Speed Racer: Born to Race

by Tommy Yune

Provides the story of the origin of such Speed Racer characters as Racer X, Trixie, Spritle, Chim Chim, and Mom and Pop Racer.

96 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2000

Reviews

[Ricky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This edition includes the 3-issue mini-series along with additional story pages, concept art and source commentary. Additionally, there is a full television 52-episode list for both the Japanese airing (1967-1968) and the U.S airing (1968-1969) with alternate titles.

There is a different edition "Origins" which includes this 3-issue mini-series as well as the Racer-X 3-issue mini-series printed on extra gloss pages (Speed Racer/Racer X: The Origins Collection ISBN 1600102115, 152 pp.) . The colorful artwork in "The Origins" edition might appeal to modern and classic fans alike, but the extra material for the "Born to Race" edition described above is great for anyone that enjoys looking at the behind-the-scenes work that went into bringing the series back for a limited run.

[Roger Eschbacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb artwork and a fresh take on Speed Racer's origin story. A must for any fan of the Speed Racer universe.

[Mike Jozic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shortly after buying the first DVD volume of the television series I ran across the Tommy Yune mini-series at the public library and I thought it might be a good idea to read it and get up to speed, as it were, before diving into the episodes. The book was meant to be a prequel, and matched with my existing but limited knowledge of the characters and show, it should have been a good primer - which it was.

In fact, the comic book kind of surpasses the show in many, many ways. Tommy Yune did a masterful job of crafting the story and the art is superb. I particularly liked the annotations and the DVD style bonus features located in the back of the trade - something I've long been a supporter of but haven't seen nearly enough of in the comic industry. Based on the strengths of Yune's Speed Racer mini I think I'm going to follow it up by checking out his sequel mini, Racer X. It really managed to leave an impression and got me excited to watch the series.