With the relaunch of Speed Racer, we have seen a figure lurking in the shadows, and now that figure is in the light. The notorious Racer X is ready to show the world who he is, and where he came from. Believed dead, but very much alive, what will Racer X do to accomplish his goals?

Racer X #1

Written By Mark Russell – Art By Nuno Plati

Colors By Giada Marchisio – Letters By Buddy Beaudoin

Edited By Chas! Pangburn – Published By Mad Cave Studios

***Minor Spoilers Possible***

Racer X Revealed

The story introduces us to Driver X, a getaway driver for The Tiger Syndicate, the criminal arm of Alpha Automotive. Through a flashback we find out that Driver X is Rex Racer, the older brother of Speed Racer. We go through how Alpha Automotive hired Rex to be a driver for their racing team, Car Acrobatic Team. When Rex wouldn’t race dirty like the owner Dante Ferno wanted him to, they set up an accident to kill him. Unbeknownst to the world, Rex wasn’t really dead. Ferno made sure he lived so he could make him the Tiger Syndicate’s number one getaway driver. But upon his brother joining Formula X Racing, Rex knew he had to help his brother, so Racer X was born.

Back from the Dead

In this first issue of the spinoff to the Speed Racer book, we get a lot of backstory that catches us up to speed on what is going on. Mark Russell does a great job of not only giving us the backstory of Racer X but also giving us the tie into the Speed Racer series. Coming into this book we all had a feeling that Racer X was Rex Racer, but how Russell tells the tale really makes a big difference. Knowing the backstory and motivation for Racer X sets the tone for where this story will go.

The art in this book is great and is very anime inspired. Nuno Plati does a fantastic job of bringing the world of Racer X to life, well also using a similar art style to Speed Racer, bringing a continuity in the Speed Racer Universe. Giada Marchisio compliments the art with a perfect color scheme that makes each panel stand out.

Check My Review of Speed Racer #2

Final Thoughts

Racer X #1 is a great start to the Racer X line, and an amazing addition to the Speed Racer Universe. Part crime drama, part action packed chase story, but all adrenaline is the best way to describe this book. This should be on the top of your list when you go to the LCS for New Comic Book Day. You may also want to add this and Speed Racer to your Pull List if you don’t already have them on it.

Overall Grade: 10/10

For more of my content, make sure to check out 3fnpodcast.com and Subscribe to the Nerd Initiative YouTube for episodes of Turn a Page and Wrestling Night Live! Later! Comic! Fans!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.