EYES ON JUDEX #1
It’s January 21, 1941. As German forces tighten their grip on the City of Lights, Judex rises to defend its people, delivering justice from Paris’s dark alleys and mystical corners.
The comic follows the mysterious Judex, a hero awakened from the shadows by the suffering of the city. Judex was created by Loius Feuillade and Arthur Bernérde as the titular character of a silent film serial in 1917. He was an enigmatic avenger whose hypnotic powers allowed him to disappear like a ghost. Judex was given the moniker “The Mysterious Shadow”, which understandably led many to confuse him with “The Shadow” created by Walter B.
Gibson more than a decade later. However, the curious connection between The Shadow and Judex would become even more confusing in 1940 when nazis invaded Paris. Judex a character believed by many to have inspired “The Shadow”, then served as The Shadows’ secret identity during the war.
Fans of gritty, atmospheric stories like V for Vendetta will find much to admire in this reimagined hero’s journey that acknowledges the reciprocating relationship between the shadow and his ancestor, whose mantle he assumed during the fight with the Nazis. He was a defender of French culture during WW2. Preserving a culture requires confronting not only the people who would see it snuffed out but also those complicit in its destruction.
THE CREATIVE TEAM
Judex offers a fresh take on the character created by Arthur Bernéde and Louis Feuillade. This series is written by Michael Oden and Aaron Neff, with artwork by Fabrizio Ugolini, lettering from Eric Weathers, editing work by K.C Neff, logo design artwork by Erik Hodson, and cover art by Erwin Aroza and Russ Leach.
The Judex and Black Terror crossover comic was written by Von Klaus, with artwork from Monika Maccagni, colors by Tiago Barsa, letters by Eric Weathers, and edited by Aaron Neff.
THE BOOKS
MAIN COVER, COVER A, AND COVER B
Judex #1 is a standard-size 30-page stapled black and white comic There are 3 cover versions: the main cover, Variant cover A, and Variant cover B. The main book has a thin cardboard-like cover with art printed in black and white. This could be the readers’ edition, I guess? Cover A is a virgin holofoil soft cover. Cover B is a black-on-black spot gloss variant cover with a glow-in-the-dark finish. The cover material of Cover B is a bit thinner than Cover A. The book contains a credit page, the main story, the origins of Judex, variant cover art in miniature, and a “Thank You” page.
CROSSOVER COMIC
The Judex and Black Terror crossover comic is a standard-size 12-page comic with a thin cardboard-like cover similar to the main book but printed in color. The interior pages are also printed in color.
9 REALMS PUBLISHING AND GLOBAL FREQUENCY STUDIOS
The Judex series is a collaboration between 9 Realms Publishing and Global Frequency Studios, marking the first in a series of new book projects between the two companies. All 4 books were published under their umbrella.
THE STORIES
PARIS CRIES OUT FOR A HERO. WHO WILL HEED HER CALL?
1941 ushers in a new year under foreign rule for occupied Paris. The city of lights shines a bit dimmer as German jackboots patrol its streets. But from the dark crevices and mystical underbelly, a defender is awakened by the fading pulse of the city. He listens and he judges, for he is Judex.
JUDEX VS BLACK TERROR
Judex feels a hungering shadow entering his city. General Von Wulf is planning something nefarious. Up on his tail, Black Terror is trying to figure out his plan and stop him. Soon enough, he comes face to face with Judex. Will they fight or work together to stop Von Wulf?
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Judex #1 is a gripping vigilante tale for young adults set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Paris in 1941, blending a noir atmosphere with intense action where the line between justice and vengeance blurs in a city under siege. Judex is a vigilante with supernatural powers going against evil forces. This initial tale is an inspirational tale to fight for accountability and justice but most importantly it gives us the people hope to keep fighting even when the odds are small there is always a chance of winning.
Not knowing anything about this 1917 character, I think this is a great start for the series just because of the story’s great message. I would like to know more about the character itself but I’m satisfied with the introduction of La Marianne, The Widow, and Judex’s purpose. The art is super detailed and simply amazing. It reminds me of the art of “Charlie’s London: From the East Lane to the Limelight” and “Jack The Ripper Vampire Hunter”. Hopefully, there will be many more issues to come for the team to eventually make a graphic novel edition.
Do you hear your city weep for you? It weeps for the fatal blow you have dealt it. But if Paris is to die from her wounds, it will be no meek diminuendo. But a final surge upon this stage. An inferno fitting the legacy she has brought upon the world. Do you hear it too, I wonder?
– Judex –
THE FRENCH FIGHTING SPIRIT
Judex #1 is an inspiring story that reminds us of the many battles the people of France fought against tyranny to secure their independence and freedom. However, as the world evolves, the struggle for independence and freedom has taken on new forms.
Now it’s about having independence in the form of privacy and the freedom to express dissenting opinions which are extremely important in a democracy. Same as before the people of France continue to fight setting an example to the rest of the world. It’s hard the forget the images of people protesting over significant economic issues like the pension reform bill and other workers’ issues and how the police handle those protests versus the protests on climate change and the like. Why the difference? It seems freedom of expression is allowed for those who go along with the currently approved narrative but not for dissenting voices.
People are starting to realize how they are slowly losing freedoms by accepting mandates from their government. But most importantly, people worldwide see how their democratically elected governments are working for their interests, not for the people who voted for them.
Is it a democracy when an elected government is broken due to a lack of trust in the coalition and a new government is formed without the people’s vote?
Judex tells us that even though we make mistakes as long as we live, we have still a chance to make a difference.
DO YOU HEAR IT TOO, I WONDER?
As time goes by it becomes more difficult for the people to protest and dissent as government institutions are setting laws that prevent any true dissent and cancel or silence anyone who criticizes the system. These are acts of authoritarian communist leaders, not democratic ones. Seems like there isn’t much difference, is it? How many countries that have criticized China are starting to resemble it? But what can people do? As history teaches us people who were scared and oppressed have the power to make change with courage.
Even though many will try to control the narrative of what has been happening during the last 2 decades, the people will remember.
Now, I imagine Judex asking: “Do you hear your city weep for you? It weeps for the fatal blow you have dealt it by the people you voted for. Do you hear it too, I wonder?”
A DEFENDER OF CULTURE
Judex arrives at a critical moment when the world is witnessing the erosion of cultures, traditions, and values at an alarming rate. In an era where globalization and homogenization threaten the true uniqueness of diverse societies, Judex serves as a symbol of resistance and preservation.
The comic emphasizes that preserving a culture involves more than just defending it against external threats; it also requires standing up to those within who are complicit in its destruction. This dual battle is essential in maintaining the integrity and richness of cultural heritage.
The message of Judex is particularly relevant today as languages, traditions, and values face extinction due to various factors, including political suppression, economic pressures, and assimilation of modern woke culture. Through his vigilant protection of Paris, Judex inspires readers to actively engage in safeguarding their own cultural identities.
The comic encourages us not only to cherish and nurture our cultural legacies but also to take a stand against overt and covert forces that seek to erase them. In doing so, Judex becomes more than just a hero; he embodies the spirit of cultural preservation and the fight for identity in an ever-changing world.
ABOUT BLACK TERROR
Black Terror is another comic character from the 1940s created by Richard E. Hughes and Don Gabrielson. This character got a fresh look in its new graphic novel series “Terror in the Trenches” from indie comic book creator Von Klaus.
I backed the IndieGoGo campaign for volume 1 and got the digital edition which I haven’t read yet. In my defense, I don’t like to read digital comics, I’ve only read a few so far and I do have a bunch still to read. I’m being more selective and giving priority to physical books. I must say it’s nice to see creators working together on this scale.
THE CAMPAIGN
On August 5, 2023, I decided to back the Judex #1 Indiegogo campaign. I chose the Fraternité perk which included Judex #1 Main Cover, La Marianne Coin with Case, All Unlocked Stretch Goals, Erwin Arroza Variant Cover A, Russ Leach Variant Cover B, a Black Terror Crossover Comic, a Black Terror Crossover Print and a Glow in the Dark Mini Print.
I received the 3 books and the crossover comic bagged and boarded, a Paris Map, 2 special style glow-in-the-dark 5×7 prints, 2 trading cards with the character image on the front and his details on the back, a Judex black & white character sticker, 4 Judex character (animated) stickers in color, a 5×7 mini print of the cover art from the Judex and Back Terror crossover comic and a replica of La Marianne (a 23mm collectible coin with antique nickel finished encased in an acrylic coin capsule.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
The updates on the campaign were provided and I received the tracking number directly from Indiegogo. The items were packaged nicely in a Gemini mailer and arrived in good condition. The experience was seamless. It’s not that hard when you concentrate on your work and you are transparent with your backers when you provide your updates.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Judex #1 is a timely and powerful reimagining of a classic hero, breathing new life into the character first introduced in 1917. This comic not only pays homage to the legacy of Judex but also speaks to contemporary struggles for justice and the preservation of cultural identity.
Through its richly detailed black-and-white artwork and compelling narrative, the story inspires readers to confront oppression, defend their values, and remember the importance of history in shaping our future. If you’re seeking a tale of resilience and heroism, Judex delivers in spades.
Still undecisive? The first few pages of Judex #1 are available online. Check them out here.
The Judex #1 IndieGoGo campaign is. as of date. still demand with just the main book for $10. Grab yours and support these great creators.
For more interesting titles, check COMIC BOOKS under the “EYES ON” series I documented my experience with crowdfunding entertainment and shared my notes on the products I received.
My notes are all set. Let me know what you think.
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