13: Raider

Another story from Garth Ennis, and one that I really quite liked. Ennis's tendencies towards melodrama and overly dramatic dialogue actually work well when applied to a more "noir" format, and when Dredd is a bit more in the background. I've pointed out before (and will no doubt tackle it again) that Ennis's almost hero-worship of Dredd is a bit uncomfortable at times, but in creating the flawed character of Karl Raider he's able to shift the focus to the flaws of the Justice Department.

The legal and justice angle of the Judge Dredd series lends itself to telling noir-based tales, and all of the tropes are hit on here. The misanthropic hero hated by both criminals and the law, the mob boss, the past lover, the questionable approach to women. But as usual with elements intruding into the world of Dredd - Dredd always wins. He's a more limited presence here, but there's some interesting looks back to his time at the Academy with Rico, and Karl.

The only thing that doesn't really work here is how women are used as fairly cliched props to serve the story. Not only Raider's past flame that has left him all gloomy, but Judge Lola Palmtree (who is given a really striking look by artist John Burns) who is used as a prop by both Dredd and Raider. Yes, this was written a long time ago but it stands out like a sore thumb now.

But all in all I was a little surprised how much Raider rattled along and was enjoyable. Ennis is demonstrably capable of writing great things, and he's able to demonstrate a strong approach to a particular style here.