Reading this graphic novel of Judge Dredd was like diving into a pool of awesome sauce., the story was unique, the action first rate, and the art was high quality, this is one high octane book that belongs on your coffee table to let dinner guest know that while you like to read, you do in fact have a pair.
For those not familiar with Judge Dredd, he’s been dispensing his brand of justice since 1977 for the 2000 AD publication. In fact he’s 2000 AD’s longest running, most recognizable character. DC also worked with the character in the 90’s but those stories just don’t compare to the original material.
The best thing you can do is head down to a book story and look up Mr. Dredd and see what’s what. What you’ll find is a character that is surprisingly easy to get behind but not so much relate to. Instead of walking a mile in his shoes ala Spider-Man you are instead treated to an appealing hero whose exploits never disappoint.
It’s more than simple cops and robbers or blood and guts, even though the book has all those things; it’s the complex world that Judge Dredd lives in that will sink its hooks into you. The book talks about government without being overt or preachy, instead the writers and artists paint a picture and the question is begged: is this where we’re headed in the not so distant future? To put it mildly, I like that.
The book is also very well balanced. In other words the book blends its major themes very well. You have plenty of action where it’s needed. There is just the right amount of character exposition and interaction. The book is also funny without going out of its way to be so, which is refreshing.
So, what exactly am I getting you into huh? This installment of Judge Dredd is about the decision to make robot judges in lieu of their depleted human ranks. It’s important to point out that the book doesn’t really need a lot of set up, even if you’ve never read a Judge Dredd book, it’s very easy to follow along with the overarching story while things happen in the immediate in front of you.
The Robo-Judges as they are called are supposed to be better Judges than their human counterparts, but something is wrong, and it’s up to Judge Dredd to make it right. The cool part is you can’t guess as to how he goes about saving the day, which is why you should be reading this book.
In the end Judge Dredd is just a fascinating character that kind of reminds you of a high tech Dirty Harry, accept he’s a bit more thoughtful, and dare I say it, but more human as well.
