Yep! Yep! Yep! The next story of BOOM! Studios WWE comic, #18, is all about the “Kami” duo of Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. (Thanks for the cute nickname, AJ Styles!)
STORY
Rising through the ranks of the WWE isn’t easy and typically isn’t fast. However, Dennis Hopeless takes us from the indie circuit to NXT to the main event of Hell in a Cell 2017 within just a few short pages. Lots of flashbacks from Zayn’s memory, though, let us into his docile head and guide us through the journey to greatness.
Owens and Zayn are best friends and have been for many years. When one succeeds before the other, jealousy and pride take over. Zayn’s achievements lit a fire under Owen’s ass where he then exploded with his own triumphs. Zayn’s timid personality, sadly, is holding him back. When will he break out of his shell?
ART
As usual, Serg Acuna’s art is impeccable. His detail of the muscles and body movements of the men is precise. He captures Owens’ sneer and Zayn’s smirk just as if they were standing right in front of me.
I loved the resounding “thok” of Owens’ head colliding with Vince McMahon‘s. I was a little disappointed, though, that Vince himself doesn’t make an appearance. Shane McMahon takes on Owens on his father’s behalf, culminating at the Hell in a Cell match between the two. The match action is fun and getting to see Shane fall elbow-first from atop the cell is absolutely thrilling.
Incorporating the checked pattern when the story focused on Zayn’s love of ska music was a nice touch by colorist Doug Garbark. The dark tones mixed with the flashback tones being a little warmer is a nice contrast, helping to keep the stories distinct.
SIDE STORY
How great is it that we get a story about Rusev Day on Rusev Day! Kevin Panetta’s story, narrated by the golden voice of Aiden English, is a charming story-time anecdote about an event of live SmackDown entertainment. The olde English-style lettering from Jim Campbell is fitting and fun, and Domo Stanton’s artwork is a little scruffy, but so are Rusev and English.
CONCLUSION
This duo is clawing their way to the top of the WWE ranks, each with shiny championship belts dancing in their eyes. What’s next for this pair? We’ll have to wait until next month to see.
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