An action-packed graphic novel, which explores Dredd's family, including the future lawman's relationship with his clone Rico and the return of the original Rico's daughter, Vienna. Here, family intrigue and relationships are set against the turbulent and crime-ridden backdrop of Mega-City One.

2006-05-26 Good solid Dredd but a bit piecemeal

What we have here are several stories put together around the rather tenuous theme of 'Dredd's family'. Dredd taking the second Rico out as a cadet, Rico2 in his early days on the streets, Rico2 moving into Rowdy Yates, Rico2 taking another clone cadet out, Dredd with Vienna. So there's plenty of Dredd introspection, mortality questions, reflection on past mistakes and general ground work by the writers for the day when Dredd is finally retired or killed off. Again.

It's solid enough material, it draws in several artists and writers and gives a good blend of styles, it's as witty as ever, it's great for the average Dredd reader who might not have read the full 2000AD back catalogue - but the lack of a start/middle/end to the overall flow makes it feel a bit patchwork, a little bitty and unsatisfactory.

But even a slightly below par Dredd is still worth 4 out of 5. And a big hoorah for Rebellion for continuing to put this kind of material out there in a quality format. Long may it continue.