Mick Foley to write WWE Comic Books

Two of this guy's favorite things give it one more go when Papercutz launches a new, WWE-licensed, ongoing monthly comic book series later this year. Comic Book Resources is reporting that Mick Foley will write the new series, and a series of graphic novels released three times a year.

via Papercutz

What will make these different from past attempts, that have seen the Ultimate Warrior saving Christmas or the Undertaker and HHH battling the forces of Hades? Well, other than New York Times bestselling author Foley, they will also be set in continuity with WWE storylines and feature matches and backstage interactions between current and future WWE superstars.

A press release from Papercutz quotes Editor-in-Chief Jim Salicrup as saying, "WWE's Superstars are truly larger-than-life, with the kind of personality and raw power that makes a comics page crackle with excitement...It's the kind of action and drama that's just perfect for comics."

Japanese comics, or manga, have a long history of bestselling books set in the real world of sports and entertainment. If Foley and his collaborators can tap into a similar vein, these could be pretty entertaining reads. In the so-called "Reality Era" where the internet and shows like the upcoming Total Divas on E! are blending truth and fiction into a new kayfabe, these books could be a useful storytelling vehicle.

Comics, like video games, and pro wrestling have always shared a considerable overlap in core demographics and fandom. Top stars like CM Punk have often worked comics-related sayings and mannerisms into their character or ring work. With a lot of new buzzworthy new stars like The Shield and The Wyatt Family hitting the stage, the "Teen+" rated project could be hitting the right audience at the right time.

Hall of Famer Foley, who in addition to creating his own wrestling characters like Mankind, Dude Love and Cactus Jack has had success writing memoir, fiction and children's books, sees the possibilities. "Writing is a great outlet for me," he's quoted in the press release, "and sharing stories of WWE Superstars, both past and present, make it possible to introduce a whole new generation to WWE."

The book, straight-forwardly titled WWE, will hit shelves in December. The second project, which will consist of all-ages stories and be "tied into a new WWE initiative," according to Papercutz Marketing Director Jesse Post, will debut next Summer.

Here's an interview with Mama Foley's baby boy, who was signing autographs at the Papercutz booth at San Diego Comic-Con yesterday, discussing his new project: