SPEED RACER #1 – New Comic Review

Speed Racer #1, by Mad Cave Studios on 7/30/25, zooms out of the gate with high octane action and a family legacy to uphold, pitting the iconic Mach 5 against weaponized rivals in a race for glory.

Credits:

• Writer: David Pepose
• Artist: Davide Tinto
• Colorist: Rex Lokus
• Letterer: Buddy Beaudoin
• Cover Artist: Alessio Zonno (cover A)
• Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
• Release Date: July 30, 2025
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 32
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of SPEED RACER #1:

First Impressions:

From the jump, this comic grabs you with its explosive energy and vibrant artwork. The chaotic race sequences immediately immerse you in a world where speed is everything and danger lurks at every turn.

Plot Analysis:

The story opens ten years in the past, with a young Speed watching his older brother, Rex Racer, win the Mystic Grand Prix. This pivotal moment instills in Speed a powerful ambition to become a champion racer, just like Rex. The celebratory scene highlights Speed’s admiration and the strong bond within the Racer family, including his parents.

The narrative then leaps to the present day, where Speed Racer has made a name for himself as the champion of Palm City. He’s actively competing in dangerous street races, which are revealed to be far more perilous than traditional motorsport, allowing drivers to equip their vehicles with weaponry. Spritle, broadcasting the race with Chim-Chim, hypes up the Mach 5’s seemingly unbeatable odds.

During the race, Speed faces off against formidable opponents who employ a variety of “X-Factors,” including rivet guns, bottle rocket launchers, and a particularly nasty skull and bones mace. Speed, recalling lessons from Rex about driving smarter and listening to his car’s instincts, skillfully navigates the armed assault, utilizing his own vehicle’s features like belt tires and auto jacks to evade attacks and overcome obstacles.

The issue culminates with Speed securing a victory against Skull Duggery, once again proving the Mach 5’s prowess. However, victory turns to tragedy when Pops is beaten by gang members from the Tiger Syndicate, pushing Pops into a heart attack. Why? Dante Ferno insists Pops build him a dangerous engine. The issue concludes with Speed using the Mach 5 to outrun the police getting Pops to the hospital and the arrival of the mysterious Racer X.

Story

The story is a dynamic blend of nostalgic reverence and modern, weaponized racing. It expertly establishes Speed’s motivation rooted in his brother Rex’s legacy, providing a clear emotional anchor. The pacing is relentless during race sequences, making the battles feel truly intense. The introduction of Formula X rules, which essentially turn races into vehicular combat, injects fresh, high stakes into the familiar Speed Racer universe.

Art

Davide Tinto’s art is sharp, energetic, and perfectly suited for a high speed comic. The character designs are expressive, and the Mach 5 looks iconic. Action sequences are rendered with a powerful sense of motion and impact, making every explosion and near miss pop off the page. Rex Lokus’s colors are vibrant and dynamic, enhancing the thrill of the race and the overall visual appeal.

Characters

Speed is portrayed as a determined and skilled racer, clearly motivated by his brother’s past triumphs and lessons. Spritle and Chim-Chim provide the familiar, quirky broadcast commentary, adding a touch of classic charm. The rival racers are distinct and menacing, effectively establishing immediate threats. The brief, but impactful, appearance of Racer X at the end provides a compelling hook, setting up future mysteries and conflicts.

Positives

The comic absolutely nails the high speed action, delivering panels that burst with kinetic energy and vehicular combat. The art team’s dynamic visuals, combined with the vibrant coloring, make every race feel like a blockbuster movie. It successfully updates the classic Speed Racer concept with a relevant edge, introducing new rules that escalate the danger without losing the core appeal. The narrative expertly weaves in Speed’s emotional connection to his brother Rex, giving depth to his relentless pursuit of victory. The final page reveal of Racer X is a punchy cliffhanger that leaves readers eager for the next issue.

Negatives

While the racing is thrilling, some of the dialogue can feel a bit exposition heavy, especially when characters are explaining the “Formula X” rules mid-action. A few of the supporting antagonists could benefit from more distinct personalities beyond their weaponized vehicles. The transition between the flashback and the present day, though clear, could have been executed with slightly more seamless fluidity to maintain the breakneck pace.

Art Samples:

Final Thoughts:

(Click this link 👇 to order this comic)

SPEED RACER #1 is a powerful reintroduction to a beloved franchise, delivering thrilling action and a compelling emotional core. It earns high marks for its stellar artwork and engaging writing, which perfectly capture the essence of high speed, weaponized racing. The creativity and entertainment factor are evident in its updated take on the classic concept, making it a must read for fans new and old.

---

---

---

As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases to help fund this site. Links to Blu-Rays, DVDs, Books, Movies, and more contained in this article are affiliate links. Please consider purchasing if you find something interesting, and thank you for your support.