A few years ago, I was part of a group on the Newsarama message boards, and every week we’d have a new art challenge. One week, the topic was Judge Dredd vs. Savage Dragon. I’ve got an affinity for Dredd. I’m not sure where it comes from. Certainly not the movie. I also have a huge pile of unread Dredd & 2000 A.D. comics sitting in my office. Again, not really sure why. But for whatever reason, I dig him. And my opinion on Savage Dragon has been noted. So I was super excited to draw this piece, and despite my Photoshop cloning of shell casings, I’m still proud of this piece. It was a lot of fun to draw, and it’s the first time (and to date, only time) I’ve drawn Dredd. I should do it more. He’s an awesome character. Maybe?
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I think that was my Art Group Week topic choice. (damn I miss the Newsarama Art Group, but then they had to go and get that terrible new Forum software… ah well.)
That was such a great week of art, here was my contribution: https://theadventurer.deviantart.com/art/Savage-Dragon-Vs-Judge-Dredd-58961311
Judge Dredd is easily one of my most favorite comic characters*. And like you, it certainly wasn’t because of that damn movie (there’s a new movie in the works btw, I think this one has a chance to be dynamite). In fact the movie kept me away from trying out 2000AD/Judge Dredd far longer then it should have.
I think what I like most about Dredd is how, on the surface he comes across as a fascist hardass, but the truth is he believes emphatically in the Law, regardless of who you are, no one is above it. Not even Joe Dredd himself.
Also, he’s just the hardest mother fucker in the room. Don’t mess with Judge Dredd. He will end you.
Rebellion (the company that publishes 2000AD, and Judge Dredd within its pages) continues to pump out great trade collections. I was really surprised how well early Judge Dredd comics stand the test of time. They generally have a great satirical edge to them, and are action packed. Some of the best action/adventure to come out of the 80s, I think. John Wagner is an amazing writer sometimes. Even on Dredd’s modern outings (lot going on in the world of Mega City 1 these days). If I could recommend on book for someone to checkout concerning Judge Dredd, it would have to Judge Dredd: America (available in TP), its like Marvels for Judge Dredd. A classic to be sure.
*Top 5 being, Judge Dredd, Ben Grimm, Savage Dragon, Jack Staff, and Nikolai Dante (another 2000AD mainstay)
When will the cop on cop violence ever end??