2000 AD #396

Something unsettling is brewing in Mega-City One on this December 1984 issue of 2000 AD — the cover by Robin Smith puts Judge Dredd in a deeply uncomfortable position, his helmeted head clutched in the grip of a dark-haired, fanged Judge who hisses "We need new blood — join us, Joe…" while a procession of eerily grinning Judges looms behind her. A bold caption at the bottom — "Hershey! She's a vampire!" — makes the threat deliciously clear, blending the familiar Judge uniform with something far more predatory. Inside, Carlos Ezquerra brings his distinctive linework to "The Stainless Steel Rat for President, Part 4," written by Harry Harrison and K. Gosnell, keeping this prog packed with sci-fi storytelling talent.