WRESTLE HEIST #1 (image comics)

Sterling Steele is an exceptional Professional Wrestler that has never gotten his flowers from the promoter of the wrestling company “The Golden Boy” Buddy Hansen. Just when he tries to leave and go to another promotion, he is completely sabotaged and his career is ended. Now, its his turn to get revenge on those that ended his dream.

Wrestling Heist #1 – Written & Art By Kyle Starks - Colors By Vlad Popov - Published By Image Comics

Credit: Image Comics

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

STORY OVERVIEW:

Sterling Steele is a Pro Wrestler who is getting ready to wrestle his final match in a promotion before moving on to another one. The promotion he works for is one of the biggest and is run by “The Golden Boy” Buddy Hansen. This is also the biggest event of the year, Fightsgiving, and Sterling will be in the Main Event against the World Champion “The Alpha Male” Guy Grudges. Sterling’s reasons for leaving are simple, no matter what he does and how over he gets, Buddy just won’t make him the top guy. As the match starts, Sterling notices that things are off, but before he knows it Guy Grudges legitimately takes him out and ends his career. This makes Buddy Hansen gloat, and he lets Sterling know that his injury is because of him.

Well in the hospital, Sterling finds out he will never wrestle again and that his offer from the other wrestling promotion has been rescinded. Fast forward to one year later, and Sterling meets up with a friend and former wrestler Grave Digger at a convention. After catching up, Sterling reveals the real reason he came there, to recruit Digger to help him rob this year’s Fightsgiving.

WRITING:

The first issue provides readers with a thorough backstory, immersing them in the quirky world of professional wrestling. Kyle Starks excels at crafting an entertaining narrative that captures the excitement and energy unique to wrestling. His portrayal of the golden age of Pro Wrestling is spot-on, especially in his depiction of the sleazy promoter archetype, which feels authentic to the era.

Starks’s writing not only remains faithful to the wrestling world, but it also offers a wealth of comedic moments that keep the tone light and enjoyable. Throughout the book, he cleverly weaves in well-known stories from wrestling history, adding his own creative twist to make them feel fresh and original. This approach ensures that the story resonates with both long-time wrestling fans and newcomers alike, making for a memorable and entertaining read.

ARTWORK:

The artwork in the debut issue of Wrestle Heist #1 perfectly complements the story's energetic tone. Kyle Starks succeeds in creating a cartoon-style depiction of the wrestling world, which amplifies the story’s sense of fun and its exaggerated, over the top atmosphere. This cartoonish approach not only adds vibrancy to the narrative but also enhances the quirky charm that defines the comic's universe.

The wrestler character designs are particularly notable, blending elements from some of the most famous figures in professional wrestling. This fusion results in a sense of familiarity for readers, allowing fans to recognize influences while still enjoying fresh interpretations. The designs help ground the wild fictional world in recognizable wrestling culture, making the story accessible and engaging.

Vlad Popov’s coloring work further elevates the visual appeal. His color choices harmonize seamlessly with Starks’s artwork, ensuring that both the characters and backgrounds stand out on the page. The careful matching of colors to the art style gives each scene a distinct presence, drawing readers deeper into the comic’s lively and dynamic setting.

Final Thoughts:

Wrestle Heist #1 is an extremely fun and entertaining look at the world of Professional Wrestling. The fun nature of the story shines through and makes for a very enjoyable reading experience. This is a must get for any wrestling and comic book fan, as it seamlessly meshes both worlds together. Even if you are not a wrestling fan this book is still a fun read and a worthwhile pick up this week at the shop.

FINAL GRADE: 9.5/10

Let me know your thoughts on Wrestle Heist #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!