Dive deeper into the WWE universe.
Let me preface this review by saying that I'm about as casual a wrestling fan as they come. I couldn't even tell you the names of the current WWE Champions, much less the ins and outs of the current storylines on Raw and Smackdown. But I do know that wrestling and comics go together like peanut butter and jelly. And if a relative layman like me can enjoy reading BOOM's new WWE comic, hardcore fans should really get a kick out of this one-shot special.
WWE: Then. Now. Forever. #1 sets the stage for next year's ongoing WWE comic by delivering two stories focused on two iconic wrestling teams. The main tale, from writer Dennis Hopeless and artist Dan Mora, centers around the Shield - Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins. Hopeless and Mora flash back to the days when the Shield still existed, setting the stage for Rollins' dramatic heel turn and betrayal. It's a clever premise that demonstrates exactly what BOOM can offer WWE fans with these comics. It addresses the common complaint that the current WWE storylines lack proper character development by giving fans that development.
But again, you don't really have to know anything about these characters or how the comic ties into the larger WWE universe. Hopeless succeeds in delivering a fun, rollicking adventure that banks heavily on the fraying bond among these three superstars. The tone strikes that right balance between goofy and heartfelt. And it certainly doesn't hurt that Mora is there to bring their wacky adventure to life. This issue only further cements Mora as one of the great rising stars in the industry. His action is clean and dynamic, and his facial work really sells the emotion of Hopeless' script. Mora also proves adept at capturing the likenesses of the various WWE players while still giving the book a light, stylish feel.
Following that tale, Ross Thibodeaux and Rob Guillory tackle a more overtly silly backup story featuring the members of The New Day as they attempt to travel back in time and restore positivity to the WWE. The result is an enjoyable romp, and again one that works regardless of your familiarity with the characters. It also makes excellent use of Guillory's exaggerated, frenetic art style. With Chew ending soon, maybe Guillory tackling an ongoing WWE project isn't such a bad idea?
This remainder of this issue is filled out with various other backup tales, the most memorable which is a four-page painted tale from Rob Schamberger that poignantly explores the power of legacy and inspiration in the WWE. Also included are the various one-page origin stories that were originally sold at SDCC this past summer. All in all, this comic offers a very complete, diverse package that makes a strong case for BOOM's approach to the WWE franchise heading into 2017.
The Verdict
If this one-shot is any indication, comic-reading WWE fans have a lot to look forward to in 2017. Then. Now. Forever. #1 manages to deliver plenty of fun and zany action, but it also enriches some of the major players and generally celebrates the magic and pageantry of professional wrestling. It's a love letter to wrestling as only comics could provide.
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire