Speed Racer is back, hitting the streets of Palm City, a town renowned for its elite Formula X racing, in a new series kicking off Mad Cave’s planned shared universe. In Speed Racer #0, written by David Pepose (who fans have praised for capturing character voices and delivering hardcore action in series like Cable: Love and Chrome) and drawn by Davide Tinto, we meet Speed not just as an official racer, but as a legend whispered about in back alleys – a “demon on wheels” in the Mach 5, skillfully winning races and pink slips.
Now, he’s entering the high-octane Formula X Championship League, the most intense and dangerous race of his life, where survival itself is uncertain. With other series like a Racer X miniseries by Mark Russell (launching September 2025) and Speed Racer: Tales from the Road also on the horizon, this initial outing promises to push Speed to his absolute limits, and if the thrilling action in issue #0 is any indication, fans are in for the race of their lives!
Credit: Mad Cave Comics
Welcome to Palm City, a metropolis seemingly dedicated to the adrenaline rush of Formula X Racing. Creatives David Pepose and Davide Tinto immediately thrust us into a fierce street race with Speed Racer and the Mach 5, quickly attracting the attention of Inspector Rokugo and a determined Palm City Police force.
A dazzling chase ensues, showcasing Speed’s signature physics-defying maneuvers and the Mach 5’s arsenal of gadgets. This is the heart of Formula X racing: the “X” emphasizes that experiment and ingenuity are as vital as pure speed. Later, locked in an epic, death-defying chase with the cops and cornered in a tunnel, Speed does the impossible. From this high-octane escape, the main story transitions to its conclusion, reflecting somberly on legacy and the challenges of future races.
Complementing this is a backup feature by Mark Russell and Chris Batista focusing on the mysterious Racer X. Setting up his own series, this story sees Racer X protecting Speed from attackers while emphasizing themes of preparedness and vigilance. Batista’s sharp, dynamic art, enhanced by vivid inks and colors, brings Racer X’s striking black-and-white design and bold yellow car to life, teasing further thrilling encounters.
Credit: Mad Cave Comics
Speed Racer #0 hits the ground running, delivering a thrilling introduction that captures the intense grip of high-speed racing. Beyond the obvious action, I appreciate its underlying themes: the ingenuity, grit, and mental sharpness—the “X-Factor”—essential for any top driver. It’s a subtle reminder, wrapped in high-octane fun, that life’s obstacles are often “figureoutable.”
This modern interpretation takes some fresh turns. While I don’t recall Speed being a street racer (though my memory isn’t perfect), the inclusion of this element, complete with police pursuit, feels reminiscent of the Fast and Furious series and adds an exciting contemporary layer. Spritle’s live vlogging, though slightly cheesy, also cleverly modernizes the narrative, reflecting current youth culture.
The comic successfully blends a Wacky Races-esque zaniness—like minigun-equipped Camaros—with the classic coolness of the original, exemplified by the Mach 5’s iconic gadgets. It’s silly fun, but grounded enough that you could imagine watching these races unfold. The inspector’s narration further enhances the experience, driving the plot and building intrigue around Palm City (perhaps a stand-in for a chaotic Miami?).
Davide Tinto’s art is a highlight, with a cartoonish sheen that evokes pure nostalgia, making me feel like a kid again. While modern cars anchor the setting, the opponent vehicles could benefit from more distinct designs to stand out against the legendary Mach 5.
Credit: Mad Cave Comics
While the color palette isn’t groundbreaking, it establishes a solid visual foundation with all the necessary elements. Key details are easy to follow, and the experience comes alive with vivid onomatopoeias – cars skidding, drifting, shifting gears, and speeding off – effectively pulling you into the heart of the action.
Speed Racer #0 provides a thrilling, high-octane return, expertly blending the classic physics-defying maneuvers and gadgetry of the Mach 5 with fresh, modern elements like street racing. Setting the stage for an exciting new shared universe and featuring an intriguing Racer X backup story, this debut successfully captures the franchise’s spirit of ingenuity and promises intense races ahead.
‘Speed Racer’ #0 FCBD Review: Speed Racer Hits the Streets
Speed Racer #0 provides a thrilling, high-octane return, expertly blending the classic physics-defying maneuvers and gadgetry of the Mach 5 with fresh, modern elements like street racing. Setting the stage for an exciting new shared universe and featuring an intriguing Racer X backup story, this debut successfully captures the franchise’s spirit of ingenuity and promises intense races ahead.
