Mad Cave Studios has announced they have acquired the rights to Speed Racer, the iconic 1967 anime series produced by Tatsunoko Production, based on the manga by founder Tatsuo Yoshida. It marks the second license Mad Cave have gained based on a series created by Yoshida and produced by Tatsunoko, following Gatchaman (aka Battle of the Planets.)
Mari Yamauchi, Director of International Business at Tatsunoko Productions, states, “Speed Racer is one of Tatsunoko’s most beloved properties and we’re excited to partner with Mad Cave Studios to bring new and original stories to fans of all generations. Tatsunoko is incredibly happy with Mad Cave’s work on Gatchaman, and we look forward to continuing our journey together with Speed Racer.”
Mad Cave president Mark Irwin adds, “We’re honored to work alongside Tatsunoko Production to bring new Speed Racer stories to the fans. This is a dream project for us, and we’re excited to explore the rich history and timeless appeal of these characters, while delivering new stories that will thrill both nostalgic fans and those discovering the world of Speed Racer for the first time.”
Created in 1966, Speed Racer (originally known in Japan as Mach GoGoGo) follows the adventures of the titular young racer Go Mifune, who drives the Mach 5 car designed by his father; his girlfriend Trixie; and his enigmatic frenemy Racer X. It became one of the earliest major anime hits in the United States, where it aired in syndication at the same time it premiered in Japan, and has previously been adapted into original comics titles by NOW Comics in the late 1980s and early 1990s; WildStorm Productions in 1999; as a daily strip in the New York Post by Mort Todd in 2000; by Seven Seas in 2007; and IDW Publishing in 2008.
Mad Cave’s plans will be announced in full at a later date, although the publisher presumably possesses the rights to reprint all previous Speed Racer comics, Japanese, American, or otherwise, as well as new titles. In the meantime, issue #5 of the publisher’s Gatchaman series will be released on November 27, alongside the fourth and final issue of the Galactor spin-off.
