Review: Speed Racer #8
From Mad Cave Studios
A change of scenery and a new adventure for Speed in Speed Racer #8 from Mad Cave Studios this week.
At the Ocean Industries Gala, a nervous Speed finds himself shoulder-to-shoulder with the rich and famous of Formula X! But when Speed has a long-overdue heart-to-heart with his boss/love interest Trixie Turnwell, their rendezvous is suddenly interrupted by the armored tank known as the Great Mammoth Car! Even with Racer X riding shotgun, can Speed rescue Trixie from the ruthless gangster Cruncher Block? Or will the Great Mammoth Car leave our high-octane heroes extinct with a barrage of heat-seeking missiles?!
Written by David Pepose
Art by Davide Tinto
Colours by Jão Canola
Lettering by Buddy Beaudoin
Mad Cave Studios’ Speed Racer #8 throws Speed into a situation that feels completely outside his comfort zone right from the opening pages. Instead of tearing through tracks at full throttle, he’s stuck navigating a glamorous high-society gala filled with wealthy elites, expensive suits, and awkward small talk. What makes things even more tense for him is Trixie’s presence, as Speed is clearly trying to keep his cool and avoid embarrassing himself in front of her. Those quieter opening moments do a great job of showing a different side of Speed, placing him in an environment where charm and composure matter just as much as speed and reflexes.
Of course, the calm doesn’t last long. The issue wastes very little time before chaos erupts, and once the attack on the gala begins, the comic shifts gears into full-on action mode. This is where the series continues to shine. The transition from classy event to explosive danger feels seamless, and the pacing keeps the adrenaline high throughout the rest of the story.
The partnership between Speed and Racer X is easily one of the highlights of the issue. Watching the two work together to rescue Trixie and stop the criminals from stealing the experimental fuel gives the comic a strong sense of momentum. Their dynamic carries a lot of energy, balancing intense action with sharp dialogue and cool-headed teamwork. The story makes excellent use of Racer X’s mysterious presence while still keeping Speed front and centre as the hero charging headfirst into danger.
One of the strongest aspects of the issue is how well it handles all three of its main characters. Speed gets his heroic moments, Racer X brings the cool and calculated edge, and Trixie proves once again that she’s far more than someone waiting to be rescued. Even after being kidnapped, she refuses to sit back helplessly, getting involved in the action and fighting back whenever she can. That added toughness gives her an important role in the story and helps the issue feel more balanced overall.
The action scenes themselves are incredibly entertaining, featuring explosive weapon combat, high-speed movement, and cinematic choreography that fits perfectly with the larger-than-life feel of Speed Racer. The banter between characters keeps things fun without slowing the pacing down, and every major sequence feels carefully constructed to maximise excitement.
The artwork continues to elevate the series as well. The panels are laid out to keep the action easy to follow while still feeling dynamic and energetic. Explosions hit with real impact, the racing sequences feel fast and chaotic, and the colour work gives the entire issue a bright, stylish look that suits the tone perfectly. The explosive finale especially stands out visually, delivering a strong ending that leaves the issue on a high note.
Overall, this was a fantastic standalone story that still contributes to the ongoing character relationships in the main series. It delivers exactly what fans would want from a Speed Racer comic: stylish action, memorable character moments, strong visuals, and nonstop excitement from beginning to end.
