Dredd isn't really the star attraction in either of these Wagner classics. Has the 16th Seed had the time and distance to be properly evaluated yet? Will it rise in folks minds as we re-read it and take on board the wonderful masterclass in craft it is at times? Even when it has though could it beat what is surely the popular choice for best Dredd story ever... that is if it is indeed a Dredd tale... or an Epic. These are factors you must juggle with.
Seed 1 America (https://dreddepicsranked.blogspot.com/2020/12/epics-3-1-bitter-end.html) Megs (Vol. 1) 1-7
Vs
Seed 16 Machine Law (https://dreddepicsranked.blogspot.com/2020/12/epics-9-7-short-but-oh-so-sweet.html) - Progs 2024-2029 and 2115-2122
Back to the simple purity of popping the name of the Epic you prefer in a reply to this thread (remember to mark it clearly so I can spot it - bold tags are good) and then say whatever the heck you like to about these two great stories.
We're also back to 3 day votes so this one will close first thing in the morning Sunday 4th of April - Easter - there is no holiday!!!! Winner advance to the Quarter Finals - loser goes into the 16th - 9th playoff vote.
All links go through to AlexF's simply brilliant Dredd Epics Ranked (https://dreddepicsranked.blogspot.com/) blog. You may need to scroll to find his write up of a particular story - but I'd suggest just reading the whole thing anyway - it's fantastic stuff.
Baffled by what's going on here - well we have a a thread for that (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=47367.0) - though that might leave you more confused than anything.
Rules (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=47367.msg1053448#msg1053448) for what they are worth.
Not sure about anything just ask and I'll blag it.
America certainly with Horned God, Halo Jones Book III, Nemesis Book 3-4,Brink and Nikolai Dante series I rate as the best strips to appear in any comic.
America
Machine Law is a great example of recent Wagner building on what has gone before, but an epic? Nah. Wagner building on what had gone before in the first months of the Megazine and rightly held up as an iconic story, but I'm still not sure it's an epic. However, of these two, much as I love ML, I'm going for America.
So two non epics, one of which wasn't deemed enough of a Dredd story to be included in the Case Files. I never really understood that as I'm pretty sure it was billed as Judge Dredd in the Megazine.
Anyway given America is one of the best stories in all comics I'm going to vote for it. For now. But not when it comes up against a proper epic. Because well, that'll be more of an epic, won't it?
City of the dammed, obviously.
America please Colin.
America.
Quote from: Magnetica on 01 April, 2021, 08:35:10 AMSo two non epics, one of which wasn't deemed enough of a Dredd story to be included in the Case Files.
I do still wonder about that. I suspect at the time, there were probably discussions about not cannibalising sales of the standalone America volume. But this was a big error, in my view. America belongs in those Case Files.
As for these two strips, America easily wins it, even if I'm not convinced about its 'epic' credentials. (It's a vitally important Dredd story, sure, but I'm unconvinced it's an epic.)
That is a good point and it does not make sense that America was not part of the Case Files. I had to actually purchased the America arc separately to get the complete picture. The Dead Man storyline should have been included in the case files as well.
america, even moreso when i throw in some of the associated chapters just to dictionary definition 'epic' a bit more.
I'm not really fussed as to the details of what makes an 'epic' - it's a lot easier to repeatedly type than 'long stories'.
Machine Law was great, but America was a game-changer.
America
SBT
America.
America..
Ah...I would go with Machine Law.
I don't find America a Judge Dredd story and I find better stories where Dredd acts like a baddie. Although Colin MacNeil artwork is a work of genius.
Machine Law was indeed very good, but it's a tough draw going up against a classic like America. So America wins it for me. Just too iconic.
Has to be America.
Yep, throwing my helmet in for America. Machine Law would hold its own against many others, but America is something special.
America (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_253-HURY8)
Pump up the JAM.
America.
Read by itself, collected with the other two America sequels, or as part of the larger Democracy story line, America is brilliant.
America obvs
Quote from: Funt Solo on 01 April, 2021, 03:22:08 PM
America (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_253-HURY8)
Pump up the JAM.
I love that tune and video with a passion.
While Simon and Garfunkel is also an acceptable answer this is the best
America (https://youtu.be/wTSLRbm8L9E)
Can't beat a bit the KLF. And as it seems to be on trend I shall also deliver my vote via YouTube link AMERICA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlVqV6fDIpk)
Interesting match up.
Both stories written by John Wagner, both drawn (mostly) by Colin MacNeil. Both are deeply political, confront important ethical issues, and both ask the question 'Are the judges worthy of their authority?'.
From the votes so far, and both Colin and Alex's lists, I know I am in a distinct minority (waves at milstar) but I have never understood the outpouring of love for America. To me the story is slight, not that engaging and the ending is painted way too broad.
Machine Law on the other hand is articulate, consequential and very moving.
America.
Closing tomorrow - so if you have anymore votes, or indeed songs called America get them in today and I'll count up in the morning.
Quote from: gogilesgo on 02 April, 2021, 12:02:22 PM
Interesting match up.
Both stories written by John Wagner, both drawn (mostly) by Colin MacNeil. Both are deeply political, confront important ethical issues, and both ask the question 'Are the judges worthy of their authority?'.
From the votes so far, and both Colin and Alex's lists, I know I am in a distinct minority (waves at milstar) but I have never understood the outpouring of love for America. To me the story is slight, not that engaging and the ending is painted way too broad.
Glad to find think-alike :)
Not epics so I'll vote for the one which is an actual Judge Dredd strip. Machine Law.
VOTING CLOSED
Sorry for the delay - I'm having spreadsheet problems this morning NONE of which is to worry you chap. All we need to think about is the fact that even if some folks don't think its an Epic AND even if some folks don't even consider it a Dredd story none of that is stopping
America
Storming this round, all be it in a relatively quiet round. Machine Law enters the play-off that I hope yo explain tomorrow.