This is what Speed Racer could’ve been like. Hectic, well constructed, mature. Definitely my favourite Radical book, and a welcome departure from perhaps their more famous series such as Hercules and Caliber. Radical Publishing recently celebrated their one year anniversary and already have a string of Hollywood heavy hitters interested in film versions of their projects, such as Johnny Depp, John Woo and Bryan Singer. That bodes well for a good future for the new company, and a great foundation from which to launch further unique titles.
Freedom Formula #2 (of 5) picks up right after the events which closed the premiere issue and doesn’t let up, thanks to the fast paced writing of Edmund Shern and fluid pencils of Kai and Chester Ocampo.The first ish was great. This is even better. It opens in Los Petropolis, a typical gleaming city of the future.
Zee Obanon is captured after being involved in a crash in his home, known as the Wasteland, while on his way to deliver a package for his recently departed father. He, along with his package, falls into the wrong hands. The hands of a group of nasties who take a keen interest in Zee’s father, Jugger Faizer.
As Zee gets to work for his new captors, in a far glitzier part of town, we are introduced to Daedalus, a prime Freedom Infinity racer and puppet for his corporate overlords. These men in dark suits, led by a Mr. Long pay Daedalus 5 million “credits,” (which is the word any writer can use to make the setting seem more futuristic) to infiltrate the illegal street races known as Freedom Formula. The suits don’t like the “norms” getting all rebellious in the face of the big business world of “eugene” (read genetically engineered) racing.
Zee and his new friends stage a daring robbery from the corporation in order to grab some valuable engine parts, which leaves one of the thieves dead, and the rest surprised at Zee’s driving prowess. Zee is then given a unique VC, otherwise known as Vicious Cycle, from his new lawless “friends” to compete in the next illegal race, which ends in a surprising fashion.
This series continues to build intriguing concepts with a genuine rhythm. It’s full of beautifully diverse art and characters that you just know are heading for a deliciously frantic collision. Freedom Formula, like the street races it glamourises, is an enjoyable thrill ride. Strap yourself in and enjoy the view.
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