Comicsalliance.com are reporting that starting with a Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) issue on May 4 2013, publisher IDW is reprinting a series of classic Judge Dredd stories in colour for the very first time. Charlie Kirchoff, who also is the colourist of the current series, will give new life to the classic tales that will kick off with the issue's "Judge Death". This classic story by writer John Wagner and artist Brian Bolland, will feature a newly-coloured Bolland cover. 2000 AD editor-in-chief Matt Smith issued the following statement about the reprints:
"It's very exciting to see these classic Dredd stories given an extra dimension. New readers will get to see some of the seminal tales that established Dredd as the UK's most important comics character, and old-school fans of the future lawman can re-experience their favourite series in a whole new light."
From there, the series will continue with the Block Mania/Apocalypse War storyline. These stories that were written by Wagner and Alan Grant, will also contain more art from Bolland, Mike McMahon, Ron Smith, Steve Dillon and Carlos Ezquerra. Each issue of the regular series will feature a brand new cover by artist Jim Fern. So, good news for Dredd fans around the world. For those who don't know what Free Comic Book Day is, it is a single day - the first Saturday in May each year - when participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely FREE to anyone who comes into their stores. Don't forget to check with your local comic book shop for their participation and rules.