Judge Dredd in focus at the Cartoon Museum

The Cartoon Museum (in London) have announced that a small exhibition "Judge Dredd - In focus" will open a week today (20th January)

John M Burns art from 'Necrofage' Megazine 4.11 (2002)

Running until 24th April the exhibition aims to look at the evolution of Judge Dredd since 1977, and how artistic techniques have changed alongside the character. Dredd has kept the same look throughout, giving an amazing insight into the contrasting styles and techniques of the different artists who have worked on the strip over the past 45 years. In 2022, many of the tools that artists use would have been considered sci-fi by the readers of Dredd in 1977!

 

Brett Ewins, 2000AD annual 1979

From the physical, cut-and-stick techniques utilized in the 1970s, to the crisp lines of the 1980s and the acetate overlays and detailed inking of the 1990s, to the introduction of digital techniques in the 2000s, Judge Dredd has stood steadfast as the world of comic creation has changed around him. Dredd is always different, but always the same.

 

Greg Staples 'Babes in arms' prog 776 (1992)

Dredd @ 45 is included in the museum ticket price, and tickets are available online from cartoonmuseum.org.

Brian Bolland, prog 110 (1979) 'Punks rule'

Joe Sullivan, Director of The Cartoon Museum says:
“We are excited to showcase one of the most iconic British comic characters of all time, charting how the art of Judge Dredd has changed constantly since he first appeared in Prog 2, but how the Judge himself has always stayed the same as he has passed through the pencils of countless incredible artists.

Carlos Ezquerra art, prog 867 (1993) - 'I hate Christmas'

Henry Flint, prog 1014 (1996) - 'The pack'

This exhibition gives a window back in time to see how comic art has changed since Dredd first appeared - undoubtedly many digital tools used regularly by artists now could have easily featured in the pages of a 1970s copy of 2000 AD as ‘sci-fi tech’!

Ron Smith, prog 317 (1983) - 'The stupid gun'

Working with Rebellion has been a pleasure, and we are thrilled to be part of 2000 AD’s 45th anniversary celebrations.”

Tom Foster art for prog 1986

Jason Kingsley OBE, CEO of Rebellion, said:
“It’s been thrilling to see this exhibition come together for our special anniversary year. As custodians of 2000 AD for more than two decades, we’re excited to see the Cartoon Museum focus on Judge Dredd and the artists who have made him come alive for millions of readers over the past forty-five years. Such a showcase will be great opportunity for people to see how such an iconic character has been interpreted over the years but has always remained true to its core identity and look.”

The Cartoon Museum can be found at 63 Wells Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1A 3AE. Tel: 020 7580 8155

The Cartoon Museum champions cartoon and comic art, highlighting its importance to culture and society. Since 2006 it has received 420k visitors, and built a nationally important collection of 4,300 cartoons, comics and caricatures, and a library of 18k items. It runs a well-attended school programme and sell-out school holiday workshops, and over 50k children and adults have attended cartooning, comics and animation workshops at the museum. In 2021 the museum was awarded a Judges Commendation for 'Best Fundraiser' at the Museums & Heritage Awards and was nominated for the British Guild of Travel Writer's 'Best Heritage Project' award.