It has been attempted in the past, but no one; not the WWF, not WCW, not the Ultimate Warrior has been able to take the world of professional wrestling and make it an interesting comic book. Editors, writers, and artists have tried to rely on big names, strange tales and supernatural elements, but all have failed. But Master Comics has done the impossible and made an interesting comic book on sports entertainment mainly focusing on what makes the sport so interesting, wrestling.
Andrew Maurer, James Hislope and Brian Steward created Masters of the Ring. The series focuses on the interesting world of independent wrestling and how a struggling superstar becomes successful due in part to his dedicated fans. Champ is actually a loser but for some reason has captured the imagination of one fan, Ruben, who wants him to win the World Title more than anything else in the world (Similar to Rumiko Takahashi’s Boxing Series One Pound Gospel). Ruben's wish comes true as an injury to the number one contender forces Champ in the main event against Rocker for the World Title. But just when you think the hero has taken home the gold, the reader begins to discover that Champ isn’t a worthy champion at all. Champ becomes a cocky bastard. Ruben, the message board fan who strangely predicts the outcome of each match, goes up to Champ looking for thanks and is shooed away. It is his opponent Rocker who signs autographs for the kid and treats the fan with respect. Ruben goes on the message board and proclaims that Rocker will take back the title when a freak accident occurs in his cage rematch against Champ in a weak yet intriguing cliffhanger.
Masters of the Ring was an awesome read! It perfectly captured the world of independent wrestling, from the locker room to the strange cult followings. I dealt with psychic fan posting on the message board bit. But other than that there was just too much going for this title that can’t be ignored. The artwork is great. Wrestlers are drawn very well and they move fluidly as they battle one another. I really felt like the creators captured the essence of professional wrestling in these pages. The black-and-white artwork suited this title. Finally, real wrestlers are interviewed in the middle of the comic book. In this issue Donnie B, a well-known independent wrestler has his say and The First Lady of Wrestling, Missy Hyatt will be featured in an upcoming issue.
Masters of the Ring has everything going for it. It tells a great original story that will have comic book fans reading and wrestling fans picking this title up in large numbers. With independent stars featured inside, wrestling fans also get to learn about future stars and past legends-comics and wrestling, a perfect marriage. I only hope they can keep this up. For now, the series is on a limited run, but hopefully, fans will pick up this independent title and make Masters of the Ring, The master of comics.
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