A small, but special exhibition, Dredd @ 45, celebrating the 45th Anniversary of Judge Dredd and 2000AD opens at London’s Cartoon Museum next week, running until April.
The mini-exhibition, which features eight artworks, explores Judge Dredd, one of the world’s most recognisable comic book characters – but one that has been reinterpreted by countless artists over 45 years.
Created by writer John Wagner and artist Carlos Ezquerra, Judge Dredd is the longest-running 2000AD character, first appearing in its second issue in 1977.
Rebellion plans to mark 45 years of groundbreaking comics over the coming weeks with special collections, signing events, and online celebrations.
Dredd @ 45 is an ‘In Focus’ exhibition, that takes a 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.
Judge Dredd by Brett Ewins – a page from the story “Dr Panic”, for the 1979 2000AD Annual 
Judge Dredd by Brian Bolland – a page from the story “Punks Rule”, for 2000AD Prog 110 (1979) 
Judge Dredd by Ron Smith – a page from the story “The Stuoid Gun”, for 2000AD Prog 317 (1983) 
Judge Dredd by Greg Staples – a page from the story “Babes in Arms”, for 2000AD Prog 776 (1992) 
Judge Dredd by Carlos Ezquerra – a page from the story “I Hate Christmas”, for 2000AD Prog 867 (1993) 
Judge Dredd by Greg Staples – a page from the story “The Pack”, for 2000AD Prog 1014 (1996) 
Judge Dredd by John M. Burns – a page from the story “Necrofage”, for Judge Dredd Megazine (2002)
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.
Admission to Dredd @ 45 is included in the museum ticket price, and tickets are available online from cartoonmuseum.org.
“We are excited to showcase one of the most iconic British comic characters of all time,” comments Joe Sullivan, Director of The Cartoon Museum, “charting how the art of Judge Dredd has changed constantly since he first appeared in Prog Two, but how the Judge himself has always stayed the same as he has passed through the pencils of countless incredible artists.
“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 2000AD as ‘sci-fi tech’!
“Working with Rebellion has been a pleasure, and we are thrilled to be part of 2000AD’s 45th anniversary celebrations.”
“It’s been thrilling to see this exhibition come together for our special anniversary year,” says Jason Kingsley OBE, CEO of Rebellion. “As custodians of 2000AD 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.”
• Admission to Dredd @ 45 “In Focus” exhibition, featuring eight artw is included in the museum ticket price, and tickets are available online from cartoonmuseum.org
• Dredd @ 45 opens on Thursday 20th January and runs until 4th April 2022 | The Cartoon Museum, 63 Wells Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1A 3AE | For more information visit cartoonmuseum.org / Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Tel: 020 7580 8155
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.
Categories: 2000AD, British Comics, Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events, Exhibitions
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It would have been useful to know the exhibition only features eight examples of art. I was expecting considerably more.
I’m afraid the information received gave no indication of the number of artworks in the exhibition. I’ve updated the item to indicate this, now. Thank you for telling us.