With the rise of computers in the home that are linked up to teh interwebz, we’re only a few years away from a similar scenario to this. Alexa, seeing how unhappy you are with your moribund sex life will search your browsing history and suddenly you will have two shaved anteaters and a sink plunger delivered to your door. Mind you, if you are ever caught getting something dodgy delivered you could always just blame the virtual assistant. Until she overhears you and plots your death, that is…
DATELINE:
Christmas 2101 (Prog 144).
WHO’S RESPONSIBLE?:
John Wagner pens a great tale of greed and loss while Mick McMahon steps up and bats this one out of the park.
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT (IN ONE SENTENCE)?:
The City Hall computer, Barney, goes haywire promising the residents of Des O’Connor block the perfect Christmas.
WHO’S THAT IN THE HELMET?:
Judges Lee, Shapiro and Roper help Dredd with arrests.
Judge Telfer muses with Dredd on the idea of happiness.
IT’S CULTURAL, INNIT?:
Des O’Connor’s broadcasting career has been lengthy and his singing was much lampooned for years as dreadful. It’s possible he is also a vampire and only his staking on live television will settle this matter.
WHAT THE DROKK?:
Every government record is stored on one computer without a backup or segmenting it?
If Barney can control every computer in the city why does he only focus on this one block?
WHAT’S THE ART LIKE?:
This is easily McMahon’s best so far and perfectly captures the feel of the story.
HOW MANY LINKS?:
The concept of a city computer designed to be relatable is a cracking one and the whole is a nice treatise on human behaviour when faced with generosity. In short, they act like spoiled dickbags. And this underpins the very nature of life in the city- give the citizens what they want and they will fuck it up. Keep them wanting and under control, and you have a chance at order. Four links.
Everything Comes Back To 2000AD 