Judge Dredd: The Judge Child, Part 8 – An Alien Tale

NAME
Judge Dredd: The Judge Child, Part 8 – An Alien Tale

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. and Tornado Prog 163

DATELINE
3 May 80

This prog also featured M.A.C.H.0, Robo-Hunter, The V.C.'s and The Mind Of Wolfie Smith, a Judge Dredd cover by Mike McMahon and the second of the seven wonders of the galaxy.

PAGE COUNT
6

REPRINTS
Judge Dredd In The Judge Child Quest 2, The Complete Judge Dredd 15, Judge Dredd Epics: The Judge Child 1, Judge Dredd Epics: The Complete Judge Child Quest, Judge Dredd Epics: The Judge Child Quest and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 04.

SYNOPSIS
Dredd unwittingly affects the outcome of a duel.

FIRSTS & LASTS
First appearance of Buggo and Uglika.

INFORMATION
The planet Ombra. The native dominant life form are the Om. Their society is primitive, but they record their history through songs, stories and painting. They believe in magic and Magic Maker is a important individual in the tribe. The females smear beetles blood on their faces. Other species on Ombra include the Omni-Fowl Owl and a creature that looks like a two-horned Rhinoceros.

JUDGE DREDD
Justice 1 lands briefly on the planet Ombra and Dredd has a look around, but soon leaves deeming the planet an unlikely location for Krysler's kidnappers to seek refuge.

OTHER CHARACTERS
BUGGO
Om painter in love with Uglika, also known as Buggo the Weak. He fights Black Boab for Uglika's affections, but the challenge is interrupted by Justice 1 landing. He knocks Black Boab into the path of his steed killing him. He became known as Buggo the Brave. He painted Dredd on the wall of his cave, believing him to be God and Justice 1 his chariot.

UGLIKA
An Om female. The object of the affections of both Buggo and Black Boab. She challenges them to fight each other for her.

BLACK BOAB
Om in love with Uglika. He fights Buggo for Uglika's affections, but the challenge is interrupted by Justice 1 landing and Buggo wins, knocking Black Boab into the path of his steed.

ARRESTS
None.

DEATHS
One. Buggo kills Black Boab.

BEST LINES
Buggo (regarding a spell to help him beat Black Boab): "Will it work?"
Magic Maker: "If it doesn't, you won't be around to give me any complaints."

WORST LINES
None.

CATCHPHRASES
A fleeing Om screams "Aieee!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Chariots Of The Gods?, a 1968 novel by Erich von Däniken.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: John Howard
Artist: Mike McMahon
Letters: Tom Frame

REVIEW
The oddest part of The Judge Child yet is a tale of alien cavemen told through flashback and rhyme which only features Dredd on the last page. It shouldn't work, but it does. Seeing Dredd through the Om's eyes proves to be a rewarding experience and McMahon's art is excellent. The oddest thing about this part however would be the caption on the cover: "Dredd draws another blank in his search for the Judge Child", which entirely gives away that the story isn't going to move forward here and lowers the stakes accordingly.

Next Prog: Meet President Rockin' Rocky Rock!

Judge Dredd: The Judge Child, Part 7 – The Ghost Of Echo Bravo Four

NAME
Judge Dredd: The Judge Child, Part 7 – The Ghost Of Echo Bravo Four

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. and Tornado Prog 162

DATELINE
26 Apr 80

This prog also featured M.A.C.H.0, Robo-Hunter, Tharg The Mighty, The V.C.'s and The Mind Of Wolfie Smith strips, a future of the first of the seven wonders of the galaxy by Kevin O'Neill and a Robo-Hunter cover by Ian Gibson

PAGE COUNT
6

REPRINTS
Judge Dredd In The Judge Child Quest 2, The Complete Judge Dredd 15, Judge Dredd Epics: The Judge Child 1, Judge Dredd Epics: The Judge Child Quest, Judge Dredd Epics: The Complete Judge Child Quest and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 04.

SYNOPSIS
Dredd's search takes him out into space and onto a suspicious drilling rig.

FIRSTS & LASTS
First appearance of Judge Hershey, Justice 1 and Dredd's log. First time Dredd takes a spacewalk.

INFORMATION
Texas City has a spaceport.

Judge's boots have magnets for circumstances without gravity. Justice One is a Justice Department star cruiser equipped with a hyperdrive, offensive weaponry, arti-grav, a shuttlecraft and robots. It carries all known alien currencies and precious metals. Named Judges: Judge Hershey, Judge Larter, Judge Lopez, Judge Winslow

There are Deep Space drilling rigs in the mineral fields beyond Pluto. They carry a enough supplies for a year. Echo Bravo 4, a rig owned by the Mega Tinto Mining Co, disappeared over three years ago whilst under the command of Captain Jim Flint. Its computer controls every system on the rig and can duplicate any voice. The computer was due to be replaced and killed the crew to prevent this happening.

JUDGE DREDD
Justice One picks him up from Texas City and heads after the Angel Gang. He and Hershey investigate Echo Bravo 4 and discover that the rig's computer is responsible for deaths of its crew. It attempts to kill Dredd and Hershey, whilst also luring Justice 1 to within range of its rock blasters. Dredd and Hershey escape in pressure suits through the rig's Dust Exhaust Funnel and out into space. Free from Echo Bravo 4's influence, Dredd contacts Justice 1 and warns it of the trap. Dredd and Hershey are picked up by Justice 1 and he orders the destruction of Echo Bravo 4. Dredd doesn't like to see facial hair on a Judge.

OTHER CHARACTERS
JUDGE HERSHEY
Justice One's stringer. She and Dredd investigate Echo Bravo 4.

JUDGE LARTER
Justice One's pilot.

JUDGE LOPEZ
Justice One's engineer. He has a moustache.

JUDGE WINSLOW
The accountant assigned to Justice One. Dredd orders him to disembark and he complies.

CAPTAIN JIM FLINT
Deceased captain of Echo Bravo 4.

ARRESTS
None.

DEATHS
None. Although Echo Bravo 4 is destroyed and had previously killed Captain Jim Flint and the other members of his crew of which we see at least four.

BEST LINES
From Dredd's log: "Don't like to see a Judge with facial hair"

WORST LINES
None.

CATCHPHRASES
Hershey refers to Dredd as "Old Stoney-Face" and "J.D.", says "My Dok!" and "Drokk!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
None.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: John Howard
Artist: Brian Bolland
Letters: Tom Frame

REVIEW
This is a surprising change of pace as Dredd's heads out into space. Bolland's art is fantastic as ever and Dredd's obsession with Lopez's facial hair is a very welcome bit of levity.

Next Prog: Buggo Versus Black Boab!

Judge Dredd: The Judge Child, Part 6

Celebrating a Happy 37th Birthday to 2000AD:

NAME
Judge Dredd: The Judge Child, Part 6

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 161

DATELINE
19 Apr 80

This prog also contained Blackhawk, Fiends Of The Eastern Front, Ro-Jaws' Robo-Tales, Robo-Hunter and The V.C.'s with a Judge Dredd cover by Brian Bolland.

PAGE COUNT
6

REPRINTS
Judge Dredd In The Judge Child Quest 2, The Complete Judge Dredd 15, Judge Dredd Epics: The Judge Child 1, Judge Dredd Epics: The Judge Child Quest, Judge Dredd Epics: The Complete Judge Child Quest and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 04.

SYNOPSIS
Dredd takes on the Thing and wins, does the high dive and loses the Judge Child.

FIRSTS & LASTS
None.

INFORMATION
Texas City can track space craft leaving Earth at least to the edge of the solar system. Texicare is a healthcare provider. Other Mutieworld attractions include Git The Mutie, Topple The Dopple and Free-Fall Combat.

JUDGE DREDD
Within the Jaws Of Death High Dive, he drops his Lawgiver in the pursuit of Bunsen. Dredd is caught by the Thing. He pushes off a girder and causes the Thing to fall and let go of him. He grabs another girder, climbs down and break the Thing's arm before climbing back up after Bunsen. They fight and Dredd immobilises Bunsen. He questions Bunsen who points out that the Angel Gang are kidnapping Owen Krysler. Dredd dives down and attempts to get after the Angel Gang, but his way is blocked by the mutants being marched out of the city. He refuses the prizes for beating the Thing and the death dive.

OTHER CHARACTERS
BROTHER BUNSEN
He makes it to the top of the Jaws Of Death High Dive and fires upon Dredd when he too arrives at the summit. Dredd kicks him over a tooth and he is left hanging by his clothing.

THE THING
No one knows whether it is a mutant or a monster. It catches Dredd inside the Jaws Of Death High Dive. He knocks it off a girder and it falls, stunned. Dredd breaks its arm and is offered the prize. He declines.

THE ANGEL GANG
The kidnap Owen Krysler and take him out of the solar system in a hijacked space craft.

ARRESTS
None.

DEATHS
None.

BEST LINES
Dredd: "Only one thing will stop this monster...a touch of the broken arms!"

WORST LINES
None.

CATCHPHRASES
Dredd says "Drokk!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: John Howard
Artist: Mike McMahon
Letters: Tom Frame

REVIEW
Another smaller story draws to a close and Dredd is no nearer his goal (quite the opposite in fact). After Part 5's set up it's odd that the Angel Gang barely feature here and their escape is detailed in a caption, while the Thing provides the peril here. The Thing is an excellent design and McMahon does it proud as well as the detail he puts into the struggle inside the belly of Jaws Of Death High Dive and again both in its mouth and at its feet.

Next Prog: The Ghost Of Echo Bravo!

Judge Dredd: The Judge Child, Part 5 - Brother Death.

NAME
Judge Dredd: The Judge Child, Part 5 - Brother Death.

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. and Tornado Prog 160

DATELINE
12 Apr 80

This prog also featured Blackhawk, Fiends Of The Eastern Front, Robo-Hunter and The V.C.'s and a Judge Dredd cover by Mike McMahon.

PAGE COUNT
6

REPRINTS
Judge Dredd In The Judge Child Quest 1, The Complete Judge Dredd 15, Judge Dredd Epics: The Judge Child 1,
Judge Dredd Epics: The Judge Child Quest, Judge Dredd Epics: The Complete Judge Child Quest, The Best Of Judge Dredd and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 04.

SYNOPSIS
Dredd follows Bunsen to Texas City, to Mutieworld and then to the Jaws Of Doom High Dive. The Angel Gang also want the Judge Child.

FIRSTS & LASTS
First visit to Texas City and the first appearance of Mean Machine and the Angel Gang.

INFORMATION
(This strip probably takes place twenty days after Part 4)

Texas City is on the shores of Lake Louisiana. It's less than half the size of Mega-City One. The Statue of Tex looms over the city and the Everest Oil Tower is two miles high and has a permanent snow cap. Texas City Judges have been attempting clear mutants from the city to a new home across Lake Louisiana. Named Texas City Judges: Judge Orrie.

Mutieworld is a danger park in Texas City boasting attractions like The Thing, the Jaws Of Doom High Dive and Brother Death. The mutants at Mutieworld have permits and are not subject to the clearances.

Earth Currency is not accepted in space.

JUDGE DREDD
He heads to Texas City in search of Brother Bunsen and Owen Krysler. He discovers Bunsen at Mutieworld and chases him through the park to the Jaws Of Doom High Dive.

OTHER CHARACTERS
PA ANGEL
He and his gang broke out of jail yesterday and plan to leave Earth. They head to Mutieworld and attempt to kidnap Brother Bunsen and Owen Krysler. Bunsen escapes and the Angel Gang follow him to the Jaws Of Doom High Dive and see Dredd go in after him. Pa convinces the the keeper of the Thing to get it out of the pit and send it into the high dive after Bunsen and Dredd.

JUNIOR
Pa Angel's son and member of the Angel Gang. He wants to kill Bunsen.

MEAN MACHINE
Member of the Angel Gang. He has a dial on his forehead that goes from 1 to 4 that affects his demeanour. He can adjust it himself. By his own admission, when the dial on 1 he isn't very pleasant, while on 2 he is mean. His right arm is cybernetic.

BROTHER BUNSEN
As Brother Death he is Mutieworld's newest attraction, he uses Krysler to predict the date, time and cause of death for each of his visitors. He knows Pa Angel, who threatens to kidnaps Bunsen and Krysler. Bunsen escapes, but sees Dredd who chases him through the park to the Jaws Of Doom High Dive.

WESLEY
He visits Mutieworld and Brother Death predicts that he will die by strangulation thirty-seven minutes after his consultation. He is later knocked into the Thing's pit and strangled.

OWEN KRYSLER
Brother Bunsen cages him up and uses him to predict the future for so he can make money from Mutieworld's patrons. He knows the Angel Gang will visit Bunsen.

ARRESTS
None.

DEATHS
Two. Bobby Joe and Wesley are killed by the Thing.

BEST LINES
Wesley's friend: "Wesley, what's wrong? What did he say?"
Wesley: "I...I've got thirty-seven minutes! I-I'm going to be strangled!"

WORST LINES
Dredd: "You! Monk!"

He has a name Dredd.

CATCHPHRASES
Mean Machine gives us the first of many description of how his dial works.

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: John Howard
Artist: Mike McMahon
Letters: Tom Frame

REVIEW
The new location provides an interesting change of scenery and Texas City is an great backdrop. Mean Machine makes an immediate impact, but the highlight here is Wesley's death. McMahon's art is wonderful.

Next Prog; Dredd Shakes Hands With The Thing!

Judge Dredd: The Judge Child, Part 4 - Tomb Of The Garbage God!

NAME
Judge Dredd: The Judge Child, Part 4 - Tomb Of The Garbage God!

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. and Tornado Prog 159

DATELINE
5 Apr 80

This prog also features Blackhawk, Fiends Of The Eastern Front, Captain Klep, Robo-Hunter and The V.C.'s strips with a Judge Dredd cover by Ron Smith.

PAGE COUNT
6

REPRINTS
Judge Dredd In The Judge Child Quest 1, The Complete Judge Dredd 15, Judge Dredd Epics: The Judge Child 1, Judge Dredd Epics: The Judge Child Quest, Judge Dredd Epics: The Complete Judge Child Quest, The Best Of Judge Dredd and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 04.

SYNOPSIS
Dredd kills Faro and almost rescues the Judge Child.

FIRSTS & LASTS
None.

INFORMATION
Following the death of Filmore Faro, the Brotherhood of Trash are put to death.

JUDGE DREDD
He is due to be sacrificed during Faro's funeral. He calls in his Lawmaster and uses it to shoot through his chains. He kills Faro and carries the boy destined to be his spirit guide from the temple believing him to Owen Krysler. Outside in the rain, the boy's eagle mark runs and Dredd realises he has an imposter.

OTHER CHARACTERS
FILMORE FARO
His funeral is an elaborate affair. Dredd shoots him dead upon his request.

BROTHER BUNSEN
He kidnaps Owen Krysler and leaves an imposter.

OWEN KRYSLER
Brother Bunsen kidnaps him.

ARRESTS
None.

DEATHS
Probably hundreds. Dredd's unmanned Lawmaster kills four Brothers and Dredd uses it to kill two more brothers and Faro upon his request. With the exception of Bunsen, The Brotherhood of Trash are a put to death by skateboard.

BEST LINES
Faro (seeing Dredd): "Death in black! Excellent! Black is my favourite colour!"

WORST LINES
Dredd: "My grief!"

CATCHPHRASES
A dying Brother shouts an "Aieeee!", Dredd thinks a "Drokk!" and says "Stomm!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

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

REVIEW
The first bump in the road on Dredd's quest comes to an end and this is arguably a three-parter within a larger storyline. Ron Smith's opening crowd scene is magnificent.

Next Prog: Judge Dredd Walks Tall In Texas City!

Judge Dredd: The Judge Child, Part 3

NAME
Judge Dredd: The Judge Child, Part 3

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. and Tornado Prog 158

DATELINE
29 Mar 80

This prog also featured Blackhawk, Fiends Of The Eastern Front, Captain Klep, Robo-Hunter and The V.C.'s strips and a Fiends Of The Eastern Front cover by Carlos Ezquerra.

PAGE COUNT
6

REPRINTS
Judge Dredd In The Judge Child Quest 1, The Complete Judge Dredd 14, Judge Dredd Epics: The Judge Child 1, Judge Dredd Epics: The Judge Child Quest, Judge Dredd Epics: The Complete Judge Child Quest, The Best Of Judge Dredd and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 04.

SYNOPSIS
Dredd finds the Judge Child in Filo's Needle.

FIRSTS & LASTS
First meeting of Dredd and the Judge Child.

INFORMATION
A Judge's Lawmaster has enough firepower to maintain fire for at least two minutes.

JUDGE DREDD
He has a small transmitter hidden beneath a strip of synthi-skin. He uses it to call in his Lawmaster bike to provide a diversion, while he knocks out Brother Monkeywrench, steals his clothes and assumes his identity to enter Faro's Needle.

OTHER CHARACTERS
FILMORE FARO
Before mining garbage he was a hustler from Texas City. He believes himself last in the line of the ancient Pharaohs and he has the sculpture of his head mounted on a sphinx-like body.

OWEN KRYSLER
Faro's slaves call him Bird Boy. He has predicted Faro's death. Accepting this Faro orders that Krysler die as well to act as his guide in the spirit world. He talks in his sleep.

BROTHER MONKEYWRENCH
Member of the Brotherhood of the Trash. Dredd knocks him out and steals his robes in order to enter Faro's Needle.

BROTHER BUNSEN
Member of the Brotherhood of the Trash. He wears an eye patch over his left eye. His job is to prepare Owen Krysler for death.

ARRESTS
None.

DEATHS
None.

BEST LINES
Brother #1: "Hold it, Brother Monkeywrench! Only Brother Bunsen sees Bird Boy without the password!"
Dredd disguised as Brother Monkeywrench: "Password - yeah...I'm a little short on words today, Fellas - ... will this do?" (as he kicks them both in the face)

WORST LINES
Dredd: "What the - ? Needle!"

What?

CATCHPHRASES
None.

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
Synthi-skin first appeared in Inferno, Part 33 .

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

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

REVIEW
This is great. Ron Smith's opening artwork is beautiful, the dialogue is great and apart from the slightly murky aspect of what happens to Dredd on the last page this makes The Judge Child seems like it'll be quite a straight-forward affair.

Next Prog: Sacrifice To The Garbage God!

Judge Dredd: The Judge Child, Part 2

NAME
Judge Dredd: The Judge Child, Part 2

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. and Tornado Prog 157

DATELINE
22 Mar 80

This Prog also featured Blackhawk, Fiends Of The Eastern Front, Captain Klep, Ro-Jaws' Robo-Tales, Robo-Hunter and The V.C.'s strips with a cover by Kevin O'Neill.

PAGE COUNT
6

REPRINTS
Judge Dredd In The Judge Child Quest 1, The Complete Judge Dredd 14, Judge Dredd Epics: The Judge Child 1, Judge Dredd Epics: The Judge Child Quest, Judge Dredd Epics: The Complete Judge Child Quest, The Best Of Judge Dredd, Judge Dredd: The Complete Case Files 04 and The Judge Child.

SYNOPSIS
Dredd is sold into slavery to follow Owen Krysler.

FIRSTS & LASTS
None.

INFORMATION
(This strip takes place over the course of three days)

The businesses of Neutron Flats include Ossie's Slave Mart, Zisco dance hall and Tasteefry.

Garbage mines are the buried remains of previous archaeological treasures that can be exploited and sold to collectors. There are garbage mines west of Neutron Flats owned by Filmore Faro. He also owns much of the land around Memphis and has built pyramids and huge monuments to himself. Faro's men are called The Brotherhood of Trash.

Judges are equipped with radiation cloak to protect them. A Judge's Lawmaster can maintain a specific distance from its rider and take lethal action without express orders.

JUDGE DREDD
He rides into Neutron Flats and questions the auctioneer of Ossie's Slave Mart about Krysler and seeking to get closer to Krysler's purchaser allows himself to be sold as a slave to The Brotherhood Of Trash for 300 credits. He ordershis Lawmaster to follow him at a distance of two miles. He is delivered to one of Faro's garbage mines and must help push the huge head of a statue of Faro being erected in Memphis.

OTHER CHARACTERS
OWEN KRYSLER
He was sold six months ago in a slave auction to Filmore Faro.

FILMORE FARO
Known as The Garbage King. He owns garbage mines west of Neutron Flats, most of the land around Memphis and ten thousand slaves. Apparently he thinks he is descended from the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt and is using his vast fortune to build monuments to himself.

BREWSTER ONELUG
Slave owned by Filmore Faro. He escaped but was recaptured.

ARRESTS
None.

DEATHS
Two. Dredd's Lawmaster kills two members of the Brotherhood of Trash.

BEST LINES
Following the discourse listed under WORST LINES below, Dredd's Lawmaster opens fire with a Blam! Bam.
Lawmaster: "That means drop dead. Thank you."

WORST LINES
Brother #1: "Maybe we oughta speak to it in Bike...Phut, phut, phut! That means stop!"
Brother #2: "Yeah! Ha, ha! Vroom vrooom! That means scram or we open fire!"

CATCHPHRASES
Dredd both thinks and says a "Drokk!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

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

REVIEW
Another great instalment in what already looks to be a long and unpredictable saga. The artwork and dialogue are brilliant, the worldbuilding on offer here is not subtle, but all good fun and it's a relief to see Dredd out of his comfort zone.

Next Prog: Temple Of The Garbage God!

Judge Dredd: The Judge Child, Part 1

NAME
Judge Dredd: The Judge Child, Part 1

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. and Tornado Prog 156

DATELINE
15 Mar 80

The belated '3rd birthday' Prog also featured Blackhawk, Fiends Of The Eastern Front, Captain Klep, Robo-Hunter and The V.C.'s and a Judge Dredd cover by Brian Bolland

PAGE COUNT
6

REPRINTS
The Best Of Judge Dredd, Judge Dredd In The Judge Child Quest 1, The Complete Judge Dredd 14, Judge Dredd Epics: The Judge Child 1, Judge Dredd Epics: The Judge Child Quest, Judge Dredd Epics: The Complete Judge Child Quest and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 04.

SYNOPSIS
Dredd goes in search of The Judge Child.

FIRSTS & LASTS
First use of Psi Division to predict the future. First appearance of Owen Krysler, albeit in flashback.

INFORMATION
(This strip takes place over the course of many, many days encompassing Judge Feyy's prediction the "many days" it took Dredd to find Krysler's settlement and then another week to find the slavers.)

There are 47 Owen Kryslers currently living in Mega-City One. A 48th left the city four years ago for the New Mutieland Territories.

Justice Department's Psi-Division has many Pre-Cogs whose task it is to predict the future. Several Pre-Cogs have predicted a time of crisis in the early 2120's. Lawmaster bikes are equipped message pods for times when radio contact is impossible. Named Judges: Judge Feyy (PSi Division).

In the Cursed Earth, many mutants live in isolated domesteads, Mutie Haven is just such a settlement with a population of 27. Such communities are easy targets for slave traders. Six months ago, slavers attacked a settlement east of Mutie Haven that was home to Owen Krysler. Neutron Flats is another settlement that has a slave market. Pockets of Sulphur Sand suck down anything that falls in.

Holograms can be used as a method of retaining an image.

JUDGE DREDD
He is on the search for slave traders in the Cursed Earth and finds them at the domestead of Mutie Haven. Dredd kills two, before another catches him with a whip and drags him off his Lawmaster and along the ground. Dredd stops himself and pulls the slaver off his steed and into a sulphur sand pit. Dredd questions the slaver as he sinks and pulls him out when he is satisfied with the answers. He leaves him to the mercy of the Mutants.

OTHER CHARACTERS
OWEN KRYSLER
He was born in Mega-City One and has mark on his forehead shaped like the Eagle of Justice. He and his parents left the city four years ago to settle in the New Mutieland Territories. Six months ago Slavers attacked his settlement, killed his parents and took him away. He was not emotional about the experience. In Mega-City One, Judge Feyy predicts he will rule Mega-City One in its gravest hour ands dubs him The Judge Child.

JUDGE FEYY
Mega-City One's oldest Pre-Cog. His visions of the future have proved to be 88.8% accurate. On his deathbed he predicts a war that will destroy Mega-City One in the year 2120 and that Owen Krysler will lead the city in its time of need. He dubs Krysler The Judge Child.

ARRESTS
None.

DEATHS
Three. Dredd kills two slavers and leaves the Mutants to hang the third.

BEST LINES
Dredd: "He's all yours, boys!"
Slaver: "Hey, wait! You promised!"
Dredd: "I kept my promise. You're out of the sulphur sand."
Mutie: "You're gonna dangle, Slaver!"

WORST LINES
None.

CATCHPHRASES
A Slaver says "Drokk ya?", Dredd says "Drokk!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: John Howard
Artist: Brian Bolland
Letters: Tom Frame

REVIEW
This is a great beginning and all the better for starting mid-story and then providing the exposition in flashback. The art is stunning with brilliant character designs.

Next Prog: "What Am I Bid For Judge Dredd!?"

Invasion!: 'Diversion'

NAME
Invasion!: 'Diversion'
(I have called this story 'Diversion', to differentiate it from other equally Untitled Invasion! strips in other 2000 A.D. Annuals)

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 AD Annual 1979

DATELINE
1st September, 1978

PAGE COUNT
6

REPRINTS
Invasion!

SYNOPSIS
Savage provides a diversion that help the Brigadier's commando raid to succeed.

FIRSTS & LASTS
None.

INFORMATION
Since the invasion, Bristol is considered impregnable to land attack. The Volgans have converted Bristol's aircraft factories to produce short-range nerve-gas rockets for anti-resistance operations. The river has been unused for shipping since the 1970's when Avonmouth replaced Bristol as a port.

The Volgan air force use Drobny Jump Jets. Scuntripp is a Volgan word, but not a compliment.

BILL SAVAGE
He goes along on the Brigadier's commando raid and steals a fuel container lorry. He destroys it on the Clifton Suspension Bridge providing a diversion that helped ensure the success of Brigadier Bentley-Pearson's commando raid.

OTHER CHARACTERS
PETER SILK
He goes along on the Brigadier's commando raid and helps Savage steal a fuel container lorry.

BRIGADIER BENTLEY-PEARSON
He plans to send a commando raid to destroy the nerve-gas rocket factories.

DEATHS
One. Savage kills a Volgan with his own bayonet. Presumably others die in the blaze.

BEST LINES
Volgan: "Staga! Kill the British Scuntripp!"

WORST LINES
Savage: "Silk? Thought I said get the heck back to the sub? Ever try listenin' to what I say?"
Silk: "I imagine th Brig feels like you, whenhe's trying to obey orders, Savage!"

What?

CATCHPHRASES
"Staga!" appears twice, while the words "Scuntripp" and "Neechar" are of interesting construction.

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel (1806-1859) and opened in 1864. It spans the Avon Gorge and River Avon linking Clifton in Bristol to Leigh Woods in North Somerset.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Unknown
Artist: Unknown
Letters: Unknown

REVIEW
It's a shame that writer and artist are Unknown as the story and artwork are much better than many Invasion! strips that appeared in the prog. Aside from a bizarre panel of a truck driver waggling his finger at a Volgan guard, the artwork has an intriguing style that combines a sketchy quality with architectural precision. The writing has a humility and realism that is often lacking in the main strip. Savage doesn't save the day here vat all, instead he improves the odds so that fewer people will be killed. A more adult take on Invasion! years before Savage.

Judge Dredd: The Blood Of Satanus, Part 3

NAME
Judge Dredd: The Blood Of Satanus, Part 3

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. and Tornado Prog 154

DATELINE
1 Mar 80

This prog also featured Blackhawk, Fiends Of The Eastern Front, Robo-Hunter and The V.C.'s strips, a Robo-Hunter cover by Ian Gibson and the third part of Judge Dredd's Hall Of Heroes.

PAGE COUNT
5

REPRINTS
The Best Of 2000AD 1, The Complete Judge Dredd 14, Judge Dredd Definitive Ed. Bad Science, Judge Dredd Chronicles Book 3, Judge Dredd 17 and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 03.

SYNOPSIS
Dredd catches up with Rex Peters.

FIRSTS & LASTS
None.

INFORMATION
There is an area of Old New York still above ground. It is a wild area frequented by renegade robots, illegal aliens and criminals.

JUDGE DREDD
He carries a dagger and uses it to cut into Rex Peters tail to get the Homo Tyrannosaur to release him. He chases Rex into Old New York and encounters a burglar whom he detains for later arrest.

OTHER CHARACTERS
REX PETERS
He tries to strangle Dredd with his tail. The Judge slices into Rex's tail with his knife and the Homo Tyrannosaur flees into Old New York. Rex eats a burglar that Dredd handcuffed to a stairwell.

ARRESTS
None. Dredd detains a burglar for later arrest only for Rex to eat him instead.

DEATHS
Two. Rex kills and eats a burglar. Dredd shoots Rex dead.

BEST LINES
Burglar: "Oh - er, hello, Judge! Just doing a spot of window cleaning!"
Dredd: "At four o'clock in the morning?"
Burglar: "I'm on overtime!"

WORST LINES
Rex: "Th-thanks for killing me, Judge Dredd. You may have taken my life...but - you saved my soul!"

CATCHPHRASES
Dredd thinks a "Drokk!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Pat Mills
Artist: Ron Smith
Letters: Tom Frame

REVIEW
Ron Smith's art boasts beautiful silhouettes and some great action sequences, but once again it's the art that covers up the cracks in a pretty shoddy storyline. Dredd's negligence leads to the detained burglar becoming Rex's final victim and passes without regret or comment.

Judge Dredd: Blood Of Satanus, Part 2

NAME
Judge Dredd: Blood Of Satanus, Part 2

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. and Tornado Prog 153

DATELINE
23 Feb 80

This prog also featured Blackhawk, Fiends Of The Eastern Front, Captain Klep, Robo-Hunter and The V.C.'s, a Judge Dredd cover by Ron Smith and part 2 of Judge Dredd's Hall Of Heroes.

PAGE COUNT
5

REPRINTS
The Best Of 2000AD 1, The Complete Judge Dredd 14, Judge Dredd Definitive Ed. Bad Science, Judge Dredd Chronicles Book 3, Judge Dredd 17 and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 03.

SYNOPSIS
Dredd investigates the deaths caused by Homo Tyrannosaur.

FIRSTS & LASTS
None.

INFORMATION
Homo Tyrannosaur is hybrid between human and Tyrannosaurus Rex. The physiological change can fluctuate back and forth between the species.

10Up is a drink.

JUDGE DREDD
He investigates the deaths of Lynsey Peters and Cyril J. Ratfinkle. Ratfinkle's notes lead him to Rex Peters and his office late at night where he encounters the creature attempting to hang itself, but it breaks free and tries to strangle Dredd with its tail.

OTHER CHARACTERS
REX PETERS
His transformation is complete. Ratfinkle dubs him Homo Tyrannosaurus. Rex Peters kills and eats his wife Lynsey and his neighbour Cyril J. Ratfinkle. He reverts to human form and heads to his office to commit suicide. Mid-hanging, he turns back into homo tyrannosaur, escapes the noose and attempts to choke Dredd.

ARRESTS
None.

DEATHS
Two. Rex Peters eats his wife Lynsey and neighbour Cyril J. Ratfinkle.

BEST LINES
Ratfinkle's boss: "We're going to miss him. Ratfinkle was an excellent photocopier...really crisp clear copies!"

WORST LINES
Dredd: "Another citizen dead - and all because of stupidity!"

We must learn from this.

CATCHPHRASES
Dredd says "Drokk!" and "Stomm!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
That Homo Tyrannosaur's physiological change was the result of a serum and that he can return to human form, recalls the Strange Case Of Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894), first published in 1886. 10Up is presumably three better than 7Up.

MISTAKES
Lynsey Peters calls Dredd in part 1 leaving he real name, but the Justice Department is unable to find her and blaming her for her own death because "she could have left us her address!". Not a good day for the Judges.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Pat Mills
Artist: Ron Smith
Letters: Tom Frame

REVIEW
This part relies of Dredd's feelings of guilt which are awkward and overplayed. Ratfinkle's death is great, but unfortunately Lynsey's is not. Thankfully, the artwork however is still brilliantly moody.

Will Dredd Make A Meal For The Monster? Don't Miss Next Prog!

Judge Dredd: The Blood Of Satanus!, Part 1

NAME
Judge Dredd: The Blood Of Satanus!, Part 1

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. and Tornado Prog 152

DATELINE
16 Feb 80

PAGE COUNT
4

REPRINTS
The Best Of 2000AD 1, The Complete Judge Dredd 14, Judge Dredd Definitive Ed. Bad Science, Judge Dredd Chronicles Book 3, Judge Dredd 17 and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 03.

SYNOPSIS
Ratfinkle turns his neighbour into a human Tyrannosaur.

FIRSTS & LASTS
First appearance of a half man, half Tyrannosaur creature.

INFORMATION
Drinking Dinosaur plasma can alter your DNA.

Synthi-Plonk is synthetic wine.

JUDGE DREDD
He lays siege to a building during a hostage situation and dismisses Lynsey Peters' request for help. He arrests the hostage taker and regrets not assisting Lynsey Peters.

OTHER CHARACTERS
CYRIL J. RATFINKLE
He steals the Satanus plasma sample and takes it home. He drills a hole in his floor and pours it down a line into a wineglass below.

REX PETERS
He is married to Lynsey. Whilst they are celebrating their first wedding anniversary, Ratfinkle spikes his drink with Satanus' plasma. The next day he has black scales on his stomach. A few days later Ratfinkle meets him and gives him the Satanus' plasma sample under the guise of being medicine. Twelve days later, the black scales cover his legs and abdomen. He has also developed a taste for raw meat and eats Mrs Potts' pet alien. He builds a nest in his home and turns into a creature part man, part Tyrannosaur.

LYNSEY PETERS
She is married to Rex. Concerned for her husband she contacts Judge Dredd.

ARRESTS
One. Dredd arrests the hostage taker.

DEATHS
One. Rex eats Mrs Potts' pet alien.

BEST LINES
Ratfinkle: "Ah, it's a new virus. The doctors can't do anything. As a matter of fact, I'm working on the remedy now."
Rex: "Really? I always thought you did the photocopying."

WORST LINES
Dredd: "Suck my kid glove, punk!"

CATCHPHRASES
Dredd thinks a "Drokk it!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Pat Mills
Artist: Ron Smith
Letters: Tom Frame

REVIEW
Ron Smith's art and inventive page layouts help this rather silly premise for a story whip along quickly.

Next Prog: Lust For Blood!

Judge Dredd: The Blood Of Satanus, Prologue

NAME
Judge Dredd: The Blood Of Satanus, Prologue

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. and Tornado Prog 152

DATELINE
16 Feb 80

This prog also featured Blackhawk, Fiends Of The Eastern Front, Captain Klep, Robo-Hunter and The V.C.'s, and a cover featuring Fiends Of The Eastern Front and Robo-Hunter by Carlos Ezquerra as well as part 1 of a postergraph of Judge Dredd's Hall Of Heroes.

PAGE COUNT
1

REPRINTS
The Best Of 2000AD 1, The Complete Judge Dredd 14, Judge Dredd Definitive Ed. Bad Science, Judge Dredd Chronicles Book 3, Judge Dredd 17 and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 03.

SYNOPSIS
The possibility of cloning Satanus is discussed. As is the possibility of drinking his blood.

FIRSTS & LASTS
First Judge Dredd Prologue to appear in 2000 A.D.

INFORMATION
Mega-City One has a genetic research laboratory with a plasma-based secretion taken from Satanus before he escaped into the Cursed Earth.

The Judges have banned genetic experimentation involving the cloning of dinosaurs.

JUDGE DREDD
None.

OTHER CHARACTERS
SATANUS
A plasma-based secretion was taken from Satanus before he escaped into the Cursed Earth. Scientists plan to grow a new Tyrannosaur using his genetic material.

CYRIL J. RATFINKLE
He works at a genetic research laboratory in Mega-City One. He is well known for asking stupid questions. He asks what would happen if someone drank the blood of Satanus and is ridiculed. He resolves to find out what happens when someone drinks the blood of Satanus.

ARRESTS
None.

DEATHS
None.

BEST LINES
Ratfinkle: "I'll show them what happens when someone...drinks the blood of Satanus!"

WORST LINES
None.

CATCHPHRASES
None.

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
Satanus was first seen in The Cursed Earth, Chapter 13 and the DNA sample must have been taken while the Dinosaur National Park was still open.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Pat Mills
Artist: Ron Smith
Letters: Tom Frame

REVIEW
Fascinating and ridiculous in equal measure. This Dreddless prologue sets the tone for the story that will follow.

Invasion!: 'Escape From Liverpool', Part 5

NAME
Invasion!: 'Escape From Liverpool', Part 5

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 51

DATELINE
11 Feb 78

PAGE COUNT
5

REPRINTS
Extreme Edition 3 & Invasion!

SYNOPSIS

FIRSTS & LASTS
Last Invasion! in 2000 A.D., last appearance of Nessie, Rosa and Prince John.

INFORMATION
As a result of Volgans killing American servicemen, the USA mobilises to free occupied Britain.

BILL SAVAGE
He fights Georgi and fires him off the US Freighter with a distress rocket launcher. He returns to the 'Britannia' to take the fight to the Volgans. After killing the Volgan crew of 'Britannia', he steers the ship into the St. Lawrence Estuary. He plans to return with the Americans to free Britain. He can pilot a hover-yacht.

OTHER CHARACTERS
PRINCE JOHN
Rosa shoots at him, but Nessie saves him. The prince helps Savage load ammunition to kill Volgan sailors.

BIG NESSIE McNAIRN
After Rosa shoots at Prince John, she wraps her chains around the Colonel and jumps overboard. Presumably they both drown.

COLONEL ROSA VOLGASKA
She shoots at Prince John and riles Nessie who wraps her chains around Rosa and jumps overboard. Presumably they both drown.

SERGEANT GEORGI
He beats Savage thoroughly. Savage fires him off the ship with a distress rocket launcher killing him. Rosa has his body hauled out of the water assuming it to be Savage's.

DEATHS
Eight. Savage kills Georgi and another five Volgans. Presumably both Nessie and Rosa drown.

BEST LINES
Nessie: "Take a last breath, dearie!"

WORST LINES
Prince John: "Can't make it to you, Savage - She's got me cold!"

She's what?

CATCHPHRASES
None.

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
The Volgan mock-up of Britannia is referred to as if it is the real thing.

RETROSPECT
Bill Savage would return in Disaster 1990, Armoured Gideon and Savage, but since they were prequel, sci-fi best of and reimagining respectively, Invasion! never quite got the sequel it deserved.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Gerry Finley-Day
Artist: J. Clough
Letters: Tom Frame

REVIEW
Invasion! comes to an end, not with the invasion coming to an end, but instead with the promise that it will. The distress rocket firing Georgi into the air was wonderful in long shot and Nessie and Rosa had to go down together, but ultimately this feels barely adequate as an ending and it's disappointing that we didn't see Savage's return to Blighty.

Invasion!: 'Escape From Liverpool', Part 4

NAME
Invasion!: 'Escape From Liverpool', Part 4

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 50

DATELINE
4 Feb 78

PAGE COUNT
5

REPRINTS
Extreme Edition 3 & Invasion!

SYNOPSIS
Savage delivers Prince John into the hands of the Volgans.

FIRSTS & LASTS
None.

INFORMATION
The Royal Hover-Yacht is called Britannia.

BILL SAVAGE
He accompanies Prince John to the rendezvous with Britannia, only to discover it is a Volgan trap. Prince John orders him overboard and he returns to the American ship to find 'Georgia' has killed the crew.

OTHER CHARACTERS
PRINCE JOHN
He makes the rendezvous only to discover it is Colonel Rosa Volgaska picking him up. He overpowers a Volgan guard, steals his gun and orders Savage back to the US ship. His gun is empty.

'GEORGIA'
After delivering the prince to a mock-up of the Royal Yacht, he kills the crew of the US ship and upon Savage's return admits to being a Volgan Intelligence Agent.

COLONEL ROSA VOLGASKA
She has had a mock-up of the Royal hover-yacht Britannia built and taken it to the rendezvous point to pick up Prince John.

BIG NESSIE McNAIRN
Rosa Volgaska has brought her to the rendezvous in chains.

DEATHS
At least seven. Georgi kills the crew of the US ship.

BEST LINES
Savage: "Rosa Volgaska! But how...Why?"
Rosa: "Oh. It was simple enough to fit out a British hovership to look like Britannia...and you are a hard man to catch, Savage - I had to make you think you were safe before springing my trap!"

WORST LINES
Savage (while diving): "Can't argue - I'm more use to him alive - I taught that lad well!"

It's not what he says, it's when and where he says it.

CATCHPHRASES
None.

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
Surely, for King Charles III to be on the throne, Prince John's grandmother would have to be dead or have abdicated.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Gerry Finley-Day
Artist: J Clough
Letters: Pete Knight

REVIEW
Rosa's trap is impressive and Savage fighting Georgi surrounded by corpses is a very stark image, but mostly this feels as though it is simply putting off the inevitable.

Invasion Reaches Stunning Climax - Next Prog!

Invasion!: 'Escape From Liverpool', Part 3

NAME
Invasion!: 'Escape From Liverpool', Part 3

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 49

DATELINE
28 Jan 78

PAGE COUNT
5

REPRINTS
Extreme Edition 3 and Invasion!

SYNOPSIS
After Savage loses his gun and his friend, he finds himself all at sea.

FIRSTS & LASTS
Last appearance of Silk.

INFORMATION
The Volgan for goodbye is "Dosvada"

BILL SAVAGE
He hears a Volgan speaking aboard ship and confronts him, getting his shotgun destroyed in the process.

OTHER CHARACTERS
PETER SILK
Prince John says he is Savage's best friend. He climbs the ship's mast and discovers that 'Georgia' is a Volgan agent, but Georgi throws him off and he falls to his death. He is given a burial at sea.

PRINCE JOHN
He is present at Silk's burial.

SERGEANT GEORGI
He throws Silk off the mast and to his death. He later insists on given him a burial at sea.

DEATHS
One. Silk is killed falling from the mast.

BEST LINES
None.

WORST LINES
Silk: "For heaven's sake relax, Savage - we're safe at sea!"

Why?

CATCHPHRASES
We hear "Dosvada" twice. "Smerska Grodnavia" is evidently a Volgan phrase indicating surprise.

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Gerry Finley-Day
Artist: Carlos Pino
Letters: Peter Knight

REVIEW
Silk's death comes as a surprise, but as he has been a largely passive character throughout it doesn't necessarily have the poignancy intended.

+ + + Alert Status Red + + +

Invasion!: 'Escape From Liverpool', Part 2

NAME
Invasion!: 'Escape From Liverpool', Part 2

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 48

DATELINE
21 Jan 78

PAGE COUNT
5

REPRINTS
Extreme Edition 3 & Invasion!

SYNOPSIS
Savage manages to get Prince John aboard ship, but Rosa's trap begins to tighten.

FIRSTS & LASTS
None.

INFORMATION
None.

BILL SAVAGE
He accompanies Silk, Prince John and 'Georgia' to the latter's ship and out into international waters.

OTHER CHARACTERS
PRINCE JOHN
Savage, Silk and 'Georgia' accompany him to the latter's ship and out into international waters.

BIG NESSIE McNAIRN
She attacks two Volgans, but one of them stabs her in the right arm with a throwing knife. She stays behind so as to not delay Prince John's departure. She returns to the Cavern Club to find a Volgan trap and Rosa Volgaska waiting for her.

SERGEANT GEORGI
Still posing as Georgia he throws two Volgan sailors overboard. He escorts Savage, Silk and Prince John to his ship and out into international waters. He can bend heavy metal deck hook with ease.

COLONEL ROSA VOLGASKA
She and her men kill everyone at the Cavern Club and she herself knocks Nessie unconscious.

DEATHS
At least six. The Cavern Club contains at least six bodies. The presumably unconscious pair of Volgans may well drown.

BEST LINES
Volgan: "What are you doing out at sea?"
Savage: "Lookin' for mermaids ain't we!"

WORST LINES
Prince John (as 'Georgia' throws a Volgan sailor overboard): "I say - look at that! I'm just glad you're on our side, Mr Georgia!"
'Georgia': "Well ah sure enjoy bein' on your side, Prince!"

CATCHPHRASES
None.

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
Savage mentions being up against V-Boats before in Bluebird.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
The relationship between Rosa Volgaska and Georgia is similar to that of Rosa Klebb and Red Grant, particularly in the 1963 film version of the 1957 novel, From Russia With Love.

MISTAKES
Has Rosa killed The Beatles?

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Gerry Finley-Day
Artist: J. Clough
Letters: Peter Knight

REVIEW
With Nessie in custody this ups the stakes, but everything with Georgi disappoints and the cliffhanger is very awful.

Next Prog - "Death Of A Friend"!

Invasion!: 'Escape From Liverpool', Part 1

NAME
Invasion!: 'Escape From Liverpool', Part 1

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 47

DATELINE
14 Jan 78

PAGE COUNT
4 and a 1/2

REPRINTS
Extreme Edition 3 & Invasion!

SYNOPSIS
Savage tries to smuggle Prince John back to Canada.

FIRSTS & LASTS
None.

INFORMATION
Liverpool is half in ruins. The famous Cavern Club is now a Resistance Safe House. Several successful musicians from the 1960's and 1970's are hiding out there.

Japan, Sweden and the United States are among the nations that have remained neutral despite the Volgan invasion.

BILL SAVAGE
He and his group have arrived in Liverpool and attempt to find a sailor willing to smuggle Prince John out of the country. He and Silk are discovered at the docks and fight off a group of Volgans, with the help of a US sailor called Georgia who agrees to smuggle somebody back to Canada for them.

OTHER CHARACTERS
SILK
He can play guitar and sing. He uses a guitar modified to contain a gun to kill several Volgans when they are discovered.

PRINCE JOHN
He remains at the safe house.

COLONEL ROSA VOLGASKA
She assigns Sergeant Georgi to find Savage by the docks.

SERGEANT GEORGI
Volgan soldier working for Rosa Volgaska. He poses as a US Sailor from Georgia called Georgia. He helps Savage and Silk in the barroom brawl and kills two Volgans. He agrees to smuggle someone to Canada.

DEATHS
Eight. Silk kills four Volgans with gun hidden inside a guitar, Savage kills two more. Georgia strangles a Volgan with each hand

BEST LINES
None.

WORST LINES
Traitor: "Quick! The arch-terrorist Savage is inside here!"

CATCHPHRASES
"Aieeeee!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
John Lennon (1940-1980), Paul McCartney (born 1942), George Harrison (1943-2001) and Ringo Starr (born 1940) formed The Beatles and arguably changed the world. Silk sings 'Happiness Is A Warm Gun', a Beatles song from the eponymous album The Beatles, also known as The White Album.

MISTAKES
The Cavern is the most famous address in all of Liverpool and the Resistance has turned it into a safe house?

RETROSPECT
Published in 1978, this strip could obviously never have anticipated that John Lennon would be assassinated in 1980. Had he lived he would have been 59 in 1999.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Gerry Finley-Day
Artist: Carlos Pino
Letters: Peter Knight

REVIEW
The Beatles cameo is better than it sounds, but oddly they aren't referred to by name. I like to think George Harrison really did have a gun concealed inside his guitar. After the appearance of the Fab Four this goes downhill very quickly and disappointingly Savage doesn't seem to spare a thought to consider the convenience of 'Georgia' offering him exactly what he needs exactly when he needs it.

Thrill Value Increases + + + Next Prog + + +

Judge Dredd: Judge Death, Part 3

NAME
Judge Dredd: Judge Death, Part 3

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. and Tornado Prog 151

DATELINE
9 Feb 80

This prog also contained Blackhawk, Captain Klep, The Stainless Steel Rat, Timequake and The V.C.'s, yet another postergraph of The V.C.'s and cover by Carlos Ezquerra featuring The Stainless Steel Rat.

PAGE COUNT
5

REPRINTS
The Best Of 2000AD, The Best Of 2000AD 3, The Complete Judge Dredd 14, Judge Death: Dredd vs. Death, Judge Death Classic Judge Dredd, Judge Dredd Chronicles Book 1, Judge Death: Judge Dredd featuring Judge Death, Judge Dredd 1, Judge Dredd Paperbacks vs The Dark Judges and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 03, as well as online.

SYNOPSIS
Judge Anderson makes the supreme sacrifice to trap Judge Death.

FIRSTS & LASTS
First time Brian Bolland has drawn an entire multi-part story.

INFORMATION
Charles Atlas Bridge is a structure in Mega-City One.

Terminal brainstorm is a cause of death

JUDGE DREDD
He attends Judge Death's conapt and traps a possessed Anderson in Boing.

OTHER CHARACTERS
JUDGE DEATH
He has a machine in a conapt building to revitalise him. He has possessed Judge Anderson to steal his skeleton from the morgue and deliver it to his conapt. Dredd arrives and destroys the machine. Death re-enters Anderson's body and attacks Dredd. Dredd seals Death and Anderson in Boing.

JUDGE ANDERSON
Under the thrall of Judge Death, Anderson steals his skeleton from the Justice Department's morgue, despite his influence she transmits the word "Boing" to her fellow telepaths. When Dredd arrives Anderson orders him to cocoon her in Boing. She is installed in the Justice Department's Hall Of Heroes in a bier marked Supreme Sacrifice and Judge Anderson A Monster Dwells Within Her.

ARRESTS
None.

DEATHS
Two. A possessed Anderson kicks one morgue attendant through a window and presumably kills the other.

BEST LINES
Telepath #1: "It's very indistinct, but it's coming through time and time again. Just one word..."Boing"!"
Telepath #2: "Boing? You mean the miracle spray?"

WORST LINES
None.

CATCHPHRASES
Dredd says "My Dok!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
Boing makes a surprising return.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: John Howard
Artist: Brian Bolland
Letters: Tom Frame

REVIEW
Fantastic. Who would have thought the solution to an undead superfiend possessing a telepath was to seal them both in an apparently recreational plastic bubble? An absolute masterstroke. This three-parter is an excellent piece of worldbuilding and shows what the strip is capable of.

The End

Judge Dredd: Judge Death, Part 2

NAME
Judge Dredd: Judge Death, Part 2

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. and Tornado Prog 150

DATELINE
2 Feb 80

The Sesquicentennial Prog also includes Blackhawk, Captain Klep, The Stainless Steel Rat, Timequake and The V.C.'s, another in a line of postergraphs featuring The V.C.'s all behind a Carlos Ezquerra cover of The Stainless Steel Rat.

PAGE COUNT
5

REPRINTS
The Best Of 2000AD, The Best Of 2000AD 3, The Complete Judge Dredd 14, Judge Death: Dredd vs. Death, Judge Death Classic Judge Dredd, Judge Dredd Chronicles Book 1, Judge Death: Judge Dredd featuring Judge Death, Judge Dredd 1, Judge Dredd Paperbacks vs The Dark Judges and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 03, as well as being available online here.

SYNOPSIS
Dredd appeals to Psi-Division for help in finding Judge Death and Judge Anderson succeeds, but later Judge Death finds Anderson.

FIRSTS & LASTS
First appearance of Psi-Division and Judge Anderson. Anderson is also the first female Judge seen without her helmet.

INFORMATION
Psi-Division is made up on Judges trained for their abnormal psychic power. Psi-Judges wear the same uniform as other Judges, but instead of a name badge, Psi-Judges wear a badge that bears the word PSI. They are renowned for being highly-strung. A heavy Psi-session drains the operator and impedes their sleep. Judge Anderson is regarded as their best telepath.

Named Judges: Judge Anderson (Psi Division), Judge Runciman, Judge McCay.

It is possible to cross the span between dimensions.

Long ago on Judge Death's world, Judges deduced that since all crime was committed by the living, life itself must be a crime. They killed everyone on their world.

JUDGE DREDD
He takes Judge Death's corpse to the morgue and elicits the assistance of Tec Division and Psi-Division.

OTHER CHARACTERS
JUDGE DEATH
He has travelled from another dimension. He is susceptible to fire, but it will not kill him. Dredd orders the use of Incendiary rounds and Death's body is burnt to a charred husk, but his spirit escapes. After Anderson makes contact with him, Judge Death seeks her out and inhabits her body.

JUDGE ANDERSON
Telepath and Psi-Division's best operator. She is called in to contact Judge Death. Anderson does so by physically touching his corpse and speaks with his voice.

ARRESTS
None.

DEATHS
One. Judge Death kills Judge Runciman.

BEST LINES
Dredd: "I'd better fill you in, Anderson..."
Anderson: "Save your breath. I've already read you. Can't hide your guilty secrets from a telepath, you know!"
Dredd: "I have no guilty secrets."

WORST LINES
Judge: "He's gone up like a human torch!"
Dredd: "Not human!"

Is that really the issue here?

CATCHPHRASES
Death's "You cannot kill what doess not live!", a Judge and Anderson both say "Dok!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
The Tek is Part 1, spelled it Tech, while the Teks in Part 2 spell it Tec.

RETROSPECT
Judge Anderson will go on to become a very important part of the Dreddverse and star in her own strips Judge Anderson, Anderson Psi Division, Anderson Psi and Cadet Anderson.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: John Howard
Artist: Brian Bolland
Letters: Tom Frame

REVIEW
Anderson is an immediate breath of fresh air in a strip obsessed with the stench of decay. Judge Death's motivation ought to be ridiculously overblown, but its logic here is presented as airtight. Bolland's art maintains its quality and the dialogue remains superb.

Next Prog: The Monster Within!

Judge Dredd: Judge Death, Part 1

NAME
Judge Dredd: Judge Death, Part 1

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. and Tornado Prog 149

DATELINE
26 Jan 80

This prog Blackhawk, Captain Klep, Ro-Jaws' Robo-Tales, The Stainless Steel Rat, Timequake and The V.C.'s, yet another postergraph featuring The V.C.'s and a Blackhawk cover by Massimo Belardinelli.

PAGE COUNT
5

REPRINTS
The Best Of 2000AD, The Best Of 2000AD 3, The Complete Judge Dredd 14, Judge Death: Dredd vs. Death, Judge Death Classic Judge Dredd, Judge Dredd Chronicles Book 1, Judge Death: Judge Dredd featuring Judge Death, Judge Dredd 1, Judge Dredd Paperbacks vs The Dark Judges and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 03, as well as being available to read online.

SYNOPSIS
Death walks Mega-City One.

FIRSTS & LASTS
First appearances of Judge Death. First use of the word "scrotnig".

INFORMATION
The Rabbit Hutch is a Mega-City One night spot. 'Who Put The Boop?' is a number one hit in Mega-City One.

Named Judges: Judge Ross.

JUDGE DREDD
He is investigating the murder of Tiny The Tap.

OTHER CHARACTERS
JUDGE DEATH
He wears a version of a Judge's uniform. He can kill by reaching into an individual's chest and squeezing. He leaves a stench of decay. His skin is in an extremely advanced stage of decomposition. He is immune to bullets. He may have been dead for centuries. He kills Tiny The Tap.

TINY THE TAP
He is in trouble with the Judges, but becomes a victim of Judge Death.

ARRESTS
None.

DEATHS
Maybe a hundred. Death kills Tiny The Tap, the Rabbit Hutch DJ, presumably all the patrons and probably Judge Ross.

BEST LINES
Death: "You cannot kill what does not live!"

WORST LINES
Judge: "There he is! Dressed like a Judge - Or a mockery of one!"

CATCHPHRASES
Death says "My name iss Death. I have come to Judge you!" twice and "You cannot kill what does not live!" once, the DJ uses the word "scrotnig" and Tiny and a Judge both say "Dok!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
'Who Put The Boop?' is a parody of the song 'Who Put The Bomp?' (1961) by Barry Mann.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: John Howard
Artist: Brian Bolland
Letters: Tom Frame

REVIEW
Fantastic. Judge Death makes an immediate impact. An excellent character design with intriguing motivations and a stark objective. The art is stunning and the dialogue brilliant throughout. A cut above.

Next Prog: The Guilty...And The Damned!

Invasion!: Deadlier Than The Male

NAME
Invasion!: Deadlier Than The Male

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 46

DATELINE
7 Jan 78

PAGE COUNT
5

REPRINTS
Invasion!

SYNOPSIS
Savage gets a surprising guardian angel in Rosa Volgaska.

FIRSTS & LASTS
None.

INFORMATION
Volgan forces use Scout cars. Monitor cameras allow recording of footage, two-way communication and can be fitted to explode remotely.

BILL SAVAGE
He distributes the money from the bank raid to members of the Resistance and heads with Silk, Nessie and Prince John to Solway Firth. They are pursued by Volgans and Savage jacknifes their truck, knocking the Volgan vehicles off the road. They continue the chase and Savage leads them across the Solway Firth where they are hit by a tidal wave.

OTHER CHARACTERS
COLONEL ROSA VOLGASKA
Her rank has been reinstated and she has been put in command of a group of security captains. She instructs them to carry monitor cameras. She remotely destroys a Volgan sniper team because they attempt to kill Savage in a manner that conflicts with her plan.

DEATHS
Nine. The Solway Firth killer tide presumably drowns four Volgans, while Rosa kills five members of a Volgan sniper team.

BEST LINES
Rosa: "Rosa is back in business and brought with her a perfect plan to trap those scum at last!"

WORST LINES
Rosa: "I'm watxhing you poor fool. Both Savage and I know something you do not...that Solway has a secret!"

CATCHPHRASES
"Mother Volga" is evidently a Volgan exclamation. Drowning Volgans scream an "Aieeeeeeeeeee!", while exploding Volgans go for "Yaieeeeeeee!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
Savage distributes the money from the bank raid in 'The Return Of Rosa'.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Gerry Finley-Day
Artist: J. Clough
Letters: Peter Knight

REVIEW
This is intriguing, but, Jacknife aside, Rosa is definitely the star of the show here.

Next Prog - The Liverpool Connection!

Judge Dredd: 'Alien Seeds'

NAME
Judge Dredd: 'Alien Seeds'

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. and Tornado Prog 148

DATELINE
19 Jan 80

This prog also featured Blackhawk, Ro-Jaws' Robo-Tales, The Stainless Steel Rat, Timequake and The V.C.'s strips, another postergraph featuring The V.C.'s by Bill Le Fevre and a Judge Dredd cover by Mike McMahon.

PAGE COUNT
5

REPRINTS
The Best Of 2000AD 6, The Complete Judge Dredd 14, Judge Dredd's Crime Files 1, Judge Dredd Chronicles Book 24, Judge Dredd (Volume 2) 22 and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 03.

SYNOPSIS
The fruit of alien seeds attack Mega-City One, while Dredd goes in search of the cause.

FIRSTS & LASTS
First time we see Dredd leave Earth orbit.

INFORMATION
Mega City One's government has a number of space-rigs in operation, including an experimental low gravity space farm operated by the Mega-City One Department of Agriculture, or Deptag. Space rigs are not subject to the same customs requirements as ports and their artificial gravity is controlled by a gravity field regulator. The city also has a vermin control department.

Alien seeds arrived on Earth a few years ago and have been declared illegal. They are available on the black market at a high price. The plants do not produce seeds in Earth conditions and grow larger in low gravity. A few days after planting multi-coloured aliens sprout. When they are fully grown they begin to growl and are about to enter the animal stage. The stalk separates into legs and the aliens turn pink.

JUDGE DREDD
He leaves Earth to go to Mega-City One's space farm ands discovers several adult aliens grown from seed. He destroys the space rig's gravity field regulator sending the aliens into disarray. He arrests the last surviving Department of Agriculture worker on the rig that grew them.

OTHER CHARACTERS
None.

ARRESTS
One. The surviving member of the space rigs crew.

DEATHS
At least Four. At least two humans are killed by the aliens in Mega-City One and then two more on the space farm.

BEST LINES
Deptag employee: "H-Holy tomato! It's Judge Dredd!"

Seriously.

WORST LINES
Dredd: "These life-lines will hold us. But your home-grown aliens can't handle Zero-G!"
Deptag employee: "Thank heavens for that! Get outa, Judge Dredd! I long for the safety of a cosy isolation cube!"

CATCHPHRASES
Dredd says "Dok!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
The design of the space rig is similar to the equally agricultural Valley Forge in Silent Running (1972).

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

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

REVIEW
This isn't much to write home about. Already the latest fad leads to chaos idea is wearing a bit thin, but here it isn't helped by the dialogue, artwork or story structure either and to top it all off the ending is anti-climactic as well.

The End

Invasion!: 'The Return Of Rosa'

NAME
Invasion!: 'The Return Of Rosa'

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. Prog 45

DATELINE
31 Dec 77

PAGE COUNT
5

REPRINTS
Extreme Edition 3 and Invasion!

SYNOPSIS
Savage does a bank job.

FIRSTS & LASTS
None.

INFORMATION
The Volgsmark is the Volgan unit of currency. Branches of the Bank Of Volga have opened up in London. The Volgan army has deployed King Tanks.

BILL SAVAGE
There is reward of ten million Volgsmarks for information on his whereabouts. He leads a bank robbery and steals enough money to fund rebuilding the Resistance.

OTHER CHARACTERS
SILK
There is reward of ten million Volgsmarks for information on his whereabouts. He assists in a bank robbery.

BIG NESSIE McNAIRN
There is reward of ten million Volgsmarks for information on her whereabouts. She disguises herself as a traffic warden and fires an anti-tank rocket at a Volgan King Tank, destroying it.

PRINCE JOHN
There is reward of ten million Volgsmarks for information on his whereabouts. He takes part in a bank robbery.

COLONEL KASOV
He replaced Rosa Volgaska as head of security.

EX-COLONEL ROSA VOLGASKA
She has lost her rank and been imprisoned by the Volgans. She convinces her ex-superior officer to give her another chance to kill Savage and he reinstates her. She kills Kasov and his guards and she replaces him.

DEATHS
Eight. Savage kills a Volgan leaving the bank and two more with their own globe grenade. Nessie destroys a Volgan tank killing its two-man crew. Rosa kills Kasov and two guards.

BEST LINES
Nessie: "Get it movin' Bill you're parked on a yella line!"

WORST LINES
Savage: "Oh, tough cheese, Volg!"

CATCHPHRASES
"Aieeeeeeee!"

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
None.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: Gerry Finley-Day
Artist: Carlos Pino
Letters: Peter Knight

REVIEW
This is really interesting. We join the story already underway, Savage claiming his own reward is a great hook and needless to say Nessie saves the day once again. The Volgan infighting is surprisingly interesting, but fails to make them more formidable.

Free Entry Star Wars Contest Next Prog - Order Your Copy Now!

Judge Dredd: 'Judge Minty'

Astonishingly Dredd Alert has reached four hundred posts...

NAME
Judge Dredd: 'Judge Minty'

FIRST PUBLISHED
2000 A.D. and Tornado Prog 147

DATELINE
12 Jan 80

This prog also contained Blackhawk, Captain Klep, Ro-Jaws' Robo-Tales, The Stainless Steel Rat and The V.C.'s, alongside a postergraph focussing The V.C.'s and a cover by Carlos Ezquerra featuring The Stainless Steel Rat.

PAGE COUNT
5

REPRINTS
The Best of 2000AD 1, Judge Dredd Classics 66, The Complete Judge Dredd 14, Judge Dredd Definitive Ed. Hall Of Justice, Judge Dredd Chronicles Book 2, Judge Dredd 15 and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 03. It was also the inspiration for the fan film Judge Minty.

SYNOPSIS
Dredd accompanies an ageing Judge and assess his compassion.

FIRSTS & LASTS
The Long Walk is shown for the first time. First appearance of Judge Minty.

INFORMATION
The Kovaks Mob are a criminal gang operating from the headquarters of Move It Ltd. in Mega-City One.

A retiring Judge has the the right to teach at the Academy Of Law or to take The Long Walk which sees them head into the Cursed Earth to take the law to the lawless. Named Judges: Judge Minty, Judge Young.

Possession of burglary tools carries a sentence of one year, while illegal firearm two years, traces of tobacco three months

JUDGE DREDD
He and Minty are searching for the Kovaks Mob. He kills two members of the Mob and then Kovaks himself. He puts in an adverse report based on Judge Minty's performance.

OTHER CHARACTERS
JUDGE MINTY
He and Dredd are searching for the Kovaks Mob. He was supposed to deal with them three months ago alone. He attempts to negotiate with Kovaks, who shoots him. He survives, but Dredd puts in an adverse report. Two weeks later he retires with honour and takes the Long Walk.

TOMMY
Judges Dredd and Minty question him about the Kovaks Mob. They arrest him for possession of burglary tools, an illegal firearm and traces of tobacco

KOVAKS
Leader of the Kovaks mob. He is wanted on seventy four counts of murder. During a fire fight, Judge Minty gives him the opportunity to turn himself in. Kovaks shoots Minty and Dredd shoots Kovaks.

ARRESTS
One. It's implied that Tommy's sentence for possession of burglary tools, an illegal firearm and traces of tobacco will be one year, two years and three months consecutively giving a total of three years, three months.

DEATHS
Three. Dredd kills two members of the Kovaks Mob and Kovaks himself.

BEST LINES
Minty: "When you get old, you start getting strange notions...like maybe people aren't so bad. Maybe if we treat 'em with kindness, the good in them will come out!...I guess that's when it's time to quit."

WORST LINES
Dredd: "One of 'em in there! Dodgems"

Lawgivers even respond to nicknames?

CATCHPHRASES
None.

CONTINUITY & CROSSOVERS
None.

INFLUENCES & REFERENCES
Unknown.

MISTAKES
None.

RETROSPECT
None.

NOTES
None.

CREDITS
Script: John Howard
Artist: Mike McMahon
Letters: Tom Frame

REVIEW
Fantastic. Great art combined with a wonderful tale of another Judge that can't measure up to Dredd's standards. A classic.