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Lawless #1
Lawless, Book One: Welcome to Badrock
A FRONTIER TOWN IN THE ASS-END OF NOWHERE ON A FRONTIER PLANET IN THE ASS-END OF THE Welcome to Badrock, where the synthol flows freely, fights break out daily and scavengers bicker over pieces ofscrap found in the war-scarred badlands. Good thing they have a new Colonial Marshall, no-nonsense Metta Lawless, to keep the peace!
Tensions between Meks, Muties, Uplifts and Humans are rife and only she can bring the change that Badrock needs. But for the local branch of ruthless inter-galactic hypercorp, Munce Inc. change is bad for business… How far will they go to protect their investments?
Tensions between Meks, Muties, Uplifts and Humans are rife and only she can bring the change that Badrock needs. But for the local branch of ruthless inter-galactic hypercorp, Munce Inc. change is bad for business… How far will they go to protect their investments?
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 10, 2017
I think I must have a soft spot for space westerns. I still think Firefly is Joss Whedon's best television work, and Serenity is a damn fine movie (I aim to misbehave). But, I'll go so far as to include an old animated series The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers, which I later found out had more than a few science fiction writers on their writing staff.
The above, I argue, is empirical evidence that I might have a bias towards Lawless. Add to that I think Dan Abnett has decent writing chops so it was nice to have my expectations met. And, my expectations, as this tale takes place in the Judge Dredd universe, is that I would have an enjoyable read.
Which this is. It's not a great read, and I can't find my copy of Abnett's earlier Judge Dredd Megazine collection Insurrection which Lawless references. What we do get is a female lead character, yes I believe diversity is good in fiction, but not a ton of characterization.
The lack of characterization can be frustrating. Sometimes the serials in the various Dredd publications don't get picked up after the first collection (Vanguard I'm pointing at you) so the story feels incomplete. No one's fault, just the reality of sales dictating what is published.
Anyway, Marshall Metta Lawson arrives in the colony/frontier town of Badrock and she is the law. She has humans, AI meks, and uplifts (thank you for what I take as an homage to David Brin). Plus, natives that were on the planet before everyone else. Now add to this a money hungry and corrupt corporation that owns the town, much like in the old American West, and there are plenty of elements for action.
The TPB does end on one major cliffhanger (no spoiler provided here) and the unanswered question of who is Lawson remains. The psi-judge who preceded her and is in lock-down for murder says she isn't who she says she is.
The above, I argue, is empirical evidence that I might have a bias towards Lawless. Add to that I think Dan Abnett has decent writing chops so it was nice to have my expectations met. And, my expectations, as this tale takes place in the Judge Dredd universe, is that I would have an enjoyable read.
Which this is. It's not a great read, and I can't find my copy of Abnett's earlier Judge Dredd Megazine collection Insurrection which Lawless references. What we do get is a female lead character, yes I believe diversity is good in fiction, but not a ton of characterization.
The lack of characterization can be frustrating. Sometimes the serials in the various Dredd publications don't get picked up after the first collection (Vanguard I'm pointing at you) so the story feels incomplete. No one's fault, just the reality of sales dictating what is published.
Anyway, Marshall Metta Lawson arrives in the colony/frontier town of Badrock and she is the law. She has humans, AI meks, and uplifts (thank you for what I take as an homage to David Brin). Plus, natives that were on the planet before everyone else. Now add to this a money hungry and corrupt corporation that owns the town, much like in the old American West, and there are plenty of elements for action.
The TPB does end on one major cliffhanger (no spoiler provided here) and the unanswered question of who is Lawson remains. The psi-judge who preceded her and is in lock-down for murder says she isn't who she says she is.
June 1, 2019
It's not my thing by a long shot but it came highly recommended by a book club friend. It's been a big surprise to me how much I enjoyed this.
The art is impressively detailed and expressive. It brilliantly sets the tone for the story and creates a nuanced world that as familiar as it is alien. It's impressive how well Phil Winslade manages to make a black and white image perfectly reflect a time of day or climate.
Storywise, we've got a cross between sci-fi and western that brings the best of both worlds forward with great imagination and even better development.
The art is impressively detailed and expressive. It brilliantly sets the tone for the story and creates a nuanced world that as familiar as it is alien. It's impressive how well Phil Winslade manages to make a black and white image perfectly reflect a time of day or climate.
Storywise, we've got a cross between sci-fi and western that brings the best of both worlds forward with great imagination and even better development.
May 15, 2025
SPACE WESTERN JUDGES!
How could anyone possibly resist?!
This is an absolutely exceptional book. Dan Abnett devotes this entire volume to establishing Badrock and all of the unique and idiosyncratic characters who reside there... setting up story threads and power dynamics dilligently, patiently, and organically. By the end of the book, you're fully committed to the characters as the larger plot starts kicking into gear.
But a BIG part of what makes the book sing is the astonishingly detailed artwork from Phil Winslade! Presented entirely in black-and-white and with scratchy, hand-done pencils and inks, Winslade's deft work turns Badrock into a living, breathing place, filled with tiny details and distinct faces populating every page. The rich, weathered charm of it is undeniable; there don't seem to be any perfectly clean or straight lines in all of Badrock, despite the mechanical environs. It all feels lived-in, in the way that, say, the original Star Wars did.
Though this is clearly meant to be the first chapter in a far larger story, it stands perfectly on its own as a satisfying volume... but I am still champing at the bit to read volume 2!
How could anyone possibly resist?!
This is an absolutely exceptional book. Dan Abnett devotes this entire volume to establishing Badrock and all of the unique and idiosyncratic characters who reside there... setting up story threads and power dynamics dilligently, patiently, and organically. By the end of the book, you're fully committed to the characters as the larger plot starts kicking into gear.
But a BIG part of what makes the book sing is the astonishingly detailed artwork from Phil Winslade! Presented entirely in black-and-white and with scratchy, hand-done pencils and inks, Winslade's deft work turns Badrock into a living, breathing place, filled with tiny details and distinct faces populating every page. The rich, weathered charm of it is undeniable; there don't seem to be any perfectly clean or straight lines in all of Badrock, despite the mechanical environs. It all feels lived-in, in the way that, say, the original Star Wars did.
Though this is clearly meant to be the first chapter in a far larger story, it stands perfectly on its own as a satisfying volume... but I am still champing at the bit to read volume 2!
Read
July 23, 2017A space Western with a very similar premise to Image's Copperhead, and a sequel to Abnett's prior Dreddworld colonial series, Insurrection - neither of which I rate that highly. But this is good fun. Winslade's art definitely helps; most of his credits are in US comics, but especially in black and white (which I'd not realised Lawless was until I opened it) the look of this would have been right at home in the foundational years of Dredd proper. The story leans heavy on the tropes of the hybrid genre - new sheriff in town, dubious businessman, restive natives - but mostly makes them work (though Lawson's own shadowy background gets hammered too hard, too soon). And it all climaxes in the train assault seen on the cover, which is just great straightforward action comics.
September 17, 2018
This one is absolute delight. As said in the foreword this story is sort-of-a-continuation of the Insurrection series. You don't need to know much (or anything to be honest) about Insurrection to follow Lawless but if possible do also check out Insurrection, it is great story on its own.
Lawless stars colonial marshal Metta Lawson assigned to the [very] remote colony world's city of Bedrock that slowly spirals into complete lawlessness. Metta is person that does not fool around but goes straight for jugular. This brings her on direct collision course with the Bedrock de-facto owner's, Munce Inc.
Story is classic western-in-space. You have bad guys and you have good guys and whole bunch of characters in between. Abnett's story is fast paced and dialogues are great.
Art is beautiful, scaling, whole bunch of details on every page, exquisite black-and-white work. Truly awesome, brought me back into days of adventure comic strips of 1980's.
Highly recommended.
Lawless stars colonial marshal Metta Lawson assigned to the [very] remote colony world's city of Bedrock that slowly spirals into complete lawlessness. Metta is person that does not fool around but goes straight for jugular. This brings her on direct collision course with the Bedrock de-facto owner's, Munce Inc.
Story is classic western-in-space. You have bad guys and you have good guys and whole bunch of characters in between. Abnett's story is fast paced and dialogues are great.
Art is beautiful, scaling, whole bunch of details on every page, exquisite black-and-white work. Truly awesome, brought me back into days of adventure comic strips of 1980's.
Highly recommended.
February 21, 2019
Great story, great artwork, great characters
Really enjoyable 2000AD/Mega-city Judges derived story with a decided nod to the frontier western. The star of the show is Judge Metta Lawson, sassy and deadly, she quickly starts to lay down the law and just as quickly becomes embroiled in the possibly nefarious goings-on of the big construction company.
The story is really excellent as is the dense but terrific artwork, drawing you into the dusty and violent frontier town on a far-off planetary colony.
Superb!
Really enjoyable 2000AD/Mega-city Judges derived story with a decided nod to the frontier western. The star of the show is Judge Metta Lawson, sassy and deadly, she quickly starts to lay down the law and just as quickly becomes embroiled in the possibly nefarious goings-on of the big construction company.
The story is really excellent as is the dense but terrific artwork, drawing you into the dusty and violent frontier town on a far-off planetary colony.
Superb!
June 27, 2023
This was a lot of fun, a space western from the pages of 2000AD, the galaxy's greatest comic. The black and white art is highly detailed, a great accompaniment to the retro sci fi story. There's humour, action, aliens, cool hardware and a sexy kick-ass heroine with a mysterious backstory. Best of all is clerk Nerys Pettifer, an adorable sidekick with a love of admin & teddy bears, given to exclamations such as "holy fiddlesticks". Given the rest of the adult language, this is quite refreshing. We dial the cute-ometer up to 11 for Nerys.
I will definitely beback for volume 2.
I will definitely beback for volume 2.
January 18, 2019
I enjoyed this a lot. Feels like part of a larger Abnett created Dredd-iverse which includes Insurrection. Not having read this (yet!) I can’t say if there are direct links, but I have my suspicions..! Winslade’s artwork is a lovely reminder of what a fantastic draughtsman he is and actually improves as the story progresses. Looking forward to reading the sequels and prequels.
November 7, 2024
Excellent story, characters, pacing, art, worldbuilding, and dialogues, and a strong female lead & Bechdel test more than passed, if you care about that... This is what you get with both a skilled storyteller and a great artist at the top of their powers.
I had no previous knowledge whatsoever and I was astounded.
An utter delight.
I had no previous knowledge whatsoever and I was astounded.
An utter delight.
July 17, 2017
As a long time fan of Dredd, The Meg can get pretty damn boring. Which is why Lawless, with its questionable Judge, its avoidance and decline into inevitable violence, and traditional western jettisoned into a space adventure are so damn refreshing.
August 5, 2022
(For the whole series) A really badass female sheriff, charismatic characters, stories resembling those classic westerns we watched in TV when we were children... and, above all, an amazing black & white art.
April 9, 2023
Too notch stuff. Great writing and art. It's got action, twists and turns and some super characters. Pettifer is a highlight but hoping for more Kill-a-man in book 2.
Would have been five stars but the ending is a set-up for book 2 which leaves it kind of unsatisfying.
Would have been five stars but the ending is a set-up for book 2 which leaves it kind of unsatisfying.
April 14, 2022
Slow start, but becomes better as you read it.
More readable then some of the early Judge Dredd comics.
More readable then some of the early Judge Dredd comics.
June 24, 2022
Dan Abnett just is a master story teller who uses beautifully English language. A really good space western with great art. In this edition, there was nothing wrong.
May 31, 2025
fantastic and great paced space western set in the Dredd-Verse by Dan Abnett. I'm looking forward to reading book two.
June 2, 2025
Just a good fun wild west story in the far future...
August 10, 2025
And the series ends with a Megazine back-up whimper that doesn’t feature Dredd. The art’s nice, so that’s something.
April 20, 2020
I started collecting Judge Dredd Magazine a from issue 400, and Lawless was in it. I immediately took to the story and art style. However, it was obvious that there were was a story before issue 400. A little search directed me to issue 90 of the Mega Collection - which i had collected from the beginning, but had not read much of.
It was great to the see the art was the same, and the story built up. The pacing was just right for me, with a cast of characters i enjoy. Yes, they may be a little cookie cutter in some areas, but i like it.
It was great to the see the art was the same, and the story built up. The pacing was just right for me, with a cast of characters i enjoy. Yes, they may be a little cookie cutter in some areas, but i like it.
July 26, 2019
No Dredd or Anderson but still a tough as nails yarn with a new kind of world. Very sci-fi western where there is a new sheriff in town scenario.
But is she all that she appears...
Violent and pacey just shows you can have fun off world.
But is she all that she appears...
Violent and pacey just shows you can have fun off world.
May 13, 2018
15/20.
July 22, 2018
Very enjoyable Dredd world riff on old time frontier westerns.
January 14, 2019
Excellent comic but seems odd to finish a 90 volume set with an unfinished story? Maybe they want you to go find the comics they've missed now.
August 26, 2018
Pretty undistinguished. The art was good but hard on the eyes - all black on white ink, it can sometimes be a strain. But expression, design and action were good.
The writing is also perfunctory but not much of anything. It is just a space western, and I’ve seen and enjoyed these before. This was no exception but it added nothing.
I think the problem may be Dan Abnett doesn’t read enough or have enough familiarity with Dredd.
In his introduction, he may be playing the fool as an inducement for readers to buy the book or he may genuinely be clueless. But even with my weak familiarity with Dredd I can see where he’s wrong. He says his story Insurrection, to which this is a semi-sequel, was controversial because it presented the Judges as bad guys and without the veil of humour and satire which cushioned them. One of the most famous Dredd stories is “America”, a bleak love story with the judges as outright villains and little to no humour. Some would argue it is the key Judge Dredd story.
As for this being a space western in the Dreddverse, Abnett clearly hasn’t read the excellent Missionary Man series which followed a Texas Judge on his long walk in the cursed earth and played like Clint Eastwood on crack. It was great.
The writing is also perfunctory but not much of anything. It is just a space western, and I’ve seen and enjoyed these before. This was no exception but it added nothing.
I think the problem may be Dan Abnett doesn’t read enough or have enough familiarity with Dredd.
In his introduction, he may be playing the fool as an inducement for readers to buy the book or he may genuinely be clueless. But even with my weak familiarity with Dredd I can see where he’s wrong. He says his story Insurrection, to which this is a semi-sequel, was controversial because it presented the Judges as bad guys and without the veil of humour and satire which cushioned them. One of the most famous Dredd stories is “America”, a bleak love story with the judges as outright villains and little to no humour. Some would argue it is the key Judge Dredd story.
As for this being a space western in the Dreddverse, Abnett clearly hasn’t read the excellent Missionary Man series which followed a Texas Judge on his long walk in the cursed earth and played like Clint Eastwood on crack. It was great.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews