Review: Predator vs Judge Dredd
In a way, he admires the creature ... its singleness of purpose, its readiness to take on impossible odds. It must know it can't succeed, can't destroy all of them, yet... in many ways they were similar... his career ... his whole being ... characterised by an unbendable will, an iron determination. Tonight he is determined the predator will be the prey.
This crossover comic is an epic juxtaposition of two kindred souls. Both grim, relentless, ruthless warriors, fearless and resourceful in pursuit of their quarry...
The Predator, which debuted in the 1987 movie of the same name, is an alien species of hunter who seeks out worthy subjects to stalk. Using highly sophisticated technology, the Predators track down their prey and collect trophies from each kill. Earth is just one big safari park for them to indulge in their bloodsport.
Judge Dredd is the much-feared lawman from the 2000AD series of the same name, which debuted in 1977. Operating in the post-nuclear Mega City One (built over the radioactive ruins of New York), the Judges are a combined police and judiciary, authorised to dispense on-the-spot penalties to criminals ... including summary execution. Dredd - his scarred face forever hidden behind his visor - is the best of the best, delivering justice without mercy to any perp unlucky enough to be in his sights.
Predator vs Judge Dredd by writer John Wagner and artist Alcatena brings these two brutal champions together for an explosive war of wills. Equally resolute and indomitable, each driven by a deeply ingrained motivation and code of honor, extreme violence is the only possible outcome.
One day a small spacecraft lands in the 'cursed' wastelands outside Mega City One. The mysterious alien hunter emerges and begins its killing spree; indiscriminate to begin with, until it comes up against a truly worthy target...
Panic grips the city, to be be replaced by a strange excitement when it becomes apparent that ordinary, unarmed citizens are quite safe. The extraterrestrial butcher is only attacking Judges. The bodies are mutilated after death as the creature claims its trophies; body parts plus the golden name badges.
For the Judges, this is a declaration of war, and Dredd will stop at nothing to seek and destroy the monster slaying and desecrating his fellow officers.
This is, inevitably, an ultraviolent thrill ride with very little in the way of deep, meaningful plot or character development to distract from the action. This is illustrated in a style strongly reminiscient of 2000AD in its gritty, grungy glory days. This is not for the squeamish!
It's not all bonehead mayhem, however, there are moments of actual pathos for the killer. Psi Judge Schaefer tries to get on its wavelength, hoping for a peaceful resolution. Dredd is committed to killing it, but even he feels repect for its adherence to its own code of conduct.
In the dark, desolate underworld beneath the city, the hunt is on...
PREDATOR vs JUDGE DREDD on Amazon
Comments
Post a Comment