Dark, brooding, and utterly unique — The Wrestler by John Kenn Mortensen is a short but masterful graphic novel.
Firstly, I must admit that I’d never read any of John Kenn Mortensen’s work before picking up The Wrestler. I was drawn to the indie graphic novel by the striking, bold black-and-white art, reminiscent of Edward Gorey’s seminal work. The style blew me away at first sight, and without even knowing what the story entailed, I picked it up without a second thought.
And then I read the story, and it was unlike anything I’d read. The premise is strange, but simple. It follows freestyle wrestler The Sledgehammer, a seasoned fighter who’s never once lost a fight in his career. He simply doesn’t lose, not even to the notorious Painkiller, Handsome Jens, Fezzik the Giant and Angel of Death. However, there’s a reason he never fails. Earlier in his life, Sledgehammer made a deal with the devil… and the past is catching up to him.
Funnily enough, I don’t think any description can quite do justice to how good this comic is. When I first read the synopsis, it felt a little underwhelming, but I was proven wrong. In just 80 pages, Mortensen delivers an ethereal, thought-provoking story, questioning everything from morals to morality. And it’s all wrapped up in some absolutely gorgeous illustrations. It doesn’t feel like a short graphic novel, despite the length and lack of captions (at least compared to most comics).
Each page is deeply engrossing and flooding with surrealism; the illustrations portray so much emotion. It’s as much a fantasy take as it is grounded in paternal love and sentiment. There’s a certain vehemence to the protagonist’s expressions. Mortensen takes readers on an exquisite yet inherently abnormal and mystifying journey. This journey, quite literally, packs a punch.
The Wrestler is Mortensen’s first English-language graphic novel, and what a triumphant beginning. One can only hope there’s many more tales to come.
Published by Fantagraphics, The Wrestler releases June 24, 2024. You can pre-order the graphic novel here.
Rating: 5/5
