"The Fast and the Frivolous": Wacky Races Is Back, And Its Comeback Is Channeling WWE

Legendary Hanna-Barbera cartoon Wacky Races is back, in a new one-shot influenced by pro-wrestling and action movies from Dynamite. Dynamite Comics continues to mine gold from the Warner Brothers/Discovery catalog, and Wacky Races is next. The publisher promises to bring Wacky Races into modern times, throwing in influences as diverse as professional wrestling and action movies such as Mad Max and Furiousa.

Dynamite announced the Wacky Races one-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 for Wacky 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 original Wacky Races animated series so exciting, from the iconic cast to their inventive conveyances.

The preview pages, shared below, showcase Chapo’s gorgeous art. Wacky Races often sets its races in scenic locations, and this will be no different.

Hanna-Barbera Was A Legendary Animation Studio--and Wacky Races Was One of Their Best

Dynamite's New Wacky Races Is 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–including Wacky Races. Originally airing for two seasons beginning in 1968, and going into perpetual syndication afterward, Wacky Races entertained generations of fans with the kooky antics of its competitors. Equally hilarious were Wacky Races’ many participants, some of whom have earned a spot in the annals of animation history, such as Penelope Pitstop and Dick Dastardly. Wacky Races is fondly remembered by those who have seen it, and Dynamite is poised to introduce it to a new audience.

The original Wacky Races was 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 Races was 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, and Wacky Races straddles the line between the two.

Just as anything goes in professional wrestling, the same can be said of the action movies that have influenced Dynamite’s new Wacky Races one-shot. Writer Ivan Cohen singled out Furiousa in particular as an influence. The 2024 film is a spin-off of the Mad Max franchise, which is known for wild scenes involving cars–just like Wacky Races. Drawing on these films for inspiration ensures the madcap vibe that was a hallmark of the original Wacky Races cartoon 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

Dynamite has a sure-fire hit on its hands with the revamped Wacky Races, thanks to its winning creative team and updated premise. The publisher’s other Warner Brothers/Discovery titles, such as Space Ghost, Thundercats and Jonny 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 revamped Wacky Races. Drawing on sources as diverse as pro wrestling and Mad Max, Wacky Races will be one of this year’s most unforgettable one-shots.

Giant-Size Wacky Races #1 is on sale this April from Dynamite Comics!