Hold on to your seats, Speed Racer #10 is a thrill ride of death-defying moments. Hot on the heels of the aftermath from last issue, Speed Racer is on a synthetic fuel-induced rampage and no one is safe! Who knew exposure to unnatural chemical substances would linger for so long and have such disastrous side-effects!
This might be useful as a Don’t Do Drugs PSA in the future! Speed’s next villain of the month, the Red Dragon initially boasts with little fear of defeat. That is, until an insane Speed plows through the interview, nearly taking his head off in the most gruesome way imaginable!
It’s like a fever dream, Speed looking like a manga-inspired demon with rage in his eyes and an intensity comparable to a thousand burning suns in his body. Kudos to Davide Tinto and Jao Canola on the blazing colors which bring out an element of fear to readers gasping at the level of evil spirit emitting from our racing champion.
One must wonder who the real villain of the month is. Is it the Red Dragon… or is it Speed?
The crux of the issue seems to highlight Speed’s inner anger and resentment towards others, which also reveals a sad truth. His insecurity and fear of failure. I dare not spoil too much here, but where there is fiery anger and resentment, there is also a cry for help in a desperate way few could understand. Hopefully Trixie, Pops, and Spritle can figure out how to reach the Speed we all know and, after this issue, hopefully still love.
The big race this month takes place on a volcano. There are Michael Bay-level explosions and carnage. Seriously, if he ever produced an episode of Speed Racer, this issue would be his blueprint. Explosions, cars, destruction everywhere, come on folks! This was written for Michael Bay.
Let’s give it up once more for David Pepose who must have been listening to Motorhead, or Metalingus, or perhaps Man ‘O’ War or perhaps Powerwolf to get some extra inspiration here. As mentioned earlier, Tinto and Canola killed it on art and colors, much like Speed’s attempts to kill his rivals. Buddy Beaudoin, our heroic Letterer, must have been pulling all-nighters because the detail in the dialogue and actions completely convey the insane levels of rage and intensity throughout the issue.
The whole pit crew, including editors Sarah Brunstad and Chas! Pangurn must be exhausted after this one. Let’s just call issue #10 the hottest one yet, shall we?
