Judge Dredd: Mega-City Two - City of Courts #1

Released by: IDW Publishing
Release on: January 22, 2014

As part of a Judge exchange program Dredd heads to Mega-City Two out in the California West Coast. The fish-out-of-water bit is played up well here as they clearly do things much differently than what Dredd's used to: For starters, he's given a car with a friendly A.I. that rivals MS Word's “Clippy.” He's also provided a sidearm with non-lethal bullets. But, being Dredd, he's still dedicated to the law and humorously tries to apply it here.

The Chief Justice, Kennedy, here is a city hero and movie star. So all Judge activities are filmed for broadcast on any number of shows, with citizens getting excited to be “arrested.” Kennedy has also instituted a system of courts to handle justice, going block (or “communities,” as he insists on calling them) by block where citizens contribute their own ideals and make the laws. Dredd's rough and violent manner is easily then on display. But just as he's in danger of blowing this completely a chance encounter with an undercover agent gets him access to more Dredd-like accoutrements.

Dredd's real mission here, it turns out, is to get at the corruption and conspiracy that may reach to the highest ranks of Mega-City's Judges. So it's an interesting conceit, with Dredd being somewhat undercover (as much as someone like he can be) and being in a far less brutal of surroundings.

The tone of the story matches the playfulness of the situation and Douglas Wolk's script is detailed and very well-paced. But it's Ulises Farinas' artwork that's truly the standout here. Reminiscent of Geoff Darrow it's detailed and gritty around Dredd and then soft, curvy and funny around the rest of Mega-City Two. This component really sells the story and provides extra levels of punch to this first kick-off issue which is yet another fun story in the world of Dredd.