Tag Archives: vlad popov

Wrestle Heist #3 adds more absurd humor as well as motivation

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Wrestle Heist #3

If our heroes survive the trap set for them by crooked promoter Buddy Hansen and if they can survive each other they turn their attention to the greatest heist in Wrestling History! Is there team complete? Are they prepared? Will there be a training montage? You better believe there will be! Does this issue curiously make this series an evergreen Thanksgiving season classic? Curiously it does, indeed! Wrestle Heist #3 is another fantastic issue that expands the heist plan while adding more motivation.

Kyle Starks has delivered a fantastic series so far and Wrestle Heist #3 is a great example of how and why this series works so well. On its surface, the story is a simple heist story, though a bit exaggerated in so many ways. But, not all that below the surface is some biting commentary about the wrestling industry and its underlying issues and outright abuses.

The second issue left some of the team in a hardcore match to free up one of their members to participate in their planned heist, but from there, it’s the addition of a new team member as well as discussion as to why they’re all doing what they plan on doing. With a lot of risk, the comic up to this point has delivered a fairly simple reason for everyone’s actions but Wrestle Heist #3 adds some depth to it. While enjoy Thanksgiving, our band of wannabe thieves discuss the abuses they’ve experienced and know about within the industry and perpetrated by their target. There’s thinly discussed real world issues and individuals and the group touches upon racism, sexism, abuse, drug abuse, homophobia, sexual predators, and more.

While all of that might seem weighty as topics, Starks delivers it all with a sincere take but at the same time small additions that take the tension and seriousness out of it all. One group members loves the drugs, a solution to so many problems in their mind. Another reveals they’re gay and while the revelation starts of sincere, it goes off in a direction of horror and humor. It’s the sort of delivery Starks brings to the comic over and over, just when you think it might go off in a serious direction, it does something to cut the tension and gets readers to laugh.

The art is fantastic as always with an over the top style to it that helps add to the humor of it all and Vlad Popov‘s colors help make it all pop. The visual delivery of lines just add to the enjoyment of the comic and at times it’s the punchline to whatever joke Starks has set up to be delivered.

Wrestle Heist #3 continues what’s both a love letter to the wrestling industry but as biting commentary and observation about it as well. You don’t need to be a fan of sports entertainment to enjoy it but those that are will find a layer that’ll get you to think and experience it on another level.

Story: Kyle Starks Art: Kyle Starks Color: Vlad Popov
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Wrestle Heist #2 delivers fun as the team comes together

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Wrestle Heist #2

We reach the best part of any heist tale – putting the team together! Our heroes reach out to another wrestler wronged by evil promote Buddy Hansen to rob him blind at the biggest show of the year – but of course, nothing comes easy as obstacles arise! Wrestle Heist #2 leans into some cliche along its way, but it’s a hell of a lot of fun with an enthusiasm full of winks and nods readers and wrestling fans will appreciate.

Kyle Starks is delivering a series that’s just a hell of a lot of fun. While the main concept is a simple heist story, it going neck deep into the world of wrestling adds a bit to it all that fans of sports entertainment, even casual fans, will appreciate. Wrestle Heist #2 introduces new members to the team, each bringing their own motives and baggage. But, like so many heists, things aren’t going to be easy and this issue delivers side quests and are goofy, fun, and show off some generational differences in wrestling.

For those more into wrestling, Starks is delivering a story that’ll have you guessing who is based on who and what real history the series is lifting some of its details from. Horrible promoters/owners will quickly remind readers of some real life individuals while the wrestlers themselves each feel like ones we’ve seen.

Starks delivers the art too with color by Vlad Popov. The style works so well with an exaggerated look that feels like it fits perfectly for the exaggerated characters of the wrestling world. There’s something with Starks’ style for the comic that just adds to the humor of it all and it gives the comic a look and feel like it’s something you’d see on Fox’s Animation Domination. It’s great with each character’s look telling so much of their story and just nailing the emotion of it all. You feel the hate.

Wrestle Heist #2 is just a hell of a lot of fun. The comic has a familiar concept but packed with characters that make it all larger than life. It’s a fantastic mix of concept, characters, and setting and even if you’re not a fan of wrestling, this is one you need to check out.

Story: Kyle Starks Art: Kyle Starks Color: Vlad Popov
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Wrestle Heist #1 Takes an Eye Poke at the Wrestling Industry

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Wrestle Heist #1

A former pro wrestler—who has a brush with death thanks to a crooked promoter—assembles a crew of fellow wrestlers he’s screwed over… to rob him blind during the biggest wrestling event of the year. Wrestle Heist #1 kicks off a traditional heist tale while also poking and digging at the wrestling industry.

Written by and with art by Kyle Starks, Wrestle Heist #1 is a solid debut that sets up what’s to come and introduces the characters well. The short version is Sterling Steele is wronged by a promoter and decides to rob a big event in retaliation.

While that concept is straightforward, Starks digs a bit into the world of wrestling. Steele’s target, a shady promoter, feels like a mix of the scumbags you hear about when wrestlers talk about the history. But, Starks leaves it all a bit nebulous if it’s supposed to be anyone in particular. The world is squarely set in the world of wrestling but what promotion and even the wrestlers themselves, are a bit up in the air. But still, it all feels familiar enough to keep you guessing who is who.

Starks also isn’t afraid to dig into the issues of professional wrestling. Steele’s career is cut short due to revenge for moving to a different promotion, highlighting some of the real world bad blood between promotions but also the rather flimsy healthcare of the industry. While the matches are scripted, the moves, bumps, and danger is very real and a wrong move can ends someone career and do real damage leaving wrestlers struggling physically and financially for the rest of their lives. While not directly addressed, it’s part of the plot and drives what’s to come.

The look of the comic is in Starks’ style with color by Vlad Popov. The look of the comic highlights the more comedic aspects of the comic with characters beyond exaggerated, to the point of laughter. But, the comic isn’t quite a comedy, though there’s comedic aspects. It’s a dramedy if anything and Starks’ style feels like it emphasizes that in some ways and matches the tone of the story quite well.

But, beyond the entertaining comic itself, there’s a detail to Wrestle Heist #1 that stands out. The backmatter features faux articles about the main character and has some fun with comic creators choosing their Mount Rushmore of wrestlers.

It’s clear Wrestle Heist #1 is a love letter, though not afraid to dig, of the wrestling industry. True love of something is also recognizing its issues, and Wrestle Heist #1 brings up some of them. With a nice setup, this is a series that delivers a dose of comedy and action in the world of professional wrestling.

Story: Kyle Starks Art: Kyle Starks Color: Vlad Popov
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle