Back in March of 2023, I had the pleasure of speaking to writer Joanne Starer for her Ahoy series The Gimmick. Joanne is a talented writer with a background in the pro-wrestling world and a love for comics. She used those experiences to create a great mix of heroes and wrestling into an entertaining comic book series. Coming this month, Joanne is once again bringing her expertise into a new graphic novel for Humanoids called Total Suplex of the Heart partnering with Italian artist Ornella Greco. (In truth, they had me with wrestling, Joanne’s dialogue and unique point of view, and Ornella’s whimsical art. They even included a nice homage to Bonnie Tyler’s, Total Eclipse of the Heart for the title.)
‘Total Suplex of the Heart’ Synopsis
Georgie is a free-lance journalist, who decides to dive headfirst into the fast-paced world of pro wrestling only to confront the complicated nature of growing up as a young woman in a male-dominated world. But glowing up isn’t the same as growing up. Georgie’s always been nerdy: Teased by jocks, spending her lunchtime with a comic in hand, and falling in love with wrestling from Saturday nights on the couch with her dad. But that was then – this is now!
She has graduated from school and is working as a freelance journalist. To convince her mom that she has a “real job,” she goes undercover in the local hardcore wrestling scene to research a story. Along the way, she becomes deeply involved in the drama, both inside and outside the ring. As she forms new friendships and possibly even a romantic connection, she enjoys the attention that momentarily soothes her own insecurities. However, as she finds herself dealing with girl fights, casual hook-ups, and unsettling encounters with older men, she must reevaluate who truly has control over her life and decide if she is happy with the direction it is taking.
Exclusive Look
Thanks to our friends at Humanoids, we are proud to present an exclusive look at this upcoming new book: Total Suplex of the Heart
TOTAL SUPLEX OF THE HEART will be available in bookstores everywhere (bookshop.org) and in comic shops (comicshoplocator.com) in June 2024. Digital copies can be purchased from comiXology and other digital platforms.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 60 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove headfirst over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 21-year-old young man with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
