Andrew Newton reviews Judge Dredd by Carlos Ezquerra Apex Edition…
Long-time readers of 2000AD may go a bit misty-eyed with Rebellion’s Judge Dredd by Carlos Ezquerra Apex Edition as it’s not so much another collected volume; it’s a celebration of one of British comics’ most influential artists. Carlos Ezquerra didn’t simply draw Judge Dredd, he co-created him and his work has inspired many others. From the chaotic skylines to the wonderfully heavy-handed character designs, Ezquerra has defined Mega-City One. Ezquerra was the man who gave Dredd his now-iconic uniform: the black leather, the oversized gold eagle, the shoulder pads the size of small armchairs, all deliberately echoing the fascist overtones the series has never been shy about sending up. It’s satire delivered with a sledgehammer, and all the better for it.
The book focuses mainly on short stories from the early ’80s annuals, including the wonderful Big Itch (1983) and Tarantula (1985). These striking one-offs are a reminder of just how enjoyably bizarre early Dredd could be. Across the collection, ‘Old Stone Face’ finds himself dealing with mutated fleas, futsies, enthusiastic vigilantes, interdimensional nasties and spiders that look like they crawled straight out of a nuclear nightmare. It’s all wonderfully crazy, and Ezquerra’s art is what holds the craziness together.
The majority of the scripts are written by T.B. Grover, the pseudonym for John Wagner and Alan Grant, who are, for many, the best Dredd writers. Their mix of deadpan humour, bleak irony and razor-sharp social commentary is as good now as it was in the 80s. But as strong as the writing is, this volume’s heart belongs entirely to Ezquerra. Seeing his original pages reproduced at such a generous size brings out every detail. The grime, the crowding, the oppressive architecture, all the things Mega-City One should be are here.
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There are also a couple of Strontium Dog stories, including one taken from an old issue of Starlord, which is a nice touch. The tragic, crime-ridden world of Johnny Alpha sits neatly alongside Dredd’s, and it highlights just how versatile Ezquerra is, even when switching between tones and genres.
This Apex Edition is a genuine treat. Whether you’ve been following 2000 AD for decades or you’re looking into the classic material, it stands as a fitting tribute to one of Britain’s great comic artists. Without Carlos Ezquerra, Dredd just wouldn’t look like Dredd, and Mega-City One would be a far less brilliantly unhinged place.
Rating: Like a well-aimed Lawgiver shot, this is right on target, just a fraction off perfection – 9.5 thrills out of 10.
Andrew Newton
