As a long time comic fan, who has read every kind of story imaginable, this is as refreshing a tale as a well-booked Pay-Per-View event.
In a world over crowded with super-hero books, like Kurt Angle continually adding combatants to a match until it becomes a Fatal Five Way, this book stands out as a fun read for wrestling and comic fans alike. Writers Ed Kuehnel and Matt Entin craft a wonderful story, capturing the attitude and transitions that many wrestlers experience.
The clean artwork of Dan Shkade and colors by Marissa Louise give this book a nostalgic feel. The artwork makes me feel like I am a kid again watching a Saturday morning cartoon with its Venture Brothers like quality.
One of the things that immediately grabbed my attention was the dialogue. At the beginning we find ourselves at a small arena in the year 1984. It is here we see the hero of this story, Rory Landell. He is practicing his promo for the night’s Pay-Per-View and it goes something like,
“Listen up, Girl Scout– Rory Landell’s a man on a mission, in perfect condition! I got fists of plutonium, I got the fans in pandemonium– I walk the danger aisle with a smile ’cause I know I got style! That’s Rory Landell’s belt you’re wearin’, Daddy, and after tonight, it’s only gonna purr for little ol’ me.”
Now tell me, can you honestly not hear Ric Flair’s voice in your head as you read these lines?
The dialogue is not the only aspect of this story that speaks to the rich history of wrestling. There’s even Hawaiian talent playing the role of the shifty Chinese manager, wrestler girlfriends and ruthless owners. Before the bout, the AWF owner tells Landell that there has been a change of plans. He will not be winning the title from Bob Schultz as promised. The owner further explains why, “Family-friendly is where this business is headed. Schultz doesn’t just bring in Pa, he brings Ma and Junior and little Sally, too.”
Kind of sounds like the current state of wrestling doesn’t it?
To further hammer this point home, Shultz is depicted on a child’s t-shirt looking exactly like John Cena. Even the ring announcer says, “Bob Schultz, the epitome of hard work, clean living and determination.” Kind of sounds a lot like hustle, loyalty and respect doesn’t it? Needless to say, the hero of this piece isn’t too thrilled at the idea of having to lose to Schultz and comes up with an idea to flip the script. Screw Job, anyone?
One other theme we also see in the story is what life is like for a washed up wrestler. Fifteen years later we see Rory Landell wrestling on the Indie circuit. He is not the physical specimen he once was and has developed a drinking problem. His skills are greatly diminished as he struggles against a midget wrestler. It truly is unfortunate, because this part of the story is a reflection of what has happened to so much great talent that we have grown up watching. It is also unfortunate for Landell because fifteen years ago, before his match with Bob Schultz, he cut a promo. Not the one he wrote, not the one the AWF owner scripted for him, but one he made up on the fly.
And in this promo, Rory Landell professed his disdain for the AWF World Championship and proclaimed himself the new Galactic Champion of the Universe. It’s taken fifteen years and that promo has reached deep space for the actual Galactic Champion to hear and he is pissed.
I cannot wait to see issue two. This first issue has laid the groundwork for what will be a comeback of galactic proportions. Is Rory Landell going to be ready to compete on the largest stage ever created? Will he regain his former glory?
How do you wrestle against an entire alien invasion? Do yourself a favor and let the crew at Suspicious Behavior Productions take you on this journey.
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