OVER THE ROPES: BROKEN KAYFABE #3, from Mad Cave Studios on August 17th, 2022, brings the secret of Phoenix’s father out for the whole world to see. Will the news shame him into retirement, or will Phoenix rise to the challenge?
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: August 17, 2022
Is It Good?
Full disclosure, I’m not a wrestling guy. My expertise stops at Hulkamania #1. But credit where credit is due, Mad Cave has a fun, dramatic, exciting issue on their hands with OVER THE ROPES: BROKEN KAYFABE #3.
The outstanding highlight of this issue is Sandlin’s dramatic plotting that hits you with one dramatic punch after another to rival the best telenovelas and soap operas. Every scene cranks up the emotion to its highest levels with angst, drama, and shocking developments in and out of the ring. There is no calm or lull in this comic. Before you think you’re about to calm down and process what just happened, the next scene layers on another gut punch to spin you even faster.
It works because every character is driven by emotion. You can feel Phoenix’s anger over Scorch’s injuries (see the last issue), you can empathize with Phoenix’s rage when the news about his father becomes public, and you can see the determination in Phoenix as he makes his way to the ring for a Battle Royal. Emotion motivates everything we do, and Sandlin nails the emotion.
The art is decent. Cosentino captures the spirit of a Battle Royal admirable with all the clotheslines, flying kicks, and haymakers you could imagine. However, the Cosentino lacks detail in a few spots, leaving the characters unpolished. Fortunately, Segala’s coloring slathers the entire comic with mood and elevates the art beyond the shortcomings.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Find out how Phoenix let his big secret slip in our OVER THE ROPES: BROKEN KAYFABE #2 review.
We begin with Courtney being rushed to the hospital after her match against Yuri. Yuri’s cheating tactics put Courtney down for the count, but thankfully, Phoenix’s mother is there to help the doctors.
While Phoenix and visitors wait for Courtney to recover, a news report appears on the television with a special announcement. The boys from The Dirt Sheet reveal Peacock is Phoenix’s father, and they bring out Peacock as a special guest to confirm it.
Phoenix rushes over to Rick’s after the interview to confront Peacock. The scene becomes heated, but they ultimately part with an agreement to settle their beef with a Battle Royal and a Ladder Match. We conclude the issue with a Battle Royal played smart, a reveal that creates a rift, and a new wager.
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 #3 is an enthralling read, even for non-wrestling fans. The action is intense, the twists and turns grab you from page one, and Sandlin’s writing amps up the emotion with mercy.
Related Information
What are the three types of wrestling?
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica: “The three basic types of wrestling contest are the belt-and-jacket, catch-hold, and loose styles, all of which appear to have originated in antiquity. Belt-and-jacket styles of wrestling are those in which the clothing of the wrestlers provides the principal means of taking a grip on the opponent. In many cases this is no more than a special belt worn by both wrestlers, while in others a special belted jacket and special trousers are worn. Catch-hold styles require the contestants to take a prescribed hold before the contest begins; often this grip must be maintained throughout the struggle. Loose styles of wrestling, which are used in modern international competition, commence with the wrestlers separated and free to seize any grip that they choose except such as are explicitly forbidden (e.g., taking hold of an opponent’s clothing or using a life-threatening grip, such as a stranglehold).”
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