New WWE comic book may have finally figured out how to make a good WWE comic book

Pro wrestling and comic books share a good number of fans. So why has WWE struggled to tap into that market?

Probably because they’ve released a lot of crappy and/or inessential comics (and I should specify I’m talking WWE books here. There are several good wrestling books - start with Mike Kingston’s Headlocked). I was a fan of the short-lived Mick Foley-penned series from a few years back, but it was never “can’t miss”.

One of the things which appeals to wrestling and comics fans is continuity. And at least for the first issue of WWE’s latest foray into licensed comics, this time with BOOM! Studios, they’re promising the kind of story which will connect the dots and further flesh out the kayfabe world of WWE.

The main story in the cumbersomely named WWE: Then. Now. Forever. #1 by Dennis Hopeless, Dan Mora and Daniel Bayliss hints it will give us a glimpse into Seth Rollins meeting with Triple H prior to that fateful June night back in 2014 when SETH STABBED HIS BROTHERS IN THE HEART BY HITTING THEM IN THE BACK WITH A STEEL CHAIR.

Sorry, even after all this time, the wound’s still fresh.

Anyway, if this series continues in this vein, it would be a great way to get people to pick up the book - maybe even non-comics readers who will just want a piece of the story. It’s a tack Lucha Underground took with their mid-season web comics last year, which were a cool addition to their world.

Of course, counting on Vince McMahon and his team of television writers to adhere to any major plot points from a comic book is probably a pipe dream, so I wouldn’t expect any major synergy or crossover.

But allow a nerd to dream, okay?

Here’s the official solicitation for the book, which will hit comic book shops, online retailers and digital stores Nov. 9:

Building off the buzz from the partnership announcement prior to San Diego Comic-Con 2016, WWE: Then. Now. Forever. #1 delivers authentic Sports Entertainment featuring WWE Superstars to comic readers!

This oversized issue contains the WWE SDCC 2016 one-page comics along with a wealth of new content, celebrating the versatility and diversity of WWE throughout its various eras.

Includes the 20-page story “The Breaking of the Shield,” where Seth Rollins chose to betray his brothers Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns at the behest of Triple H and the Authority.

Who’s buying?

H/T Comics Alliance