Review - Speed Racer: Tales From The Road #1
From Mad Cave Studios
Spinning out of the Speed Racer and Racer X series comes a new anthology series looking at further adventures of the characters and races of Speed Racer. Speed Racer: Tales From The Road #1 has two stories from Mad Cave Studios.
SPEED RACER: TALES FROM THE ROAD is an all-new quarterly anthology featuring one-shot stories that expand the universe of Speed Racer! When Interpol sends Racer X on a mission to take down a brutal warlord known only as the Viking, a deadly chase ignites across a shadowy European city, in an epic adventure from Mark London (Endless Night) and Sebastian Piriz (Jonny Quest). Plus: a Spritle and Chim-Chim backup story where our two favorite livestreamers “borrow” the Mach 5 for the joyride of a lifetime, in a backup tale from me and Alessio Zonno (I Heart Skull-Crusher)!
Written by Mark London (main story) and David Pepose (backup story), Art by Sebastian Piriz (main story) and Alessio Zonno (backup story) and Lettering by Buddy Beaudoin
I’m really getting into the Speed Racer vibes with Speed Racer: Tales From The Road #1 from Mad Cave Studios. As someone who only had a passing interest in the original TV show, the recent Speed Racer and Racer X comic series have really pulled me in, so it’s great to see another addition to the mythos that keeps the franchise's spirit alive while adding something fresh.
This debut issue offers two distinct adventures, each capturing a different side of the Speed Racer world. The first story takes a more serious tone, following the mysterious Racer X, now working with Interpol as he pursues a criminal boss known as The Viking. The creative team shows how Racer X’s path has diverged from Speed’s, emphasising his lone-wolf determination and sense of duty. The pacing feels fast and cinematic, and the artwork perfectly complements the tone — particularly the painted-style “flash” panels during the racing sequences, which bring the energy and emotion to life. It’s a sharp, self-contained story that feels complete, leaving you wanting to see more of Racer X’s world.
The second story shifts gears entirely and delivers a lighter, more comedic romp featuring Spritle and Chim-Chim. Their little joyride in Speed’s car turns into a series of chaotic and hilarious escapades, full of slapstick energy and charm. It’s fun from start to finish, with a clever wink to the reader in the final panels that perfectly captures that classic Speed Racer humour.
Altogether, Tales From The Road #1 hits an outstanding balance: heart, action, humour, and accessibility. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the franchise or someone coming in cold, there’s plenty here to enjoy. The storytelling is tight, the art is vibrant, and the tone feels just right for this universe. I look forward to seeing where Mad Cave takes this next and which other characters might get the spotlight in future issues.
Get it at Forbidden Planet:
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