Judge Dredd: The Black Plague, Part Two

NAME
Judge Dredd: The Black Plague, Part Two

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. and Tornado Prog 141

DATELINE
1 Dec 79

This prog also contained Blackhawk, Captain Klep, The Stainless Steel Rat, The V.C.'s and The Mind Of Wolfie Smith strips, the second part of the Starlord Guide To The Galaxy and a cover featuring The Stainless Steel Rat by Carlos Ezquerra.

PAGE COUNT
6

REPRINTS
2000AD Monthly 1, The Complete Judge Dredd 13, Judge Dredd Chronicles Book 24, Judge Dredd Annual 1987 and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 03.

SYNOPSIS
The spiders are repelled from Atom Gulch but go in search of another target.

FIRSTS & LASTS
None.

INFORMATION
The spiders surrounding Atom Gulch are a mutant strain. They communicate via a complex chemical code. It is said that one bite leaves you unconscious and two will kill you. Atom Gulch had a schoolhouse, but it was sacrificed to exterminate the spiders.

Judges use at least seven emergency codes.

JUDGE DREDD
He is hard on the people of Atom Gulch to prevent a panic. He orders the drainage ditch around the town is filled with wood and fuel, then when the spiders attack he order it lit.

OTHER CHARACTERS
MOZE BIGLEFTEAR & HENRY FORD
They are detailed with keeping the fire going.

MISS FLATFACE
Atom Gulch's schoolmarm. She is attacked and killed by the spiders.

ARRESTS
None.

DEATHS
Two. Miss Flatface and another citizen are killed by the spiders.

BEST LINES
Mayor of Atom Gulch: "It took us a year to build it, Judge Dredd. But I suppose this is the only way..."
Dredd: "It is, Mayor - unless you want to start classes in undertaking."

WORST LINES
Paxon: "The schoolhouse roof - it's black with them!"

CATCHPHRASES
None.

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: John Howard
Artist: Ron Smith
Letters: Tom Frame

REVIEW
This is still great fun and it escalates nicely. Although it sidelines the townsfolk and Dredd's slap to the face of a snivelling citizen comes out of nowhere.

++Spider-Power Increases Next Prog + + Do Not Miss It! + +