'Dredd' Sequel Hits The US In January

Dredd, created by Pete Travis and Alex Garland and starring Karl Urban as the grim and violent title character, wasn't much of a hit when it was in theaters in 2012. But it has found significant life on disc, as audiences discover that the straight-shooting story of extreme law enforcement in a terrible future stands as a solid action movie.

And now the sequel is coming to the States, but not in the form many people might want. Dredd: Underbelly is a comic book continuation of the film's story, and it will be published in the US next month by 2000AD.

Arthur Wyatt and Henry Flint created the comic book sequel to Dredd, and it was originally published in serial form in the UK's Judge Dredd Megazine.THR talked to 2000AD editor Matt Smith, who said,

We've noted a real swell of U.S. interest in Dredd off the back of the film. This first foray for 2000 AD in producing a U.S.-format book, geared specifically to the [comic book] direct market, and aimed at satisfying those demanding a sequel, is a stumm gas grenade-style lob across the Atlantic to show that you don't have to camp outside your local multiplex to get your next fix of Mega-City One — the Judge will carry on enforcing the Law through the pages of the comic. Arthur and Henry [creators Arthur Wyatt and Henry Flint] have created a terrific story, and a powerful follow-up to the film – Dredd fans won't be disappointed.

Underbelly will be available in traditional comic form, as well as via the Kindle Fire, Nook and 2000AD iPad app.

And what about a real film sequel to Dredd? The subject has come up many times, with an online petition begging for development on another film, but there's no movement at this point.