David Pepose gives us a fresh take on the classic anime and manga Mach GoGoGo by the legendary Tatsuo Yoshida, better known to most as Speed Racer. Co-piloting with artist Davide Tinto, Pepose launches Speed Racer with high-octane storytelling, delivering a reboot this iconic series deserves.
Speed Racer lives for the thrill of the race, but on the underground circuit, the rules are anything goes. Dodging bullets, explosions, and dirty tricks, he’s got one goal: to prove he’s the best. But when a dangerous syndicate targets his family, Speed’s greatest challenge won’t be on the track… it’ll be on the streets. With the police closing in and a masked racer lurking in the shadows, Speed is about to learn that some races can’t be won with horsepower alone.
David Pepose seems to be built for reimagining classic cartoons for modern audiences. After tackling the likes of Space Ghost with ease and bringing Captain Planet and the Planeteers into the 21st Century, he is now behind the wheel of Speed Racer. With this latest series, Pepose delivers a story that both honors the legacy of the iconic character while making it exciting to a whole new generation.
These modern takes on classic cartoons bring back a ton of childhood memories. The nostalgia hits hard with a feeling I get from reading stories like Speed Racer that most comics just don’t deliver. As many may know, I gravitate towards the horror genre, but stories like the one Pepose has crafted in Speed Racer take me back to being a kid while still speaking to my nearly 40-year-old perspective. Pepose has a special talent for writing stories that connect across generations, all while staying true to the spirit of the source material.
Speed Racer delivers a full-throttle mix of action, emotion, and drama. Pepose’s script strikes a wonderful balance between high-octane thrills and raw family drama, feeling fresh while staying true. But what feels like magic wouldn’t land the same without Davide Tinto’s stellar artwork. Tinto blends classic manga with modern comic art, creating a beautiful and nostalgic experience that had me savoring each panel. Along with Rex Lokus‘s wonderful color palette, creating an end result that looks as good as it reads.
While I still will gravitate towards the darker and more gritty comics, Speed Racer hit the nostalgic sweet spot for me. David Pepose updates a classic character and world for the current day with such ease, while the art from Davide Tinto and Rex Lokus complement the story to give a truly immersive and wonderfully nostalgic experience. Speed Racer #1 is a treat for longtime fans while also welcoming newer audiences into the fold.
Speed Racer #1 hits local comic shops on July 30, 2025 from Mad Cave Studios.
Speed Racer #1 Preview
