Nerds That Geek Comic Book Review: ‘Invasion from Planet Wrestletopia’

Written by Joel T. Lewis

Issues #1 & #2
Ed ‘The Carnage Artist’ Kuehnel and ‘Masculine’ Matt Entin - Authors
Dan ‘The Body’ Schkade - Art

If I’m honest, I owe my wrestling fandom to comics. Not because of wrestling comics in particular, but because they’re essentially the same thing; stories about larger than life superhuman characters punching and defying the laws of physics in stylized and heightened realities all their own. The two are a match made in heaven, and in no comic series has that match been more heavenly made than in Ed Kuehnel and Matt Entin’s Invasion From Planet Wrestletopia.

Suspicious Behavior Productions’ intergalactic wrestle-epic follows the decline, fall, and unlikely resurrection of jobber ‘Rock-N-Roll’ Rory Landell whose off the cuff, career tanking, pipebomb promo; declaring himself Galactic Wrestling Champion of the Universe catches the attention of Manifest Destiny, ruler of the planet called Wrestletopia. What ensues is a surreal colorful blend of space, comic, and wrestling tropes all perfectly balanced and unbalanced which makes for one of the most enjoyable reads of the year. 

The first issue is a meticulous case study of the wrestling world, and at the center of the effusive promo-speak and over-the-top gimmick designs is a very affectionate and understanding portrayal of the plight of the professional wrestler. Kuehnel and Entin capture the fleeting nature of wrestling success and the powerlessness of performers as they’re livelihoods are subject to the whims of the all-powerful ‘Boss’. They also manage to address the problematic racist history of wrestling and the balance performers must find between pursuing the career they love at the expense of discomfort, insult, and injury.

The second issue explores the painful and complex paternal relationship between Rory and his father, which fueled his desire to follow in his dad’s footsteps, not only to become a pro wrestler, but also, perhaps unconsciously, to be jobbed out just like his old man. What’s most remarkable about this series is how Kuehnel and Entin balance poignant relatable foibles of humanity with, I don’t know, maybe building a steel cage around the earth in preparation for Manifest Destiny’s global invasion? I mean there are wrestling aliens suplexing secret service people on the lawn of the White House in this issue, what more could you want? 

Artist Dan Schkade was in a precarious position with regard to this series. A comic’s art is absolutely integral in establishing tone, pacing, and the feel of the world of the comic book, but to balance the drama and pageantry of space opera and wrestling match, the poignant subtlety of formative flashbacks, and the pacing of the dynamic dance that is wrestling match choreography is a tall order. One that Schkade executes beautifully. The humor, vibrance, and fluidity of these panels makes this series exhilarating to read. 

This series truly is equal parts style, substance, and fun. Wrestling fans, comic fans, and fans of fun and innovative storytelling will absolutely eat this series up. Issues 1-3 are now available now through Comixology. Until Next Time, Geek On!

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