"Robot Wars Part 6”
Mega City One Year: 2099
Published 4th June 1977, 2000ad Prog: 15 (The Complete Judge Dredd 1 and Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 01.)
Parts: 8
Written by John WagnerArtist: Mike McMahonLetters: John Aldrich
Synopsis
With Dredd freed by Walter the Wobot, a group of just three rebellious robots are introduced to Dredd. One however has in their possession the programming circuit Call-Me-Kenneth used to grow and sustain his obedient robot army. Dredd reaches the master computer and installs a new program so all new robots will be obedient to humans. This turns the robot war into a robot civil war, and Dredd’s assistance leads to victory against Call-Me-Kenneth’s army. However, Dredd then receives a call from the Grand Judge to inform Dredd that Call-Me-Kenneth and a squad of Heavy Metal Kids are attacking Justice Department directly, with Call-Me-Kenneth going after the Chief Judge personally….
Review
Inconsistent art and designs within a contained story of just a few episodes can feel a little disjointed, but it’s good to have McMahon back for this one. Since the initially excellent yet destroyed Ezquerra Call-Me-Kenneth, McMahon’s looks the most imposing and defined. You’ll note in the synopsis reference to the Grand Judge and Chief Judge….because this happens in the strip. Anyone familiar with Dredd will know the top dog in Justice Department is the Chief Judge, so we’ll see how long it takes for that to stick.
Reintroducing the Heavy Metal Kids works like the reemergence of a boss in a video game, we’re already aware that they are tough to beat head on, plus it brings proceedings full circle to Justice Department. The endgame is near….
Line of the strip - Dredd: "You and the other wobots… Heck! You’ve got me at it now!"
Be back next time citizens for “Robot Wars - Part 7!”
