Book Review: Racer X vol. 1

Rex Racer was burned, betrayed, and left for dead, but he came back as Racer X, a masked vigilante on a mission to take down the corrupt racing syndicates from the inside. As he protects his brother Speed from the shadows, he battles deadly rivals, rigged races, and his own past. With every race, he inches closer to the vengeance he seeks, using his skills to level the playing field for those who race with honor. But when returning home risks the lives of those he loves, Rex must choose between family and the fight.

Coming from the world of Speed Racer, Racer X volume 1, written by Mark Russell with art by Nuno Plati, will be published on February 17, 2026. Mad Cave Studios provided an early galley for review.

Book Review: Speed Racer vol. 1

We're going pedal to the metal in this all-new interpretation of Tatsuo Yoshida’s classic manga/anime MachGoGoGo, known to Western audiences as the demon on wheels -- Speed Racer!

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.

Speed Racer (2008)

Queued up the DVR this morning (now that it is empty from the regular TV season) and recorded Speed Racer, the technocolor high-action, high-speed live-action adaptation of the old 1960's cartoon. I used to watch that cartoon as a kid - wasn't a huge fan by any stretch. It was okay in a minimalist animated sort of way. And when we saw the trailers for the film last year in theatres, I knew we would go as a family as it would have quickly made my wife motion sick. So, we skipped it - and waited for it to hit cable. I must say - it was an okay film. Liked the story, but the bouncing around back and forth with past and present was annoying. Also too, the heavy color palette took a lot to get used to. And I thought Dick Tracy from the late 80's was over the top in that area. Still, I could see how it was made to appeal a lot to today's modern generation of kids - with their outlandish video games and short attention spans. It was worthwhile to pass an couple hours on a Sunday afternoon (and it didn't cost my son and I to watch it - so win-win).