I was very disappointed last year. Like many others I found it disheartening that last year's Dredd, starring Karl Urban, proved disappointing in its box office takings. Against a budget of $45 million, the comic book film grossed only $36 million. It did have a tough draw with it being an 18 certificate, but a lack of 2D showings and next to no marketing didn't help. Queue much crying and cursing.
So that was 2012 was it? Despite the apocalypse, there have also been some great (and some rather lacklustre) comic book movies released this year which have had fans cheering or heckling, and diehards yelling "That's not canon!" like the sad types that we are. As we are still prior to the impending end of the world (to be ushered in by the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse doing the "Gangnam Style" dance), I thought I'd take a look at the releases of the year and get some flame wars going once I slag off your favourite.
Hey all, welcome to another Panels To Frames, where a bitter and rapidly ageing comic geek talks about comic book related films for your entertainment and derision.With Dredd 3D currently busy beating the memory of Stallone's misguided 1995 version of the character and Karl Urban's chin giving the performance of its life, I think it's time that some more 2000AD characters and stories saw the light of day as film properties. 2000AD has always been something of a dangerous publication to me, and that's probably what made me love it so much in the first place. The weekly comic is a beautiful medium, and nobody comes close to matching the wealth of imagination and the anarchic streak which runs through its pages. There are literally hundreds of strips throughout its history which would make great films, and here are five I've picked which I'd say would kick some drokking backside on the big screen.
Released this Friday comes Dredd, the ultra-violent comic book adaptation that became the sleeper hit of this year's San Diego Comic Con, and inevitably talk has turned to the movies potential for sequels. Before a single paying customer has even laid eyes on it.
During a Q&A session on the 2000AD Online forums, Dredd screenwriter Alex Garland (also of 28 Days Later fame) discusses his ideas for future installments in the newly rebooted Dredd franchise.
We have a new trailer for Dredd ahead of the 21st September release. It looks like they have the right tone in this new clip.
Welcome to another Panels to Frames, fellow geeks. Time to riff on comic book movies again! The new Judge Dredd movie, DREDD (aka DREDD 3D if you're being pedantic) is almost upon us, and I for one am drokking excited (quick nod to Tharg's splendid publication). The trailer and photos thus far seem to have divided opinion, so I'd like to address some of the points which have been raised from a rational (heh...) standpoint, and explain why you're all WRONG. After all, that's what the internet is for, isn't it? Now stop moaning and give your fingers a rest before flaming me. As a reader of 2000AD and Joe's adventures for over two decades, I feel I have the necessary knowledge to shush some of the critics. So, let's take a look at the most common things people keep bringing up.
Judgment is coming, just as soon as he finds a way off this roof.
Judgement is coming early with a prequel comic book for Pete Travis' Dredd 3D.
2000AD will occupy a place in the affections of anyone with a love of British comics. The creative, disruptive, overtly political publication was an important part of my childhood. My younger brother was an early subscriber and it set him on the way to an enduring love of the medium that has grown stronger over the years. My engagement might not be as intense as his (it would be difficult to match it) but I sucked up the stories and characters through osmosis, and have fond memories of Rogue Trooper, Slaine, Nemesis, the ABC Warriors and all the rest.
And then there is Dredd.
Judge Dredd is a man of few words, preferring action to speak on his behalf. No better example could be found than this motion poster for Dredd 3D.
Be sure to check your speakers, as this will autoplay and startle you/reveal your browsing habits to co-workers.
