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| The main cast of the original 1967 anime. |
Background Information
Speed Racer (Mach GoGoGo in the original Japanese) is a multimedia series based on the adventures of the character of the same name, who drives around in the super-advanced Mach 5, looking to win races all over the world. Unfortunately, he often finds himself in trouble on his adventures. Thankfully, he has the help of his father, his rambunxious little brother Spritle, Chim-Chim their pet chimpanzee, his mechanic Sparky, his girlfriend Trixie, and occasionally, the mysterious Racer X, who is secretly his older brother Rex, who ran away from home years ago.
The original manga debuted in 1966, while the anime hit the airwaves in the following year. The latter became immensely popular in America, for one generation in the 1970s and then for another in the 1990s. For many (including yours truly), it was the first anime they had ever seen, even earlier than Dragon Ball, and the pioneer of the introduction of anime into the western world in general.
The series was followed up with 1997's Speed Raxer X, Speed Racer: the Next Generation from 2008 to 2013, and that horrible live action film in 2008 that we won't mention anymore for the sake of our sanity.
Standing in the Battledome
Speed Racer is about the same as the real world in terms of standing, although the Mach 5 is a very advanced car which can perform feats that exceed vehicles on the road today. The characters themselves are quite strong. Sometimes comically so.
Speed Racer, Trixie, and Racer X are all expert fighters that best multiple opponents. Additionally, some other vehicles aside from the Mach 5 are quite superior to real world equipment.
Character Profiles
- Speed Racer
- Trixie
- Racer X
Vehicle Profiles
- Mach 5