Tramps of the Apocalypse

The delirious debut by animation artist Darrow, daughter of cartoonist Geoff Darrow, revels in the excess of classic exploitation films with confidence and style. After the apocalypse, Earth has become “a glorified landfill ruled by testosterone and off-brand E.D. medication,” but Baby, Babette, and Belladonna, three tough ladies straight out of a Russ Meyer movie, have escaped patriarchal control and roam the wastelands in a VW Beetle, robbing unsuspecting dudes. Cecil, the nebbishy survivor of their latest raid, promises to lead them to a mysterious, sought-after artifact before the warlord Master Quest can get his hands on it. Thus begins a self-aware action extravaganza of guns, grenades, martial arts, and vehicular homicide, as Master Quest’s loyal minions sacrifice their lives to stop the “voluptuous nuisances.” Darrow’s blocky, kinetic art is perfect for the pulpy fodder. The story dances on the line between parody and pastiche, both mocking and delighting in its source material with dialogue like “You got a lot of attitude for a third wheeler in a tacky outfit!” Readers will have a blast. (Jan.)