Freeway Fighter

Ian Livingstone’s post-apocalyptic Fighting Fantasy gamebook was initially inspired by the first Mad Max movie; this four-issue miniseries deftly updates it for the Fury Road generation.

Indeed, there are shades of Imperator Furiosa about lead character Bella De La Rosa, although the former racing driver is perhaps a bit more easy-going than Charlize Theron’s character. She forms a promising partnership with Ryan, the mysterious passenger that she picks up after setting out on a perilous road trip across America’s wastelands.

It’s designed as a prequel, with Andi Ewington neatly laying the groundwork for what is to come. From marauding gang the Doom Dogs to the iconic Dodge Interceptor that Bella drives, he seeds his suitably fast-paced script with plenty of deft references to Livingstone’s original story.

Aided by 2000 AD veteran Simon Coleby’s visceral art, there’s also an old-school 2000 AD vibe, although the few humorous moments – such as when Bella and Ryan find some Trumpish Delight candy bars – are more understated than the likes of The Cursed Earth’s more scathing social satire.

Ending the series with a revelation that will please long-term fans, Ewington may not have left narrative space for any further adventures. But hopefully this will not be the last time Bella rides this highway to hell.