Speed Racer #1 Review– A Turbocharged Reinvention

By Nolan P. Smith

Editor | Pastrami Nation

Full throttle honesty: I’ve never seen the classic Speed Racer anime, skipped the live-action movie, and haven’t cracked open the manga or past comics. I knew the name, the car, and the legend—but that was about it. So when Mad Cave Studios announced a fresh new take on Speed Racer, it felt like the perfect time to finally take the Mach-5 for a spin.

Writer David Pepose, artist Davide Tinto, colorist Rex Lokus, and letterer Buddy Beaudoin team up to reintroduce Tatsuo Yoshida’s iconic creation for a new era—and they absolutely nail the launch. The story opens with the Racer family at the height of glory, led by superstar driver Rex Racer. Fast forward, and Rex is gone. Now, a rebellious young Speed Racer is sneaking off into the night, behind the wheel of the Mach-5, diving headfirst into underground street races to help his struggling family. But with secrets under the hood and shadows from the past creeping in, Speed soon finds himself in a life-or-death race.

And yes—Racer X is here too, lurking in the background and building mystery for what’s to come.

This debut issue is an absolute joyride. Pepose captures the spirit of legacy and rebellion, crafting a story that feels urgent, emotional, and kinetic. For longtime fans and total newcomers like myself, this is a high-octane entry point into the Speed Racer universe. Tinto’s artwork is explosive and fluid, loaded with motion and drama that makes every panel feel like it’s racing off the page. Paired with Lokus’ electrifying colors, the book visually screams “full speed ahead.”

I’m all in. I need to know what happens next. I’m revved up for the upcoming Racer X spin-off and eager to keep pace with this re-imagined world.

Verdict:
Speed Racer #1 isn’t just a strong debut—it’s a turbo-charged reboot that honors the legacy while speeding into something bold and new.

Rating: FIVE Pastrami Nations Out of Five

Buckle up. The race is back on.