John Wagner Discusses 35 Years of Judge Dredd

**CBR News** · 07-31-2012, 11:58 AM

The co-creator of "Judge Dredd" John Wagner discusses 35 years of writing the iconic 2000 AD character, how he and the judge differ politically, aging the character in real time, his thoughts on the new film and more.

Full article here.

**Rumblecat** · 07-31-2012, 12:05 PM

Fantastic writer. And still kept up the quality over the years. It's amazing when you look at the characters he's either created or had a big influence on the creation of... Judge Dredd, Robo Hunter, Strotium Dog, Ace Truckin', Bogie Man... still got fond memories of Doomlord in Eagle as well. Great stuff. Pat Mills and his version of Dan Dare blew my mind as a kid with the whole reveal of how Dare had travelled through time and even found his own grave stone... is that collected anywhere, I'd love to read it again.

**The Adventurer** · 07-31-2012, 12:20 PM

Originally Posted by Rumblecat

Fantastic writer. And still kept up the quality over the years. It's amazing when you look at the characters he's either created or had a big influence on the creation of... Judge Dredd, Robo Hunter, Strotium Dog, Ace Truckin', Bogie Man... still got fond memories of Doomlord in Eagle as well. Great stuff. Pat Mills and his version of Dan Dare blew my mind as a kid with the whole reveal of how Dare had travelled through time and even found his own grave stone... is that collected anywhere, I'd love to read it again.

Its my understanding that the 2000 AD Dan Dare has never been reprinted, and sort of stuck in rights limbo. But I have heard rumors that Rebellion might be negotiating with the Dan Dare rights holders to get them into print some how. So... maybe someday?

As for John Wagner, guy's an astonishing writer with an amazing track record. What he does on Judge Dredd is nothing short of phenomenal.

**Congo Jack** · 07-31-2012, 01:27 PM

Originally Posted by John Wagner

"Button Man" has been optioned by DreamWorks. Recently they announced that Nicolas Winding Refn would be at the helm. I'm very excited about that; he's just right for it.

He's perfect for it. I really hope that movie gets made.

**Boabie** · 07-31-2012, 01:58 PM

Interesting article. Had the pleasure of listening to Wagner at a recent con and he's just as self-deprecating and likeable in real life.

One gripe: Why do Americans think the UK only includes England? "In England, however, he is synonymous with his most famous creation: Judge Dredd."

It was sold in Wales, Scotland and I presume N. Ireland, too.

**Karl Cook** · 07-31-2012, 02:03 PM

Congratulations, Mr. Wagner. I've been an avid Judge Dredd reader since 1980 and that's mainly down to the work of Dredd's co-creator.

**Karl Cook** · 07-31-2012, 02:05 PM

Originally Posted by Rumblecat

Fantastic writer. And still kept up the quality over the years. It's amazing when you look at the characters he's either created or had a big influence on the creation of... Judge Dredd, Robo Hunter, Strotium Dog, Ace Truckin', Bogie Man... still got fond memories of Doomlord in Eagle as well.

I heartily endorse this post.

**The Adventurer** · 07-31-2012, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by Boabie

Interesting article. Had the pleasure of listening to Wagner at a recent con and he's just as self-deprecating and likeable in real life.

One gripe: Why do Americans think the UK only includes England? "In England, however, he is synonymous with his most famous creation: Judge Dredd."

It was sold in Wales, Scotland and I presume N. Ireland, too.

I think most Americans just assume England = Great Britain. Even if its technically wrong.

**Judge-Sergeant-Marron** · 07-31-2012, 03:25 PM

Coincidentally I just finished his Darkie's Mob - The Secret War of Joe Darkie today, and am convinced that this man is one of the most underappreciated guys in the comics biz! I absolutely adore his sense of humour too, seems like a really down-to-earth fella.

**Johnny P. Sartre** · 07-31-2012, 03:37 PM

Originally Posted by Boabie

Interesting article. Had the pleasure of listening to Wagner at a recent con and he's just as self-deprecating and likeable in real life.

One gripe: Why do Americans think the UK only includes England? "In England, however, he is synonymous with his most famous creation: Judge Dredd."

It was sold in Wales, Scotland and I presume N. Ireland, too.

We have crappy geography skills.

**fredmanson** · 08-01-2012, 01:52 AM

USA + geography = crap!! The Masters of the Stupidity. the Muties of The Cursed Earth are much more intelligent than you!!! Freaks.

UK (United Kingdom) = England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

2000 AD = sold worldwide where available (even in Australia!!!). Why the US readers are so "close-mined" on "It's British, so it's only sold there"?? Dummkopf...

You want to discover Judge Dredd and all the characters of The Greatest Galaxy's Comic ever? Take an International subscription or ask your LCS to order them.

John Wagner = my Writing Master... Ooh, Great Master. May You Still Be Blessed By The Glorious Light Of The Mighty Tharg.

Carlos Ezquerra = my Art Master... Ooh, Great Master. May You Still Be Blessed By The Glorious Light Of The Mighty Tharg.

Lawgiver MkII = the gun you, dummkopf US citizens, will know soon very well if you continue to be so stupid. I will decapsulate your heads with Hi-Ex. That's sure. Perps.

And if you dare to ask, I Am Judge MANSON from Europa-City. Creeps.

Now, move. Meetings on roads are forbidden. Report to your main gate block's office. You are sentenced to stay enclosed for 4 weeks. Any prosecutors will be sentenced to death with immediate execution. Resyk fees are on your charge. Have a good day, citizens. Grud.

**sauchieboy** · 08-01-2012, 10:05 AM

Anyone reading his fulsome praise for DNA's efforts and wondering whether it's showbiz spin, and who is unaware of Wagner's fearsome reputation for plain-speaking and honesty, should note his reply to the interviewer's irksome questions concerning the comic's future- 'buy a subscription and find out for yourself'.

The man's a legend.