Published Feb 1, 2026, 7:31 PM EST
John Dodge is an MTV Writer for CBR who specializes in movies, television, comics, and pop culture. He has a deep knowledge of franchises like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Marvel, and DC Comics, along with a passion for indie and horror titles. An expert on obscure productions from the ’80s and ’90s, John is known for his encyclopedic recall of cult classics like Beetleborgs.
Judge Dredd Megazine is finally set to make its way back to North America, this time without Diamond.
Per Comics Beat, Judge Dredd Megazine is officially heading back to North American markets courtesy of Lunar Distribution. The first issue of Judge Dredd Megazine that will be available in North America through Lunar Distribution is Judge Dredd Megazine #491, which is set to arrive in stores on May 13.
Judge Dredd Megazine #491 will offer readers over a half-dozen different stories from all-star creative teams including the likes of Dan Abnett, John Wagner, and Nick Roche. Readers can check out the cover for the issue by artist Paul Williams down below.
Judge Dredd Megazine #491
- Written by JOHN WAGNER; DAN ABNETT; NED HARTLEY; and KEN NIEMAND
- Art by CHRIS WESTON; NICK ROCHE; PHIL WINDLSADE; and DAN CORNWELL
- Main cover art by PAUL WILLIAMS
- The official solicit synopsis for Judge Dredd Megazine #491 from Rebellion Developments reads, "Our 100-page monthly anthology brings readers into the future-shocked world of Judge Dredd with 'Judge Dredd: Rojimbo' by Geoffrey D. Wessel & Nick Roche; wild west action in 'Lawless' by Dan Abnett & Phil Winslade; dark political machinations in 'Megatropolis' by Ken Niemand & Chris Weston; a fight for survival in 'Department K' by Ned Hartley & Mike Walters; and 1970s New York detectives Fargo & McBane making their return in 'Favoured Sons' by Ken Niemand & PJ Holden. Plus there's a new Atomfall story, sci-fi football action in Rok the World by John Wagner & Dan Cornwell, features, interviews and lots more!
Created by writer John Wagner and the late, great artist Carlos Ezquerra, Judge Joseph Dredd made his comic book debut all the way back in 1977's 2000 AD #2. One of the judicial law enforcement officers who patrols the futuristic dystopia of Mega-City One, Judge Dredd stands as judge, jury, and executioner right alongside his fellow Judges.
Since his debut, Judge Dredd has gone on to become a staple of pop culture, not to mention the headliner of one of the longest continually running comic books stories of all time. Judge Dredd Megazine launched in 1990, offering fans another avenue by which they could explore the world of their favorite character.
What Happened To Judge Dredd Megazine?
Image via Lionsgate FilmsUnfortunately, North American audiences lost their direct line to Judge Dredd Megazine with the shuttering of Diamond Comic Distributors. Back in January 2025, it was reported that Diamond Comic Distributors had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, kicking off what is still one of the industry's most harrowing periods.
In June 2025, Dynamite Entertainment announced its plans to move to Lunar Distribution in the wake of Diamond's bankruptcy. Dynamite released a statement at the time reading, "As things have changed in the comics market, we've agreed with Lunar Distribution for our Dynamite titles... Lunar has been an incredible partner for publishers and retailers in the comics industry, growing their company over the last 5 years, and we're proud to add them to our distribution. It's an exciting new chapter for Dynamite. "
Judge Dredd Megazine #491 from Rebellion Developments goes on sale starting on May 13.
English (US) · 