Speed Racer: Cartoon Or Anime?


by Sophie Giles - Date: 2008-05-03 - Word Count: 389 Share This!

The story and characters in Speed Racer came from the Japanese manga (Japanese comic book) Mach GoGoGo. Mach GoGoGo was subsequently released as an anime, or Japanese cartoon, also titled Mach GoGoGo. Both manga and anime have a very distinctive visual style quite different from western comics and cartoons. The English rights to Mach GoGoGo were acquired by Trans-Lux, for American syndication. The title Go Mifune was changed to Speed Racer and the lead character's name was changed from Go Mifune to Speed Racer.

These early Speed Racer episodes were dubbed by Peter Fernandez, using his own voice for both Speed Racer and his arch nemesis Racer X. The fast pace of the English dialogue is a result of Fernandez trying to keep up with the original characters lip movements. This effort was further complicated by the complex storylines in comparison to more simplistic Western cartoons. The original dubbed episodes were often parodied due to the extremely fast speech of the characters.

The Speed Racer series remained on the air for many years, and in fact continues to be aired in some areas. In the early 90's the series was re-played on in the wee hours of the morning on MTV. Then the Cartoon Network picked up the Speed Racer series but it was again scheduled either very late at night or early in the morning. Speed Racer acquired an almost cult following with teens and tweens, as they discovered the same cartoons their parents had loved years earlier.

The longevity of Speed Racer to both Speed Racer's family and their involvement with the car races as well as the cool, gadget-filled Mach 5. The characters in the Speed Racer series were more involved than many cartoons of the era and this endeared themselves to an increasingly loyal audience. The Mach 5 car inspired toys and collectibles that are still in demand today. Every boy wants to Speed Racer, and every girl wants to be Trixie.

Speed Racer is the product of the Japanese manga and anime culture. The Westernization of the characters and broad appeal of the Speed Racer family and car have ensured its continued popularity in American culture. This popularity is being further expanded upon with the release of the Speed Racer Movie in May 2008. The Speed Racer movie is sure to inspire another generation of Speed Racer fans.

Related Tags: anime, manga, speed racer

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