Andy Naylor reviews the third issue of IDWs Judge Dredd: Year One…
“Anarchy is spreading in Mega-City One’s Sector 3 as the psychically powerful juves go on the rampage-and to stop the chaos and save his city Dredd must cut off a dimension’s malign influence, a reality that has already succumbed to the Four Mothers… “
Dredd Year One revolves around Judge Dredd’s rookie year as a Judge as Mega City One battles a horde of powerful physic ‘juves’.
I came into this issue having no knowledge of the previous 2 issues, perhaps a little silly but it did open up a few avenues of thought. Firstly, this read beautifully as a Dredd comic. Everything felt right – the tone, the plot, the dialogue and the drawings. I happily read it completely unaware it was one of those stories under the cursed “prequel” genre. However, that in itself is a problem. At no point did the 20 years younger Dredd feel, act or speak any differently to his veteran counterpart. The only time I noticed otherwise is when a senior Judge referred to Dredd as a rookie, and even that felt crow-barred in as a way to remind the reader that he is young. It didn’t feel natural in the conversation, and the reader should be constantly reminded by his actions and differences. With little to no experience, this comic is the perfect platform to watch Dredd grow into the fearless lawman that we all know and love. Unfortunately, a great opportunity has been lost and the writing team has gone with the safe option of the tried and trusted Judge Dredd.
The story is excellent and immersive and fits perfectly into the Dredd universe. Any casual or hardcore Dredd fan could easily pick it up and enjoy the issue. The art pays homage to the classic Dredd nicely with tone and style while maintaining their own creative take on the iconic Judge Dredd and the world he inhabits.
I would highly recommend this comic and its entire arc to any comic fan. It’s solid and enjoyable, but part of me can’t help wondering what it could’ve been.
Andy Naylor – Follow me on Twitter.
Originally published June 19, 2013. Updated April 11, 2018.
