Looking to get into Judge Dredd? I say start at the beginning. Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 01 including 2000 AD Progs 2-60 should be your next read. The lack of color may cause others to pass, but fear not for artist Carlos Ezquerra, Mike McMahon and Brian Bolland are able to provide a stunning amount of detail.

In short as Judge Dredd proclaims he is the law. After reading this you will see there is so much more. A depth of moral struggle to be tough yet fair is entwined with a satirical view of society cast in a post-apocalyptic city where Judges replace the executive branch of government to maintain peace and order. Violent crime and over population in a sprawling city where citizens work only a few hours a week if at all calls for tough measures and harsh punishments. Half way through the book you will find my favorite cell in all of comics. As Dredd cruises along his internal commentary explains the lowest form of crime. Getting kids hooked on old comics.

This collection includes several stories that resolve in a few pages starting out and evolves into the multipart epics that are cornerstones of the Dredd universe.  Brace yourself for war with robots. Then hang in there with Walter, Dredd’s faithful robot servant. He ends up being a pivotal character whose bravery and comic relief will grow on you after a few pages. The same however cannot be said for Maria the cleaning lady. Highlights include Call Me Kenneth, the rookie trial of Judge Giant, the return of Rico and the 22nd Century Futsie. Ah, the futsie. A criminal driven mad by an inability to cope with the speed of space age life. Excused for his crimes due to his condition receives treatment instead of jail time seems out of place where even petty crimes will land you in an ISO-cube.

Story: John Wagner Art: Carlos Ezquerra, Mike McMahon and Brian Bolland
Story: 9 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Reviewer purchased his copy to stay compliant with Mega-City penal code A34-G78. Ignorance to the law is no exception.