1977: A Madman Turns 40: 2017- Day 64

     A couple of weeks ago, I examined the first issue of the British Comic Magazine 2000 AD. Well, today it's time to check out the first appearance of 2000 AD's most popular character, Judge Dredd.

     The creation of writer John Wagner, Judge Dredd and the series that bears his name is set in a dystopian future. After a massive nuclear war, the remaining populations of earth are crammed into giant metropolises called Mega-Cities. Dredd is stationed in Mega City-1 which is centralized in the Detroit area.

    Because of the massive over-crowding, the justice systems of each Mega-City is overworked. So, the police are deputized as street judges who act as judge, jury, and executioner at the time of arrest. The toughest of them all is Judge Joe Dredd.

Dredd as he first appeared in 2000 AD Prog #2.

     For 40 years, Dredd has fought criminals, aliens, zombies, cannibal hillbillies, even the man himself, Batman. 

One of several team-ups of
Judge Dredd and the Caped Crusader.

     There's even been 2 live-action films based on the popular character. Sadly, neither Sylvester Stallone or Karl Urban could accurately bring the futuristic Dirty Harry to life on the silver screen. As a result the 1995 Judge Dredd and 2015 Dredd were colossal duds. 

Theatrical poster to the 1995 live-action film
starring Sylvester Stallone.

     Neither film was enough to kill Judge Dredd. He's still alive and kicking in both the pages of 2000 AD and his own American series currently published by IDW Publishing. 

2000 AD, Prog #2, the 1st appearance of
Judge Dredd.

    Well, that's my look at my favorite year. If you want to learn more about Judge Dredd, I recommend you check out your local comic book shop, where not only can you find the comics but an assortment of action figures, statues, apparel and more.

    Until tomorrow...