fakespy87's review
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The art was incredible in this collection of stories. The stories themselves were kind of dumb, but fun, in that pure cheese 90’s schlock way. Being that this was a Judge Dredd crossover, I didn’t really expect much more than that in the storytelling department.
eighthsamurai's review
4.0
5 stars for the artwork - features some of the most memorable and incredible art from my youth by the insanely talented Bisley and Fabry. The stories are a mixed bag in this set, but the Ultimate Riddle and Die Laughing books deserve 5 stars for sure.
ravenousbibliophile's review
4.0
Blurb: When a Knight meets a Paladin, there's property damage.
One of the most entertaining crossovers that I've read in recent times. The best? no. But certainly one of the most entertaining. Being a product of the 90's (which is certainly a very divisive era for comic book readers), the stories do suffer the flaws of over-drawing and/or ridiculous anatomical proportions, but one cannot deny that the artwork looks great and it really captures the essence of the two protagonists, Gotham with it's smokey, mysterious aura and Mega City with it's futuristic design tempered by old-world decay and violence.
In this collection, the only story worth it's salt is 'Die Laughing' featuring the Clown Prince of Crime, Joker. However, one needs to read the previous stories in order to understand the build-up to this one and the previous stories are enjoyable for their dark humor and in particular the interaction between Batman and Judge Dredd which is a full-on macho fest. Admittedly Dredd comes off as more of the 'macho' thug but then again that is why he's the Paladin of the Law. Bravado and an unwavering belief that Law must prevail above all else gives him that air of an unyielding religious zealot. This is why I loved the collection, because I never thought I'd see a character that can make Batman look mild in terms of temperament.
My only gripe with the collection is the final bonus story featuring Lobo. Now there was a story I was really looking forward to reading, however, sadly Lobo and Dredd have a minimal interaction beyond the usual sharing of expletives in a few panels. And that's a shame because for me the art in Lobo/Dredd was by far the best, but that's the way the Lawgiver shoots I suppose.
P.S.: I liked the attention to detail with regards to the language of the characters. They each used their own world's vernacular and rarely (if ever) were there moments where you would think, "Wait a minute, a guy from the 22nd Century wouldn't say something like that."
One of the most entertaining crossovers that I've read in recent times. The best? no. But certainly one of the most entertaining. Being a product of the 90's (which is certainly a very divisive era for comic book readers), the stories do suffer the flaws of over-drawing and/or ridiculous anatomical proportions, but one cannot deny that the artwork looks great and it really captures the essence of the two protagonists, Gotham with it's smokey, mysterious aura and Mega City with it's futuristic design tempered by old-world decay and violence.
In this collection, the only story worth it's salt is 'Die Laughing' featuring the Clown Prince of Crime, Joker. However, one needs to read the previous stories in order to understand the build-up to this one and the previous stories are enjoyable for their dark humor and in particular the interaction between Batman and Judge Dredd which is a full-on macho fest. Admittedly Dredd comes off as more of the 'macho' thug but then again that is why he's the Paladin of the Law. Bravado and an unwavering belief that Law must prevail above all else gives him that air of an unyielding religious zealot. This is why I loved the collection, because I never thought I'd see a character that can make Batman look mild in terms of temperament.
My only gripe with the collection is the final bonus story featuring Lobo. Now there was a story I was really looking forward to reading, however, sadly Lobo and Dredd have a minimal interaction beyond the usual sharing of expletives in a few panels. And that's a shame because for me the art in Lobo/Dredd was by far the best, but that's the way the Lawgiver shoots I suppose.
P.S.: I liked the attention to detail with regards to the language of the characters. They each used their own world's vernacular and rarely (if ever) were there moments where you would think, "Wait a minute, a guy from the 22nd Century wouldn't say something like that."
courtvaderbooks's review
5.0
I adored this comic without a doubt.
Seeing these two clash on thier different viewpoints on how to abide by the law and put criminals in thier place.
If you love Batman and Judge Dredd this is one you should pick up.
Seeing these two clash on thier different viewpoints on how to abide by the law and put criminals in thier place.
If you love Batman and Judge Dredd this is one you should pick up.
sardonic_writer's review
2.0
Bad art and a story that's just not good enough to make it worthwhile. Don't bother.
alanbaxter's review
4.0
A truly great collection in a beautiful hardcover edition. Some of the best artwork anywhere by some of my favourite artists (Simon Bisley, Glenn Fabry, Carl Critchlow). And the stories! Batman and Dredd together - how can you go wrong? Brilliant stuff.
I'm not really sure why the Dredd/Lobo crossover story is included in here. It's a good fun yarn, but Batman isn't in it, so I don't understand why it's in the "Batman Judge Dredd Collection".
I'm not really sure why the Dredd/Lobo crossover story is included in here. It's a good fun yarn, but Batman isn't in it, so I don't understand why it's in the "Batman Judge Dredd Collection".
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