SPEED RACER #9 (Mad Cave Studios)
Speed has taken on some of the best racers in the world, but he now finds himself up against his biggest foe…drug addiction. When Speed accidentally ingests a new designer drug, V-Gas, it changes him for the worse. Can his family and Trixie get through to him or will the drug change Speed forever?
Speed Racer #9 - 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 ***
STORY OVERVIEW:
Racer X helps the police takedown the Brotherhood of Anarchy, a street gang that works for the Tiger Syndicate. However, the police and Racer X notice that the gang was stronger and more violent than ever before. They discover a new drug in their possession, V-Gas, and the strength of this drug scares them. Fast forward to the race at the Monte Carlo Speedway, and Speed can’t seem to get by Mark Meglaton from Nouveau Motors. Meglaton’s secret is that he is on the V-Gas and this is making him a better and more aggressive racer. As Speed tries to overtake him one of his teammates sacrifices his car, which then lets off V-Gas that Speed ingests. This turns Speed into an irritable asshole, but that’s not the worst of it. He becomes dangerous and his family and Trixie need to find a way to get him off the Gas.
WRITING:
This issue shows us a different struggle for Speed and the team. David Pepose takes the world of Speed Racer and hits it with some reality in the form of performance enhancers and drug addiction. The way Pepose introduces the drug to the reader lets us know instantly that it is serious business. So, when Speed ends up ingesting it, we instantly know it’s bad news for him. Pepose then shows us the complete 180 in Speeds character and how this affects everyone around him. The emotion is always a part of the Series, but the phenomenal racing action usually takes center stage. However, in this issue emotions are center stage and bring a stark sense of reality to this world. The setup for what lengths Trixie and the family will have to go to if they hope to save Speed, creates some major anticipation for next issue.
ARTWORK:
The art team shines throughout this issue. Davide Tinto vividly brings the world of Speed Racer to life with immersive visuals, distinct character designs, and standout racing and action sequences. His illustrations also capture the story’s emotional beats with clarity. Jão Canola’s colors heighten the impact while drawing attention to key details, and Buddy Beaudoin’s strong lettering completes the package. Together, their work helps make this series one of the top titles at the LCS.
Check Out My Review of Speed Racer #8
Final Thoughts:
Speed Racer #9 takes this world in a serious direction with a real-world serious issue. This issue reminds me of the PSA episodes of children’s television when I was kid. This adds a sense of realism to the series and makes it more relatable to readers of the series. Speed Racer is one of the most consistent and best series on the shelves every month, and this issue keeps that trend alive. This is an issue that everyone should pick up and share with young people in their lives for the message alone and make sure you order the next issue to get the full story as well.
FINAL GRADE: 9.5/10
Let me know your thoughts on Speed Racer #9 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
