Dustin Gebel
Mad Cave Studios announced the first offerings for Free Comic Book Day 2025, Speed Racer #0 and The Phantom #0. Both issues are set to launch new ongoing series later this year. Speed Racer #0 will be written by David Pepose with art by Davide Tinto along with a backup story by writer Mark Russell and artist Chris Batista. Meanwhile, The Phantom #0 will be written by Ray Fawkes with art by Russell Olson. These titles join Mad Cave’s licensed line, which includes series like Space Ghost, Dick Tracy, and more.
Mad Cave shared a first look at the interior pages for both issues, along with Batista’s cover for Speed Racer #0 and Greg Smallwood’s cover for The Phantom #0.
An all-new continuation of Tatsuonoko Production’s classic anime, MachGoGoGo, known to Western audiences as Speed Racer!
David Pepose and David Tinto have the storytelling keys to the featured story in issue #0, which ignites Mad Cave’s ongoing Speed Racer series. Meanwhile, Mark Russell and Chris Batista drive a backup tale that leads directly into a Racer X spin-off series.
One part Drive, another part Baby Driver, and another part Fast and Furious—with classic anime/manga inspiration throughout—fans new and old are given a front-row seat to exciting tales of action, adventure, overcoming challenges, and family.
The Phantom, Lee Falk’s highly influential superhero, is back in an all-new adventure series! The first story in an exciting publishing plan that is sure to satisfy both new and returning “Phans” of comics’ beloved Ghost Who Walks. In true Phantom fashion, look forward to pulpy storytelling focused on justice, honor, mystery, and mythology—all told with heaps of action!
Speed Racer #0 and The Phantom #0 will be available at local comic shops this Free Comic Book Day, May 3rd.
