Review: Speed Racer #10
From Mad Cave Studios
Speed continues to cause trouble after his exposure to the V-Gas. What comes next? Here’s my review of Speed Racer #10 from Mad Cave Studios.
Still caught under the influence of the experimental street drug known as V-Gas, Speed Racer has been on the warpath! But when Speed’s next race takes him into the heart of an active volcano, it’ll put him on a collision course with the only driver who can possibly stop him: Racer X! Can Racer X, Trixie, and the rest of Speed’s family stop our hero before he does something he’ll regret forever? Or will the Demon on Wheels reign supreme?!?
Written by David Pepose
Art by Davide Tinto
Colors by Jão Canola
Lettering by Buddy Beaudoin
After his exposure to the V-Gas, Speed’s personality has taken a dramatic turn for the worse. The confident, determined racer we’ve come to know is still there somewhere, but it is buried beneath a growing aggression that affects everything he does. Not only has it made him far more dangerous behind the wheel, but it has also driven a wedge between him and the people who care about him the most. Watching that transformation continue is one of the strongest aspects of this issue, as you genuinely want to see him find his way back before it’s too late.
The question throughout is whether redemption is even possible. Racer X has already warned everyone about the severe effects that come with V-Gas withdrawal, and his attempts to reach Speed away from the racing line show just how much he still believes in him. Of course, there is only so much talking that can be done when the biggest confrontation takes place at over a hundred miles an hour. As the race gets underway, Speed’s internal struggle is reflected in every reckless manoeuvre and split-second decision he makes.
The setting for the race couldn’t be much more fitting. Racing through and around an active volcano perfectly mirrors the chaos raging inside Speed himself. There is danger at every turn, whether it’s rivers of lava, walls of fire, collapsing rock formations or the constant threat of the volcano erupting. It creates a thrilling backdrop that keeps the tension high from start to finish and gives the creative team plenty of opportunities to deliver spectacular visuals.
The race itself is packed with excitement. It’s not simply a contest of who is the fastest but a battle for Speed’s future. While avoiding the deadly hazards of the volcano, he also has to contend with rival racers determined to stop him, alongside allies like Racer X who are trying to save him from himself. That combination of physical danger and emotional conflict gives the race extra weight, making every overtake and collision feel meaningful. There are plenty of inventive vehicle stunts and signature racing moves throughout, ensuring the action never loses momentum.
Eventually, Speed begins to fight back against the influence of the V-Gas, and those moments carry real emotional impact. Rather than feeling like an easy victory, it feels earned after everything he has put himself and those around him through. Even then, the story wisely doesn’t slow down. There are still plenty of obstacles to overcome before the chequered flag falls, leading into a thrilling climax that balances explosive racing action with the emotional payoff of Speed reconnecting with his friends and family.
The artwork deserves plenty of praise once again. It captures Speed’s deteriorating mental state brilliantly, with expressive character work that makes it obvious how far he has fallen under the influence of the V-Gas. At the same time, the volcanic setting is brought vividly to life through blazing fire, molten lava and dynamic racing sequences. The action panels are full of energy and movement, making it easy to follow the frantic pace while still appreciating the scale of the destruction surrounding the racers.
The closing pages provide a satisfying conclusion to this particular story arc. Racer X gets a genuinely touching moment that neatly brings everything full circle, reminding readers why he remains one of the series’ most compelling characters. It wraps up the emotional journey while leaving plenty of excitement for what’s to come and once again shows why Speed Racer continues to be such an entertaining and consistently enjoyable series from Mad Cave Studios.
