Book Review: Essential Judge Dredd, Volume 1: America

John Wagner, et.al., Essential Judge Dredd, Volume 1: America. Oxford, UK: Rebellion 200AD, 2020.  ISBN: 9781781088609.

Genre: comics and graphic novels

Subgenre: dystopian

Series: Judge Dredd

Format: large trade paperback

Source: Eastside Branch, Lexington (KY) Public Library 

 

This "essential" series is supposed to be a "curated line of graphic novels showcasing the very best storylines of all time" (from back cover description). The title story, "America," is written by John Wagner, co-creator of Judge Dredd. In addition, the volume features other stories written within or around the title story. 

The main event is a referendum in Mega City One to either keep the Judges or return to democracy. The Dems seem to have some strength coming in. Dredd does not agree with the process, but he goes along with the referendum, vowing to accept the results. However, both sides have extremists. 

Within that setting, we get the story of America Jara and Bennett Beeny, childhood friends who take very different paths. Beeny becomes a famous singer, eventually finds fame and fortune. America becomes a Dem terrorist. Their story, especially America's path, is the main story of the volume. If you are expecting a Judge Dredd story, "America" is not it. The story mostly follows America and Beeny. Beeny is in love with America, but it is not reciprocated, and to make it worse, once he is wealthy, she basically manipulates him for money. You only see Judge Dredd in small appearances here or there. Additionally, the ending to the main story is just weird to put it mildly, and it seems a bit forced. This may not be Wagner's best writing. 

The other stories are somewhat better. They are also shorter. "America" at times seems longer, seemingly stretching the melodrama a bit. The rest of the stories look at events around and on Referendum Day with "Twilight's Last Gleaming" by Garth Ennis covering the events of the referendum and the results. The ending on that story is about what readers will expect, but the story also has some small twists. To be honest, the side stories in this volume are better than the title story. 

The art in the volume is still a good reason to pick this book up. If you like the art of Judge Dredd, you get some solid artists doing great work here. 

One thing to keep in mind is this series is an extreme parody on the United States, democracy, authoritarianism, and law enforcement. It is very much within the dystopian literary tradition. Along the way, it makes some serious commentary on the United States today along with the action and intrigues. 

Overall, I liked the volume as a whole, but the main story felt a bit overwrought. This volume may be more for Judge Dredd fans. I will still look for other volumes in the series, but I would consider this one to be optional reading, or you can just read the other stories in the volume. 

3 out of 5 stars. 

 

Book qualifies for the following 2024 Reading Challenge: 

 

 

 

Book Review: 2000 AD Encyclopedia

Scott Montgomery, 2000 AD Encyclopedia. Oxford, UK: 2000AD; Rebellion, 2022. ISBN: 9781786185617.

 

This volume is perfect for fans of 2000 AD comics. For me, the book also gave me a better appreciation of the diverse content 2000 AD comics include. I mostly knew 2000 AD from their prominent character Judge Dredd. There is a lot more to explore in 2000 AD for me. The volume was published in time to celebrate the company's 45th anniversary. 

The volume features an alphabetical listing of every story, but it's not just stories. Entries include characters, places, and terms. Entries include a short summary, creator and artist credits, notable episodes/comics issues, and other trivia, for example if a comic was adapted to film. In addition, the volume features illustrations in color throughout the book. 

My only issue is that the format and layout make the entries a bit tight. They feel a bit crammed in. I read this in e-book format, where you can adjust the size, but the text size could be an issue in print. Aside from that, this is an excellent volume. 

For libraries that collect graphic novels and comics, this is essential, especially if they have 2000 AD comics. Given that it includes listings of essential titles, it could help with collection development. For fans of the comics this is essential, and they'll want it right next to their 2000 AD collection. The volume overall is comprehensive and informative. The volume also includes a cover story (how the book came about), a key for the front cover art (so you can identify all the characters), and a list of editorial credits. In the end, it's well worth it. 

5 out of 5 stars.

Book qualifies for the following 2023 reading challenge: 

 

Book Review: Judge Dredd: Blaze of Glory

Al Ewing, and various artists, Judge Dredd: Blaze of Glory. Oxford, UK: 2000 A.D., 2022. ISBN: 9781786184832.

 

Genre: graphic novels and comics

Subgenre: dystopian, satire, science fiction 

Format: e-book galley

Source: NetGalley

 

This volume compiles Judge Dredd stories written by Al Ewing. The stories are illustrated by various artists such as Liam Sharp, John Higgins, and Simon Fraser. If you are a fan of Ewing's stories, this is the the volume for you. However, if you are a casual reader like me, this volume provides a good set of stories plus an introduction and a cover gallery.

 

The stories range from dark and serious to humorous and a bit twisted. Much of the humor is dark humor, but that is part of this universe, and Ewing uses that dark humor very well. The stories present a variety of topics and challenges for Dredd ranging from crimes of passion to a bit of a Western story to Christmas stories. These stories often have a bit of a twist at the end that may often stay with readers. "A Home for Aldous Mayou" is a good example. This story feels a bit like an anthology story from shows like The Twilight Zone.  

For additional humor, the title story "Blaze of Glory" spoofs the poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and involves some James Bond satire. I'll leave it at that, but I will say it was one of my favorite stories in this collection. 

A strength of the book is in the variety of stories Ewing wrote. In addition, these are short stories that usually went for a single issue or two. These are entertaining and easy to read stories. If you need a break from long story runs in comics, arcs that seem to go on and on, this volume is a good option. The volume is an easy reader that draws you in. The stories have a good pace to keep you reading. Plus it is interesting seeing different art styles from the different illustrators. 

Overall this is very good. It is a good choice for libraries with graphic novel collections. For fans of Judge Dredd, this is a good selection, especially if they have enjoyed Ewing's work. You get a good sampling here of his stories. I definitely enjoyed this one, and I would add it to my personal collection. 

5 out of 5 stars. 

This book qualifies for the following 2022 Reading Challenges: