"Frankenstein II"
Mega City One Year: 2099
Published 2nd April 1977, 2000ad Prog: 6 (The Complete Judge Dredd 1, Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 01)
Parts: 1
Written by Malcolm Shaw
Illustrated by Mike McMahon
Letters by Tony Jacob
Synopsis
Illegal transplant surgery mastermind Frankenstein II is having bodies stolen to fulfil the wishes of the rich. As Dredd witnesses an ambulance hijack but appears to ignore it, he instead utilises Justice Department’s city cameras to track the stolen ambulance to the source - Frankenstein’s base of operations.
Dredd locates the base via a hidden wall and immediately takes down the hijackers with his bike cannon. Frankenstein II attempts to bribe Dredd with physical improvements to prolong his life, but Dredd rebuffs him with a bribe charge. Frankenstein II then attempts to distract Dredd with a blast of light from above, but due to Dredd’s helmet it is ineffective. Frankenstein II ultimately surrenders. But Dredd isn’t finished, as he approaches Frankenstein II’s patient in progress and charges him also - with the improvements he was receiving as stolen goods.
Another brief catch-the-criminal tale that also reveals more about the procedures and powers that Justice Department wield to keep crime off the streets. Excellently paced, the story is mapped and scripted in pretty much the first page and a half, leaving the rest as pure action to enjoy. We also see another use for judges to wear helmets other than protection and intimidation as the light attack is quickly repelled. There really isn’t much more to say than that - let the panels tell the story and enjoy the ride!
Line of the strip: “Five onto one eh? But my bike will even those odds!"
Be back next time citizens for “The Statue of Judgement”
