Things aren’t looking too good for the ailing mainstream comic book industry. Not only have sales declined in recent years due to the quality of the books coming out from the big two (Marvel and DC) but the pandemic has closed the doors of many comic book stores who were barely getting by to begin with. A recent shift in how books are shipped has also increased the price of doing business for some stores who are barely hanging on as it is.
The bright spots in the industry are the independent publishers on Indiegogo and companies like NBM, Aftershock, Antarctic Press, Alterna Comics and now Inverse Press’ Squared Circle Comics who not only sell their comics in stores but also online.
With the cancellation of the Boom! Comics’ WWE series last year, Squared Circle has stepped in to expand the genre with its series of biographical comics. Each comic is a thoughtful, insightful tribute to the legends of pro-wrestling with storyteller John E. Crowther writing each and every book in the series.
Here is a look at some of the Squared Circle line of comics:
Nikolai #1
Writer: John E. Crowther
Artist: Dell Barras
Colorist: Andrew Pate
Editor: Kevin LaPorte
Cover Art: Nathan Smith and Amanda Rachels
Title Page Art: Jayson Kretzer
Nikolai Volkoff’s beginnings are brought to life by artist Dell Barras. We witness the tragic and heroic death of his grandfather who was murdered by Communists. Volkoff’s past and present collide when he is asked to portray a communist in the WWE. Nikolai’s milestone WWE matches are highlighted including his Flag Match against Corporal Kirchner. Nikolai’s story is one of the most fascinating and inspiring in the Squared Circle Comic series.
Bobby Fulton and The Fantastics #1
Artist: Javier Lugo
Colorist: Blake Wilkie
Editor: Kevin LaPorte
KS Cover Art: Randolph Dixon
KS Cover Colorist: Amanda Rachels
Dude used to run 13 blocks from church on Sunday to get home to watch wrestling! Now that’s dedication! Fulton’s career is explored in grand detail to the point but unlike some of the other comics in the Squared Circle line we don’t get treated to many of his exciting matches or the lively art work that could accompany them. Javier Lugo’s dynamic art stylings are what brings Fulton’s story to life and perhaps should have been showcased more in this issue.
Rock n’ Roll Express #1
Artist: Rich Perotta
Colorist: Vito Potenza
Editor: Kevin LaPorte
Letterer: Jessica Hinds.
Artist Rich Perotta’s art is the highlight of Ricky Morton’s battle to look beyond his size and see the heart and skill he had as a performer. Morton’s is an underdog story that works so well in comic book form. The book concludes with an amazing splash page and a surprise call from Jerry “The King” Lawler at the end. To be continued, indeed.
Hacksaw Jim Duggan #1 and #2
Artist: Rich Perotta
Colorist: Vito Potenza
Editor: Kevin LaPorte
Letterer: Jayson Kretzer
This series is as big and bombastic as big Jim Duggan himself. From the noble example his police officer father set for him growing up to winning the first ever Royal Rumble, the story moves at a good clip. It has an excitement and an energy that leaves you wanting to read more of Hacksaw’s adventures in the WWE and the world at large.
You Don’t Know Jack
Artist and Letterer: Alan McMillian
Colorist: Andrew Pate
Editor: Kevin LaPorte
The standout book of Squared Circle’s line. Alan McMillian and Andrew Pate team-up in a stunning look at Jake Hagar’s rise as an all-American wrestling champion to becoming the first-ever FCW Champion and then feuding with Heath Slater. The book will give you a new insight and perhaps a better appreciation for “The All-American American.”
Bruno Sammartino #1
Artist: Rich Perotta
Colorist: Vito Potenza
Editor: Kevin LaPorte
The rise of an American hero. Tracing his humble and often traumatic beginnings in Italy and then his journey in America, the first issue on Sammartino looks at his fascinating life outside of the ring setting up his legendary wrestling career that is to come next. The issue ends with Sammartino preparing to wrestle… a monkey? What the heck? We need a second issue… now.
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