“Do a Powerbomb! Black & White #1” Review – A High Flyer

The Run Down

If you’re like me, you sadly missed the initial release of Daniel Warren Johnson’s “Do a Powerbomb” back in 2022. However, with this release, you now have another chance and I highly recommend taking it! Following wrestler’s Lona Steelrose and Cobrasun years after the death of Lona’s mother, they team up to take part in a tournament ran by a necromancer in an effort to bring Lona’s mother back to life. The story is exactly as wild as it sounds, so join me for the ride in this review!

Writer & Artist: Daniel Warren Johnson
Letterer: Rus Wooton

The Writing

Right off the bat, the story had me hooked with the emotion. Johnson introduces us to Lona, her mother Yua and Cobrasun a decade before the events of the main story. It’s here that all of the connections are established. These very connections help ground story and characters, making them feel real in a world that has things like necromancy. Johnson expertly blends the real and fantastical in a way that feels very unique from anything else out on stands.

Adding to the raw emotion and real feeling is something I think a lot of us can relate to. While I was reading, I started to genuinely tear up as I was reminded of my past. The beginning hits hard and the story doesn’t let up from there, all while retaining this slightly fantastical punk rock edge. It all leads up to this amazing twist that has me highly excited for the next two issues!

The Art

In somewhat of a rare move, the artwork is done by the writer himself. Just like with Johnson’s writing, his art-style maintains the aforementioned punk rock edge. It’s truly amazing work and really helps to define what this series is and what it stands for. While one wouldn’t normally think to blend wrestling with the punk genre, it’s a move that makes total sense and fits perfectly with how the story blends the real with fantasy. Not only does the style work perfectly for the story, but it makes each and every character look how they feel: distinctive.

One example is of the character Necros. While he’s a necromancer from another realm, he simultaneously looks like your average, stereotypical punk from the 80s. He’s got the leather jacket, facial hair and liberty spikes yet wields magic and owns a giant castle. That exact vibe is kept throughout the entire book between both the characters and the settings, and it’s absolutely amazing.

Final Thoughts

Feeling like the love child of “SLC Punk”, “Dragon Ball Z” and WWE, “Do a Powerbomb” is an absolutely wild, emotional ride! Johnson had me hooked right from the beginning and the twist left me on the edge of my seat. I’m more than excited for the next two issues!

Overall Grade: 10/10

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Comments

Are you new to “Do a Powerbomb” like me? Or are you a returning looking to check out the black & whites? Let’s discuss in the comments below!