Since the 1978 annual dropped around August, we’re going with publication order and here comes someone called Judge Steele. If there was ever a Judge with a mummy porn name, that’s it. He’s destined for great things it seems. Wait, what’s this…?
DATELINE:
August 2099 (2000AD Annual 1978).
WHO’S RESPONSIBLE?:
Malcolm Shaw curls off another for Mick McMahon to deal with.
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT (IN ONE SENTENCE)?:
After Judge Steele is sent crazy by Deep Psyche Hypnosis, Dredd sets a trap for the culprit.
WHO’S THAT IN THE HELMET?:
Judge Steele goes mental and kills four fellow Judges.
Chief Judge Clarence Goodman is leading the dullest meeting ever seen in the history of comics.
ANY LAW LORE?:
Deep Psyche Hypnosis was banned 50 years previously as there is no defence from it. Presumably not answering the phone wasn’t considered.
DAMAGE REPORT:
Dredd gets minor gunshot grazes to left arm and left thigh.
ANY TEETHING TROUBLES?:
The Chief Judge calls a meeting of all of the Judges of Mega City One and there appears to be 12 of them sitting around the table. It’s no wonder that Steele looks like he would rather get a prostate exam from Freddy Krueger.
There are Police Control cameras still in the city.
Dredd lives in 43021 Complex Omega instead of Rowdy Yates Block.
WHAT THE DROKK?:
Despite him being a 20 year veteran (and physically about 38) Maria refers to Dredd as a young man once again.
Maria’s crack about Dredd staying home to “polish his helmet” causes Dredd to break the fourth wall.
Once again Dredd claims he can get a robo-cleaner for half the price implying Maria draws a wage either from him or the Department.
Apparently videophones require an operator.
Dredd promises to “nail this bum- and fast!” Blimey, Joe, where’s the romance?
WHAT’S THE ART LIKE?:
This is quite unusual in places so there may have been teething troubles. Steele looks like he is busting for a piss rather than listening to an inner dialogue. I loved the reflection of the Judges on the meeting room floor, though.
HOW MANY LINKS?:
Pretty awful stuff. One link.
Everything Comes Back To 2000AD 