One Fall Issue no. 1 perfectly blends horror and wrestling

Last month, Solid Comix released the first issue of their original mini-series, One Fall, written by David F. Walker with art by Brett Weldele.

Solid Comix is off to a strong start with their wrestling comic book series, One Fall. David F. Walker teamed up with fellow writer, Ted Pirro, and artist Brett Weldele to release a unique series that still feels fits his usual sensibilities.

In February, Walker launched the independent comic book company with plans to self-publish the creator-owned limited series. Walker, a 23-year veteran in the industry, has written for Dark Horse, DC, Marvel, and Image Comics. He founded Solid Comix as a home for projects that “made more sense to publish himself.”

The first installment of the five-issue series introduces the main protagonist, Jimmy “The Resurrecter” King. As his nickname suggests, King is a third-generation wrestler, who is cursed with the ability to revive himself after death in the ring. His family curse and lineage is the focus of a back-up feature written by Pirro.

The first issue is mostly setup, but it seems to take place in a world reminiscent of the pre-WWE era, where there are dozens of small territories and seedy promoters. King is disguised as a luchador when we first meet him and he’s wrestling a werewolf in a steel cage match. You can already tell the series will be a wonderful blend of wrestling and supernatural elements.

As a fan of comics and horror, as well as wrestling, the concept of the book immediately spoke to me. There are references wrestling fan will understand right away. Even more, there are references where all three genres merge that fell even more gratifying.

For example, King’s opponent’s name is Lycanus Rex. Right away, it sounds like a moniker specific to pro wrestling, but it could also be a clever nod to the pseudo-Latin phrase “Imperius Rex.” Fan of Marvel Comics will recognize it as Namor’s battle cry. More specifically, it seems to be derived from the word, lycanthrope— “some with the ability to transform into a wolf.” Considering those two references, Lycanus Rex roughly means werewolf king. (Rex in Latin means king)

That explanation got a little longwinded, but that’s the beauty of a project like this. It gives fans of each medium room to delve into their knowledge about them and use their imagination.

With that said, there’s plenty for non-genre fans to enjoy as well. Walker builds enough of a mystery around King, his lineage and why he tried to conceal his identity to keep readers invested. There is also some hints of drama surrounding his immediate family and the imminent conflict.

Weldele’s art is dynamic and a little unconventional. He perfectly renders the action in the ring, the monotonous quiet scenes, and the supernatural aspects. Lycanus Rex pops off every page he appears on. The colors are rich and vibrant at times and murky and somber when need be. It will be fun to see what he can do with bigger action scenes later.

Readers don’t get the full scope of the story yet, but there’s enough to whet their appetites. The first issue of One Fall is quirky but entertaining enough for wrestling fans who also enjoy comic books or vice versa. The next issue will drop later this summer.

Right now, copies are only available to those who backed Walker and Weldele’s Kickstarter campaign. However, it will be available on Comixology and Solid Comix’s website. In the meantime, be sure to follow David F. Walker or Solid Comix on Twitter for updates.