I know I say this at least twice a month, but DC Comics has a great planning committee. They must have five or six people who do nothing but keep up with when movies, games, toys, and everything else product wise is being released. In the perfect way the publishing giant does everything, they’ve systematically dropped “The Batman / Judge Dredd Collection” almost smack dab in the center of the releases of “The Dark Knight Rises” and “Dredd” on Blu-ray and DVD.
“The Batman / Judge Dredd Collection” is a dream come true for many comic fans. All four of the “Batman / Judge Dredd” crossover stories are included in this hardcover book. As an extra bonus, we also get the “Lobo / Judge Dredd” tale.
Alan Grant and Judge Dredd creator John Wagner do a stupendous job combining the worlds of these two champions of opposite ends of the crime fighting spectrum. Batman is all about true justice inside or outside of the established law. Judge Dredd stands up for the justice system of his world no matter what and stays within those confines. These two moral stands make for a great platform that cause exciting conflicts between these legendary characters.
Judgment on Gotham” begins with Batman encountering Judge Death as he brings down his horrific mallet on the crime-breaking citizens of the city. The Dark Knight finds himself transported to Mega-City through the use of Judge Death’s multi-dimensional belt. Judge Dredd captures Batman and throws him in prison for the crime of vigilantism. Will Batman escape and find his way back to his dimension to thwart the evil plans of Judge Death and the Scarecrow? Will Judge Dredd put aside his Law book and help the Caped Crusader foil their evil plans?
Vendetta in Gotham” brings Judge Dredd back to the Dark Knight’s crime-addled city. What appears to be a trip across multiple dimensions for the sole purpose of revenge is soon revealed to be much more. Dredd must keep Batman from sure death as he faces off with the Ventriloquist.
“The Ultimate Riddle” has the Riddler recruiting Batman and Judge Dredd for a universal battle to the death organized by a mysterious alien. Their opponents are gladiators from different worlds. There can be only one survivor and none of these combatants are going to give up easily. Can Batman and Judge Dredd combine forces to defeat the other competitors and escape to their individual dimensions?
“Die Laughing” features a diabolical dimension-jumping Joker teaming up with the dark Judges in their plans to punish the hedonistic cultists about to lock themselves away forever inside the Megasphere. Batman and Judge Dredd must make their way through Mega-City One to put an end to their dastardly ambitions. The two crime-fighters have never faced a more sinister team than their two arch nemeses paired together.
The last tale included in this collection doesn’t have an appearance by Batman. “Lobo / Judge Dredd: Psycho Bikers vs. Mutants from Hell” brings the alien bounty hunter and dimension-jumping lawman together to battle the monstrous ‘perps’ of Mega-City One. This is one team-up devotees of these characters won’t want to miss.
The art for each separate book is provided by some of the best talents in the comic book industry. They each have their own distinct look and this provides variety to the collection. The drawings range from minimalistic to precise with different approaches used for coloring. Artists include Simon Bisley (Lobo), Cam Kennedy (Batman), Carl Critchlow (Judge Dredd), Glenn Fabry (Hellblazer), Jim Murray (Slaine), Val Semeiks (Conan the Barbarian), and John Dell (JLA).
“The Batman / Judge Dredd Collection” is a perfect gift for any fan of these two characters. The stories are interesting combinations of two different yet darkly similar worlds. Both Dredd and the Dark Knight face off against sinister villains who are bent on destroying the hero’s beloved cities. This book is an excellent way to collect all of these tales in one handy volume.
For more articles by Eric Shirey, check out:
Blu-ray Review: “The Dark Knight Rises”
“Batman Live” Review – Dallas, TX
“Penguin: Pain and Prejudice” Graphic Novel Review
