RACER X #4 (Mad Cave Studios)

Showing the events from Speed Racer #5 through the eyes of Racer X, we find ourselves in the Great Alpine Race. As Racer X tries to save and help Speed, he has more flashbacks taking us to a time when he was still Rex Racer. The emotions run as hot as the engines in this issue.

Racer X #3 - Written By Mark Russell – Art By Nuno Plati - Colors By Giada Marchisio – Letters By Buddy Beaudoin - Edited By Chas! Pangburn - Published By Mad Cave Studios

Credit: Mad Cave Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

STORY OVERVIEW:

As the Great Alpine Race plays out and Racer X must make some harrowing decisions to save his brother after his brakes were cut. We get to see some flashbacks to when Rex originally met Kim Jugger and joined the C.A.T Team. This opens a world of emotions as Pops was vehemently opposed to not only him racing, but also C.A.T. Upon Speed’s successful win, these flashbacks lead Racer X to ponder if he should let his family know that Racer X is really a very much alive Rex.

WRITING:

This issue not only gives the reader a different perspective of what we have read in Speed Racer but also does so by pulling back the curtain on the history that surrounds it. Mark Russell does an amazing job of revealing how Racer X feels and the emotional turmoil he is going through. The constant tug of war between wanting to return to his family and staying in the shadows for their safety. One of the strongest attributes to this spinoff series is telling extended stories from the Speed Racer Universe without bogging down the main title. This book and its series effectively accomplish this goal while also providing a compelling and meaningful narrative of their own.

ARTWORK:

The artwork in this issue captures the updated anime style that we’ve become accustomed to in this Universe. Nuno Plati really crushes the racing scenes, making the racing action and must see. The flashback scenes are shown in such a way that you feel like you are actually there. But Plati’s biggest success in this issue comes at the end, with the scenes of Rex and his dad, really touching and emotional art.

Giada Marchisio does a fantastic job with the coloring, matching the tone and energy of the story perfectly. While Buddy Beaudoin makes following the story easy with the lettering, while also conveying the emotions of the story.

Final Thoughts:

Racer X #4 delivers another strong entry in the Speed Racer universe. The thrilling race scenes are matched by an engaging, dramatic storyline, especially as more of Racer X’s background is revealed, making Rex Racer feel even more relatable. This issue is highly recommended—if you haven’t added this series to your Pull List yet, now is the time.

FINAL GRADE: 9.3/10

Let me know your thoughts on Racer X #4 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!