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Judge Dredd
Judge Dredd: America
The classic Judge Dredd story in a US edition for the first time!
IN MEGA-CITY ONE, THE JUDGES ARE THE LAW - acting as judge, jury, and executioner. But how do the citizens really feel about a system where they are powerless? America Jara and Bennett Beeny grow up as best friends, living a fairly trouble-free life in a dangerous city... bar the odd encounter with a Judge. Time draws them apart, and when they are brought back together, Beeny is a successful singer and America has become involved with a terrorist organisation - with the Judges in its sights! Written by John Wagner (A History of Violence) with art by Colin MacNeil (Judge Dredd: The Chief Judge's Man) this dark and complex tale is a true 2000 AD classic!
IN MEGA-CITY ONE, THE JUDGES ARE THE LAW - acting as judge, jury, and executioner. But how do the citizens really feel about a system where they are powerless? America Jara and Bennett Beeny grow up as best friends, living a fairly trouble-free life in a dangerous city... bar the odd encounter with a Judge. Time draws them apart, and when they are brought back together, Beeny is a successful singer and America has become involved with a terrorist organisation - with the Judges in its sights! Written by John Wagner (A History of Violence) with art by Colin MacNeil (Judge Dredd: The Chief Judge's Man) this dark and complex tale is a true 2000 AD classic!
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 21, 2015
19 people are currently reading
500 people want to read
About the author
John Wagner
1,263Ìýbooks183ÌýfollowersJohn Wagner is a comics writer who was born in Pennsylvania in 1949 and moved to Scotland as a boy. Alongside Pat Mills, Wagner was responsible for revitalising British boys' comics in the 1970s, and has continued to be a leading light in British comics ever since. He is best known for his work on 2000 AD, for which he created Judge Dredd. He is noted for his taut, violent thrillers and his black humour. Among his pseudonyms are The best known are John Howard, T.B. Grover, Mike Stott, Keef Ripley, Rick Clark and Brian Skuter. ()
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
April 19, 2021
Avevo già letto America anni fa quando fu tradotta e pubblicata per la prima volta dalla Magic Press, ma essendo grato alla Cosmo per aver riportato dopo anni il Giudice Dredd nel belpaese, avendo già ricomprato anche il classico volume dei Giudici Oscuri, e avendo nella mia collezione tutti i fumetti usciti in Italia del personaggio, ho ricomprato e riletto volentieri pure questo.
America è una storia particolare, uscita in origine non su 2000 AD, il magazine britannico antologico che ospita le storie di Dredd, Slaine, e tanti altri personaggi dal 1977 ad oggi, ma sulla sua testata gemella Judge Dredd Megazine nata nel 1990 e dedicata a tematiche più adulte.
Una storia disperata e crudele priva del solito british humour ed altre esagerazioni grottesche che caratterizzano la serie, da sempre una splendida critica sociale senza peli sulla lingua a sistemi giudiziari, governi (il personaggio del Presidente Booth è stato usato praticamente per prendere per il c#l@ tutti i presidenti americani... provate a prendere qualche suo dialogo da Judge Dredd: Origini, confrontatelo con i tweet del precedente inquilino in carica della Casa Bianca e vedrete quanto sia stato profetico quel fumetto uscito nel 2006-2007...), grandi marchi commerciali, e chi più ne ha più ne metta.
Una storia diversa dalle altre dove, come nella precedente e splendida saga Democracy, purtroppo ancora inedita qui da noi, viene mostrato in maniera schietta e brutale il cuore nero dei Giudici e tutta l'oppressione dittatoriale del loro sistema di governo fascista.
Una storia memorabile dove Dredd rimane sullo sfondo, mostrando di essere allo stesso tempo protagonista e villain della serie.
Una storia strana che ha fatto storcere il naso a parecchi fan conquistandone altrettanti.
Comunque una storia fondamentale per tutti i fan del Giudice Dredd, da leggere e rileggere.
Per concludere: La luce che si affievolisce e Cadetto, gli altri due racconti contenuti nel volume, magari non avranno lo stesso impatto di America, ma restano comunque due seguiti più che dignitosi secondo me, arricchendo la storia precedente e dando una degna conclusione alla saga.
April 1, 2019
'Justice has a price. The price is freedom.' As far as I know, this story is among the few that present the Judges in a bad light. There is less focus on shooting and punishing than on describing the oppressive regime enforced by the Judges. A strong democraticÌýresponse develops, but the Judges have the power and jurisdiction to stifle it.ÌýDemocracy is also criticized harshly, but ultimately there are some aspects ofÌýitÌýthat are desirable, like the way law is applied.
TheÌýUSA's Judges have replaced freedom and democracy with enforced law and order. A baby girl named America grows into a young woman who thinks she can change the regime, return to a true democracy. The comic has three stories that follow America's fight against the system, her father's love for her and reluctant involvement in the democratic movement and their daughter's intention to change the system from within the Judge program. It's much more mature than I expected, given the political and emotional overtones, so if you're expecting brainlessÌýshootings, look elsewhere.
TheÌýUSA's Judges have replaced freedom and democracy with enforced law and order. A baby girl named America grows into a young woman who thinks she can change the regime, return to a true democracy. The comic has three stories that follow America's fight against the system, her father's love for her and reluctant involvement in the democratic movement and their daughter's intention to change the system from within the Judge program. It's much more mature than I expected, given the political and emotional overtones, so if you're expecting brainlessÌýshootings, look elsewhere.
September 24, 2020
A lot of people praise this story as one of the best in Judge Dredd's history, citing its dark tone and realistic writing. And that's all very well, but it's not really what I read the comic for. It's all the satire and black comedy I like, or failing that, the gonzo scifi action.
So this one just kind of feels mundane. Like most of the Democracy storyline starting from the late eighties, America feels like ditching away the good stuff and instead taking the old joke too seriously. It's not my cup of tea.
Besides, shouldn't all of this happen after Necropolis? You know, after Dredd already expressed discontent at the way the Judge System works, and at the relentless curbing of democratic values? Where he finally returns but tries to be better from here on? Yet here he goes right back to being an old grump, like none of that ever happened. I never liked that much.
So this one just kind of feels mundane. Like most of the Democracy storyline starting from the late eighties, America feels like ditching away the good stuff and instead taking the old joke too seriously. It's not my cup of tea.
Besides, shouldn't all of this happen after Necropolis? You know, after Dredd already expressed discontent at the way the Judge System works, and at the relentless curbing of democratic values? Where he finally returns but tries to be better from here on? Yet here he goes right back to being an old grump, like none of that ever happened. I never liked that much.
December 29, 2019
This book is trying to be deep, but it's really stupid.
January 23, 2019
One of the best stories published on the Judge Dredd universe, although I can't help but feel "America" is Dredd for people who couldn't get into Dredd or who flat out dislike the character/book. It's nice to see a side story of people living throught key events in the life of Mega City One, but the main story gets fare more credit than it should as a lot of it's themes had already been covered in the pages of 2000AD (In the classic dark comedy of Dredd as oppoused to the tragic tone presented here). The follow-ups to America are more in tone to Dredd's main stories and feel more like a natural progression of the universe rather than sequels. Still pretty good and recommended, worth every penny.
September 27, 2012
I absolutely despise this story arc. To me (and I realize this puts me in the decided minority), it not only marks the end of one of the great creative periods on any title, it also embodies everything that went wrong in comics in the early �90s. Gone is the black comedy and irony that made Judge Dredd not only an enjoyable read, but also a thought-provoking exploration of societal pragmatism and authoritarianism. Left in its place is a preachy, shrill (seriously, her name is “America�?) and self-important diatribe on themes that were already there. Weak.
August 8, 2013
Reads as an unfortunate defence of fascism, lacking the irony that makes Dredd stand apart.
December 18, 2017
Por ter sido minha primeira incursão no mundo do Juiz Dredd sem outros personagens (Predador, Batman ou Aliens), foi uma leitura interessante. Dos três arcos, o primeiro ("America") é de longe o melhor, porque realmente colocar uma certa dúvida no papel do Dredd: ele é realmente o "mocinho"? Os outros dois arcos, infelizmente, não são tão bons assim e se voltam mais para o lugar-comum, apesar de que o arco "Cadete" tem uma história de investigação mais aprofundada e interessante.
O que é curioso é que, no fim das contas, o Juiz Dredd não é, de maneira nenhuma, o personagem principal das histórias. O ponto de vista dele é contraposto por outras personagens (America Jara, Bennett Beeny e a Cadete Beeny), de formas diferentes, mas igualmente interessantes.
O que desliza é a arte de Colin MacNeil. Ela começa, depois fica ruim num nÃvel Steve Dillon, e dá uma reerguida. O roteiro de John Wagner é digno de aplausos!
Para quem está acostumado com o mundo Marvel / DC e só viu aquela coisa medonha com Stallone nos cinemas, essa é uma leitura bem bacana, e serve para mais histórias do Juiz Dredd.
O que é curioso é que, no fim das contas, o Juiz Dredd não é, de maneira nenhuma, o personagem principal das histórias. O ponto de vista dele é contraposto por outras personagens (America Jara, Bennett Beeny e a Cadete Beeny), de formas diferentes, mas igualmente interessantes.
O que desliza é a arte de Colin MacNeil. Ela começa, depois fica ruim num nÃvel Steve Dillon, e dá uma reerguida. O roteiro de John Wagner é digno de aplausos!
Para quem está acostumado com o mundo Marvel / DC e só viu aquela coisa medonha com Stallone nos cinemas, essa é uma leitura bem bacana, e serve para mais histórias do Juiz Dredd.
July 26, 2019
I read this the day it was announced that capital punishment for federal offenses had been reinstated. To therefore say that this novel is timely is, I think, an understatement. It looks at freedom and safety and what people (and The People) are willing to do secure one or the other. While the first part went as I expected, the next two held some surprises. All in all, I thought it was a great book for bringing up food for thought, especially the way America is today.
4.5 stars rounded to 5.
4.5 stars rounded to 5.
February 21, 2020
The definitive Judge Dredd Story. What else do I need to say?
August 18, 2023
kinda butchers all its good stuff after the first third, but that initial story is reeeeal good
March 20, 2018
Told in flashback, the first story, "America", tells the tale of the narrator, Benny, and a girl who gets named America by her immigrant parents. But from young, they are already monitored by the Judges as troublemakers, especially the assertive America. While Benny stays quietly in the background, America grows up yearning for the democratic freedom of the US from before the time of the Judges. Benny and America drift apart; Benny becoming a rich entertainer, while America aligns with radical democracy activists. But then they accidentally meet up again in the middle of a violent underground movement against the Judges. And Benny has to decide who to side for: the Judges (and Dredd) or America.
The second story, "Dying of the Light", continues the story started in "America". Benny is now dying and the democracy activists wants him to do one act of rebellion to atone for his actions many years ago. And to ensure he does what the activists want him to do, they hold his daughter hostage. Once again, Judge Dredd steps in to prevent widespread mayhem. For his final act, Benny enrols his daughter in the Department of Justice to keep her safe from the activists.
The third story, "Cadet" focuses on the daughter, who teams up with Dredd to investigate the activists who hounded her father all those years ago. The leads are cold, but by investigating the leads, they draw closer to some of the activists. But an overlooked clue would almost lead to disaster; and only one final action could mean the difference between life and death for the cadet.
The three stories revolve about the idea of people disliking the Judges and the hold the Department of Justice has over life in Megacity One. Both the activists and Dredd put forth their point of views on whether it is better to have "freedom and Democracy" or "peace and Justice". In the end, Dredd wins, but the battle between Democracy and Justice will still go on.
The second story, "Dying of the Light", continues the story started in "America". Benny is now dying and the democracy activists wants him to do one act of rebellion to atone for his actions many years ago. And to ensure he does what the activists want him to do, they hold his daughter hostage. Once again, Judge Dredd steps in to prevent widespread mayhem. For his final act, Benny enrols his daughter in the Department of Justice to keep her safe from the activists.
The third story, "Cadet" focuses on the daughter, who teams up with Dredd to investigate the activists who hounded her father all those years ago. The leads are cold, but by investigating the leads, they draw closer to some of the activists. But an overlooked clue would almost lead to disaster; and only one final action could mean the difference between life and death for the cadet.
The three stories revolve about the idea of people disliking the Judges and the hold the Department of Justice has over life in Megacity One. Both the activists and Dredd put forth their point of views on whether it is better to have "freedom and Democracy" or "peace and Justice". In the end, Dredd wins, but the battle between Democracy and Justice will still go on.
December 11, 2022
Dredd has been one of the main characters from 2000AD that didn’t always land for me. Particularly the goofy, comedic arcs of the beginning times. This take is quite a turn, showing the fascist rule of law from the streets and a futile fight back against the Judges.
August 7, 2020
My rating is just for the first story, America.
July 13, 2019
I was a massive fan of �2000 AD�, the comic that Judge Dredd first appeared in, as a kid. Every Friday I’d pick up my reserved copy from the newsagents and devour the often violent, always inventive tales within it. Unlike US comics, which tend to focus on one character or team, British titles like �2000 AD� feature a number of different stories, told episodically each week. Of all the characters that appear in �2000 AD�, Dredd is the only constant, turning up each week to dispense ruthless justice in the grim future city he polices.
Even if you’ve never read Dredd, you may know him from the two Hollywood movies based on the comic. One starring Sylvester Stallone (and very bad), one starring Karl Urban (and much better). If you’ve seen neither of those, then think ‘RoboCop�. Dredd has always had a similar feel to Paul Verhoeven’s classic movie (and predates it by a decade). It’s violent, satirical and treads the thin line between condoning state brutality and applauding it.
The three stories in ‘Judge Dredd: America�, come not from �2000 AD�, but from spin-off ‘Judge Dredd: The Megazine� which launched in 1990 with the intention of publishing more mature stories about Dredd. The stories are all written by John Wagner, one of Dredd’s creators back in the 1970s. The first of the three premiered in the first issue of ‘The Megazine�. What we have here, then, is a trio of stories that are mature in both senses of the word. They explore themes of sexuality and political rebellion that may not have made it into the pages of �2000 AD�, and they are reflective on the cultural phenomenon of Dredd, warts and all.
The first of the stories tells the tale of a young woman, the America of its title, fighting against the tyrannical rule of the Judges. It’s wonderfully even-handed, covering both her motivations and those of Dredd. It’s a story that has no hero but also no villain, and it follows America through to an inevitably tragic conclusion. The second story ‘Fading of the Light� is if anything even more moving than the first, a nicely introspective sci fi tale that isn’t quite as successful as ‘America� but is in some ways more memorable. The third, ‘Cadet� is a clever detective story in the classic Dredd mould, that wraps things up beautifully.
Taken together, the stories are an impressive collection, and one that could perhaps only have come from John Wagner and only after he’d had sufficient time to ruminate on his creation and its cultural impact. Dredd is a more complex character than his stern, monosyllabic demeanour suggests, and these stories brilliantly explore that depth. Dredd himself comes out of them unchanged, but my view of the world he inhabits was undoubtedly changed by America and the characters whose lives she touched.
Even if you’ve never read Dredd, you may know him from the two Hollywood movies based on the comic. One starring Sylvester Stallone (and very bad), one starring Karl Urban (and much better). If you’ve seen neither of those, then think ‘RoboCop�. Dredd has always had a similar feel to Paul Verhoeven’s classic movie (and predates it by a decade). It’s violent, satirical and treads the thin line between condoning state brutality and applauding it.
The three stories in ‘Judge Dredd: America�, come not from �2000 AD�, but from spin-off ‘Judge Dredd: The Megazine� which launched in 1990 with the intention of publishing more mature stories about Dredd. The stories are all written by John Wagner, one of Dredd’s creators back in the 1970s. The first of the three premiered in the first issue of ‘The Megazine�. What we have here, then, is a trio of stories that are mature in both senses of the word. They explore themes of sexuality and political rebellion that may not have made it into the pages of �2000 AD�, and they are reflective on the cultural phenomenon of Dredd, warts and all.
The first of the stories tells the tale of a young woman, the America of its title, fighting against the tyrannical rule of the Judges. It’s wonderfully even-handed, covering both her motivations and those of Dredd. It’s a story that has no hero but also no villain, and it follows America through to an inevitably tragic conclusion. The second story ‘Fading of the Light� is if anything even more moving than the first, a nicely introspective sci fi tale that isn’t quite as successful as ‘America� but is in some ways more memorable. The third, ‘Cadet� is a clever detective story in the classic Dredd mould, that wraps things up beautifully.
Taken together, the stories are an impressive collection, and one that could perhaps only have come from John Wagner and only after he’d had sufficient time to ruminate on his creation and its cultural impact. Dredd is a more complex character than his stern, monosyllabic demeanour suggests, and these stories brilliantly explore that depth. Dredd himself comes out of them unchanged, but my view of the world he inhabits was undoubtedly changed by America and the characters whose lives she touched.
December 19, 2007
Forget the Judge Dredd film, which was an abomination of the lowest order.
Judge Dredd is one of the longest running British comic characters from the magazine 2000AD. Set in a near future world in which the Earth has been badly damaged in nuclear war and much of the planet is wasteland with the majority of the population living in ‘mega-cities� of monolithic tower blocks and sprawl. In such a densely populated city with high unemployment, the Judge system is used to keep crime in check. The Judges are basically uber-police, raised since children for the role. They represent as the cliché goes, judge, jury and executioner on the ground empowered to provide summary punishment of crime that is total and absolute. In this setting issues of the police state, authoritarianism and the rule of law are explored.
The story “America� is at its heart a love story between the characters America Jara and her childhood friend Bennett Beeny. Through tragic encounters with the Justice department as they grow older and drift apart leads America to fall in with the democracy movement. By the time their paths cross again as adults, America has been radicalised and has fallen in with a terrorist group taking direct action against the Judge system. Dragged by his heart, Beeny is draw into this movement and tragic action against the Judges. Dredd himself, though not at the forefront of the narration, looms in the background of the story, the ominous manifestation of the system.
Backed with airbrushed art that was a notable feature of the Megazine issues, the story is a thought provoking examination on the concepts of freedom and terrorism. I believe it rings more powerfully in this post-PATRIOT act world.
Judge Dredd is one of the longest running British comic characters from the magazine 2000AD. Set in a near future world in which the Earth has been badly damaged in nuclear war and much of the planet is wasteland with the majority of the population living in ‘mega-cities� of monolithic tower blocks and sprawl. In such a densely populated city with high unemployment, the Judge system is used to keep crime in check. The Judges are basically uber-police, raised since children for the role. They represent as the cliché goes, judge, jury and executioner on the ground empowered to provide summary punishment of crime that is total and absolute. In this setting issues of the police state, authoritarianism and the rule of law are explored.
The story “America� is at its heart a love story between the characters America Jara and her childhood friend Bennett Beeny. Through tragic encounters with the Justice department as they grow older and drift apart leads America to fall in with the democracy movement. By the time their paths cross again as adults, America has been radicalised and has fallen in with a terrorist group taking direct action against the Judge system. Dragged by his heart, Beeny is draw into this movement and tragic action against the Judges. Dredd himself, though not at the forefront of the narration, looms in the background of the story, the ominous manifestation of the system.
Backed with airbrushed art that was a notable feature of the Megazine issues, the story is a thought provoking examination on the concepts of freedom and terrorism. I believe it rings more powerfully in this post-PATRIOT act world.
August 14, 2023
Judge Dredd: America - A Gripping Exploration of Justice and Ideology
Judge Dredd: America (Paperback) by John Wagner offers readers adystopian and thought-provoking tale set in the iconic world of Judge Dredd. With its dark themes, complex characters, and exploration of societal issues, this graphic novel showcases the power of the medium to delve into challenging subject matter.
Wagner's storytelling crafts a bleak and authoritarian future where the Judges serve as both law enforcement and judicial authority. The world-building isoppressive architecture and unequal living conditions. The setting serves as a backdrop for the clash of ideologies that drives the narrative.
The protagonist, America Jara, emerges as a complex and compelling character whose journey mirrors the struggle for personal freedom and the fight against a totalitarian system. Her transformation from a young idealist to a determined activist reflects the broader themes of
The graphic novel's plot is gripping and emotionally charged, tackling issues ofpolice brutality and systemic injustice with unflinching honesty. The narrative unfolds through the lens of multiple characters, providing a multifaceted view of the world and its complexities. The story's poignant moments add depth to its exploration of morality and societal values.
Wagner's writing style is raw and confrontational, mirroring the harsh realities of the dystopian world. The dialogue isstark and uncompromising, conveying the urgency of the characters' struggles. The graphic novel's use of visual storytelling enhances the
When compared to other graphic novels in the dystopian genre, Judge Dredd: America stands out for its focus on social commentary and theexploration of human resilience in the face of an oppressive regime. While other works may prioritize action or spectacle, this graphic novel excels in its nuanced examination of justice, ideology, and the consequences of unchecked authority.
In conclusion, Judge Dredd: America (Paperback) is a powerful and provocative graphic novel that delves into the complexities of justice andoppression in a dystopian future. John Wagner's compelling characters and unflinching storytelling create a narrative that is both
Judge Dredd: America (Paperback) by John Wagner offers readers a
Wagner's storytelling crafts a bleak and authoritarian future where the Judges serve as both law enforcement and judicial authority. The world-building is
immersive, depicting the grim cityscape of Mega-City One with its
The protagonist, America Jara, emerges as a complex and compelling character whose journey mirrors the struggle for personal freedom and the fight against a totalitarian system. Her transformation from a young idealist to a determined activist reflects the broader themes of
identityand resistance explored in the novel.
The graphic novel's plot is gripping and emotionally charged, tackling issues of
Wagner's writing style is raw and confrontational, mirroring the harsh realities of the dystopian world. The dialogue is
impactof its themes, allowing readers to connect with the characters' emotions on a visceral level.
When compared to other graphic novels in the dystopian genre, Judge Dredd: America stands out for its focus on social commentary and the
In conclusion, Judge Dredd: America (Paperback) is a powerful and provocative graphic novel that delves into the complexities of justice and
relevantand emotionally resonant. Readers seeking a graphic novel that challenges their perceptions and prompts reflection will find this work an impactful and memorable read.
December 23, 2020
The world of Mega City One and the judges is fertile ground for comic stories. You’ve got millions of citizens, future tech, authoritarian cops - the perfect setup for everything from police procedural whodunnits to wacky sci-fi monster of the week romps. Add to that the idea that the judges are fascist stormtroopers who rule with absolute authority and you’ve got a blackly satirical swipe at contemporary politics that mischievously exaggerates our worst elements.
Every now and then writers will devote a story to reminding us that the judges really, really aren’t the good guys. We spend much of the time before quietly cheering for Dredd - our enjoyment is guilt-tinged. America is the most famous example (and more recently The Small House). It’s at times lyrical, at times heavy handed, but the view-from-the-streets approach is a great way to unnerve the reader and prompt them to imagine what it’d be really like to live there. Removing the famous characters from stories ostensibly about their world is a great approach, and perhaps one of the reasons why The Mandalorian has felt more Star Wars-y than anything bearing the Star Wars name in yonks.
Anyway, I’m getting away from the point. This is a Judge Dredd story largely without Dredd and it changes the way you look at all of his other tales. It’s a hard line to tread making a facist thug likeable without poisoning your own moral standards and the best Dredd writers keep pulling it off, arguably none more so than John Wagner (although Rob Williams is pretty much one of the all time greats by now).
This book is a trilogy, starting with America and its sequel, Fading of the Light. The latter switches from Colin MacNeil’s lurid dayglo paint to Alan Cradock’s appalling colouring and the whole thing feels like a step too far. But then it ends with Cadet, a brilliant procedural that works great on its own but even better when seen as part of the whole saga. In fact it serves as a perfect example of how great sequels can be when writers allow their characters to lead their stories into surprising but natural directions. A reminder that you should never feel too precious about revisiting an old story if you know you’ve something new to say.
Every now and then writers will devote a story to reminding us that the judges really, really aren’t the good guys. We spend much of the time before quietly cheering for Dredd - our enjoyment is guilt-tinged. America is the most famous example (and more recently The Small House). It’s at times lyrical, at times heavy handed, but the view-from-the-streets approach is a great way to unnerve the reader and prompt them to imagine what it’d be really like to live there. Removing the famous characters from stories ostensibly about their world is a great approach, and perhaps one of the reasons why The Mandalorian has felt more Star Wars-y than anything bearing the Star Wars name in yonks.
Anyway, I’m getting away from the point. This is a Judge Dredd story largely without Dredd and it changes the way you look at all of his other tales. It’s a hard line to tread making a facist thug likeable without poisoning your own moral standards and the best Dredd writers keep pulling it off, arguably none more so than John Wagner (although Rob Williams is pretty much one of the all time greats by now).
This book is a trilogy, starting with America and its sequel, Fading of the Light. The latter switches from Colin MacNeil’s lurid dayglo paint to Alan Cradock’s appalling colouring and the whole thing feels like a step too far. But then it ends with Cadet, a brilliant procedural that works great on its own but even better when seen as part of the whole saga. In fact it serves as a perfect example of how great sequels can be when writers allow their characters to lead their stories into surprising but natural directions. A reminder that you should never feel too precious about revisiting an old story if you know you’ve something new to say.
January 16, 2021
Judge Dredd is the good guy. He is the hero, right?
Wagner and Grant made it clear from day one that we really shouldn't be under any illusions as to what Dredd was. Yes, he would sacrifice his life to save a citizen. Yes he fought crime. Yes he saved the day... but this was a man who thought nothing of wiping out an entire city in nuclear fire.
Dredd is a fascist.
That is, frankly, that.
Whilst there has been a gradual softening of Dredd over the years this is not part of that process. This is Wagner reminding us we should be uncomfortable holding Dredd up as a hero.
Dredd's society is brutal and broken. It wasn't for decades after this that Dredd would hear that it was never meant to be forever. At this point he absolutely knew in his core that all that matters is order.
To quote old Stoneyface from the book itself:
"I stand four-square for justice. I stand for discipline, good order and the rigid application of the law - and grud help any limp wristed liberals who say different. The people like it that way. They need to know where they stand. That's why I like to see that Statue of Judgement standing there. Towering over Liberty. Kind of a symbol".
You will be in absolutely no doubt by the time you reach the end of this tale just who it is you are cheering for.
Democracy... forget it.
This book contains some of the best images you will ever see in comics. One panel, not the one from the quote above (although that one is very well known and excellent in it's own right) will always stay with me. A child walks along and looks into a dark alleyway. There a judge is brutally beating someone... the judge looks up at the child and... the look.
Terrifying.
Please read this book.
Please.
The story is utterly captivating and it is a rare example of a creator deconstructing their own work.
Wagner and Grant made it clear from day one that we really shouldn't be under any illusions as to what Dredd was. Yes, he would sacrifice his life to save a citizen. Yes he fought crime. Yes he saved the day... but this was a man who thought nothing of wiping out an entire city in nuclear fire.
Dredd is a fascist.
That is, frankly, that.
Whilst there has been a gradual softening of Dredd over the years this is not part of that process. This is Wagner reminding us we should be uncomfortable holding Dredd up as a hero.
Dredd's society is brutal and broken. It wasn't for decades after this that Dredd would hear that it was never meant to be forever. At this point he absolutely knew in his core that all that matters is order.
To quote old Stoneyface from the book itself:
"I stand four-square for justice. I stand for discipline, good order and the rigid application of the law - and grud help any limp wristed liberals who say different. The people like it that way. They need to know where they stand. That's why I like to see that Statue of Judgement standing there. Towering over Liberty. Kind of a symbol".
You will be in absolutely no doubt by the time you reach the end of this tale just who it is you are cheering for.
Democracy... forget it.
This book contains some of the best images you will ever see in comics. One panel, not the one from the quote above (although that one is very well known and excellent in it's own right) will always stay with me. A child walks along and looks into a dark alleyway. There a judge is brutally beating someone... the judge looks up at the child and... the look.
Terrifying.
Please read this book.
Please.
The story is utterly captivating and it is a rare example of a creator deconstructing their own work.
May 30, 2021
First and foremost, I don't think five stars is enough for this book. I won't be doing spoilers or giving you the plot of the book. You can get that anywhere. But, here's my opinion on Judge Dredd: America.
For people who only know Judge Dredd from the movies, this is a very different kind of story. Even if you've listened to all the other fine audiobooks about the Judge Dredd world, this one's a bit different. It's more dystopian. It's a bunch of shorter stories, and it feels a lot more like Black Mirror than Judge Dredd if you're coming at it as a newer fan.
It shows you a side of Dredd that the easier to find media doesn't show you. What he's willing to do to protect the city from itself doesn't paint him as a good person. A great man can't always be a good man.
If you haven't read the comic story, it's about as beloved as something like Batman : The Killing Joke or The Watchmen.
I recommend any comic book collector adding it to their collection.
The audio version here is absolutely terrific. It's fully cast, and it's not someone reading you a story. It's basically a high value radio play, for people who don't know. Companies like GraphicAudio, Big Finish, and others produce amazing content pretty much constantly. X-Men, Avengers, Batman, Dr. Who, the OTHER Avengers, Blake's 7, and thousands of other stories from cowboys to deep space. Give them a listen. You might end up addicted to the medium.
For people who only know Judge Dredd from the movies, this is a very different kind of story. Even if you've listened to all the other fine audiobooks about the Judge Dredd world, this one's a bit different. It's more dystopian. It's a bunch of shorter stories, and it feels a lot more like Black Mirror than Judge Dredd if you're coming at it as a newer fan.
It shows you a side of Dredd that the easier to find media doesn't show you. What he's willing to do to protect the city from itself doesn't paint him as a good person. A great man can't always be a good man.
If you haven't read the comic story, it's about as beloved as something like Batman : The Killing Joke or The Watchmen.
I recommend any comic book collector adding it to their collection.
The audio version here is absolutely terrific. It's fully cast, and it's not someone reading you a story. It's basically a high value radio play, for people who don't know. Companies like GraphicAudio, Big Finish, and others produce amazing content pretty much constantly. X-Men, Avengers, Batman, Dr. Who, the OTHER Avengers, Blake's 7, and thousands of other stories from cowboys to deep space. Give them a listen. You might end up addicted to the medium.
March 22, 2021
This is the audio version of the classic Judge Dredd story: America.
The comic (visual) version is great and it deserves it place as one of the best Judge Dredd stories.
The biggest requirement when moving something very visual to the non visual, is to provide meaning to the scene. If the comic, you can see what the panel is going to contain. That provides some extra context to the story.
All of that is missing from these audio books. They literally read out the panel wordings and hoped that would be enough. It wasn't. I have read the story a few times in the past, and could visualise some of the areas, but not all.
If they added a 'brief' overview when the context changed, then this would have got 3-4 stars.
Another disappointment is the voice of Judge Dredd himself. He sounded weak and would not drive fear in the population.
The other voice actors were good. The sound effects were great, if a little loud in a couple of places.
All in all, this was a little disappointing. I do have others, so will see if that continues.
The comic (visual) version is great and it deserves it place as one of the best Judge Dredd stories.
The biggest requirement when moving something very visual to the non visual, is to provide meaning to the scene. If the comic, you can see what the panel is going to contain. That provides some extra context to the story.
All of that is missing from these audio books. They literally read out the panel wordings and hoped that would be enough. It wasn't. I have read the story a few times in the past, and could visualise some of the areas, but not all.
If they added a 'brief' overview when the context changed, then this would have got 3-4 stars.
Another disappointment is the voice of Judge Dredd himself. He sounded weak and would not drive fear in the population.
The other voice actors were good. The sound effects were great, if a little loud in a couple of places.
All in all, this was a little disappointing. I do have others, so will see if that continues.
December 18, 2023
I've always maintained that a good Judge Dredd story needs two things. 1st - Mega-City One needs to be prominent and 2nd - It must have a good story arc for the denizens of the mega city. This book does both of those things but it falls flat. Its biggest problem is that Judge Dredd is hardly featured. He's a minor character at best. Instead, the book follows a group of terrorists who are trying to change the totalitarian Police state that the Judges represent. There are lots of preachy moments in this book but the thing is that I already knew this. I never thought that the Judges were heroes or villains, they were the law and lived to that code by the letter. So, nothing was revealed to me while I was reading instead I waded through a labored love story and a wimpy hero thrust into events he can't control. It was all just blah to me. The artwork was fine and the science way over the top but any sense of justice or conflict was omitted and the story suffered. This is not a great Judge Dredd book even for an old fan like myself.
January 11, 2018
America is a great read. I'm not a huge Dredd fan myself and don't really know the universe to some massive degree but this story is well written with a great message and interesting characters. It tells the story of Bennet Beeny and a lady named America, childhood friends who drift apart later in life. Bennet tolerates the justice system and makes an honest living while America becomes part of the Democrats, a faction who want to tear the Justice down and start anew, no more totalitarianism. The story continues onward, how each decision they make effect not just their own lives but the lives of others around them and continues onward to Bennets future.
It has nothing to do with patriotism and love of a country. America is about the character herself, her life, her dreams and ideas and how they play part in the oppressive regiment each citizen puts up with. It's a great read and even if you're not a fan I absolutely reccomend it.
It has nothing to do with patriotism and love of a country. America is about the character herself, her life, her dreams and ideas and how they play part in the oppressive regiment each citizen puts up with. It's a great read and even if you're not a fan I absolutely reccomend it.
January 16, 2018
Wagner and McNeill's 'America', an instant classic when published, still holds up today as one of the key Dredd tales, exploring issues of power and control and civil disobedience as a manifesto - something Wagner rarely does. It goes to the heart of the Judges concept, it's jammed with iconic imagery and it's effective with a series of emotional gut punches too.
The sequel, 'Dying of the Light' invokes the same world and evokes a lot of the same language, and is beautifully painted, but didn't seem anything special to me. The collection is rounded off with 'Cadet', a spin-off/sequel, closer to typical modern Dredd, action episodes. However, the character dynamics in 'Cadet' make for a satisfying read and subtly endorse a cool, liberal attitude. I'm not sure I think that's a good thing, but I am thinking, so kudos.
The sequel, 'Dying of the Light' invokes the same world and evokes a lot of the same language, and is beautifully painted, but didn't seem anything special to me. The collection is rounded off with 'Cadet', a spin-off/sequel, closer to typical modern Dredd, action episodes. However, the character dynamics in 'Cadet' make for a satisfying read and subtly endorse a cool, liberal attitude. I'm not sure I think that's a good thing, but I am thinking, so kudos.
March 23, 2018
"Just dream on creep, but just remember - that's all it is, a dream...
America is dead.
This is the real world."
A series of stories confronting America the ideal (land of the free etc.) with Mega City One and the Justice system. The art of the first story is quite different from the other Judge Dredd comics, but the stories in the comic are good. I liked how the first stories switched perspectives between Dredd and Benny making it like a dialogue between the two about liberty, justice and America. Another interesting addition is the original script for the last story, my beloved peak into the creator's toolbox.
America is dead.
This is the real world."
A series of stories confronting America the ideal (land of the free etc.) with Mega City One and the Justice system. The art of the first story is quite different from the other Judge Dredd comics, but the stories in the comic are good. I liked how the first stories switched perspectives between Dredd and Benny making it like a dialogue between the two about liberty, justice and America. Another interesting addition is the original script for the last story, my beloved peak into the creator's toolbox.
September 2, 2019
For my second Dredd book, this one was pretty good. It's a bit rocky at the start, which might be either my needing to get reacquainted with the world he operates in or the design of comics from the era when it was created. Whichever it is, once the story really gets rolling it works pretty well. There are three shorts in this volume that are connected by a single "family". It takes a different approach by not being centered around the judges, though they are certainly ever present. I thought it was a neat departure.
March 20, 2021
Let me tell you, the production, the full-cast audio, the narration, the entire package was just superb. I thoroughly enjoyed this short action packed audio book. It really was a treat.
I’ll be honest, I didn’t know much about Judge Dredd, which meant I had no preconceptions going into this story (which was possibly a good thing considering some of the feedback I read).
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House UK Audio for a review copy.
I’ll be honest, I didn’t know much about Judge Dredd, which meant I had no preconceptions going into this story (which was possibly a good thing considering some of the feedback I read).
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House UK Audio for a review copy.
August 23, 2021
A very good Judge Dredd story where Dredd ain't taking the centre of the stage. Very good art and very well questioned about the realism with Judges. Such a good story.
Also, this one shows how well John Wagner understands Dredd and how he is the best one to write him. Not too long ago I read Garth Ennis' Democracy storyarc to which this one is closely tied in. As much as I adore Garth's writing, his Dredd stories just don't feel right, they just seem a bit off.
Also, this one shows how well John Wagner understands Dredd and how he is the best one to write him. Not too long ago I read Garth Ennis' Democracy storyarc to which this one is closely tied in. As much as I adore Garth's writing, his Dredd stories just don't feel right, they just seem a bit off.
December 31, 2019
Before reading this, I'd never read any Judge Dredd, and had no desire to (thanks, IRCB Challenge!). There were a few slow spots and despite it being really quite weird I found myself drawn back to it when I wasn't reading because I really wanted to know how it all would shake out. Robert the Robot is the best and would 1000% read a cutesy spinoff of him having fun and enjoying life.
January 17, 2022
America is, I think, one of the best comics ever made. I don't even know how to review it properly to give it justice. The symbolism about the rise of fascisms in America is beautifully handled in such a way that I think only a comic can do, the artwork is some of the best in comics, and the conclusions the story comes up with are bittersweet, but not hopeless.
Read this, now.
Read this, now.
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