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Sneak Peek: Fighting Fantasy’s “Freeway Fighter” Returns As All-New Comic

By John Freeman on February 14, 2017

Spinning out of the legendary Fighting Fantasy series of game books created by Ian Livingstone and Steve Jackson in 1982, the post-apocalyptic Freeway Fighter distinguished itself by deviating from the usual mix of orcs, goblins and cave-trolls. Now it’s back – as an all-new Titan Comics production from Andi Ewington with original creator Ian Livingstone and artist Simon Coleby with Len O’Grady.

Celebrating 35 years in 2017, Fighting Fantasy brought together choice driven storytelling with a dice-based role-playing system to create a world in which “YOU are the hero!”

The series sold over 18 million copies worldwide and is translated in over 30 languages.

In the new comics series, written by critically acclaimed writer Andi Ewington (Just Cause 3, The Six) with original creator Ian Livingstone and artist Simon Coleby (2000AD, Royals: Masters of War) with Len O’Grady, an unknown virus has wiped out over 85% of the world’s human population. Former I-400 Driver Bella De La Rosa is one of the 15% – living every day as if it were her last.

Now, 18 months after the collapse of civilisation, faced with a new world order where violence and chaos rule the Freeway, she must hone her racing skills and survive any way she can!

Ian Livingstone CBE is perhaps best known as the co-founder Games Workshop and the co-creator Fighting Fantasy, co-authoring The Warlock of Firetop Mountain with Steve Jackson in 1982. In 2010, he co-wrote Next Gen, a landmark strategy report that set out how the UK could be transformed into the world’s leading talent hub for video games and visual effects. Earlier this month, he again advocated the UK needs a new government body for the UK games industry.

Ian is also the chair of numerous organisations, including Playdemic, one of Europe’s leading mobile games companies, the games studio Midoki and the Sheffield-based award-winning game development studio Sumo Digital.

Andi Ewington is currently writing for both Titan Comics, and Michael Bay’s 451 company. He’s written Overrun and Forty-Five; S6X with George Pelecanos, Sunflower with Mark Mallouk, Red Dog with Rob Cohen, and now Freeway Fighter with Ian Livingstone.

Simon Coleby began his professional career as a comic-book artist for Marvel UK, in 1987. In the intervening years, he has produced work for 2000AD, illustrating stories such as Judge Dredd, Rogue Trooper, Low Life and Jaegir. Simon has also worked for Marvel and DC Comics, producing art for Punisher 2099, Batman Eternal, The Authority and Royals: Masters of War, among other titles.

Twice-nominated as Favourite Comic Colourist for the UK’s Eagle Awards, Leonard O’Grady is a veteran of the comics and publishing industries, whose clients have included Marvel, DC/Wildstorm, IDW, Image, 2000AD, Mongoose Games, Osborne Books, O’Brien Books and Editions Delcourt. He has extensive experience handling licensed properties at all points of production for publishing.

Launching 17th May 2017 in all Good comic stores, Titan Comics’ Freeway Fighter #1 comes with fantastic covers to collect by artists like Ben Oliver, Simon Coleby & Len O’Grady and also Orlando Arocena.

• Freeway Fighter #1 is available to order from the upcoming March edition of Diamond PREVIEWS. Click here for more information on how to order on the Titan Comics web site | Find Freeway Fighter books on amazon.co.uk (using this link supports downthetubes)

• More about Fighting Fantasy on the official web site: www.fightingfantasygamebooks.com

IAN LIVINGSTONE’S FREEWAY FIGHTER #1 (OF 4)

Writer: Andi Ewington
Artist: Simon Coleby
Colorist: Len O’Grady
FC • 32pp • $3.99
On Sale 17th May 2017

An unknown virus has wiped out over 85% of the world’s human population. Former I-400 Driver Bella De La Rosa is one of the 15% – living every day as if it were her last. Now, eighteen months after the collapse of civilisation, faced with a new world order where violence and chaos rule the Freeway, she must hone her racing skills and survive any way she can!

COVER A: SIMON COLEBY & LEN O’GRADY

Freeway Fighter #1 – Cover B

COVER B: BEN OLIVER

Freeway Fighter #1 – Cover C

COVER C: ORLANDO AROCENA

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.