Review: Speed Racer #3 (Mad Cave Studios)

Speed Racer! Racer X! Ace Ducey? Tensions rise as Speed has something to prove, Spritle and Chim-Chim appear to bite off more than they can chew.

Speed Racer #3 begins by immediately busting into the turf of the nefarious Car Acrobatic Team, their efforts to track down those who sent Pops to the hospital appear to backfire. While the name Car Acrobatic Team doesn’t sound so menacing, C.A.T.’s true motives are more nefarious than meets the eye. 

The clubs’ members immediately confront Speed and he finds himself at a very sharp point where the next move might be his last. However, the mysterious Racer X breaks up the ensuing bar fight, appearing to dismiss Speed’s efforts from pursuing this quest further. Incensed, Speed challenges Racer X. The ensuing race leads Speed down a path of choosing either to embrace his anger or to put his energy towards more productive means. 

Speed’s dilemma leaves him feeling not very Ucey and an appearance by this month’s villain, Ace Ducey adds another challenge to escape. Racer X for the time being seems to assist in eliminating one rival, but what are his true movies? 

The final pages of the issue reveal a major plot twist which while long-time fans expected, it still is one which hits close to home, knowing something our protagonist doesn’t. 

Speed’s impulsivity appears to stem from feeling helpless and control constantly being taken away. Racer X seems to try and give him the power to take back the control he desperately wants. Perhaps Speed can use the lessons in this issue, along with veteran advice to re-evaluate and gain a different perspective on how best to approach the coming conflict. 

Pepose appears to craft a version of Speed who is more proactive and will both figuratively and literally jump into danger no matter the cost. As evidenced in some excitingly drawn panels by Davide Tinto and colored by Rex Lokus, Speed’s level of intensity appears to be limitless. Buddy Beaudoin as always letters each panel to mirror and reflect the intensity of each heart-stopping panel. 

The race feels real. It’s really brilliant work by all on board who can make an action packed car chase on paper feel like it’s live. 

What’s next for Speed, Racer X, and even the vile Ace Ducey? 

Ace Ducey… what a name, right?