Writers- George Miller, Nico Lathouris and Mark Sexton

Artist- Mark Sexton

 

 

Comics set in the world of an established television or film series are a hard thing to really take seriously. Even if it is well written, it’s hard to determine if the events of the story are meant to be in canon. The general consensus is, if the filmmakers make a new installment, any story written for other mediums can be disavowed quickly. This series is a breath of fresh air in that respect, as Mad Max creator George Miller, himself a wannabe cartoonist in his youth in Australia, wrote these stories to be seen as in continuity, leading directly into the events of this summer’s Fury Road installment of the 36-year-old Max franchise.

As last issue ended, Max had just had his V8 Interceptor and newly won( via Thunderdome! )engine stolen by a band of crazed nomads. Rescued by a mysterious woman after being left for dead, Max discovers why she saved him. Her young daughter was kidnapped by the same rogues that wronged Max. Her payment for saving his life involves him getting her daughter back to her. Max accepts, as he sees an opportunity to reclaim his vehicle as well. The rest of the issue follows Max as he infiltrates the villain’s hideout, and contends with the many obstacles in his way. The action gets cranked up to ten as our hero finds the young girl, Glory and they attempt to fight their way out. As the first issue spent time tying the first three films into Fury Road with a great prologue sequence, the last few pages of this issue help explain a certain vision Max repeatedly has in the newest film.

Miller, along with his script writers Nico Lathouris and Mark Sexton, do a great job of telling an interesting story that also ties into, and supports the film. Per usual, Max isn’t a great conveyor of dialogue, so Sexton, who is also the penciller, has to use his deft skills to move the plot along. Sexton’s art is clean, but gritty, reminiscent of R.M. Guera’s work on Scalped. The characters and vehicles all feel pulled right off of the screen, and the sense of movement and violence in the action scenes ring true to the films as well. All three collaborators made sure that this product fits right into established continuity in every aspect, and that attention to detail, plus pure quality storytelling make this a must for any Mad Max completionist

Even if you’ve been burned by comic adaptations of your favorite properties before, give this a try. The first two issues told the pre Fury Road histories of villain Immortan Joe and Imperator Furiosa, Charlize Theron’s breakout character from the newest film. With more sequels currently in development, hopefully Miller will take the time to put out some more stories in comic form, further enriching the Mad Max experience, and continuing to breathe new life into a nearly 40-year-old series.

 

4 Dinki Di of 5