“Dreadnoughts” Comic Serves as a Disturbing Warning Against the Erosion of Democracy
A chilling new comic, “Dreadnoughts,” isn’t science fiction – it’s a stark horror story reflecting a terrifyingly plausible future where unchecked power and the suppression of rights become the norm, mirroring anxieties about current global trends. The work, by Michael Carroll and John Higgins, resonates deeply with contemporary concerns about authoritarianism and the fragility of democratic institutions.
A Prequel That Feels Uncomfortably Present
Set in 2035, “Dreadnoughts” explores the early years of the Department of Justice founded by Eustace Fargo, as it consolidates power across the United States. A new wave of agents, empowered as judges, juries, and executors, assume control of all police and military forces, ostensibly to quell growing social unrest. But the comic quickly delves into the dangerous question posed by the authors: what happens when absolute power is wielded by those who answer to no one and believe any means justify their ends?
As one observer noted, the comic’s power lies in its raw, unflinching portrayal of a world where the line between justice and oppression blurs. Unlike the satirical elements often present in the broader “Judge Dredd” universe, “Dreadnoughts” offers no such distance. It presents a “terrifyingly close story” that echoes historical abuses of power and current events unfolding around the globe.
The Horror of Unrestricted Authority
Carroll himself describes “Dreadnoughts” as a horror story, and the assessment rings true. By stripping away the science fiction trappings of the “Dredd” world, the authors expose the underlying warning against fascism that has always been present. The narrative highlights the abuses committed by authorities in ostensibly “democratic” countries, the influence of wealth on power, and the silencing of citizens stripped of their freedoms.
The comic’s narrative focuses on Judge Veranda Glover, a recent Law Academy graduate with a dark past. A former violent criminal, Glover possesses an exceptional understanding of the law and a fanatical devotion to its enforcement. Despite Fargo’s initial reservations, her skills outweigh his concerns, making her a prototype for the ruthless judges of Dredd’s generation. As the story unfolds, Glover embodies a chilling lack of compassion, responding to concerns about legality with the assertion, “We are the ones who make the laws.” This moment encapsulates the comic’s central theme: the death of democracy and the normalization of authoritarian rule.
A Visual Style That Amplifies the Darkness
The comic’s unsettling atmosphere is further enhanced by the artwork of veteran artist John Higgins. Known for his work on “Watchmen” and “The Killing Joke,” Higgins employs a figurative and “dirty” style that immediately establishes the story’s grim reality. His mastery of composition, chiaroscuro, and the depiction of brutal violence, combined with Sally Hurst’s limited and desaturated color palette, creates an oppressive and hopeless mood.
Higgins’ artistic choices underscore the story’s message, presenting a stark contrast to the futuristic aesthetics often associated with the “Dredd” universe. The visual style serves as a powerful reminder that the horrors depicted are not distant fantasies, but potential realities.
A Difficult, But Necessary, Read
The comic’s relevance to current events – including concerns about abuses of power and the erosion of civil liberties – makes it a difficult read. One commentator even likened it to “Bukele’s wet dream,” referencing the authoritarian tendencies of the President of El Salvador. However, the authors’ intention is not to entertain, but to warn.
“Dreadnoughts” serves as a crucial reminder that the path towards authoritarianism is paved with complacency and the gradual acceptance of unchecked power. It is a call to vigilance, urging readers to actively defend their freedoms and resist the forces that threaten to dismantle democratic institutions. Despite its unsettling nature, “Dreadnoughts” is a vital work that demands attention, even – and perhaps especially – when it is most uncomfortable.
