Review: Speed Racer #5
From Mad Cave Studios
After the cliffhanger of the previous issue, the race continues in Speed Racer #5 from Mad Cave Studios.
With the Mach 5’s brakes sabotaged by the C.A.T. Team, Speed Racer finds himself on the edge of defeat — that is, unless Racer X can shift the scales in his favor! But with the ruthless Kim Jugger willing to do anything to win the Great Alpine Race, can these champions-in-the-making work together long enough to cross the finish line? Plus: A stunning return that will change the course of the Racer family forever!
Written by David Pepose, Art by Davide Tinto, Colours by Rex Lokus, and Lettering by Buddy Beaudoin
All gas and no brakes.
Literally!
Speed Racer #5 from Mad Cave Studios doesn’t just hit the ground running—it rockets forward with its foot welded to the floor. Speed finds himself in the biggest, most dangerous race of his life so far, and the terrifying part is that he’s doing it with no brakes. That alone sets the tension sky-high before the first turn is even made.
This issue is pure high-octane energy from start to finish, packed with so much action and intensity that you barely have time to breathe. The stakes are raised in every direction, and the creative team squeezes a surprising amount of story into the chaos without ever slowing things down.
The C.A.T. Team get their licks in, showing why they’re such a constant thorn in Speed’s side, but Speed isn’t flying solo out there—far from it. The enigmatic, ever-calculated Racer X is also on the track, delivering some of the most clever and electric moments of the issue. The interplay between Speed, Racer X, and the C.A.T. crew feels sharp and purposeful, with each character revealing just a bit of depth through their actions rather than their words.
And the cars—wow, the cars truly get their time to shine here. Whether it’s Speed’s daring manoeuvres, Racer X’s tactical brilliance, or the C.A.T. team unleashing every dirty trick in their arsenal, the machines themselves feel like living extensions of their drivers. It’s all about the racing, and this issue embraces that fully: the climb up the mountain, the descent back down, the weaponry, the stunts, the danger—it all lands.
The final stretch of the race is fantastic, delivering a fast, clean payoff that still leaves room for surprises. Once the dust settles, the story offers genuinely thoughtful moments—both triumphant and painful—between the winners and losers. It’s clear that the stakes aren’t just physical; reputations, relationships, and futures are all on the line. And when you think the issue is done, we get a significant return to the team that hints at even more to come.
The artwork deserves serious praise. The way the artist captures speed, motion, and impact is thrilling, giving every turn, jump, and collision real weight. The weapons and gadgets look slick and dangerous, the character reactions are expressive, and the overall vibe nails that perfect blend of retro homage and modern energy.
Honestly, it feels like we’ve just raced around a major narrative corner—like this is the end of the first act and the start of something even bigger. If this issue is any indication, there’s so much more promised on the horizon, and I’m absolutely strapped in for whatever comes next.
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