Ringside Volume 1 - Tapa blanda

LIBRARY JOURNAL - Entertainment wrestling is the backdrop of this new series by writer Keatinge (Shutter) and artists Barber, Simon Gough, and Ariana Maher. Although the sport is often ridiculed for being staged, is it possible that after years of body slamming and face kicking, a retired wrestler can really fight when it comes to mob thugs looking to settle a debt? In this volume, Dan Knossos-veteran wrestler, ring name “Minotaur,” struggling to find himself after his dismissal from the crime business-is compelled to help an old friend in serious trouble. Wrestlers frequently face physical decline, emotional instability, and mental demons as they age away from the ring. And despite being warned, Dan gets mixed up in some drama he may not be able to fight his way through. Readers also glimpse the tribulations of an up-and-coming athlete shadowing his mentor and facing the uncertainty of the future. The shading in the illustrations creates an effect that will thrill fans of theatrical and competitive sparring matches. While not really about wrestling, the story benefits from that world as its setting.
Verdict An intriguing and fresh work that will enthrall lovers of sports comics and noir.-Teresa Potter-Reyes, Helen Hall Lib., League City, TX

RINGSIDE is a series set within the world of professional wrestling, written by JOSEPH KEATINGE (SHUTTER, GLORY, TECH JACKET) and drawn by acclaimed illustrator NICK BARBER, combining the ensemble drama approach of THE WALKING DEAD with interconnected rotating perspectives akin to "The Wire." RINGSIDE explores the relationship between art and industry from the view of the wrestlers themselves, the creatives they work with, the suits in charge and the fans cheering them all on.

But that's just the beginning.

The real violence is outside the ring. Collecting issues 1 through 5.

Praise for RINGSIDE:
"Keating and Barber's RINGSIDE is a realistic peek behind the scenes and into the lives of several characters connected to a glory-seeking world, but their lives are anything but glorious and that's the compelling hook this issue sells so well." - Comicbookresources.com

"RINGSIDE is a realistic drama set in the world just outside the wrestling ring. Keatinge and Barber present a modern-noir comic book that mixes gritty characters, realistic situations and goes to the dark corners of life that people try to avoid. This comic delivers a compelling first issue and the series promises to be a deep and emotional ride. This is definitely worth picking up." -- Comiclist