The Comic Book Story of Professional Wrestling: A Hardcore, High-Flying, No-Holds-Barred History of the One True Sport

This fact-crammed survey of an enormous subject covers the decades after wrestling had been transformed “from a sport that acted like a show to a show that acted like a sport.” It’s impossible to discuss “the one true sport” without tongue in cheek, but author Sitterson, host of the podcast Straight Shoot, does an excellent job of describing both the experiential aspects of the “show” and the background of the “biz.” Dozens of wrestlers featured deserve a mention, from historical giants like Bruno Sammartino to modern stars like Hulk Hogan and John Cena, to regional favorites like Dick the Bruiser (Indianapolis, Ind.) and El Santo (Mexico City). Aided by Moreno’s drawings of small heads atop statuesque bodies, the text also explains how Mexican, British, and Japanese styles have influenced American wrestling performances. The guide also explains the industry side, by tracing the deals by which rival promoters divided their territories while giving fans just enough show to keep them buying tickets. Like pro wrestling itself, all the wild history may not be morally uplifting, but it’s certainly entertaining. [em](Oct.) [/em]