John Wagner to pen new Judge Dredd story for 2000 AD’s 45th Anniversary this February

This coming February, legendary British writer John Wagner will return to the character he helped co-create for a brand new Judge Dredd story entitled “The Citadel”.

The story – which will be illustrated by Dan Cornwell, coloured by Dylan Teague and lettered by Annie Parkhouse – kicks off in the special 45th Anniversary Prog 2270, which will be released in February 2022 to celebrate four and a half decades of the Galaxy’s Greatest Magazine.

Here’s the official blurb:

Within the intimidating walls of Iso-Block 1, a prisoner is scheduled to die after decades in isolation. But he has a tale to tell – one that may blow Judge Dredd’s world apart!

As the Apocalypse War rages, Judge Dredd leads a squad of Cadet Judges into battle – launching an assault upon The Citadel, where the invading Sov forces have set up base.

But now, 40 years later and on the day of his execution, former Cadet Judge Winterton will tell the truth about what happened during the war, why the mission was subsequently covered up, and reveal the secret that Judge Dredd himself has been hiding for the past 40 years.

Speaking about the new story, 2000 AD editor Matt Smith said, “’The Citadel’ is a rip-roaring, unmissable story that will have readers on the edges of their seats. Serving up action and intrigue in the only way John Wagner can, and with Dan Cornwell providing some career-best artwork, it proves that even after forty-five years that 2000 AD and Judge Dredd can still deliver the goods.”

The story will also be collected in a 128-page paperback graphic novel edition in July 2022, available from all good book and comic book stores.

[UNLETTERED PREVIEW ARTWORK]