During its Judge Dredd panel at Comic-Con International in San Diego, IDW Publishing announced plans for an ongoing series based on popular "2000 AD" comic strip "Rogue Trooper."

Co-created by writer Gerry Finley-Day and "Watchmen" artist Dave Gibbons, "Rogue Trooper" follows a genetically engineered super-soldier named Rogue who fights as part of an army of blue-skinned clones on the war-torn planet Nu-Earth. After a brutal ambush leaves his clone-brothers dead, Rogue goes AWOL and sets off to avenge his squad and figure out his place in life in the process.

"Rogue Trooper" has long been a crown jewel in "2000 AD's" line-up, sitting alongside "Judge Dredd," "ABC Warriors" and "Slaine" as not only one of their most popular comics, but also the basis for several video games, and Grant Morrison has been rumored to be writing a screenplay for a "Rogue Trooper" movie.

IDW editor Denton Tipton spoke with CBR News about the "Rogue Trooper" announcement in San Diego. Tipton explains why IDW chose "Rogue" as IDW's next "2000 AD" property to adapt, what makes it perfect for American audiences, comments on the success of IDW's "Judge Dredd" and more.

CBR News: Denton, out of all of "2000 AD's" properties, why bring over "Rogue Trooper," a series which hasn't really been used much in recent years?

Denton Tipton: Rogue is perhaps the most recognizable "2000 AD" character this side of the "Judge Dredd" franchise, with his distinctive look as defined by co-creator Dave Gibbons. Having been away from the limelight for a while actually gives us a great opportunity to bring Rogue to a new audience with a fresh coat of paint. Blue, of course.

The world of "Rogue Trooper" would be appealing to any audience in any era. Readers always find war stories fascinating due to the emotions that are evoked from such themes as glory, patriotism, duty, courage and self-sacrifice.

Is "Rogue Trooper" an ongoing? Will it feature back-up strips like "Judge Dredd?"

We're planning "Rogue" as an ongoing series, likely without back-up strips. For now, we'd like to focus on Rogue, and his three buddies, Gunnar, Helm and Bagman.

Is it safe to say that "Judge Dredd" has been performing well enough for IDW to take a risk on a second "2000 AD" property?

The "Judge Dredd" series by Duane Swierczynski and Nelson Daniel exceeded even our lofty expectations, with the first two issues selling out and getting second printings.

Who is the creative team on "Rogue Trooper?"

We're not ready to announce that yet, but we're talking to some top talents who have great affinity for "Rogue."

Will co-creators Dave Gibbons or Gerry Finley-Day play a role for the book? Maybe even supply a story or two?

We'd love for that to happen, but that remains to be seen at this time.

What are some of your personal favorite "Rogue Trooper" stories?

Wow, tough question. The strip was great right out the gate, but highlights include classics such as "All Hell on the Dix-I Front," "The Marauders" and "Fort Neuro." Then there are the strips, "Pray for War" and "First of the Few" by some bloke named Alan Moore.

Finally I gotta ask, when are we getting IDW ongoing series for "Strontium Dogs," "ABC Warriors" and "Slaine?"

Those have all been discussed, and if "Rogue" is as successful as we anticipate, I wouldn't be surprised to see those follow shortly after.

"Rogue Trooper" hits stores early next year from IDW Publishing.