Lenny Zero and The Perps of Mega-City One

The mini-series about an undercover Mega-City One judge is criminally short and perhaps a missed opportunities, at least as far as this edition goes. The idea of an semi-corrupt law-men in the same world as the stoic Judge Dredd is refreshing despite leaning a little on the cliché side. Lenny Zero is a street smart, quick witted and crime saavy anti-hero packing loads of confidence and twin guns. Getting himself out of no escape situations with his quick thinking and a keep it cool attitude, Lenny Zero gets the better of his nemesis, mob-boss Little Caesar, time and time again.

Though the character isn't explored as much as he deserves, it is quite a feat by Andy Diggle that so much back story and depth is wedged between the quick draw action sequences. Jock's artwork is vintage 2000AD with harsh lines and high contrast with dynamic panel layouts adding great movement to the action scenes.

This story about a cop gone rogue in the shades of grey city Mega-City One is worth checking out for existing fans, but perhaps not the place to start reading 2000AD. The rest of the book includes, similar but lesser "perp" stories by 2000AD writers and of course feature the over-used Judge Dredd.