SPEED RACER #2 – New Comic Review

Speed Racer #2, by Mad Cave Studios on 8/27/25, wastes no time throwing you into a high stakes family drama as Pops Racer’s life hangs in the balance, forcing Speed to take desperate measures.

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: August 27, 2025
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 33
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of SPEED RACER #2:

First Impressions:

This issue is a punchy, emotional rollercoaster. The immediate aftermath of Pops’ heart attack feels heavy and real. It’s a powerful gut punch that sets a clear, compelling motivation for Speed.

Recap:

In Speed Racer #1, a modernized Speed Racer proved his skills on the dangerous Formula X street racing circuit of Palm City. The story established his motivation to live up to the legacy of his late brother, Rex Racer, while navigating a strained relationship with his father, Pops. Speed’s victory was short-lived when he returned home to find Pops brutally beaten by members of the Tiger Syndicate for refusing to build an engine for them, an event that left his father in a dire condition.

Plot Analysis:

The story opens at the hospital with Pops Racer in critical condition following a severe myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack. Inspector Rokugo questions Speed and Spritle on the circumstances, but Speed lies, stating they simply found Pops on the ground and called for help. In a brief moment of consciousness, Pops whispers a warning to Speed to not trust the “C.A.T. Team,” an unknown group.

Speed meets with Pops’ attending physician, Doctor Curtis, who explains that Pops’ heart is beyond repair. The doctor says that without an expensive heart transplant, Pops only has about six months to live. The cost of the surgery is almost a million dollars, a price Speed and his family cannot afford. Speed feels a sense of hopelessness and frustration.

Feeling like there is no other option, Speed’s eyes catch a television broadcast. The news report announces the upcoming Formula X World Championship, a race with a winner-take-all prize of one million dollars. With his family’s life at stake, Speed makes the difficult decision to enter the competition to earn the money needed for his father’s surgery.

The comic ends with Speed arriving at the Formula X event and facing off with another racer, Snake Oiler. Snake is a hot-headed racer trying to join the C.A.T. Team. He belittles Speed’s car, saying that the Mach 5 is old and a relic from the past, but when the race begins Speed shows the competitors what a lifetime of racing training really looks like.

Story

David Pepose’s script does an excellent job of building the stakes from the very first page. The dialogue between characters, particularly the conversation between Speed and Inspector Rokugo, is sharp and purposeful, avoiding excessive exposition. The mystery of the “C.A.T. Team” is a well-placed hook that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Art

The art team, led by Davide Tinto and colorist Rex Lokus, creates a visually stunning experience. Tinto’s linework is clean and expressive, and his characters’ emotions are clear and relatable. Lokus’s vibrant coloring makes the world pop with energy. The combination of dynamic visuals and a rich color palette gives the comic a modern, cinematic feel.

Characters

Speed Racer is portrayed with a fierce determination born from desperation, making him a compelling protagonist with a clear motivation. Pops Racer’s vulnerability and his ominous warning add a layer of mystery and urgency to his character. Snake Oiler is an effective foil, providing a taste of the competition Speed will face.

Positives

This issue excels at establishing clear and emotional stakes. Speed’s desperate mission to save his father is a powerful motivator that makes the story instantly compelling. The confrontation with Snake Oiler adds an element of personal rivalry to the high-stakes race, promising intense action and drama in future issues.

Negatives

The issue’s main weakness is the quick resolution of the initial conflict, which feels too fast. The villain, Snake Oiler, is a bit one-dimensional, and his brief appearance feels rushed. The comic introduces several plot threads, but it does so quickly, leaving readers with a sense of too much information presented at once.

Art Samples:

Final Thoughts:

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SPEED RACER #2 is a perfect example of a series with clear stakes, a compelling plot, and fantastic art. It’s a high-octane issue that proves this new take on the classic story is more than a simple nostalgia trip. Mad Cave has a certified hit on their hands, and it’s built for speed.

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