Legendary Hanna-Barbera cartoonWacky Racesis back, in a new one-shot influenced by pro-wrestling and action movies fromDynamite.Dynamite Comics continues to mine gold from the Warner Brothers/Discovery catalog, andWacky Racesis next. The publisherpromises to bringWacky Racesinto modern times, throwing in influences as diverse as professional wrestling and action movies such asMad MaxandFuriousa.
Dynamite announced theWacky Racesone-shot today, providing a first look at the covers and interior art. The one-shot will be written by Ivan Cohen, who has written another Hanna-Barbera character, Scooby-Doo, for DC Comics. Up-and-coming artist Mariano Benitez Chapo provides pencils with Nick Caponi on colors. Dynamite’s solicitation forWacky Races#1 reads as follows:
The most eccentric auto enthusiasts to ever speed past the checkered flag are back in their drivers' seats. The tough and beautiful Penelope Pitstop, the mysterious racing legend Peter Perfect, and last but certainly not least the moustache-twirling villainy of Dick Dastardly (plus Muttley!) are back in action. This oversized one-shot and its high-powered creative team are firing on all cylinders to bring fans all of the elements that made the originalWacky Racesanimated series so exciting, from the iconic cast to their inventive conveyances.
The preview pages, shared below, showcase Chapo’s gorgeous art.Wacky Racesoften sets its races in scenic locations, and this will be no different.
Hanna-Barbera Was A Legendary Animation Studio–andWacky RacesWas One of Their Best
Dynamite’s NewWacky RacesIs Drawing on the Perfect Sources of Inspiration
The Hanna-Barbera library runs deep, and features some of the best-loved cartoons in pop culture history–includingWacky Races.Originally airing for two seasons beginning in 1968, and going into perpetual syndication afterward,Wacky Racesentertained generations of fans with the kooky antics of its competitors. Equally hilarious wereWacky Races’many participants, some of whom have earned a spot in the annals of animation history, such as Penelope Pitstop and Dick Dastardly.Wacky Racesis fondly remembered by those who have seen it, and Dynamite is poised to introduce it to a new audience.
The originalWacky Raceswas silly, slapstick and over the top–just like professional wrestling, which writer Ivan Cohen has stated will be an influence on the new book.
The originalWacky Raceswas silly, slapstick and over the top–just like professional wrestling, which writer Ivan Cohen has stated will be an influence on the new book.Wacky Raceswas a competition between larger-than-life characters, many of whom had a gimmick–again, like pro wrestling. Characters such as Peter Perfect and the aforementioned Penelope Pitstop, with their flamboyant gimmicks, would not be out of place in a WWE event. Racing can have the same surreal theatrics of professional wrestling, andWacky Racesstraddles the line between the two.
Batman’s Deadliest Enemies Are the Perfect Scooby Doo Villains
A secret society of people who want to control all of the city through capitalistic schemes? Batman’s Court of Owls and Talon are made for Scooby-Doo.
Just as anything goes in professional wrestling, the same can be said of the action movies that have influenced Dynamite’s newWacky Racesone-shot. Writer Ivan Cohen singled outFuriousain particular as an influence. The 2024 film is a spin-off of theMad Maxfranchise, which is known for wild scenes involving cars–just likeWacky Races. Drawing on these films for inspiration ensures the madcap vibe that was a hallmark of the originalWacky Racescartoon not only continues, but brings the show into modern times.
Wacky Races’Return Promises to Be One of the Year’s Best Comics
Wacky Races' Return is Unexpected, But Welcome
Dynamitehas a sure-fire hit on its hands with the revampedWacky Races, thanks to its winning creative team and updated premise. The publisher’s other Warner Brothers/Discovery titles,such asSpace Ghost, ThundercatsandJonny Quest,have been runaway hits because of their excellent writing, art and faithfulness to the original properties. Cohen has extensive experience with the Hanna-Barbera characters, and will bring that expertise to the newly revampedWacky Races. Drawing on sources as diverse as pro wrestling andMad Max,Wacky Raceswill be one of this year’s most unforgettable one-shots.
Giant-Size Wacky Races#1 is on sale this April from Dynamite Comics!
