GVN Talking Comics Review: Mad Cave Studios ‘Speed Republic’ Issue 3 by Ryan K Lyndsay and Emanuele Paranscandolo

Last Time

Last time, Sebastian had just received another lesson on “who can you trust.” However, he apparently hadn’t been paying close enough attention because he chose to pick up a hitchhiker. One who apparently has his own agenda and he’s not likely to share it with Seb. But what he does have is some special chocolates. Which means that Seb also never got the lesson about accepting candy from strangers.

The World Through a Chocolate Haze

After a few chocolates, Sebastian was in his own special world. Which made it easy for his traveling companion to go where he wanted and DO what he wanted. Seb didn’t mind. He was taking a trip all his own. As for the Hitchhiker, whose name is Leigh, his goal was to spoil and or infect as much of the food that was being shipped to the European upper crust in Denmark. Those who had no issues letting those without starve if it meant THEY were taken care of. He did this with some help from his young friend Alphonse. Although as far as Seb was concerned, in his mental fog, Alphonse was a small bunny rabbit. Those candies really do a number on you.

Teaching the Autocrat a Lesson

As far as plans go, it was a noble concept, but it was NOT going to unnoticed by the Autocrat. In no time at all, Seb and his magic candied friend ran into one of the Autocrats hired muscle. It was his job to teach Leigh a lesson. One that he mainly taught with his fists and feet. Leigh did a great job of blocking those with his face. As for Sebastian, he was fortunate that the thug only had eyes for his riding buddy. Because after working him over pretty well, he threw Leigh into his cars boot (see…I know the European terminology). However, he left Seb alone. Lucky for him.  More importantly, he left his car undamaged. Not that he was in much shape to drive it.

Missing: One Sports Car

As it turns out, Sebastian was not Leigh’s only “Choco-loco” victim. His sister Shane was also introduced to his vision inducing concoction. But in her case, the effects led to her car being stolen… or at least misplaced. Not the best thing that can happen to a racer. Fortunately for her, she ran into Sebastian who was still feeling the effects. She ended up tagging along with him to find her car, but due to Seb’s condition, she chose to drive. As they traveled, they discussed the present condition in Europe and the Autocrats role in it. At least as much as Sebastian’s addled brain could muster. Basically, it came down to how they could do some good for the people who were suffering while not becoming the thing that they were fighting against. Pretty heady stuff for a kid on temporary acid trip.

Looking for Validation

It was still on Sebastian’s mind after he left Shane off at her car. Perhaps this race wasn’t as important as he first believed. Maybe…just maybe, he COULD do some real good. He contemplated this as he sat in his stationary car, just hoping for some validation for his newly realized, drug induced, view on society. Perhaps the dogmen outside his car were there to give him that validation. That is, if that confirmation is in the form of his car being doused in fuel and a lit Molotov cocktail. Strange way of showing him the light…so to speak.

Thoughts

With the Grand Race in full swing, writer Ryan Lyndsay has taken some time to explore the conditions that surround the once-a-year spectacle. Basically, the bleakness that permeates those who are not fortunate to be in the Autocrat’s inner circle. This is what drives people to either enter the race or take matters into their own hands to show their displeasure in their current lot in life. Unfortunately, this sometimes takes a toll on the innocent or those who SHOULD be innocent as one particular scene will show. This is a powerful example of what desperation will cause people to do. Plus, what the Autocrat will do to keep the status quo. All shown brilliantly by Lyndsay and artist Emanuele Paranscandolo. Not to mention the artist take on Sebastian’s candy induced hallucinogenic trip.

The question is now, will Sebastian snap out of it before his whole world goes up in flames? Will his desire to help those in need fade away with the “Choco-Loco” candy spike? All questions to be answered as Mad Cave Studio’s Speed Republic races to the next issues.  Issue 3 hits stands on April 20th where great comics are sold.

Before we let you go, we have officially launched our merch store! Check out all of our amazing apparel when you click here and type in GVN15 at checkout for a 15% discount!

Make sure to check out our podcasts each week including Geek Vibes Live, Top 10 with Tia, Wrestling Geeks Alliance and more! For major deals and money off on Amazon, make sure to use our affiliate link!

Martin

Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 60 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove headfirst over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 21-year-old young man with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.