Speed Racer is back and roaring onto the page in Speed Racer #3, proving the classic franchise has plenty of high-octane life left in it. The creative team of David Pepose, Davide Tinto, Rex Lokus, and Buddy Beaudoin delivers a chapter packed with emotional stakes and dizzying action, all wrapped up in a visually stunning package.
The issue wastes no time diving into the core conflict, opening on a heartfelt moment that reveals the shadow hanging over Speed. It’s been seven years since the death of his brother, Rex Racer, who was always Speed’s hero, even when the press branded him “Reckless” Rex. This emotional backdrop fuels Speed’s current mission: to make them pay for what they did to his family, and specifically, for Pops’ shake-up. The plot quickly revs up as Speed drives to Club Diesel, territory of the notorious C.A.T. Team.
The confrontation almost immediately leads to a chaotic bar fight. Still, the real challenge emerges with the appearance of Racer X. He dismisses Speed, claiming Formula X is for real drivers only. This, of course, leads to an impromptu, high-stakes street race. The terms are simple: if Speed wins, Racer X will float him cash until the Formula X Qualifiers; if Speed loses, the Mach 5 is Racer X’s.
The action scenes here are a highlight, thanks to the dynamic artwork of Davide Tinto and the vibrant colors of Rex Lokus. The climactic race between Speed’s Mach 5 and Racer X’s Shooting Star is a visual feast. We see the Mach 5 deploy its signature Cutter Blades, while Racer X’s Shooting Star counters with Gemini Grappling Hooks and Gemini Tripwire Cables.
Tinto’s art is also clean and expressive throughout, giving the characters a modern, muscular look while still honoring the source material. Lokus’s colors truly make the book pop, with the neon glows of the club and the electric energy of the night race. And Buddy Beaudoin’s lettering perfectly captures that classic, frantic Speed Racer energy.
Ultimately, Speed loses the race, but the action concludes with Racer X telling Speed that he drives with some real heart, solidifying the central theme of family and sacrifice and echoing Rex’s old sentiment that a racer “gotta race for something bigger than yourself.”
Speed Racer #3 is a fantastic issue that perfectly mixes deep emotion with mind-blowing racing. While the focus on “family” might sound a bit cheesy (like something out of the Fast & Furious movies), Pepose absolutely nails the emotional core of the series. The tension with Racer X highlights that big-brother instinct to protect your own, even when you’re not around. It’s a beautifully put-together comic that will leave you itching to see Speed’s next race.
‘Speed Racer’ #3 Review: Mach 5 vs. The Shooting Star
Speed Racer #3 is a fantastic issue that perfectly mixes deep emotion with mind-blowing racing. Pepose absolutely nails the emotional core of the series, while leaving you itching to see Speed’s next race
