Review: Do a Powerbomb! #1

I watched a lot of wrestling growing up. When I was a younger kid I remember watching WWE (then WWF) and the launch of PPV shows. In high school and some of college it was a reason to get together with friends. I enjoyed the storylines and characters but it was the mix with the high flying athleticism that really interested me. I haven’t really watched much in recent years, tuning in when there’s nothing else on mostly. But, I still enjoy films and comics set in that world and Do a Powerbomb! #1 nails everything I enjoy.

Written and with art by Daniel Warren Johnson, Do a Powerbomb! #1 mixes all the pageantry and action of professional wrestling with family drama and loss. Opening up with a match, Johnson nails the fun of wrestling. Heroes that connect with the audience. Villains who attack all of that. Action and moves that feel like they’re being put on by individuals with superhuman abilities. And then tragedy strikes. Johnson shifts things to a story that has the reflection and sadness and drama of The Wrestler, a film I absolutely love. The first issue isn’t so much about the action within the ring but that action’s impact outside of it. Beyond the Mat and other documentaries show the reality of wrestling and while this is drama and fiction, Johnson captures some of that with an emotional ride.

Johnson’s art along with color by Mike Spicer and lettering by Rus Wooton come together for a visual experience that captures the fun of wrestling. The trio somehow create visuals that are both eye popping punk neon with a bit of grittiness. It has the signature of Johnson’s artwork but a bit more eye popping colors as the comic relies on pinks and bright blues and later yellows and oranges. The color creates a bit larger than life cartoonish look to Johnson’s unique style that perfectly fits its subject.

Do a Powerbomb! #1 is a hell of a lot of fun. That’s amazing to say considering the sadness within but it’s a fantastic start that mixes the over the top visuals and characters of wrestling with drama. It has the highs and lows of it all captured in a single issue. It’s a fantastic ride that has me pumped to see where it goes from here.

Story: Daniel Warren Johnson Art: Daniel Warren Johnson
Color: Mike Spicer Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology/Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW