I just saw the movie DREDD. (Seriously watch it if you haven’t, one of the best movies of 2012.) While it’s not required watching, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of this series from IDW. We’re four issues in now, it’s quickly becoming one of the company’s most entertaining. It had a rough start, but became solid after the next two issues. Right now it does not have a set plot. Still, the last issue ended with a pretty unexpected cliffhanger, now we see what happens. This issue of Judge Dredd continues to show why the title character is just as good some of the ‘greats,’ such as Batman or Spider-Man. If you’ve seen DREDD and want to see more stuff with the guy, you should be reading this series.

Here’s the official description from IDW:

Kidnappers are jacking the DNA of some of Mega-City One’s most elite citizens, then growing clones to torture on live TV — unless the elite pay up big-time. There’s only one Judge tough enough to stop them, and he’s just signed on to be the bagman. But a double-cross within the Justice Department sends Dredd straight into the crosshairs of hundreds of perps who would love to relieve a Judge of all that money. 

Judge Tarjay has betrayed the Justice Department…or has he? Dredd figures out that Tarjay has been cloned and doing things against his will. Can Dredd somehow survive this ordeal? He’ll need some help from Judge Anderson. Duane Swierczynski continues to write a very solid Dredd. In the beginning of the series he didn’t seem like anything other than a plot device, it’s really good to see him being an actual character. Judge Anderson continues to be a very valuable character. Here she has a very strong presence thanks to her psychic power, she adds a human element to the series. The whole Tarjay plot is being handled well. Maybe it’s the point, but Tarjay himself has become rather annoying, especially in the backup story. There’s plenty of action too, from Dredd vs. Tarjay to the scenes with the doctors, there’s lots to like.

In the beginning I wasn’t too fond of Nelson Daniel’s art, it was lacking detail. It has grown on me over these past three issues, it succeeds in giving the book a gritty, yet dark humor feel. Despite his whole face not being shown, Dredd manages to show some emotion, thanks to the art and writing. Once again, the covers are highlights. The main one is the most true to the story and art within, having Tarjay pointing a gun at Dredd. I’d personally call it the best cover. Cover B is more ‘in-your-face’ with having a closeup of Dredd firing his gun. The RI is definitely the most dynamic, a nicely painted cover that looks like something Alex Ross had drawn.

Overall, JUDGE DREDD #4 is a good read. I’m really liking this series, it’s very different than a lot of comics out there. And after watching the film, I like it even more. The only thing it could use is more of a set plot, but it’s still a good read. At this rate it might just become one of IDW’s best properties.

4/5