OVER THE ROPES: BROKEN KAYFABE #5, from Mad Cave Studios on October 12, 2022, begins the battle to end all battles as Buddy Peacock and Phoenix compete to be the first unified league champion.
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: October 12, 2022
Is It Good?
OVER THE ROPES: BROKEN KAYFABE #5 brings the arc to a close the only way it could – with a no-holds-barred fight to be the undisputed champion. Jay Sandlin delivers a pulse-pounding fight to the finish, mixed with an element of surprise with a clever bit of storytelling.
The big positive of this issue is, of course, the big fight. Does it live up to expectations? Yes, it certainly does. The punches and kicks come fast and furious, and since this is a “No Disqualification” match, every guest fighter and dirty trick is used to give the fight an exciting ebb and flow. If you paid full price for a ticket, you’re going to get your money’s worth.
Sandlin removes the predictability of the finish by cleverly peppering in comments of self-reflection through the previous issues and this finale where Phoenix acknowledges there are more important things in life than wrestling. Without those moments, Phoenix’s outcome as the winner is guaranteed. However, Sandlin wisely matured Phoenix over the course of the arc where you get the impression he would be okay if he lost, so you’re never quite sure which way the match will go. Does Phoenix win? You’ll have to buy the issue to find out. Even we won’t spoil that one.
Cosentino’s art nails the action and excitement of a free-for-all wrestling match right up to the bitter end. The punches hit like a sledgehammer, bodies fly with grace and power in all directions, and the final moments of the match are a nail-biter. Cosentino’s loose line work and Segala’s unfeathered coloring may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the art hits when it counts with raw power.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our OVER THE ROPES: BROKEN KAYFABE #4 review to find out how the match was arranged.
We begin with a low-key interview in a diner at a future point after the match is done. Phoenix agrees to talk about what happened in the match.
Now, Phoenix and Peacock waste no time when the bell rings. Fists fly, kicks land, and all eyes are on the championship belt hanging high above the ring underneath a single ladder. Through the fight, allies and enemies join the fray to give the two hopefuls an even chance.
We conclude the match, issue, and arc with a winner, a loser, and life after the ring.
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Final Thoughts
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OVER THE ROPES: BROKEN KAYFABE #5 ends the arc with the match to end all matches. There’s not much story to tell, but this issue works because it all comes down to one question – who will win? The fight is a pristine example of a grudge match cranked up with all the hype and emotion you want out of a championship match, and the outcome is surprisingly (in a good way) not guaranteed.
Related Information
What is the purpose of wrestling?
The philosophical purpose of wrestling is a demonstration of athletic prowess between two or more competitors. Within a wrestling match, the purpose is to win according to the match rules, which could be to pin your opponent to the mat, knock them out of the ring, or be the first to grab an object.
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