Comics

‘A Better World’ - a return to the political origins of Judge Dredd

Writers Rob Williams and Arthur Wyatt and artists Boo Cook, Jake Lynch and Henry Flint create a modern story that pays homage to Wagner and Ezquerra's original idea.

Roberto Hernández

Update: Nov 5th, 2025 04:25 EST

(3.5 stars)

In 1977, two young European creators — John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra — introduced Judge Dredd in issue #2 of the British comic magazine 2000 AD. What began as a dystopian satire of authoritarianism and neoliberal decay in the US and UK quickly became one of the most iconic figures in comic book history.

But Dredd was never meant to be a hero. Inspired by Clint Eastwood’s Dirty Harry (1971), Wagner and Ezquerra envisioned him as a brutal symbol of everything wrong with society: judge, jury, and executioner in a post-nuclear world where survivors were crammed into mega-cities ruled by fear.

Over time, however, the character’s political edge dulled. Readers embraced Dredd’s adventures without the critical lens that once defined him.

‘A Better World’ - a return to the political origins of Judge Dredd

A return to the original vision

Now, Dolmen Editorial is bringing Dredd back to his roots with A Better World — a bold, modern story that channels the original spirit of Wagner and Ezquerra’s creation. Written by Rob Williams (Suicide Squad) and Arthur Wyatt (2000 AD), the narrative draws inspiration from the 2020 murder of George Floyd and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Education vs. enforcement

The story centers on Judge Maitland, who presents a radical idea to Mega City-One’s ruling council: cut funding for law enforcement and invest in education and social programs. The result? Crime rates plummet.

But when her pilot program succeeds, the powers that be conspire to silence her — fearing the disruption of their privileged status. Dredd, ever the enforcer of the law, remains neutral until a crime forces him to act. His intervention, however, doesn’t lead to a happy ending — a sobering reflection of real-world injustice.

Three artists, three styles

The graphic novel unfolds across multiple arcs, each illustrated by a different artist:

Boo Cook (The Weight of a Secret and The Proposal): Known for his digital techniques and vibrant color work, Cook brings a sleek, modern aesthetic.
Jake Lynch (By Force): A regular contributor to the Dredd universe since 2014, Lynch’s angular, elongated figures add tension and grit.
Henry Flint (A Better World): The standout of the trio, Flint’s style evokes peak Frank Miller — detailed, expressive, and kinetic. Influenced by underground comics and manga, his pages pulse with movement and emotion.

A timely political statement

A Better World ranks among the most powerful Judge Dredd stories in recent memory. It reintroduces the political weight the character was built on, tackling themes like media manipulation, fake news, and state-sponsored violence. In today’s climate, its message hits harder than ever.

Book Details

Feature	Description
Writers	Rob Williams, Arthur Wyatt
Artists	Henry Flint, Boo Cook, Jake Lynch
Format	Hardcover
Size	7.9 x 11 inches
Pages	144 (full color)
Release Date	June 26, 2025 (EST)
ISBN	979-13-87689-29-2
Publisher	Dolmen Editorial
Price	$29.95 USD (approx.)