REVIEW: 'Motor Crush' #4 by Cameron Stewart, Brenden Fletcher, and Babs Tarr

★★★★1/2 (4.5/5)

Domino's life continues to spiral out of control but will a mysterious stranger's revelations about her past finally let her find peace? Cameron Stewart, Brenden Fletcher, and Babs Tarr continue to bring one of the most exciting comics to print with an equally complex protagonist in 'Motor Crush' #4. 

After wiping out on her bike at the end of the last issue, this chapter opens up with a fast-paced flashback in black and white. It leads to the revelations of her past as well as her connection to the "Dark Rider." Domino's character arc has been one of the most refreshing aspects of the series. Sure, it has beautifully depicted action scenes full of neon bursts of color and that's awesome too but seeing Domino go through her personal struggles and deteriorating facade, humanizes her exposing her growth. Her addiction to Crush, the secrets between her and her adopted father, and the chilly relationship with her ex-girlfriend have been the conflicts that have challenged her amid trying to compete in racing. It's a lot to tackle in four issues so far but Stewart and Fletcher have balanced it all together beautifully. The result has been a deeper and richer story and character study than we're used to. 

It's hard not to keep your eyeballs on the page with Tarr's animated character designs and kinetic layouts.  She's as adept at visually stunning chase scenes, whether on a motorcycle or a skateboard, as she is with emotionally charged scenes of confrontation as Domino seeks answers from her dad or surrenders to the sympathy of Lola. There aren't many comics this vibrant and charamastic. 

There's a certain joy in the freedom of making a creator-owned title like 'Motor Crush' for the creative team that is self-evident. The ability to create a black, gay, protagonist that isn't defined by those things and just assembles a kick ass narrative that encompasses her struggles and triumphs is something that makes indie comics so vital to the medium. And right now, Stewart, Fletcher, and Tarr are burning hot talents making it happen. 

'Motor Crush' continues to embroil Domino in a whirlwind of emotions and secrets. With eye-popping visuals washed in vibrant colors, the action scenes deserve a soundtrack all their own. This uniquely cool title keeps getting better with a character you'll actually care about. 'Motor Crush' feels like a summer popcorn flick in your hands. Catch up now.