I was a huge wrestling fan when I was younger, in the heyday of "Rock 'n Wrestling" and the rise of the WWF (now WWE), and I was also intrigued by wrestling magazines that showed rankings for other wrestling promotions in other parts of the USA. The Comic Book History of Professional Wrestling helped me make sense of the convoluted history of "the one true sport" and learn about its origins as a sort of carnival attraction and its evolution into the media juggernaut it is today. Along the way, it touches on the unique history of wrestling and its provincial qualities and how they all eventually have been melded into a more national entity for the most part. What is more, this book does not just detail the US scene, but also elucidates about wrestling in Mexico, Japan, Europe, and Canada.
The artwork is appropriately colorful and dynamic, taking its cues from cartoon superheroes, which I feel captures the bombast and energy of many wrestling personalities. There are a few times when specific images were repeated, which I found a bit distracting and "cookie cutter," but those instances were few. I felt that the art and story worked very well together so this book was incredibly entertaining and informative. Also, the book does not shy away from the more troubling aspects of wrestling, including steroid abuse, accidental deaths, murder/suicides, and the physical toll it takes on people's bodies and brains. I feel it would be great for a budding wrestling fan to learn the background of the profession as well as for non-fans that just want to know what all the hubbub is about.
The Comic Book History of Professional Wrestling was a collaboration between writer Aubrey Sitterson and artist Chris Moreno. Sitterson has written other comic book series, including No One Left to Fight and the upcoming Free Planet, and Moreno has drawn comics for a variety of publishers. Both creators speak about their work in this interview.
The reviews I have read about this book have been mainly positive, with some reservations. Kyle Cassello wrote that "the recapturing of history will have fans smiling." Ben Abelson summed up, "Overall, readers should find CBSPW a valuable addition to their libraries — a handy quick reference for major formative events and persistent themes in wrestling history that is both illuminating and enjoyable." Greg Hunter found some positive parts of the book but found problems in its overall execution and glossing over some of the more seedy aspects of the business and particular popular wrestlers, opining that "the result is neither a key account of wrestling nor a notable use of comics."
The Comic Book History of Professional Wrestling was published by Ten Speed Graphic, and there is a preview and more information about it here.