Superstar artist Jock is to receive a special tribute book from 2000 AD – the newly announced The Art of Judge Dredd by Jock promises to look at the artist’s extraordinary take on the classic character, and his own evolution as an artist from green newbie to grizzled veteran. The 11⅛ × 8½ inch, 176-page hardcover will release May 7, 2025 at a retail price of £34.99 (~$45), with preorders now open on the 2000 AD webshop.
The Art of Judge Dredd by Jock promises to be an extensive showcase of the artist’s career via his time depicting ‘Old Stony Face’ in the comic over the years – with a special section dedicated to his concept art for the cult-classic Pete Travis-directed big screen adaptation, Dredd (2012). On top of the visuals, 2000 AD Brand Manager, writer, and one-time journalist Michael Molcher will conduct an extensive interview with Jock that will be tie everything together.
The 2000 AD press release for the book says:
“One of the most sought-after and admired artists in the industry today, Jock is a giant of the world of comics – and in May 2025, The Art of Judge Dredd by Jock will celebrate this true 2000 AD original.”
Adding:
“[T]his absolute must-have book will illustrate the dawn and evolution of Jock’s meteoric rise, offering offers readers a detailed and personal look at his formative work at 2000 AD, and the dark and dystopian world of Judge Dredd.
“Collecting sketches, layout, and final unlettered artwork, The Art of Judge Dredd by Jock will illuminate the processes which Jock uses to create his incredible art, alongside a section highlighting his concept art for the 2012 Dredd film. It will also include an extensive new interview with him about his work and career – exclusive to this edition – with Eisner Award-winning writer Michael Molcher.”
Jock, aka Mark Simpson, is a Scottish artist and designer who has become a major name in comics on both sides of the Atlantic. In the US he is commonly associated with his work on DC and Vertigo titles such as The Losers (with Andy Diggle), Faker and Hellblazer (both with Mike Carey); and a plethora of Batman work, predominantly alongside writer Scott Snyder. His most recent DC work was the 2022 Black Label title Batman: One Dark Knight, as both writer/artist.
Jock’s earliest work in comics as a professional artist was in 1999 on British weekly comic anthology 2000 AD, most notably its flagship character Judge Dredd. The artist has since built up an extensive career in comics and movies. In the cinematic space he has produced posters and concept art on such productions as Children of Men (2006), Ex Machina (2014), X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), and Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017).
