6 reviews
"Judge Dredd: Superfiend" takes a short and welcome abstract look at the story of Judge Sydney from his sadistic childhood, to his equally sadistic adulthood and further development into Judge Death.
Superfiend has an underlying premise which is important to understand; it is grotesque in every way. It is based on the idea of the grotesque, and shows this in both its narrative, narrative structure and animation style. Its point is less to show an in depth look at the story of Judge Death from a perspective of lore, and more to show the universe of Dredd in a style that fits the horrid nature of the comics. The story of Judge Sydney provides a perfectly morbid backdrop for exploring the disgusting nature of 2000 AD in a way only animation can truly accomplish, showing the development of an entity that juxtaposes Judge Dredd as a view of chaos not order.
This harbours an interesting middle ground between fan development and official lore, and the nature of amateur film and professional film, as well as an interesting middle ground for Dredd fans, providing a perspective of Judge Death in, as stated, an artistic way, allowing the audience to grow a mix of hatred and admiration for this villain-protagonist, and reflecting well how the comics wanted Death to be seen. Its interesting to see what, in the naturally abominable universe of Dredd, is considered truly evil, and I feel that this piece does a good job in showing the nature of Death through its visual and narrative style.
I would say, however, that scenes are overly short and lack pacing, leading to a bit of a jittery overall narrative. Some of the animation can, at times, clearly be seen as amateur and while it is certainly enjoyable, I would desperately like it to be longer. It took me a while to understand what was happening at some parts, as well as questioning the appearance of some characters which are not at all explained. It confused me more than anything on the first viewing, and I found that to fully appreciate the story, you need to have some preconceived knowledge of the lore of Judge Death. In this way, I feel it does let down the average casual viewer, and is far more directed at those who already enjoy the universe of Judge Dredd, designed more to give them a new perspective, rather than an in depth story.
Superfiend has an underlying premise which is important to understand; it is grotesque in every way. It is based on the idea of the grotesque, and shows this in both its narrative, narrative structure and animation style. Its point is less to show an in depth look at the story of Judge Death from a perspective of lore, and more to show the universe of Dredd in a style that fits the horrid nature of the comics. The story of Judge Sydney provides a perfectly morbid backdrop for exploring the disgusting nature of 2000 AD in a way only animation can truly accomplish, showing the development of an entity that juxtaposes Judge Dredd as a view of chaos not order.
This harbours an interesting middle ground between fan development and official lore, and the nature of amateur film and professional film, as well as an interesting middle ground for Dredd fans, providing a perspective of Judge Death in, as stated, an artistic way, allowing the audience to grow a mix of hatred and admiration for this villain-protagonist, and reflecting well how the comics wanted Death to be seen. Its interesting to see what, in the naturally abominable universe of Dredd, is considered truly evil, and I feel that this piece does a good job in showing the nature of Death through its visual and narrative style.
I would say, however, that scenes are overly short and lack pacing, leading to a bit of a jittery overall narrative. Some of the animation can, at times, clearly be seen as amateur and while it is certainly enjoyable, I would desperately like it to be longer. It took me a while to understand what was happening at some parts, as well as questioning the appearance of some characters which are not at all explained. It confused me more than anything on the first viewing, and I found that to fully appreciate the story, you need to have some preconceived knowledge of the lore of Judge Death. In this way, I feel it does let down the average casual viewer, and is far more directed at those who already enjoy the universe of Judge Dredd, designed more to give them a new perspective, rather than an in depth story.
- crosskillgames
- Feb 26, 2018
- Permalink
I suggest anyone and everyone to go watch this who is a fan of the Dredd universe. I am not going to say anything except the art style is dark and the feel itself is pretty dismal. Love the art style, pacing, story, acting, and the emotion. Really only thing I didn't like was how it is a mini series and a small part with Judge Dredd, but hey it is true to his character. As noted below this story is in the universe of the "Dredd" that came out in 2012 and, personally, I would love to see it intertwine with any spin off movie. This series you really get to see more of Mega City 1, which is appreciated.
Anyway go watch everyone and enjoy this mini series it is definitely worth the time.
Anyway go watch everyone and enjoy this mini series it is definitely worth the time.
- JadenTravelling
- Oct 31, 2014
- Permalink
This series attempts to adapt a from a Judge Dredd comic storyline from 2000ad where Judge Death takes
up residence with a little old lady and lures in a hapless reporter in to be told the story of his origins. A great tale that takes place in an alternate
timeline. This series tries to tell that story, but fails and makes childish gibberish out of what
could have been a great retelling of the story.
Unfortunate for all the long time Judge Dredd fans who are still waiting for a proper adaptation of the tales.
up residence with a little old lady and lures in a hapless reporter in to be told the story of his origins. A great tale that takes place in an alternate
timeline. This series tries to tell that story, but fails and makes childish gibberish out of what
could have been a great retelling of the story.
Unfortunate for all the long time Judge Dredd fans who are still waiting for a proper adaptation of the tales.
Probably the best fan film i have seen. What a great combonation of lore and unique judge dredd content. Soo good please make more. Thanks so much for your hard work and for producing a rare chunk of judge dredd material that stays true to the chatacter.
This is definitely an absurd piece of fun, and sometimes reminds me of Aeon Flux. It's got some very exaggerated animation, but the quality of it is on a much lower level than the old MTV show. It's a mish-mash of different styles, and none of them are really appealing. The 3D is especially an eyesore, and I feel like I would have enjoyed this much more if it wasn't such a patchwork.
The story makes absolutely no sense, and is more of a one-off experimental comic book sort of affair, but it still manages to be entertaining and is what pulls the score up for me. This is in no way supposed to be canon, and it takes that to heart. It's weird as hell.
I'd give it a go if you want something different, but if poorly drawn blood and guts isn't your thing, then maybe look elsewhere for your fill.
The story makes absolutely no sense, and is more of a one-off experimental comic book sort of affair, but it still manages to be entertaining and is what pulls the score up for me. This is in no way supposed to be canon, and it takes that to heart. It's weird as hell.
I'd give it a go if you want something different, but if poorly drawn blood and guts isn't your thing, then maybe look elsewhere for your fill.
- skinticket-897-200368
- Mar 31, 2017
- Permalink
I came here as a fan of Judge Dredd and I was so excited waiting for this new series to be made. Then I watched it. I Love Judge Dredd, I have read every comic and even watched both movies, even listen to the audioplays. This series, if it can be called that, has seriously wounded the character and the name of this beloved icon. These bootleggers as they call themselves stole Joe Dredd and forced his likeness into a half baked vomit of an animation. The story is abysmal, the voices are atrocious and the animation looks like it was done by a middle school child in Adobe Flash. Very badly done over all. You can look forward to Inappropriate and inexplicable appearances by your favorite characters, all while ignoring cannon and sense. It even has early 1980s grade 3d animation spliced in at awkward times just to make it look as you comfortable as you will feel watching it. Oh and its attempting to retell a story from the comics, except without the right characters, or their origins, or the right setting or time...The people involved in this project should be ashamed of themselves for allowing this to be made. 2000AD and John Wagner should sue.
- emercorptechnologiesceo
- May 25, 2015
- Permalink