Villordsutch reviews Judge Dredd Megazine #364…
Hey Howdy Hey squaxx dek thargo! Here we arrive at issue #364 of Judge Dredd Megazine and with Judge Dredd El Maldito wrapping up inside these covers, we can look forward to a new Dredd series next month. However, we’ve still got running Demon Nic., Storm Warning and Lawless, so we’ll begin at the start and hopefully round up somewhere near the end?
Judge Dredd – El Maldito (Part 4)
This closing chapter seems unbelievably short! As Dredd and the infamous El Maldito wander through the streets, removing the over-zealous private security, whilst instructing the rioting workers that they’re to return home to await justice. Gordon Rennie brings this tale of the downtrodden workers to melancholy close as innocent blood is spilt. As ever Carlos Ezquerra’s artwork is perfect for Dredd and especially for pieces like this where his art is matches the mood so well.
Demon Nic. (Part 4)
In this month’s Demon Nic. I had a feeling that I’d missed an entire episode. We’ve skipped ahead some time here with both our two players are sat in a demon-friendly pub, our Demon-Slaying nun now has a hoodie-wearing Annie Lennox vibe going on and Nic is here so he can glean information on why he was sent to his death. A busy episode this issue and as regular readers know I’m not overly keen on this strip in the Megazine; it isn’t bad – as I’ve said before – it just doesn’t feel right here. However, in this issue there are some interesting things that arise and do make me curious of what may be occurring and may soon be arriving.
Storm Warning – The Relic (Part 4)
Once again reading this chapter of Storm Warning makes you completely happy you’ve paid the cover price. Whereas Dredd for all the utter love and devotion we have for it is – let’s be truthful – Americanised, Storm Warning glows due to the sheer British mannerisms given to the squad assigned to protecting Lillian Storm, who are sent in to the housing block at Hobbs Lane; this is where the automated transporter crashed with the Artefact. Leah Moore and John Reppion have delivered successively over these previous issues a Brit-Cit story that actually holds weight and power. Not only this we’re given fantastic artwork and colours from Tom Foster and Kirsty Swan, who bring the words to life.
Lawless – Between Badrock & A Hard Place (Part 4)
A complete slowdown from the last issue and you’d be forgiven if you assumed this was Part 1 of a new story. With Nerys now somewhat mended and with the new railroad being completed, the town is rejoicing; not only this but there is a carnival in town. After some quiet consideration the Marshall decides that Nerys should begin to practice her shooting as she will soon want a Deputy. It’s around this moment the first train pulls in and on-board is somebody that shocks the entire town. A very enjoyable story this week from Dan Abnett and as ever Phil Winslade’s artwork is perfect. I could frame every page as I adore his pen craft so much.
Tale of the Month
While the end of Lawless completely sideswiped me, and I was left smiling, I have to give the trophy once again to Storm Warning – The Relic which is penned by Leah Moore and John Reppion. Here is a strip which feels like it’s set in the 200 yards from the end of any street in the UK, and not a grotesque far in the future UK. This is a “down the road” Judge Dredd Megazine story, which makes it that more disquieting. Rolled on top of this of course is – as mentioned – the perfect artwork and colours from both Foster and Swan. This strip is worth the cover price alone in my own very humble opinion.
Splundig Vur Thrigg!
Rating: 8/10
Villordsutch likes his sci-fi and looks like a tubby Viking according to his children. Visit his website and follow him on Twitter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng&t=1028&v=qvTY7eXXIMg
Originally published September 16, 2015. Updated April 14, 2018.
