Writers: Brenden Fletcher, Babs Tarr, Cameron Stewart / Artist: Babs Tarr / Image Comics
Spending half its time in expository flashbacks and the other half thrusting the plot forward in more ways than one, Motor Crush #5 passes expectations for faced-paced fun and intrigue as it ends its first arc. We have quite a few answers – most notably, insight into Domino’s “adoption” story – but we’re also left with questions, both old and new. Now that the stakes are high though, certain details fall to the wayside in importance, like the World Grand Prix. And while those will undoubtedly be revisited soon, along with Dom’s street racing reputation, her relationship with Lola, and the origin of her dependence on Crush, those details, at least for now, fall below the life-or-death threats to her and her family.
But when the immediate danger passes, those problems will certainly be waiting for her in a new, interesting light. This issue serves as a turning point in our story, one of those “this changes everything” twists that has readers reevaluate everything we know within a new context. Motor Crush had enough going for it that its story didn’t even need a jumpstart like this, so having such a turn gives a very genuine sense that anything can happen, that the story can be indeed unpredictable. Our attention now is split between predicting the future, understanding her beginnings, and both predicting and understanding what happened in between. This book – and Domino’s life – is a captivating thrill ride.
Overall, Motor Crush #5 is what you want in a first arc: a new world established, a character to cheer for with people who love her, and a well-paced mystery that leaves you wanting more. The series returns in August with its second arc, and will surely bring with it more neon streaks of light and races to the finish.
Reading Motor Crush? Find BNP’s other reviews of the series here.
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