New Judge Dredd Movie: First Look

By John Freeman on January 12, 2009

(via Rufus Dayglo and I09): 2000AD artist Jock has posted some designs for the new Judge Dredd film online, prompting excitement from fans hoping this time round the movie won’t turn into the disappointment for many of the Sylvester Stallone version (although, considering what Hollywood could have done to it, was it really that bad?).

Jock (aka Mark Simpson) started working 2000AD and Judge Dredd: The Megazine in late 1999; his credits include Judge Dredd strips and Lenny Zero: Mega City Undercover, a character he created with writer Andy Diggle. Winning a National Comic Award for best newcomer in 2001, he’s drawn Andy’s the Eisner award-nominated The Losers, Hellblazer and Green Arrow: Year One for DC Comics, as well as covers for Batman and Detective comics. Nominated for ‘Best Cover Artist’ in the 2006 Eisner Awards, his other credits include work on the Batman Begins film.

“I’m so happy and relieved it’s Jock who’s on board to design this film,” opines fellow artist Rufus Dayglo. “His design ability is outstanding, he truly loves the characters and concept, and he has such a clarity in his art. His work is utterly inspiring.”

• Jock’s Offical Web Site (warning: the site caused some browser crashes when visited)

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.