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Wrestling and comics. The relationship has been seeing a strong return at the comic shops. Both tell amazing stories. They also allow for many different styles and themes to be on full display. One company leading the recent resurgence is Masked Republic.
With their “Luchaverse” initiative, they are bringing some of the most legendary luchadores to the LCS. Their latest venture is a story centering around a one of a kind persona. This famous luchadore is set to make a loud opening statement.
VAMPIRO: ROCKABILLY APOCALYPSE #1 by Michael Kingston, Martin Pouso aka El Terrorifico Dr. Napalm, and Jacob Bascle (created by Kingston and Kevin Klienrock) features the iconic luchador in a horror based crisis.
Tag teaming on this review is Rich (3FN Podcast/Wrestling Night Live) and yours truly (Ken – ODPH Podcast/NI Editor In Chief)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
LET’S TALK STORY!
KEN: The story is walked through Everitt Holden’s eyes. Holden is a music vlogger trying to dive into the mystery of Vampiro. His journey leads into an unlikely meeting. From here, Holden becomes the unlikely sidekick to Vampiro and Estrella Nocturna as they take the fight to Maddox Mars. If you’re looking for a high octane, wild ride, this is up your alley.
REY MYSTERIO WELCOMES YOU TO THE LUCHAVERSE!
Kingston brings out the best of the Vampiro persona. The rock ‘n roll aura never eludes the main character. This plays well off Holden’s fan admiration. Kingston spaces Vampiro’s early moments out enough to make significant. The tactic works to build up the mystery as the action comes in fast and loose. Readers watch as the slow reveal of Mars leads into a furious standoff and close. The fallout leaves with more questions raised as the door to the apocalypse is about to explode. Brace for impact.
RICH: This story rocks and its not just a cheap pun! Michael Kingston puts together the perfect mix of From Dusk Till Dawn meets Lobo in this action packed first issue. The twists and turns the story takes along the way amp up the feel and vibe to the next level.
HOW ABOUT THE ART AND LETTERING?
KEN: Pouso never shies away from delivering on bold action images. This stems from the full page image of Vampiro revealing his true self. At this moment, the blood starts splattering. Bascle’s lettering elevates these panels tremendously. They go to the extreme but that’s where the story wants to go. One prime example is Mars’ reveal. The near full page image throws the story into a fast paced frenzy with its’ closing showdown. Add in the parting image and the art welcomes readers into a world that is truly one of a kind.
RICH: The art in this book is clean and smooth. It makes you feel like your watching a 90’s Saturday morning cartoon, only with gratuitous violence.
LUCHAVERSE KEEPS IT 100 WITH KONNAN!
FINAL GRADES:
KEN: 9 Welcome to the wild side! The enigmatic persona of Vampiro flies off the pages with an electric debut. Kingston’s writing constructs the daring take of action and horror. Pouso and Bascle crank the volume to 11 with the ferocious visuals fitting for the fight to stop the apocalypse. This will be one not to miss!
RICH: 9/10 This book is a must read for any comic fan. If you love lucha this book hits you extra hard because of the icon that is Vampiro. Go out and buy this book, devour it, and prepare yourself for future issues.
