of psychic pests which attempt (inevitably unsuccessfully) to steal the comic's "thrill power".
- His abuse of the "droids" (robots which reportedly write and draw the comic, depicted as mechanical caricatureCaricatureA caricature is a portrait that exaggerates or distorts the essence of a person or thing to create an easily identifiable visual likeness. In literature, a caricature is a description of a person using exaggeration of some characteristics and oversimplification of others.Caricatures can be...
s of the actual staff), who work long hours for little reward, and are summarily disintegrated should Tharg become displeased with them. - His unbridled egotism.
- Battles against The Dictators of Zrag, rulers of the dull cube-shaped planet Zrag. This trio of incompetent alien warlords hope to usurp Tharg's position and use the comic's powers to revitalise their planet. Tharg uses the Dictators as convenient scapegoats whom he can blame for printing errors and plot holes.
These appearances include:-
- Tharg the Mighty:
- "The Last Laugh" (with Steve MacManusSteve MacManusSteve MacManus is a British comic writer and editor, particularly known for his work at 2000 AD.Born in London and educated in Devon, MacManus joined IPC in 1973, aged 20, as a sub-editor on the boys' weekly comic Valiant, until 1975 when he moved to Battle Picture Weekly under editor David Hunt...
and Carlos EzquerraCarlos EzquerraCarlos Sanchez Ezquerra , who has also worked under the alias L. John Silver, is a Spanish comics artist who works mainly in British comics and currently lives in Andorra...
, in 2000AD Winter Special 1990) - "A Night 2 Remember" (with various artists and writers, in 2000 AD #1280, 2002)
- "The Last Laugh" (with Steve MacManus
Catchphrases
Tharg had various 'catchphrases', beginning with the earliest years of the comic. The following is a short list, with approximate translations:- "Borag Thungg, Earthlet" - greetings, human.
- "Zarjaz" - excellent!
- "Grexnix" - a churlish person, or an ignoramus.
- "Nonscrot" - someone who doesn't read 2000 AD2000 AD (comic)2000 AD is a weekly British science fiction-oriented comic. As a comics anthology it serialises a number of separate stories each issue and was first published by IPC Magazines in 1977, the first issue dated 26 February. IPC then shifted the title to its Fleetway comics subsidiary which was sold...
. - "Quaequam Blag!" - an expression of surprise or outrage
- "Rigellian Hotshot" - a form of punishment (as in "I sent him a Rigellian Hotshot for suggesting this week's Dredd strip was less than zarjaz.")
- "Scrotnig" - good or exciting.
- "Squaxx dek Thargo" - Friends of Tharg. Often used in reference to loyal readers.
- "Splundig Vur Thrigg" - so long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, adieu.
The men behind the Rosette of Sirius
Although claiming to be an actual alien the "part" has been played over the years by these editors:- Pat MillsPat MillsPat Mills, nicknamed 'the godfather of British comics', is a comics writer and editor who, along with John Wagner, revitalised British boys comics in the 1970s, and has remained a leading light in British comics ever since....
(1977) - Kelvin GosnellKelvin GosnellKelvin Gosnell is a British comics writer and editor. He was involved in the founding of the long-running comic 2000 AD in 1977.-Biography:...
(1977–1978) - Steve MacManusSteve MacManusSteve MacManus is a British comic writer and editor, particularly known for his work at 2000 AD.Born in London and educated in Devon, MacManus joined IPC in 1973, aged 20, as a sub-editor on the boys' weekly comic Valiant, until 1975 when he moved to Battle Picture Weekly under editor David Hunt...
(1978–1987) - Richard BurtonRichard Burton (comics)Richard Burton is a British comic editor who worked on 2000 AD. However, he is possibly better known to readers as Tharg the Mighty's bumbling assistant Burt who appeared in a number of strips with him....
(1987–1993) - Alan McKenzieAlan McKenzieAlan McKenzie is a British comics writer known for his work at 2000 AD.-Biography:McKenzie worked for Marvel UK during the early 1980s, editing Starburst, Cinema and Doctor Who Monthly magazines. After leaving the Marvel staff in 1985, he wrote several Doctor Who comic stories for the Monthly under...
(1993–1994) - John TomlinsonJohn Tomlinson (comics)John Tomlinson is a British comic book writer known for his work on various 2000 AD strips.-Biography:Tomlinson worked at Marvel UK in the early 1990s and helped nurture various talents, including Matthew Bingham and John Freeman. He has co-written strips with Nick Abadzis.He was editor of 2000 AD...
(1994–1996) - David BishopDavid BishopDavid Bishop is a screenwriter and author. Born in New Zealand, he was a UK comics editor during the 1990s, running such titles as the Judge Dredd Megazine and 2000 AD, the latter between 1996 and the summer of 2000....
(1996–2000) - Andy DiggleAndy DiggleAndy Diggle is a British comic book writer and former editor of 2000 AD. He is best known for his work on The Losers, Swamp Thing, Hellblazer, Adam Strange and Silent Dragon at DC Comics and for his run on Thunderbolts and Daredevil after his move to Marvel.-Career:Diggle took over editing 2000 AD...
(2000–2002) - Matt SmithMatt Smith (comics)Matt Smith is the editor of long-running British science fiction weekly anthology comic 2000 AD, and the sister title Judge Dredd Megazine. He has also written two novels.-Biography:...
(2002–present)