Review - SFC #1


"...stars aren't born, they're made."

Wrestling is a fascinating industry that blends together athletics and soap operas in a way that's endured. It's rife with heroes and villains and fun storylines that makes for an entertaining watch. That action also makes for an interesting read in SFC #1. The issue is written by Julien Kohlman and Guido Martinez, illustrated by Lucas Perdomo, colored by Marco Pagnotta and lettered by Brant Fowler. "Titanium #1" is written by Marcel Dupree and John Griz, illustrated by Mauri, colored by Pagnotta and lettered by Fowler. "SFC: Secret Files - Mind Mechanics" is written by Griz, illustrated by Vittorio Garofoli, colored by Pagnotta and lettered by Fowler.

Welcome to SFC, the greatest show on Earth. After losing 2 of its biggest stars, the organization is forced to find new ones.

The concept of professional wrestling serves as the underpinning for SFC #1, in that it's really about putting on a show. Kohlman and Martinez seem to have a lot of insight into how things work behind the scenes and they supplement that by giving the combatants superpowers. In a way the book feels a lot like America's Got Powers, but Kohlman and Martinez don't allow it to become as political as that book was. There are also two backup stories that seem to live in the same universe as the main story, primarily "SFC: Secret Files - Mind Mechanics" where Dupree and Griz pit two i "ndividuals with psychic abilities against one another in a heist scenario. The last story "Titanium #1" is a little more out there within the context of the book, but Dupree and Griz do still focus on those with abilities.

The artwork in SFC #1 is very strong. Perdomo's illustrations blend together elements of superheroes and anime and they effectively capture the action. All of the fighters have their own distinct looks that Perdomo capitalizes on to keep the reader interested in the action both in and out of the ring. Mauri's artwork is a little more subdued and adds in something of a real-world sensibility to it while Garofoli's work is a little more in the realm of fantasy. Pagnotta's colors are bright and vivid in the first story and get a bit more muted as the issue continues.

SFC #1 delves pretty deeply into the interpersonal relationships that go on behind the scenes in an organization such as WWE. The interplay between the characters is what really carries the issue and offers plenty of great relationships to explore. The scripts in all three stories are pretty solid and know they want to focus on those relationships. The artwork is pretty varied across the three stories and all seem to fit the story being told. SFC #1 is a pretty interesting first issue that explores the behind-the-scenes action of superpowers and those who fight for a living.

SFC #1 is available now.

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