Freedom Formula: Ghost of the Wasteland is the newest comic series by publishing newcomer Radical Comics. However, unlike previous series Caliber and Hercules, each of which had a fantasy slant, this one is post-apocalyptic science-fiction, in the style of full-color Japanese manga.

The Story

Freedom Formula is a story of a world where the governments have fallen to civil rebellion and been replaced by corporations under the theme of "free enterprise for a free world." It's a world of haves and have-nots, where vast wastelands surround the cities and where the genetically-enhanced Eugenes are only second-class citizens.

It's also the story of Zee, a Wasteland boy, his journey into the city, and the chance encounters that deliver him straight into the heart of conspiracy and new rebellion.

Nnot all are happy with the corporate rulers and the bread and circuses they offer to the populace, centering on Formula Infinity, a great mecha race. And so they have formed the Freedom Formula, an illegal mecha street race that Zee stumbles directly into the middle of.

The Storytelling

Freedom Formula is certainly an example of the decompressed storytelling that's become so popular in comics in recent years. Author Edmund Shern isn't afraid to pull out his story and to let the pictures do the talking. The plot thus moves slowly, but with more chance for depth.

Thus far the highlight of the book is in its characterization. Between Zee and new friend Myles, we're slowly learning about the real people of this world.

There's also some nice mystery in the book surrounding Zee's father, who's death kicks off Zee's trip to the city. Who he was and what he was are certain to be important as the series continues.

It's going to take a bit for the plot to really develop and slowly reveal the mysteries of this world, but for now it's got a strong start with interesting characters moving about a well-painted (if stylized world). I've given it a high "3" out of "5" for Substance--somewhat above average--and that rating could go up as the series progresses.

The Artwork

As has been the case with all of Radical's comics thus far, Freedom Formula really shines in its artwork, which is by Kai and a few others from Edmund Sherns' Imaginary Friends Studios.

I'd call the style "fully painted manga". The artists really get the nuisances of manga style; I can at times see Akira in it or even Speed Racer. However much of the artwork looks fully painted, really offering up new depth to the style. I find some of the depictions of cityscapes and the racing mecha particular attractive.

(Though I should note that the artwork doesn't look entirely painted: at times it instead fades to more monochromatic views, though the two styles work together and cohere well.)

My only complaint is that the art is sometimes overly murky. I don't know if that's a purposeful style or dark printing, but in either case I think it would look better with a bit more contrast.

Nonetheless, I'd give Freedom Formula a high "4" out of "5" for Substance: it's good-looking.

Conclusion

Freedom Formula is an interesting new entry to the comic book field. It's got Japanese stylings in its storytelling and artwork alike, yet is being produced as an American book for the American market.

The setting is interesting, the characters are likeable, and the plotline that's beginning to unfold looks enjoyable. Though I'm still waiting to see where everything is going, I can already recommend it to those who enjoy manga stylings.