



It's not like Judge Dredd is known for sensitive policing policy. He's never been on a course for race relations, sexual awareness or cultural empathy. But there are certain lines of police brutality he's never been known to cross.

But, with such events back in the headlines, it seems that this is the right time to do so.

A new 2000AD three-part story by Judge Dredd co-creator John Wagner and artist Patrick Goddard that began this week called 'The Beating'. There are spoilers for the first two parts below.

The story begins with Dredd attacking member of a gang for talking back to him.

His reaction is brutal – and doesn't stop.

Until…

Of course the event was filmed on local streetcams and Dredd is confronted with the evidence.

Of course it doesn't end with an internal review.

The footage is then released city-wide. The citizens are appalled that, even in a city where the Judges rule with an iron fist, the most famous lawman of them is a cold blooded murderer.

Wagner uses Dredd to take a hard look at the increasing number of incidents involving the US police being brought into the public eye, examining the reaction and the relationship between the public and their erstwhile protectors.

Keen observers may notice a reference to Dredd being high, was he under the influence? Could this be a fake Dredd and he the real Dredd is taking the rap for an unknown reason? Could it all be a faked exercise to root out corruption within the system?

Or are we moving into a new phase for Judge Dredd, where he actually is going down the route of a murdering policeman, no longer restrained by his precious Law?

All is to be revealed…













