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Comic Book review
Written by John Wagner, Si Spencer
Art by Peter Doherty, John Mccrea
Rebellion paperback
Release date Out now
A journalist looks into Judge Death’s past and discovers a dark comedy that could end in tragedy…
Always a popular character from the rouges’ gallery of Judge Dredd villains, this reprint is a reminder as to why this ultimate embodiment of evil has a special place in the hearts of fans.
The key to its success is the glib sense of humour that is a staple part of the Dredd formula. The concept of a being of pure malevolence sitting on what is essentially the psychiatrist’s couch is richly comic, and the backstory is one with plenty of neat moments. It’s disgusting, repellent and disturbing but always with a bleakly comic edge.
As beautifully written as the tale is, the artwork is uneven. Talking heads are well drawn but action scenes (of which there are surprisingly few) feel too static with little sense of movement - and therefore drama - conveyed. It’s a minor failing in an otherwise thoroughly engaging tale.
Also presented here is a short strip, Masque of the Judge Death, which is fun while it lasts. Jonathan Wilkins
VERDICT: 8/10
A beautifully presented chapter in the life of Death.
