Judge Dredd Progs 2174-2175: Hair of the Dog

Judge Dredd progs 2174-2175 is one wild ride.

In a wacky sci-fi story with molecular decompression spurring on a deadly mystery, we find Dredd in quite a precarious position as he teams up with Investigator Balzari to take down his former partner.

There is an interesting pace that starts to flow in these progs that feels like a Rick and Morty episode come to life on the pages of a Dredd book. There are twists and turns that you really just can’t see coming, and the story is all the better for it. It’s a bit on the lighthearted side and knows how to have fun with the whimsical concept, which helps to result in an enjoyable story overall. It’s hard not to have a good time with this one.

The artwork is going to be jarring for some, let’s just get that out of the way. I wasn’t sure what to think in the first few panels, but something special happens rather quickly. The writing and visuals synchronize in such a great way, accentuating one another to help everything succeed. There is motion and a unique dynamic at play in the artwork that is benefited from the absolutely out-there narrative decisions. This type of artwork won’t work with just any type of story in my opinion, but in Hair of the Dog it excels in all the right ways.

There really isn’t much of a learning process for Dredd in this one as he is mostly embroiled in a mystery that was long ongoing before he came into the picture. This creates yet again a more reactionary Dredd as other characters serve as the catalyst to push the story forward, but it’s still good fun. Dredd’s steadfastness helps to give the story some type of stakes and his stern attitude is a welcome reprieve from the insanity.

Ultimately, Hair of the Dog in Judge Dredd progs 2174-2175 is a story that will undoubtedly entertain, but it might not be your all-time favorite Dredd story. It’s a fun idea that doesn’t overstay its welcome by any means at just two progs long, so be sure to check it out!