Originally serialized in print beginning in 1967, Speed Racer transitioned to Anime shortly afterwards and became a pop culture sensation, not only in its Japanese home country, but around the world.
What made the franchise such as phenomenon was not only the high-octane action and maturely layered storytelling of the cartoon, but also main character Speed’s sweet race car, affectionately – and accurately – dubbed the “Mach 5” which was partially inspired by James Bond’s famously tricked-out Astin Martin during that same time period. Bond was in the global zeitgeist, and Speed Racer clasped on to that wheel white-knuckled, with a car that had hidden within its sleek shell a whole host of gadgets, weapons and racing wizardry that it’s driver, the brash 18-year-old, Speed, excelled at using in his street and track auto races.
Perhaps a bit more of a cult following in North America, Speed Racer was and is still a known and much-loved entity. Like many of a certain age, I can distinctly recall watching the original Japanese cartoon imports on Saturday and Sunday morning cable when I was a young kid, during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
If you had a need for speed, Speed Racer was the asphalt-screeching and wholly satisfying scratch for that particular itch.
The series has also proven its well-earned longevity in various forms of pop culture, deftly updating its look and appeal over the decades in order to remain modern, expanding its audience through comic books, television, film, toys and video games.
You can see the evolution in Speed Racer through it late sixties origins, nineties revitalization and the artfully enormous leap to the silver screen in the early 2000’s.
Through all those decades, Speed Racer never lost its glorious full-throttled roots: fast, edge-of-your-seat, fun!
Today marks the beginning of a new monthly comic book series that aims to update and reboot the characters, cars and settings amidst a growing universe for a new generation, courtesy of publisher Mad Cave Studios with the release of Speed Racer #1.
Written by David Pepose (Space Ghost, Savage Avengers) and kinetically illustrated by Davide Tinto (Spider-Man, Star Wars), Speed Racer is a great intro, or re-intro, for any fan of comics, cars, anime or science fiction and fantasy fare. Race car lovers will, of course, love it, too! This particular version turns the story of Speed and his overly safe father/mechanic a little on its side. Sure, Speed’s estranged brother, a great racer himself, is omnipresent, but the story introduces a heightened element of danger due to family mysteries, organized crime and emotional and physical violence.
Trying to overcome his father’s cautious nature and his family history, Speed does what he’s always done best: win. Still, getting deeply embroiled in the deadly Formula X Championship League of car racing – where absolutely anything goes – what will be the cost to Speed and the legacy he tries so hard to live up to?
Go Speed Racer, Go Speed Racer, Go Speed Racer, Go!
Race your way to your local comic book shop today and pick up the fast-paced and thrilling Speed Racer #1!
