Here is a fun treat for everyone! Just in time for the 2025 Free Comic Book Day, we get a sneak preview of Speed Racer! Published by Mad Cave Studios, from the writer of Cable: Love and Chrome and Space Ghost, David Pepose brings us another blast from our past to the modern era.
It’s fast and furious meets manga-styled hot roddin’ action. A certain turbo-revving young punk has to outmaneuver opponents and the cops in a personal pursuit for victory. But at what cost? The narration by Inspector Rokugo aptly gives an insight as to what is to come down the long winding road. Greed, fame, or passion are themes to bear in mind as panels show Speed on the run from authorities, but we are not given a clear reason behind the pursuit.
This is not your father’s Speed Racer. Very much in a similar vein to Space Ghost, writer David Pepose brings a modern-day touch to an old school property. I sense a methodical blend of Fast and Furious and Need for Speed as ingredients to this modern reimagining of Racer. The involvement of live streaming and even slang verbiage such as “cooked” make appearances in the dialogue in what would be a likely conversation in today’s time. The backup story featuring the mysterious Racer X adds more intrigue and mystery to the tale. While I grew up watching reruns of Speed Racer, I believe I have some idea how the mystery should play out, but if this is like Space Ghost, then my clues might be a feint.
Artists Davide Tinto and Chris Batista beautifully complement the scripts penned by Pepose and Mark Russel who pens the Racer X backup story. Rex Lokus and Carlos Lopez are the colorists bringing out the vibrancy of city racing. Last but certainly not least, letterer Buddy Beaudoin keeps dialogue clear and helps us imagine the vocal sense of urgency or confidence in each character.
Don’t finish last and miss out on picking up this setup for what appears to be an enjoyable and suspenseful series!
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