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Judge Dredd: The Pit
Another epic saga featuring Britain's home-grown superhero Judge Dredd. When Judge Dredd is sent to take over as chief of Sector 01 in the isolated North-West Hab Zone, it's an unwelcome posting for him and his new charges.
200 pages, Paperback
First published December 11, 2008
6 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
John Wagner
1,285 books190 followersJohn Wagner is a comics writer who was born in Pennsylvania in 1949 and moved to Scotland as a boy. Alongside Pat Mills, Wagner was responsible for revitalising British boys' comics in the 1970s, and has continued to be a leading light in British comics ever since. He is best known for his work on 2000 AD, for which he created Judge Dredd. He is noted for his taut, violent thrillers and his black humour. Among his pseudonyms are The best known are John Howard, T.B. Grover, Mike Stott, Keef Ripley, Rick Clark and Brian Skuter. (Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 18, 2021
Judge Dredd is probably my favorite comic series, and The Pit is likewise likely to be my favorite of the comic.
Dredd is put in charge of the worst drekhole in the whole city. A whole new situation for him, one he dislikes and isn't prepared to deal with - and one that allows us to see him under a new light, develop his character a little, even allow him personal growth he wouldn't have gotten out of just another day out there on the streets. It also grants far more room to the side characters, the local Judges, their challenges and story arcs, their personal failings and triumphs.
And I love these guys. They're well-written, personable, and sympathetic (or at least hateable), and the story gets a lot out of each of them in spite of the relatively large cast and little time allowed for each of them. You've got your corrupt Judges of course, trying to avoid the law coming to them; a crazy hanging cop, tired of letting creeps get off the hook; an undercover man suspected of murder and on the run; a young Judge at odds with his homeless wastrel of a father; clandestine lovers forced to examine their lives and relationship; a meathead that hates Dredd at first but comes around; a drug-user; and Judge Giant the second, graduated youngest ever and ready to make his daddy proud. Even the primary antagonist - a small-time crime lord - is entertaining and occasionally threatening.
It's one of those smaller storylines, providing action, tension, and drama on a small scale. Truth be told, I never was the fan for the big city-shaking events, the ones where millions die and everything is forever altered: you get tired of the end of the world when it happens the fifth time around. All the potentially interesting characters get lost in those. Here, though, we get to see some good old-fashioned Judging, meet a bunch of new characters to like (some of whom become regulars), and even witness it all turn into a siege in the end - the whole city isn't hanging on the balance, sure, but the stakes are just high enough to grip you until it's done. We get to see a terrible wretched hive being fixed up and turned into a much better place: one very rare instance of Mega-City One being better rather than worse at the end of a story.
Well worth a read, even if you've never read Judge Dredd before.
Dredd is put in charge of the worst drekhole in the whole city. A whole new situation for him, one he dislikes and isn't prepared to deal with - and one that allows us to see him under a new light, develop his character a little, even allow him personal growth he wouldn't have gotten out of just another day out there on the streets. It also grants far more room to the side characters, the local Judges, their challenges and story arcs, their personal failings and triumphs.
And I love these guys. They're well-written, personable, and sympathetic (or at least hateable), and the story gets a lot out of each of them in spite of the relatively large cast and little time allowed for each of them. You've got your corrupt Judges of course, trying to avoid the law coming to them; a crazy hanging cop, tired of letting creeps get off the hook; an undercover man suspected of murder and on the run; a young Judge at odds with his homeless wastrel of a father; clandestine lovers forced to examine their lives and relationship; a meathead that hates Dredd at first but comes around; a drug-user; and Judge Giant the second, graduated youngest ever and ready to make his daddy proud. Even the primary antagonist - a small-time crime lord - is entertaining and occasionally threatening.
It's one of those smaller storylines, providing action, tension, and drama on a small scale. Truth be told, I never was the fan for the big city-shaking events, the ones where millions die and everything is forever altered: you get tired of the end of the world when it happens the fifth time around. All the potentially interesting characters get lost in those. Here, though, we get to see some good old-fashioned Judging, meet a bunch of new characters to like (some of whom become regulars), and even witness it all turn into a siege in the end - the whole city isn't hanging on the balance, sure, but the stakes are just high enough to grip you until it's done. We get to see a terrible wretched hive being fixed up and turned into a much better place: one very rare instance of Mega-City One being better rather than worse at the end of a story.
Well worth a read, even if you've never read Judge Dredd before.
July 20, 2013
Corruption, intrigue, and hard choices for the Judges of Sector House 301 when Dredd is tasked with cleaning out the vermin.
Plays out like a Carpenter film crossed with the intrigue of a typical Game of Thrones episode, as secrets are uncovered, Judge betrays Judge, and everyone's true colours are revealed in the stark face of Dredd's helmet.
Plays out like a Carpenter film crossed with the intrigue of a typical Game of Thrones episode, as secrets are uncovered, Judge betrays Judge, and everyone's true colours are revealed in the stark face of Dredd's helmet.
August 6, 2021
Solid Dredd longform serial that sees Old Stoneface assigned to clean up a Sector House used as a dumpojg for ground for incompetent and corrupt Judges. Occasionally let down by some clunky writing and the lack of a decent villain. We do get Demarco, though.
August 20, 2023
A Gripping Descent into Law and Chaos
Judge Dredd: The Pit (Paperback) by John Wagner offers readers an intense and uncompromising journey into the dystopian world of Mega-City One. With its dark themes, complex characters, and exploration of societal decay, this graphic novel showcases the harsh realities of law enforcement and survival.
Wagner's storytelling paints a bleak and dangerous picture of Mega-City One, where law enforcement officers must navigate the complexities of crime and corruption. The noir atmosphere of the city serves as a backdrop for the clash of morality and desperation that drives the narrative.
The protagonist, Judge Dredd, emerges as a relentless and unwavering enforcer of the law. His journey through the perils of The Pit showcases the resilience and determination required to maintain order in a city teetering on the edge of chaos. The supporting cast adds depth to the story, highlighting the varied motivations and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters.
The graphic novel's plot is a tense and multilayered exploration of law enforcement, crime, and the pursuit of power. Wagner masterfully weaves together plot threads that revolve around corruption, rebellion, and the blurred lines between legality and morality. The story's gripping momentum keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
Wagner's writing style is raw and unfiltered, reflecting the harsh realities of the dystopian world. The dialogue is sharp and straightforward, conveying the urgency of the characters' actions and decisions. The graphic novel's use of visual storytelling enhances the impact of its themes, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the gritty cityscape.
When compared to other graphic novels in the dystopian genre, Judge Dredd: The Pit (Paperback) stands out for its focus on law enforcement and the ethics of justice within a decaying society. While other works may prioritize action or spectacle, this graphic novel excels in its nuanced examination of authority, morality, and the consequences of unchecked power.
In conclusion, Judge Dredd: The Pit (Paperback) is an intense and captivating graphic novel that delves into the complexities of law enforcement and survival in a dystopian future. John Wagner's compelling characters and unflinching storytelling create a narrative that is both relevant and emotionally charged. Readers seeking a graphic novel that challenges their perceptions and prompts reflection will find this work an impactful and memorable read.
Judge Dredd: The Pit (Paperback) by John Wagner offers readers an intense and uncompromising journey into the dystopian world of Mega-City One. With its dark themes, complex characters, and exploration of societal decay, this graphic novel showcases the harsh realities of law enforcement and survival.
Wagner's storytelling paints a bleak and dangerous picture of Mega-City One, where law enforcement officers must navigate the complexities of crime and corruption. The noir atmosphere of the city serves as a backdrop for the clash of morality and desperation that drives the narrative.
The protagonist, Judge Dredd, emerges as a relentless and unwavering enforcer of the law. His journey through the perils of The Pit showcases the resilience and determination required to maintain order in a city teetering on the edge of chaos. The supporting cast adds depth to the story, highlighting the varied motivations and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters.
The graphic novel's plot is a tense and multilayered exploration of law enforcement, crime, and the pursuit of power. Wagner masterfully weaves together plot threads that revolve around corruption, rebellion, and the blurred lines between legality and morality. The story's gripping momentum keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
Wagner's writing style is raw and unfiltered, reflecting the harsh realities of the dystopian world. The dialogue is sharp and straightforward, conveying the urgency of the characters' actions and decisions. The graphic novel's use of visual storytelling enhances the impact of its themes, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the gritty cityscape.
When compared to other graphic novels in the dystopian genre, Judge Dredd: The Pit (Paperback) stands out for its focus on law enforcement and the ethics of justice within a decaying society. While other works may prioritize action or spectacle, this graphic novel excels in its nuanced examination of authority, morality, and the consequences of unchecked power.
In conclusion, Judge Dredd: The Pit (Paperback) is an intense and captivating graphic novel that delves into the complexities of law enforcement and survival in a dystopian future. John Wagner's compelling characters and unflinching storytelling create a narrative that is both relevant and emotionally charged. Readers seeking a graphic novel that challenges their perceptions and prompts reflection will find this work an impactful and memorable read.
April 18, 2022
I only got this audiobook because Joseph Fiennes plays Judge Dredd in this audiobook version. I was skeptical because how can a graphic novel be an audiobook? But it was awesome! Like listening to those old time radio programs that were like listening to a movie (think War of the Worlds.)
I had no idea of the backstory or what a lot of things meant but it was entertaining to listen to. I wouldn't mind listening to similar books this way, with sound effects and a barrage of actors. Very fun! And Joseph Fiennes was well worth it. :)
I had no idea of the backstory or what a lot of things meant but it was entertaining to listen to. I wouldn't mind listening to similar books this way, with sound effects and a barrage of actors. Very fun! And Joseph Fiennes was well worth it. :)
November 25, 2023
An OK Dredd tale.
I listened to the audio version which was at times difficult to follow – insufficient audial cues.
Also, I’m not sure that the Morgan Freeman-sound-a-like narrator helped a lot. I kept imagining the action was taking place in Shawshank Prison -surreal to imagine, and a distraction.
My takeaway memory of the story will be the gloriously named John Prescott block, which is only mentioned in passing. The old comic strip used to satirise current affairs this way, so I wondered if this was written when back in the 90’s when ‘things could only get better’?
I listened to the audio version which was at times difficult to follow – insufficient audial cues.
Also, I’m not sure that the Morgan Freeman-sound-a-like narrator helped a lot. I kept imagining the action was taking place in Shawshank Prison -surreal to imagine, and a distraction.
My takeaway memory of the story will be the gloriously named John Prescott block, which is only mentioned in passing. The old comic strip used to satirise current affairs this way, so I wondered if this was written when back in the 90’s when ‘things could only get better’?
April 4, 2021
This was a solid two hours of entertainment. Two short runs on audio saw me finish it, a fly on the wall narrative, telling the story of the eradication of corruption with the Pit. Dredd taking up position as a supervisor opposed to the deliver of the Law.
A nice look at real world working conditions within Mega City One. Im going to look to picking up more in the series, an easy and unorthodox method of reading a graphic novel.
The world keeps changing and so do I.
A nice look at real world working conditions within Mega City One. Im going to look to picking up more in the series, an easy and unorthodox method of reading a graphic novel.
The world keeps changing and so do I.
January 9, 2024
A really solid Dredd story arc. Dredd is installed as sector Chief of an underperforming region on the outer edge of Mega City One with the task of cleaning it up. In the face of low Judge moral, a lower quality of Judge to work with, overt corruption, and untouchable crime bosses, the cleanup required is significant.
The characters are excellent, and I hope some turn up in future stories.
The characters are excellent, and I hope some turn up in future stories.
September 22, 2024
John Wagner doing long-form street-level stories of pure sci-fi crime drama, if you know you know, but he really is criminally underappreciated, it sometimes seems.
February 12, 2014
A Great Judge Dredd War Drama
The Pit is an exciting tale of Judge Dredd's time as Sector Chief of Sector House 301, a dumping ground for black sheep judges known as the "Pit". Everything from bent judges to mob wars is in here. Everything you would expect from Judge Dredd himself! See the first meeting and discover the background of the beautiful and faithful Judge Gale DeMarco. Learn about the life in a sector house in this amazing, action-packed graphic novel that can only be a Judge Dredd classic.
The Pit is an exciting tale of Judge Dredd's time as Sector Chief of Sector House 301, a dumping ground for black sheep judges known as the "Pit". Everything from bent judges to mob wars is in here. Everything you would expect from Judge Dredd himself! See the first meeting and discover the background of the beautiful and faithful Judge Gale DeMarco. Learn about the life in a sector house in this amazing, action-packed graphic novel that can only be a Judge Dredd classic.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews