OVER THE ROPES: BROKEN KAYFABE #1, from Mad Cave Studios on June 29th, 2022, starts a new chapter in the career of champion wrestler Phoenix. What could possibly go wrong when a rival Federation invades the SWF?
The Details
- Written By: Jay Sandlin
- Art By: Antonello Cosentino
- Colors By: Francesco Segala
- Letters By: Justin Birch
- Cover Art By: Antonello Cosentino
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Release Date: June 29, 2022
Was It Good?
It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone looking at the cover or reading the description above that OVER THE ROPES: BROKEN KAYFABE #1 nestles comfortably in the excitement and soap-operatic melodrama of professional wrestling. However, if you’re not a wrestling fan, there’s a lot to like in this first issue if you’re just into melodrama.
The high point of this first issue is Sandlin’s skillful balance in tone. Pro wrestling is larger than life, and it would be easy to lean too far into the over-the-top aspects, rendering the story a near-parody. However, Sandlin keeps the exaggeration in check so that the human drama is prominent without becoming overshadowed by the flash and glitz of the ring. It’s fair to say that wrestling is a backdrop for the human conflict presented here, but events in the ring further the drama outside the ring.
The minor down point is the level of accessibility of the material. You don’t have to be a wrestling fan to understand what’s going on, but it helps. It helps a lot. Honestly, there’s no way to make this comic completely accessible to the wrestling uninitiated without tons of exposition but bear in mind that anyone unfamiliar with the world of wrestling may struggle in a few spots.
The art by Cosentino is okay in this issue. The dramatic character moments are filled with stronger drama and emotions than the wrestling matches, partly because the matches feel a little rushed. It would have played better if the hits had more impact or if the moves could be fleshed out more. Otherwise, the panel progression works well, the character designs are memorable, and the panel compositions are excellent.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin the opening match for SWF: Explode, one of the year’s biggest wrestling events, in Japan circa 1993. The crowd goes wild as The Barbwire Bombs maintain the champion status over Uno and Dos. Later, the crowd practically explodes as Phoenix makes a spectacular entrance via helicopter for a title defense match against his old rival, Billy Radison.
Later, the team goes out to celebrate their victories, but Phoenix is nervous because he intends to propose to his partner and love interest, Courtney aka Scorch. Unfortunately, the evening ends on a sour note. Meanwhile, Bily Radison laments his loss, and his mood is brought lower by his father’s ribbing.
Later still, the Phoenix Squadron returns to the arena for a new round of action for the crowd. We conclude the issue with a sudden assault, a big announcement, and unexpected competition.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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OVER THE ROPES: BROKEN KAYFABE #1 is a strong start in the latest chapter of Phoenix’s career and life. The balance between the drama in and out of the ring is nearly perfect. The art is strong albeit stronger in the interactions outside the ring. And the ending sets up bigger things to come. This is a recommended pick for wrestling fans and melodrama fans alike.
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