The 2000 AD Thrill-Cast John Wagner: "Dredd's Never Going to Die" – 2000 AD: The Creator Tapes, Part 1
Feb 7, 2026
John Wagner, veteran comic-book writer and co-creator of Judge Dredd and Strontium Dog, reflects on a 50-year career. He talks about why Dredd will not die for good, his process of discovery-driven writing, political anger toward Trump and billionaires, and a lifelong fascination with robots, AI and mechanismo themes.
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Keep Moving Through Imposter Syndrome
- Keep producing work even when imposter syndrome nags you because momentum sustains a long career.
- Wagner credits persistence and continual output for his 50-year career.
Semi-Retired But Not Done
- Wagner says Death Of A Judge is likely his last Dredd story because he's happy doing nothing on his smallholding.
- He still expects he might write again despite no current plans.
Judge Dredd Born In Greenock
- Wagner wrote the first Judge Dredd episode lying on the floor of his mum's council house in Greenock with her cat on his lap.
- He remembers specific local fans and wanted a blue plaque at 11 Maple Road for that creation moment.
