Writer: David Pepose
Artist: Davide Tinto
Colorist: Jāo Canola
Cover Artist: Alessio Zonno
One of my favorite parts of David Pepose's Speed Racer run has been its ability to embrace the colorful, over-the-top energy of the classic cartoon while still finding ways to modernize it for contemporary readers. For eight issues, the series has largely thrived on its sense of fun, delivering wild races, eccentric villains, larger-than-life vehicles, and a level of sincerity that never feels cynical. Speed Racer #9 doesn't abandon that foundation, but it does push the series into darker territory than we've seen before.
Following the introduction of V-Gas in the previous issue, Speed finds himself under the influence of a dangerous performance-enhancing substance that strips away his self-control and amplifies his aggression. The result is an issue that flips the series' central dynamic on its head, transforming Speed from the hero everyone depends on into the most dangerous person on the track.
It's a fascinating direction for the series, particularly because it arrives after an issue that was so heavily focused on romance, optimism, and classic Saturday morning adventure. The tonal shift can be somewhat jarring at first, but Pepose handles it well enough that it ultimately feels like a natural evolution rather than an abrupt departure. More importantly, it allows the book to explore themes and character dynamics that simply wouldn't be possible if Speed remained the same clean-cut hero we've known throughout the series.
Speed Becomes His Own Worst Enemy
The most intriguing aspect of the issue is easily its portrayal of Speed under the influence of V-Gas.
Throughout this run, Pepose has consistently written Speed as someone with a bit of a temper. He's passionate, competitive, and occasionally reckless, but there's always been a line he refuses to cross. Even when dealing with some of the most ruthless racers imaginable, Speed has remained fundamentally heroic.
V-Gas obliterates that line.
Watching Speed become increasingly aggressive throughout the race is genuinely unsettling because it feels believable within the context of the character. This isn't a complete personality transplant. Instead, it feels like all of Speed's worst impulses have been amplified and allowed to run wild. The anger has always been there; now there's nothing holding it back.
That approach makes the issue significantly more effective than if Speed simply became evil overnight. Readers understand exactly why his behavior is alarming because we've spent eight issues getting to know who he normally is. The contrast creates tension throughout the entire race, especially as Speed's tactics become increasingly dangerous and destructive.
There's also something undeniably entertaining about seeing Speed temporarily become the kind of racer he's spent the entire series opposing. The spectacle works because it feels wrong. Every explosion, collision, and reckless maneuver pushes the character further away from the hero readers expect him to be, making the eventual fallout even more intriguing.
A Darker Direction for the Series
One thing I particularly appreciated about this issue is how it begins introducing more mature subject matter without completely abandoning the tone that has made the series so enjoyable.
At its core, this is still very much a Speed Racer comic. The races remain larger than life, the action is exaggerated, and the overall energy still captures the spirit of the original cartoon. However, beneath that familiar surface, Pepose is beginning to explore darker themes than we've seen previously.
The V-Gas storyline is essentially an addiction story dressed up as high-octane racing drama. While the issue doesn't dive deeply into those themes just yet, the groundwork is clearly being laid. The loss of self-control, the personality changes, and the increasingly reckless behavior all point toward something more serious than simply introducing a new villain or gimmick.
That's where the tonal dissonance between issues #8 and #9 becomes particularly noticeable. Issue #8 was arguably one of the most lighthearted installments of the series, ending with Speed and Trixie finally acknowledging their feelings for one another. Speed Racer #9 immediately pivots into a much darker narrative centered around substance abuse and self-destruction.
Normally, that kind of shift might feel awkward, but I actually think it speaks to Pepose's confidence as a writer. He's willing to let the series evolve rather than remaining locked into a single tone forever. The result is a comic that still feels fun while gradually introducing greater emotional and thematic complexity.
The Racing Action Remains Outstanding
Even with the increased focus on character drama, Speed Racer #9 never forgets that it's supposed to be an exciting racing comic.
The race sequences are some of the strongest the series has delivered so far. Speed's aggression completely changes the dynamic of the action, creating a level of unpredictability that many of the previous races lacked. Normally readers know Speed will ultimately find a clever solution while maintaining his moral compass. Here, there's a genuine sense that anything could happen.
The addition of Mark Meglaton also helps keep the action fresh.
His willingness to drop explosives directly onto the racetrack creates several of the issue's most memorable moments. The resulting chaos feels appropriately over-the-top for this universe while still maintaining enough tension to keep readers invested. Every explosion raises the stakes and reinforces how dangerous the race has become.
Pepose also deserves credit for the pacing of the action. The races move quickly, but they're never difficult to follow. Every major beat lands clearly, and the escalating destruction creates a satisfying sense of momentum from beginning to end.
Davide Tinto Delivers Some of the Series' Best Artwork
If there is one area where Speed Racer #9 unquestionably excels, it's the artwork.
Davide Tinto continues proving why he's such a perfect fit for this franchise. The exaggerated facial expressions, dynamic action sequences, and explosive energy all contribute to an issue that feels incredibly alive from start to finish. Even when the story ventures into darker territory, the visuals remain colorful and engaging.
The standout element for me was easily Speed himself.
The close-up shots of his face throughout the issue are fantastic. Tinto does an excellent job communicating just how far gone Speed has become without needing excessive exposition. His wide eyes, aggressive expressions, and increasingly erratic body language instantly communicate that something is deeply wrong.
Those visual cues help sell the V-Gas storyline more effectively than dialogue ever could.
The explosions are another major highlight. The sequences involving Mark Meglaton's attacks look spectacular, filling the pages with energy and chaos. Every detonation feels impactful, and Tinto consistently finds ways to make the action feel larger than life without sacrificing readability.
The artwork captures both the fun and the danger of the story simultaneously, which is no small accomplishment.
Final Thoughts and Rating
Speed Racer #9 successfully pushes the series into new territory while preserving the charm that has made the book so enjoyable from the start.
The darker focus on V-Gas allows David Pepose to explore aspects of Speed's character that readers haven't seen before, creating an issue that feels fresh and surprisingly tense. While the tonal shift from the romantic optimism of issue #8 may initially feel abrupt, it ultimately works because it opens the door for more complex storytelling moving forward.
The racing action remains exciting, the new threats are memorable, and Davide Tinto delivers some of the strongest artwork of the series to date. The close-up shots of Speed's increasingly unhinged expressions are especially effective, while the explosive race sequences provide plenty of visual spectacle.
Most importantly, the issue leaves readers eager to see what happens next. Speed's struggle against the effects of V-Gas feels like it's only beginning, and the potential consequences for both his racing career and his personal relationships could be significant.
If this issue is any indication, Pepose isn't content with simply recreating the Speed Racer formula. He's actively finding new ways to challenge these characters while staying true to what makes them work.
Rating: 8.5/10
Speed Racer #9 takes a darker turn for the series, using V-Gas to transform its hero into his own greatest threat. Backed by excellent artwork, thrilling race sequences, and the promise of deeper themes ahead, it's an exciting chapter that proves this series still has plenty of surprises left under the hood.