Last Time on ‘Speed Republic’
When we last left Speed Republic, the Grand Race had begun. Young Sebastian Valencia had entered the race to claim the money and notoriety that came with it. Not to mention that it was the only opportunity that most people would have to dig their way out of poverty in present day Europe. But it didn’t take long for him to discover that in the Grand Race, it was difficult to trust anyone. Even if that someone was your sister. A sore jaw was his reward for that lesson. However, his sister Shane had to know, Seb didn’t quit that easily.
The race takes place in stages. Which meant the next destination was to Irchelpark. The first person there is rewarded by getting to leave Zurich two hours early. In this case, Sebastian was racing another driver with plans of his own. Of course, they all do. This is a race for survival. Some go in with no strategy whatsoever, while some try to plan out everything. Maps, mileage, speed, everything laid out in a precise schedule. But in the world of the Grand Race, the Autocrat’s world, finely laid plans can go to shit in a blink of an eye or a wrong turn. Plus, even if you win a stage, it doesn’t mean that you can relax. Sometimes, just when you think you have it all figured out, someone changes the numbers.
Lessons Learned Early
As for Sebastian, as he drives, he remembers his life before. How Shane and he learned very early on that the system was rigged against the people. However, unlike Seb, Shane wanted to do something about it. Sometimes, those plans involved doing what he might consider unscrupulous and perhaps, even deadly. But somewhere along the way, Shane had decided that in the world they lived in now, it was either her or them. Apparently, that lesson has carried on to the present. His sore jaw should have told him that. But he was in the race to stay now. Regardless of whatever obstacles came his way. He would just need to learn to be as ruthless as the system that started this whole thing. The question would be, could he do it. Especially when his sister was involved.
With Victory Comes the Pain
But for now, he had a stage to win and due to a bad decision by his opponent, or dumb luck, he had won this race. His reward was another punch to the face, this time by his sore loser opponent. Seb really needs to start anticipating getting hit in the face during this race. Either that or wear a helmet with a full-face shield. As it was, he was knocked unconscious for his “good fortune.” Fortunately for him, Quinn, an old friend and former boyfriend of his sister was the stage runner at that point of the race. He took Sebastian to his house to look after him until Seb could start the next stage. The Grand Race made racers pause at certain points to keep the race from being too strung out among cities. This WAS a spectator event after all.
Who CAN You Trust?
When Sebastian had come to, he was surprised who was there to greet him. The conversation eventually diverged towards Shane and how she was doing. All Seb had to go by was the recent punch in the face he had gotten from her. As the conversation waned, Seb got up to retrieve some more beers. But what he found was just another reminder of how messed up the world is, and how very few people there are that can be trusted. It was a lesson that Shane had been trying to teach him early on. Slow learner that he is, Seb had some decisions to make. What conclusions he would come to would go a long way in deciding how this race would end up. Most importantly, who can you trust?
Thoughts
Another lively chapter and exculpatory glimpse into siblings Sebastian and Shane’s early lives and what has led them to the stages they are in. Writer Ryan Lyndsay depicts an apocalyptic Europe that causes it citizens to distrust almost everything about the government and about each other. Setting the stage for rebellion. Only Sebastian wants to think there is more than that to believe in. But in this issue, as in the first, those beliefs are being “run over” by those around him. Especially those people who he would expect to trust. Artist Emanuele Parascandolo continues to push the narrative along with his art, keeping up with Lyndsay’s breakneck pace. Their partnership, along with colorist Michele Monte and letterer Joamette Gil have set the stage for an exciting race and even more exciting finish. Provided Sebastian can survive it all.
Mad Cave Studio’s Speed Republic, Issue 2 hits stands on March 23rd where great comics are sold.
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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.
