After the WWE’s “Then, Now, and Forever” One-Shot, the ongoing series begins! The one-shot was a good way to show just what BOOM’s new line of WWE comics would be like. The first story is a great one for sure, the Rise of The Architect of The Shield, Seth Rollins joining The Authority. As the one-shot set up the betrayal of Seth Rollins to The Shield, now get to see the aftermath of that. It’s a clever way to fans a different look into past WWE stories. As strong as the one-shot was, I was curious to see how the ongoing would fare. Time to see together just how the new series of WWE comics fares. Let us remember the rumble as we go forth in this review of WWE #1.
It doesn’t hurt that WWE #1 starts with one of the best recent WWE stories, The Aftermath of the Destruction of The Shield.
One of the best aspects of WWE #1 is the fact that Dennis Hopeless dives into the desire of Seth Rollins. If you’re a fan of WWE, think of this as a new look into a now legendary WWE storyline. It’s a story of pure ambition and determination, from the point of view of Seth Rollins. I commend Hopeless for that, laser focusing on Seth Rollins and telling his tale from his point of view works. In a way, it helps as a cool little primer on The Shield as WWE Superstars and characters in their own right. It’s written in such a way that while you think you know what happened, you don’t know everything. Nicely done there, Hopeless.
Here’s what’s weird: I didn’t fully get into the Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns conflict in the comic. It doesn’t translate as well, and some of the interactions ring a bit hollow on the page. I will say without spoiling much, the interactions with Triple H in the story are gold. Even better, there’s another appearance that works well in the story but I don’t want to share spoilers. I have to say despite some quibbles, Hopeless does well in capturing the full scope of the WWE Universe of Superstars.
I must make a point to mention The New Day back-up. I would be making this world a less positive place if I dare missed it.
I do want to mention The New Day story here, that two-page comic is delightful and wonderfully weird. It continues from the last issue as The New Day has gone back in time on an Optimistic Odyssey. It’s only two pages but it is fun. Ross Thibodeaux is having a blast with the characters and embracing the joy that is Prehistoric Ric Flair. Rob Guillory’s art is amazing capturing the mad ideas of Thibodeaux with brilliant expressions and energy. The bright colors of Taylor Wells are a plus too, they are radiant in positivity. It’s two pages and the perfect way to cap off this issue.
The art in the main WWE story works well for it, really well actually.
Hopeless does well with capturing the balancing act of the backstage and ring battles of the WWE overall, but it helps that he has a good artist. Serg Acuna is a solid fit for this adventure into the WWE Universe. It’s interesting to me, where Acuna excels art wise is in the backstage segments and beginning and ends of the matches in the story. The art doesn’t look as strong in the matches at points in the story. Yet Acuna is one of the better artists I have seen with handling the WWE Universe. I love the way Acuna captures the joy on Seth’s face in the midst of his victories, it’s perfect. There’s a lot of strong expression and storytelling here but his work with Seth, spot on. Hopeless has a great artist to match his vision for this tale.
I take special notice of the coloring in the main story too. Doug Garbark is solid throughout the story, but the beginning where I like how it really comes together. There’s a Money in the Bank segment at the start and you have money green in the audience. The victor is glowing from the light and you see the green behind him, it’s fitting and wonderful for this scene. Take note of that when you check out this book, it works well. Take note of the lettering in this book too, Jim Campbell is great in both this and the backup tale. Special note is the Sploosh effect in the water, I love the lettering there and the font choice, it’s too cool.
Now it is time for the wrap-up to this WWE Comic adventure.
Here’s one thing to note, if you’re not a WWE fan you may not get a lot out of this. That being said if you’re curious about WWE and aspects of the product, I say give this a shot. If you’re already a fan, I can recommend it fairly easily. It’s not perfect, but for the most part, it is fun. It’s one of the better WWE comics I have seen in a long time and I look forward to seeing how it develops in the months to come.
