Speed Racer Y2k is the name chosen for the English language version of the new Speed Racer. Tatsunoko, the studio that originally produced the series in 1967 (the Speed Racer which is known and loved around the world) revived the series in 1996-7. Once again entitled Mach Go Go Go, the series aired in Japan to mixed reviews. Although 52 episodes of Mach Go Go Go were projected, only 34 were completed before funding stopped.
Confident that the new Mach Go Go Go would be as popular as its predecessor, toy giant Tomy Japan released an extensive line of merchandise. Like the series, the toys based on the new version of Speed Racer did not attract the expected hoards of eager customers.
As a result of the failure of the programming in Japan, word circulated to the rest of the world that the Japanese Anime audience did not embrace the series. Efforts to place the series in the United States were further thwarted by a combination of circumstances: recurrent Hollywood buzz that a live action film starring Johnny Depp was near a green-light for production from Warner Brothers Studios; and unjust confusion with the unpopular short-lived Fred Wolf produced series, The New Adventures of Speed Racer (of which only 13 episodes exist).
Speed Racer Enterprises of Santa Monica, California maintains exclusive worldwide rights to Speed Racer in any animated form. Live action rests with the Warner Bros.
Speed Racer Y2k’s story arc is epic in proportion. Though Japanese audiences slipped away from viewing the series, Anime fans across the world remain upbeat about the styling of the vehicles and the revised interpolations of the characters. As animation, the series delivers a very unique Anime quality, typical of the productions in the Tatsunoko library of programs.
One of the more fascinating facts about the Japanese production of Speed Racer Y2k (Mach Go Go Go) is that Rex Racer (still Racer X for those in the know) becomes more integral—and takes a greater involvement within the context of the series. For instance, he is credited with the design of the new Mach 5. In fact, it is through his testing of the vehicle that he is seemingly ‘lost.’ He inadvertently engages the so-called Mirage Fire feature on the steering column (which is supposed to alter time and space) and ultimately crashes the car. Though mysteriously his body is never found, he is presumed dead. His last will and testament bequeaths the Mach 5 to his only brother, Speed (in the new series, Spridle is Trixie’s brother). Pops and Sparky rebuild the Mach 5. As the series progresses, fans learn that Rex Racer is covertly really Racer X—and a secret agent. But for whom?
Brats Interactive is proud to present the first ever English translation of the Speed Racer Y2k episode "The Silver Phantom." At last, true fans of Speed Racer can see what they have only heard of through that grapevine of cyberspace—the Internet.
Now, you can judge for yourself...
If you would like to see additional Y2K episodes translated into English, be sure to let us know. Click on the hotlinks at the end of this CD-ROM and go to the various web sites to cast your vote. We’re counting your reaction!
