Speed has been up against some big foes in this series, and along with his team he has conquered them all. But now with Racer X injured and being accused of a murder he didn’t commit, Speed finds himself up against his biggest foe yet…The Melange! Can Speed uncover who this mysterious figure is who is hell bent on revenge in time to clear Racer X’s name?
Speed Racer #11 - Written By David Pepose – Art By Davide Tinto - Colors By Jão Canola - Letters By Buddy Beaudoin – Edited By Chas! Pangburn & Sarah Brunstad - Published By Mad Cave Studios
Credit: Mad Cave Studios
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
WRITING:
This issue kicks off a new story involving a new character and it doesn’t disappoint. David Pepose brings the Melange into the story and instantly makes him feel like the biggest threat Speed has encountered yet. Having him set up Racer X and cause his very bad injuries makes the readers of this series instantly hate the mysterious Melange. The emotional connection that Pepose has built with Speed, and the team helps to make a new “villain” more detestable instantly. Pepose also uses this to show us the drama, and the lengths Speed is willing to go to hunt for this mysterious figure and bring him to justice. But don’t worry Racer fans, there is plenty of action in this issue as well. We get the top tier racing action we have become accustomed to, but it also is a little darker in this issue as well. That darkness is what drives the story and will surely have you chomping at the bit for the next issue.
ARTWORK:
The artwork in this issue is tremendous and is what we have become accustomed to in this series. Davide Tinto really captures the essence of the world of Speed Racer. The settings and the world fits perfectly into this legendary property. The racing action is crisp and exciting which makes readers want to get lost in the magic of said action. But even with how exciting the action is, the real driver is the emotions and drama. Tinto takes the strong emotions Pepose writes and translates them flawlessly to the page. With just the smallest of facial detail, Tinto can make the reader feel the exact emotion they should be feeling. This really multiplies what the story is telling us and makes the drama hit so much harder. At the same time Jão Canola’s colors make the world vibrant and make the artwork jump off the page. The color scheme ensures there is never a dull page in any issue of this series. Buddy Beaudoin’s letters seamlessly tie the story and the artwork together. His design of the action words is super important as it gives the action and racing their larger than life feel. The art team is next to none on their deliverance of an exciting and dramatic experience.
Check Out My Review of Speed Racer #10
Final Thoughts:
Speed Racer #11 kicks off a new story with high-speed action, an imposing new threat, and emotional stakes that make every turn feel personal. David Pepose gives Speed a compelling reason to push forward as he fights to clear Racer X’s name, while the art team brings the racing thrills and character drama to life. The Melange’s arrival adds a darker edge to the series and leaves readers eager to see what comes next. If you’ve been following Speed Racer, don’t miss this issue! Pick up a copy from your Local Comic Shop and buckle up for a mystery that promises to put Speed and his team to the test.
FINAL GRADE: 9.6/10
Let me know your thoughts on Speed Racer #11 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
