Lerner Publishing Group's Graphic Universe imprint has revealed an official preview for Glorious Wrestling Alliance: Ultimate Championship Edition, a YA graphic novel that brings Welsh cartoonist Josh Hicks' professional wrestling-themed comic Glorious Wrestling Alliance to the United States and collects it in full color for the first time.
Written and illustrated by Hicks, Glorious Wrestling Alliance: Ultimate Championship Edition is "[f]illed with colorful characters, witty dialogue and endless leg drops." Set to arrive this October, the graphic novel "tackles insecurity and anxiety both on and off the mat," serving as an "audacious love letter to the surreal theater of pro wrestling."
Indie wrestling legend Christopher Daniels -- a former Ring of Honor (ROH) World Champion and current All Elite Wrestling (AEW) performer -- has offered praise for Glorious Wrestling Alliance. "Josh Hicks does a tremendous job satirizing professional wrestling in Glorious Wrestling Alliance," Daniels said. "Every facet of pro wrestling, from art to ego to commerce, gets a shot at the title with Josh's witty dialogue and vibrant art! A very funny and entertaining read!"
Comic book writer Kieron Gillen (The Wicked + The Divine, Young Avengers) also chimed in, saying, "Imagine an epic wrestling match between the lust for life of Scott Pilgrim and the comic self-loathing of BoJack Horseman where we're all winners."
Per the full synopsis for Glorious Wrestling Alliance: Ultimate Championship Edition,
Welcome to Glorious Wrestling Alliance, the universe's least professional wrestling company. Within these hallowed, sweaty halls you will find the fiercest—and most conflicted—competition to ever set foot in the ring. Great Carp, an amphibious wonder, is buckling under the weight of his championship. Miranda Fury has donned a mask to smash wrestling's glass ceiling and longs for recognition. Meanwhile Gravy Train is desperate for a new gimmick, but when you're shaped like a giant gravy boat, it’s hard to find a new persona. Readers will laugh out loud as the grapplers of GWA lock up, throw things, throw each other, bicker, weep, and occasionally curl up into little balls on the floor.
Written and illustrated by Josh Hicks, Glorious Wrestling Alliance: Ultimate Championship Edition goes on sale Oct. 5 from Graphic Universe. The graphic novel is currently available for pre-order.
Source: Lerner Publishing Group