Mike Perkins Reveals All He Can About 2000AD’s Death Of A Judge To Tripwire Exclusive

A Real Sense Of Dredd?

In recent weeks a mysterious image titled “Death of A Judge” appeared online via the official 2000AD website. It promised a collaboration between John Wagner and artist Mike Perkins.

This was enough to get Tripwire’s contributing writer Paul N Neal curious, and he asked artist Mike Perkins if he could offer any clues? …

TRIPWIRE: Mike, what can you tell us about Death of a Judge? It is certainly a rather ominous sounding title. Some have speculated that because it is written by the incredible John Wagner it may signify The Death of Judge Dredd himself. What can you tell us? Hopefully you can give a few clues.

MIKE PERKINS: No clues given here. I want the element of surprise at the forefront and no spoilers floating around. Let people speculate and talk about it…. but I’ll keep silent in the background sporting an enigmatic smile…or, more appropriately, a Dredd-full scowl!

TW: How many parts is the storyline? Do you know at all which issues of 2000AD it will appear in yet?

MP: It’s planned to be a 6 parter – not sure when it will appear as I have to finish up the Justice League book first.  I’ve been working on it whilst illustrating The Atom Project which is why there are some illustrations we can use for the promotional push.

TW: While you have illustrated stories for 2000AD in the past, you are more well known for your work with a number of American publishers. How did your return to the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic come about?

MP: I’ve been asked in the past to illustrate more for 2000ad, but I’ve been exclusive since 2001 – first with Crossgen, then Marvel for 14 years, followed by DC for another 6. After the most current contract wrapped up I wanted to pursue some other work such as the collaboration with Garth on Freddie The Fix and I approached 2000AD about a possible return should my schedule allow it. It, kind of, didn’t but then John suggested a collaboration. How could I refuse?!

TW: Please do correct me if I am wrong but will this new story be your first collaboration with John Wagner? Can you say anything about the collaborative process involved? Is it project that has been a fun experience for you as an artist?

MP: I’ve always wanted to work with John, and I’ve known him for a few years and brought it up every now and again…but John was resolutely in the “I’ve pretty much retired” camp.

He saw the work I was doing on The Bat-Man: The First Knight and then decided that…yes…he would write something for me. He tried to get out…but I pulled him back in! Suitably Godfather style for John! John’s a joy to work with – his scripts are just spot on, and they don’t sit still for too long.  I’ve grown accustomed to the 20/22-page pacing of the American format and here we have EVERYTHING happening in 6-page bursts! I’m loving it! It’s what I grew up on!

TW: In the last couple of years, your art has graced the cover of 2000AD and The Megazine on a couple of occasions, so can readers expect to see more of these?

MP: I would certainly hope so. As well as the 2000AD and Megazine covers I’ve also really enjoyed the variant covers for Fiends of the Eastern Front and Rat Pack. I’ve continuously picked up 2000AD every week and would dearly love to produce more work for them.

TW: Will Death of a Judge be just a one-off return, or is there a possibility in future fans can expect to see your art on further Dredd stories?

MP: I’m pretty much tied down solid for the next year or so…. but never say never!

TW: Given the opportunity, are there any other 2000AD characters you would find interesting and challenging to really sink your teeth into for a storyline or two? Certainly, there are plenty to choose from, Johnny Alpha or Rogue Trooper perhaps? Or would you go for something a little more obscure?

MP: A Johnny Alpha Strontium Dog would be pretty damn awesome, that’s for sure. I was disappointed to have missed out on Karl Richardson’s revisit of Harry Twenty but pleased to see the Ben Willsher artwork gracing the script.  A nice, dark, Durham Red would be interesting, and I remain convinced that there’s still a place for more of The Amazing Maze Dumoir!

Death Of A Judge is coming to 2000AD soon