SPEED RACER #8 (Mad Cave Studios)

Speed takes some time away from the track to go rub shoulders with sponsors at the Ocean Industries Gala. Well, there he also tries to heat things up with Trixie. But what should’ve been an easy uneventful night blows up when Cruncher Block and his goons show up to rob the Gala.

Speed Racer #8 - Written By David Pepose – Art By Davide Tinto - Colors By Jão Canola - Letters By Buddy Beaudoin – Edited By Chas! Pangburn - Published By Mad Cave Studios

Credit: Mad Cave Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

STORY OVERVIEW:

Speed and Pops Racer go to the Ocean Industries Gala to rub shoulders with some sponsors. Speed feels extremely out of place and doesn’t want to be there until he sees Trixie. He can’t help himself and makes his move, but Trixie is a little apprehensive especially after their kiss. This tickles Racer X who teases Speed about his rejection. However, this moment doesn’t last long as Cruncher Block and his goons bust in with their Great Mammoth Car to rob the place. After taking the Fantastium-217 he also grabs Trixie to be his hostage. This forces Speed and Racer X to jump into action to save her. Can Speed and Racer X save Trixie as well as retrieve the Fantastium-217 as well?

WRITING:

I always say no one does human emotion like David Pepose and once again this issue proves just that. Showing us the romance between Speed and Trixie with a will they won’t they, well still getting in an action-packed issue in is phenomenal work. The way Pepose has teased the relationship between the two and led the readers on this will they won’t they, has built a great deal of anticipation. When she rejects Speed initially, you feel his dejection and it really sacks you in the gut. Pepose then introduces the action, and we get the adventure portion of the story before finishing on the note we all have been waiting for. For a series that has been built on some great racing action and heartfelt drama, the fact Pepose pulls off a beautiful love story as well is a testament to his writing.

ARTWORK:

The art team displays impressive talent throughout this issue. Davide Tinto skillfully brings the world of Speed Racer to life, making the visuals immersive and engaging for readers. The characters are uniquely designed, and the racing and action scenes stand out as especially well-executed. Tinto’s illustrations effectively capture the story’s emotions. Jão Canola uses colors that boost both the impact and highlight important details. Along with Buddy Beaudoin's excellent lettering, these artistic elements play a major role in the series, being considered one of the top titles at the LCS.

Check Out My Review of Speed Racer #7

Final Thoughts:

Speed Racer #8 brings us a beautiful love story that is complimented by the amazing action-filled story we’ve become accustomed to in this series. Even though the love story takes center stage, the humor and action are second none. This series has been consistently entertaining and amazing, which proves why it’s one of the best titles on the shelf. If you are not reading Speed Racer, you need to grab a copy ASAP and dive headfirst into this world!

FINAL GRADE: 9.8/10

Let me know your thoughts on Speed Racer #8 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!