My Rating
“The Wanderer”
Earth has not weathered well under human stewardship. Pollution, war, and rebellious technology have turned the globe into an unrecognizable calamity. In America, now known as the great inland sea, tech-infected lifeforms toil under scorching skies. This is the Futurewest, an alien world traversed by nano-enhanced gunslingers and robotic warriors.
“Immortal Remains”
Maria Velez, known throughout the desert-laden inland sea as Madame Tarantula, wanders between settlements in search of answers to past events forgotten by time. The horrors of her childhood resurface in recurring daydreams. Maria’s father and aunt were murdered by the brutal Indian tribe which had enslaved her. Now Madame Tarantula walks free, a powerful warrior and a deadshot with a pistol.
“Flora And Fauna”
There are many dangers in the Futurewest. From infected mutants, cybernetic humanoids, and a plethora of genetically deformed plant life, those wanting to survive must be quick or be dead. Saddle up, gringos. This will be a bumpy ride.
“Ghosts Of The Second Empire”
Ghosts of the past empire can still be found in the deserts of Futurewest. Some relics have stories to tell while others are skeletons with no memorable past. This is 7000 AD and only the boldest of men remain in local legends. Like Spanish Conquistador Don Marquez. His ship is sought after and the tons of Radiumite that it carried. A vast fortune to someone brave enough to find it.
“Robots And Artifacts”
Humans have become addictively reliant on robotic labor in the New West. As the landscape becomes more dire, these technological wonders show an ever-increasing presence. Some robots are no more than general labor, while more advanced animal forms roam the terrain devouring the toxic plant life – converting the material into valuable Radiumite pellets. Only the most durable survive.
Review
Comic book legend Mike Hoffman is back with a new series set in the post-apocalyptic world of Futurewest. Maria Velez, aka Madame Tarantula, wanders the desert wasteland in search of her past. This is a sci-fi western for a new generation of readers.
Even though the storyline is a bit lacking for an introductory issue (in my opinion), Hoffman makes up for this shortcoming with two codex sections highlighting the dangers found in the great inland sea. The world of Madame Tarantula reminds me of those great Gold Key series such as Magnus: Robot Fighter and Mighty Samson. For those in need of a more modern reference, look no further than the Fallout series. Madame Tarantula gets four out of five stars from me.
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