"I am the LAW!!!!" |
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And by that I mean the potential sequels/re-imaginings that were supposed to have been release. Most of the fans, myself included, were very much on-the-fence in 1994 when we heard about the impending big-screen release of JUDGE DREDD. We knew the content was good, but we weren't sure how the character would be treated or how the story would be told. We found out that Dredd was going to be portrayed by Sylvester Stallone and we were torn. One hand he had the right look, but on the other hand he couldn't act his way out of a paper bag in a situation like this. The character was not deep or thoughtful in any way so having "Rocky Balboa portray just wasn't going to work (that guy had heart and moral - Cracking-wise Craig.) Let me just educate the 2 readers I have as to the skinny on the time line.
In March 1977 Judge Dredd made his first appearance in 2000 AD comics magazine (a weekly British science fiction-oriented comic - Anglo Alpha.) The concept was to create a Dirty Harry-style anti-hero who was the judge, jury and executioner. This featured the first noteworthy judge, Judge Joe Dredd (later to be revealed as of the many clones of Chief Judge 
"I am the law?!?!?!?!" |
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Eustace Fargo, a lawyer who founded the Judges and consequently become the genetic blue print for many after - Coherent Craig.) He was armed with a Lawgiver handgun ( coded to recognize only the DNA of the judge to which it was issued to - Adherent Alpha), a day-stick, boot knife and armored uniform. These Judges were inflexible in their enforcement of the law. There was no bending the rule and had a strict oath of celibacy. That is the Judge Dredd I remembered reading.
In 1995 DC put out a mini-series prior to the release of the movie. I didn't even know about this series until a couple years ago when I found them in the back issues at my part-time job at Rain City Comics. My brother actually told me about them and I looked into the further and ended up buying the series as well as a few others (which got confusing because the first DC series was an alternate version of Dredd while Judge Dredd - Legends of the Law tried to follow the 2000 AD continuity - Crazed Craig.) The copy-rights ended up back with the publishers of 2000 AD and then to Dynamite Entertainment. The DC and Dynamite Entertainment are a bit more reserved and less 
A conflict as classic as David and Goliath |
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violent than the 2000 AD counterpart. The series sold poorly and didn't have much impact because the main idea was to cash in on the name prior to the release of the movie.
Later in 1995 the movie JUDGE DREDD was release in theaters, dubbed as a commercial failure. True fans hated it, and casual fans didn't care. People unaware of the history of the character were left not wanting to know more after seeing the movie. The movie was fairly violent and followed the basic idea of Judge Joseph Dredd being framed for murder by his genetic brother Judge Rico Dredd and must prove his innocence while at the same time saving the day. It was very glossed over and the oath of celibacy was hinted at, but not enforced (which was evident at the end of the movie where Dredd and Judge Hershey share a kiss, which is interesting because in the move Hershey was play by Dianne Lane but was a male in the comic book - Wise-ass Alpha.) It was a very "middle-of-the-road" endeavor, nuff said.
Rumors got out that there were going to be two new Judge Dredd movies planned. This was around the same time that there were rumors of a new totally CGI Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie (which turned 
Black and White, always right! |
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out to be TMNT - Conscientious Craig). The rumors touted that the first of the two movies would be black and white and feature the "Judge Dredd vs. Judge Death story-line. October 17, 2003 this was further amplified by the release of the video game of the same name. It was a first-person perspective shooting game in which Judge Dredd went up against Judge Death and his army of minions from another dimension called Dark Judges. It was a good attempt at keeping the franchise alive, but didn't cause very many ripples in the mainstream media pond.
At some point Rebellion and 2000 AD announced that a remake is in the works, working with DNA Films, but nothing substantial has been released beyond concept artwork. So my question now "What is going on?" I think there is a real market for Dredd. Make Judge Dredd vs. Judge Dredd in the same flavor of a PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL/GRINDHOUSE-style movie (and I know of a certain lady who will be disgusted with me for comparing War Journal to Tarantino, love you hon - Apologetic Alpha.) This could be a cult hit in the making if done correctly. Here is to hoping for the best. Thanks for reading true believers, EXCELSIOR!
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| The Alpha Craig |
I am the first and the last, maybe not. I'm 31 years old and still spend my disposable income on comic books. Might as well put it to good use.
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