After a subtle introduction into a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been ravaged by a horrible virus, the adventures of former racecar driver Bella de la Rosa continue.  Unfortunately, despite her skill behind the wheel and the ability to drive at top speeds, this issue moves at a snail’s pace.  That’s not to say that it’s not interesting.  Writer Andi Ewington has crafted a captivating landscape.  Artist Simon Coleby gives the setting room to breathe with wide open shots that hammer home just how alone and broken these survivors are.

Bella meets her first non-murderous survivor in some time.  She’s cautious, but invites the man into her car as a traveling companion.  She could use an extra set of eyes as she scavenges for gasoline.  It’s clear that Bella has been at this quite awhile.  Her experiences have calloused her heart against death.  There’s no time to grieve when the Grim Reaper is knocking down your door.  

Click images to enlarge

There’s one page in particular that really cements this feeling.  When Bella searches through a house for survivors and supplies, she comes across a deceased couple clutching each other in bed.  A cloaked skeleton, presumably the Reaper, looms over them in the foreground.  It’s a very ominous shot that packs quite a punch.  Len O’Grady’s colors give the room a faded, lived-in vibe.  You can tell that these bodies have been here for a while.

O’Grady’s skills permeate through the rest of the issue.  There’s a layer of grit on everything in Freeway Fighter.  Soap is hard to come by and certainly not to be used on things like windows or vehicles.  The outdoor scenes have an oppressive sun hanging in the sky, bleaching the color out of anything it touches.

Click images to enlarge

Freeway Fighter is a slow burn.  The tone is spot on and definitely worth your time.  It’s just that it takes a bit to really get going.  Things heat up towards the end if the issue, so I’m hoping this turns around in the next chapter.  This is a decompressed story that cements the feeling of hopelessness that every day brings in this land.  Despite that, Bella de la Rosa soldiers on.  She rallies against the gangsters and madmen that would kill her at the drop of a hat, along with the world itself that will chew her up and spit her out if given the opportunity.