Review Tuesday: Mars Attacks Judge Dredd by Ewing, McCrea, and Staples

It appears that IDW has been busy working with various properties and putting together crossovers that you might never expected, like this one...

Mars Attacks Judge Dredd 

by Al Ewing, John McCrea, and Greg Staples 

The Martian mayhem overtakes Mega-City One! During the annual meeting of the Mega-City Mafia, a new boss makes a play for power thanks to a mysterious benefactor. Meanwhile, Judge Dredd conducts a routine bust that turns out to be anything but when he makes a shocking (and disgusting) discovery!

When I saw the promotional cover art for the four issue series, it struck me as funny and clever enough to pique my interest. I purchased all four in hard copy and even ordered it in digital format so I can read it without damaging my pages. Yeah, I'm old school. 

Since I have been reading Dredd from the very beginning recently, I am more familiar with the older adventures. There were many epics, but there were plenty of small, petty crime type tales. When MARS ATTACKS JUDGE DREDD started from the organized crime angle, it didn't phase me. Martians were introduced as strong-arms in power struggles around the world. Once they get their part of the job done they booby trap the cities they are in, then MARS ATTACKS! 

The story is fun and quick. It's somewhat lighthearted, but there are definitely some dark patches in there. For instance, Dredd kills a terrified martian that's trying to surrender to him. I didn't really feel that cold blooded murder was something that Dredd does, but that's just me. 

The artwork is very good. Story moves along. Action packed. A fan of Old Stoney Face might appreciate this crossover.

Get it on Amazon:
Digital
Hardcopy