Mad Cave Studios and Tatsunoko Production have teamed up for a new chapter in the Speed Racer saga, and The Beat has all the details. Debuting in September, Speed Racer: Racer X is an eight-issue limited series focusing on the masked vigilante himself, written by Eisner and GLAAD Award winner Mark Russell, illustrated by Nuno Plati, colored by Giada Marchisio, and lettered by Buddy Beaudoin.
Per the synopsis, the story opens with a bloody mystery that quickly spins out of control.
In the aftermath of a brutal race, Speed Racer regains consciousness behind the wheel—but the driver’s seat is slick with blood, and he has no memory of how it got there. As he spirals into a mystery with global stakes, a shadowy figure watches from afar: Racer X. But is he there to stop Speed, or to protect him? In this gripping reimagining, Mark Russell and Nuno Plati cast a noir sheen over the sleek world of Speed Racer, as secrets, lies, and racing rivalries collide.
Issue #1 will feature variant covers by Francesco Tomaselli (DC vs. Vampires), David Lafuente (Ultimate Spider-Man), Takeshi Miyazawa (Ms. Marvel), and Sean Galloway (Teen Titans Go).
“I’ve loved the Speed Racer cartoons since I was a kid. But as an adult, I feel like Racer X is the character who speaks to me the most,” said Russell in the announcement. “So while I’m thrilled to be working in a universe I’ve loved for so long, getting to write a character with the mystique and gravity of Racer X makes it a truly unique opportunity. I hope readers not only enjoy the new direction in which I’m taking Racer X, but sense the love and respect I have for the character as well.”
Plati added, “After working on Gatchaman, it’s an amazing opportunity to be able to work on another awesome Tatsunoko creation, Racer X. And on top of that, having the pleasure of collaborating with the great Mark Russell, and alongside the very cool Mad Cave family once again!” He continued, “It’s been challenging and fun to work on the darker side of the Speed Racer universe. We’re bringing a ‘noir’ feeling to the usually really bright and shiny world, and capturing a good balance between the two has been great fun.”
Speed Racer: Racer X #1 will be available digitally and at your local comic shop on September 10.
