The latest from Mad Cave Studios, Speed Racer #4, is a relentless, emotional ride that perfectly captures the heart and over-the-top action of the classic franchise. Writer David Pepose throws our hero, Speed Racer, into the treacherous Great Alpine Race, the exact course where he witnessed his brother, Rex Racer, die!
The issue centers entirely on a deeply personal battle for Speed. The stress of the location is almost too much, and we see a compelling vulnerability as a stressed-out Speed pushes himself to the brink, nearly having a panic attack right as the starting gun fires. Pepose uses this dangerous race as a crucible for Speed’s trauma. The death of his brother is a present force, crippling him when the danger becomes too real, moving Speed beyond his usual self-assured self and making him a very vulnerable character fighting his own demons.
The danger here isn’t just internal, though. The nefarious Tiger Syndicate and their vicious hired gun, Kim Jugger, aka the Black Jaguar, are immediately attempting lethal sabotage. Jugger is a great antagonist for Speed: he’s not just a fast driver; he’s a master manipulator who attacks Speed’s emotional weakness, making the race psychologically brutal before the cars even leave the gate.
Just when it seems like the Black Jaguar’s aggressive maneuvers will end the race for Speed, a familiar engine roars into the fray: Racer X. In a thrilling entrance, Racer X runs interference, pulling a decisive Sideswipe move. Recognizing the high stakes of taking down the Syndicate, he forms a much-needed alliance with Speed. The issue ends on a terrifying cliffhanger as the Syndicate’s pre-planned sabotage finally pays off, leaving us wondering how Speed will possibly get out of this one!
The creative team makes sure the action is a visceral experience. Davide Tinto’s art remains the kinetic engine of the series. The racing sequences are a visual feast, perfectly capturing the speed and chaotic nature of Formula X. Crucially, the intense close-ups on Speed really show his internal drama amidst the external high-speed action also happening. Rex Lokus’s colors deliver on the vibrant, saturated look we remember from the original anime. Finally, Buddy Beaudoin’s lettering adds energy with many bold, distinct driving sound effects. The scrape of a car or the snap of a broken part practically leap off the page, enhancing the adrenaline of the race and the plot’s dramatic turns.
Ultimately, Speed Racer #4 delivers exactly what fans want: an action-packed, gadget-filled race with deep personal stakes and a shocking twist ending. It’s a fantastic middle chapter that raises the bar for thrills.
‘Speed Racer’ #4 Review: Black Jaguar, Racer X & the Great Alpine Race
Speed Racer #4 delivers exactly what fans want: an action-packed, gadget-filled race with deep personal stakes and a shocking twist ending. It’s a fantastic middle chapter that raises the bar for thrills.
