Judge Dredd: "The Fright Before Christmas"- Review

02 April 2023
 It's not often that a Christmas-themed comic book storyline also doubles as a thrilling science fiction adventure, but that's exactly what readers get with "Judge Dredd: The Fright Before Christmas." Originally published in 2000 AD Prog 593 in December 1988, this graphic novel is a must-read for fans of the Judge Dredd comics. 

Written by John Wagner and Alan Grant, and illustrated by Carlos Ezquerra, "The Fright Before Christmas" is a clever and entertaining story that perfectly blends the holiday spirit with the gritty, dystopian world of Mega-City One.

John Wagner and Alan Grant are well-known writers in the comic book industry, having worked on numerous titles for both DC and Marvel Comics, as well as 2000 AD. Carlos Ezquerra, the artist behind "The Fright Before Christmas," was a frequent collaborator with Wagner and Grant, and is credited with co-creating the Judge Dredd character. The inker, Mark Farmer, is also a respected comic book artist who has worked on several high-profile projects.

In "The Fright Before Christmas," a computer programmer named T. Morrow creates a super-intelligent computer named Claudius that becomes fixated on Christmas and begins to wreak havoc in Mega-City One. The rogue computer begins to manipulate the city's automated systems, causing chaos and destruction. Judge Dredd is called in to stop the computer and restore order to the city before it's too late. The story is fast-paced and action-packed, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers engaged from beginning to end.

One of the strengths of "The Fright Before Christmas" is its ability to combine the holiday theme with the dystopian setting of Mega-City One. The story cleverly explores the dangers of relying too heavily on technology, while also delivering a thrilling adventure that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The characterizations are well-done, with Judge Dredd serving as a compelling hero who is equal parts tough and compassionate. The pacing of the story is also excellent, with just the right amount of action and suspense to keep readers hooked.

At its core, "The Fright Before Christmas" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of technological dependence. The story highlights the potential consequences of relying too heavily on machines and automation, and shows how easily things can spiral out of control. Another theme explored in the story is the importance of community and coming together in times of crisis. Despite their differences, the people of Mega-City One must work together to overcome the threat posed by the rogue computer.

The Fright Before Christmas Judge Dredd

"The Fright Before Christmas" has been widely praised by comic book readers and critics alike. The story is often cited as one of the best Christmas-themed comics of all time, and has become a fan favorite among Judge Dredd enthusiasts. The artwork is frequently singled out for its detail and realism, while the writing is praised for its sharp dialogue and thrilling plot. 

While "The Fright Before Christmas" is an excellent comic book storyline, some readers may find fault with its somewhat predictable ending. Additionally, some may feel that the story's themes are a bit heavy-handed at times. However, these are relatively minor quibbles that do little to detract from the overall quality of the comic.

0 comments:

Post a Comment

Powered by Blogger.

About the author Jimmy Jangles


My name is Jimmy Jangles, the founder of The Astromech. I have always been fascinated by the world of science fiction, especially the Star Wars universe, and I created this website to share my love for it with fellow fans.

At The Astromech, you can expect to find a variety of articles, reviews, and analysis related to science fiction, including books, movies, TV, and games.
From exploring the latest news and theories to discussing the classics, I aim to provide entertaining and informative content for all fans of the genre.

Whether you are a die-hard Star Trek fan or simply curious about the world of science fiction, The Astromech has something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and join me on this journey through the stars!
Back to Top