Speed Racer Adventures Vol 1 - Advanced Review
- Luis Godoy II
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Publisher: Papercutz
Creative Team:
(W) Franco
(A) Derek Charm
Release Date: 04/28/2026
Rating: Middle Grades (7-12)
Where to Buy:
Price: $9.99 Digital, $12.99 Trade Paperback, $17.99 Hardcover
Solicit:
In the tradition of Flash Gordon Adventures and Tiny Titans, Speed Racer Adventures is a brand-new story aimed at young readers, introducing them to young versions of the famous classic characters.
The best race car driver in the world has been invited to drive the most advanced artificial intelligent car in the world. Speed Racer is not that driver, and the Mach Five is not that car, but that’s not going to stop him from entering that race and winning! When the world’s richest man uses unlimited funds to build the most technologically advanced car in the world and hires Racer X to run a race he created, the deck is stacked against Speed Racer! Its not going to be an easy race, but with his secret weapons, his friends and family, Speed has a pretty good chance of getting in the race and winning, but he’s going to hedge his bet by using a whole lot of candy! Come for the laughs, the hijinx and the amazing speeds the cars reach. Go Speed racer, GO!
For Fans of: Tiny Titans, Mini-Marvels and the Speed Racer cartoon.
REVIEW
Everytime I read/review a series from Papercutz, I am more and more impressed. The team at Papercutz ensures that a quality and entertaining story is presented within the pages. I'm a big fan of the character and world of Speed Racer. Its a character I've connected with since I was a child, mainly because its one that I was introduced to by my father and uncle. Little did I know that it was an anime, to me it was just a cartoon.
When I saw this book coming in the solicits I was really excited. I was hoping that it might be available for review and when it was I jump on it so quickly and didn't give any other reviewers a chance, sorry everyone. That being said, my excitement was validated with this book. It hits the perfect tone of the original series while aging it down a few years.
The voice of each character was spot on. Speed could be egged on into taking on a dangerous race as he can't turn away from a challenge. Racer X tried to be non-chalant about his true identity while also having his own agenda and trying to keep Speed and his family out of harm's way. The villains were as over the top as always. I'll let you figure out who the villain is a stand in for on your own.
Derek Charm's characters were downright charming (yes, pun intended). It's no wonder he was paired up with Franco for this book. Just look at this spoiler-free panel below. How can you not love these designs.
Its clear that both creators have an affinity for the franchise. See some Quotes from each of them
“I loved watching the Speed Racer cartoon as a kid! It was my first real introduction to anime. It was a good show that had really engaging characters, was filled with fast paced action and high stakes racing! And a really cool theme song! I tried to capture all of that with this new book for all ages to enjoy. Well, except for the theme song…I’m still trying to figure out how to get that in graphic novel form.” – Author, Franco
"I’m a huge fan of the visuals of the Speed Racer world and was excited to redesign the characters with a more youthful look while still keeping the color and excitement of the original comics and cartoons. Beyond being a fan of the character, a huge part of the appeal of the project was being able to work with Franco on a book-length story. There’s so much humor and action in this book, every page was fun to draw." – Illustrator, Derek Charm
I recommend you check out this book for a solid story and great art. Its one that I will probably revisit sooner rather that later.
This was Luis from Comic Book Yeti, don't forget to heart the article it really helps tell us what type of articles you like. Thanks again, signing off with more picks from the Yeti Cave. Be good, do good, and read comics! Find me on the CBY discord or BlueSky @luisgodoyii.bsky.social.
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