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Mad Max's Furiosa: Examining everyone's new favorite road warrior

Posted Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 3:36 PM Central
Last updated Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 3:47 PM Central

by Tim Briscoe

Mad Max: Fury Road failed to top the box office in its first weekend but it has captured the hearts and minds of audiences. The irony is that filmgoers are falling for the film's female lead rather than the title character.

Imperator Furiosa, or simply Furiosa, is the tough as nails woman fighting alongside Max. She's played by Charlize Theron in the reboot from director George Miller. Let's examine the character in this featurette video:

She's an intriguing and visually stunning character. Not only that but she's a very strong and unapologetic part, something we don't get a lot of from Hollywood. Perhaps that's why people love Furiosa. Or perhaps it's because she only has one arm.

I'm pretty sure I'm not spoiling anything there. I mean, I haven't even had the chance to see Fury Road yet. It's obvious from the clips and promotional stills that Furiosa has been maimed and at some point dons a mechanical arm. Apparently there isn't even an explanation for it in the film. That prompted Rotten Tomatoes to ask Miller and the cast for their theories. Check out these quick interviews:

According to the critical aggregator, Mad Max: Fury Road scores a 98%. That makes it one of the best reviewed films of the year so far. A consensus among critics is the thrill ride's stunning visuals. To that end there are two books that feature Miller's captivating aesthetics.

The Art of Mad Max: Fury Road includes 176 pages of color photos and illustrations from the film's production. Mad Max: Fury Road Inspired Artists has 65 great comic artists putting their spin on the film's images.

Lots of other artists are hopping on the Fury bandwagon. Art website Sketch Dailies put illustrators to the task for a daily challenge. Check out these terrific Furiosa interpretations.

Furiosa! #furiosa #madmax #furyroad #fanart

A photo posted by Mike Bear (@bearmantooth) on

Furiosa! :) #imperatorfuriosa #FuryRoad #furiosa

A photo posted by Juan Ruiz (@jucaruiz) on

George Miller has certainly tapped a creative nerve with this new film. The creator recently promised more Max and even offered a tentative title for the sequel, Mad Max: The Wasteland.

As if all this art wasn't enough to show you the love for Furiosa, check out this mash-up by YouTuber Albert Lopez. He combines the great comedy serious The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt with our new favorite road warrior. You better believe it, females are strong as hell.

Have you seen Mad Max: Fury Road yet? If so, let us know what you thought of the film and the Furiosa character.