Ringside Volume 1

RINGSIDE is a series set within the world ofprofessional wrestling, written by JOSEPH KEATINGE (SHUTTER, GLORY, TECH JACKET)and drawn by acclaimed illustrator NICK BARBER, combining the ensemble dramaapproach of THE WALKING DEAD with interconnected rotating perspectives akin to"The Wire." RINGSIDE explores the relationship between art and industry from theview of the wrestlers themselves, the creatives they work with, the suits incharge and the fans cheering them all on.Butthat's just the beginning.The real violenceis outside the ring. Collecting issues 1 through5.Praise forRINGSIDE:"Keating and Barber's RINGSIDE is arealistic peek behind the scenes and into the lives of several charactersconnected to a glory-seeking world, but their lives are anything but gloriousand that's the compelling hook this issue sells so well." -Comicbookresources.com"RINGSIDE is arealistic drama set in the world just outside the wrestling ring. Keatinge andBarber present a modern-noir comic book that mixes gritty characters, realisticsituations and goes to the dark corners of life that people try to avoid. Thiscomic delivers a compelling first issue and the series promises to be a deep andemotional ride. This is definitely worth picking up." --Comiclist

LIBRARY JOURNAL - Entertainment wrestling is the backdrop of this new series by writer Keatinge (Shutter) and artists Barber, Simon Gough, and Ariana Maher. Although the sport is often ridiculed for being staged, is it possible that after years of body slamming and face kicking, a retired wrestler can really fight when it comes to mob thugs looking to settle a debt? In this volume, Dan Knossos-veteran wrestler, ring name “Minotaur,” struggling to find himself after his dismissal from the crime business-is compelled to help an old friend in serious trouble. Wrestlers frequently face physical decline, emotional instability, and mental demons as they age away from the ring. And despite being warned, Dan gets mixed up in some drama he may not be able to fight his way through. Readers also glimpse the tribulations of an up-and-coming athlete shadowing his mentor and facing the uncertainty of the future. The shading in the illustrations creates an effect that will thrill fans of theatrical and competitive sparring matches. While not really about wrestling, the story benefits from that world as its setting.Verdict An intriguing and fresh work that will enthrall lovers of sports comics and noir.-Teresa Potter-Reyes, Helen Hall Lib., League City, TX