After the extremely intense events from last issue, Speed Racer # 8 finds the Speed Family opt to accept an invitation to a fancy-shmancy event where some advancements in racing will be on full display. Of course it will. A public event to address some super-secret lab experiment finally being revealed to the world which would enhance and propel racing into the next decade or beyond?
WHAT. COULD. POSSIBLY. GO. WRONG.
For starters, Speed just isn’t up to dressing like anything but a race car driver or a kid sporting the latest in lazy fashion trends. However reluctant, he soon forgets his discomfort when his gal Trixie arrives looking drop dead gorgeous, leaving Speed’s tongue hanging out like the wolf from Looney Tunes.
Speed’s attempt at charm leaves a tense and awkward moment between them, leaving an opening for Pops Racer and Racer X to both deliver their respective unique takes on courting women.
The show gets underway, the whacko scientist who reveals his latest chemical invention to enhance racing technology and fuel consumption announces the element with the gusto of an over-the-top ring announcer. We’ve got ourselves synthetic fuel that would cut down consumption and costs by massive percentages. But before he can get into more details about his discovery, we get a gangster by the name of *snicker* Cruncher Block, driving the deadly Great Mammoth Car, announces himself and his gang are taking the experimental fuel.
The remainder of the issue features a kidnapping, a damsel in distress, Speed getting hopped up on emotional rage-fuel, with Racer X once again trying to be the voice of reason and racing caution. It’s a genuinely fun read. A nice side-quest if you will, where rather than yet another race, Speed and team use their driving skills to mount a heroic rescue.
I will point out that the issue concludes with a massive Michael Bay-inspired explosion, leaving readers wondering who, if anyone, survives.
Hey look! David Pepose once again takes a cheesy goofball character from yesterday. Davide Tinto designs the big fella as a menacing gangster, retaining the stereotypical bravado of a mob kingpin. Jao Canola boosts each page with explosive coloring, both figuratively and literally! Last but not least, Buddy Beaudoin on Lettering and Chas Pangburn have their hands full editing and writing.
Speed Racer is straight up fun. How can one turn down the opportunity to engage in some self-care with light-hearted but fun action with some episodic vibes?
Simple. You shouldn’t.
