Designing Women

A look at some of the ladies of The Gimmick

If you’ve been following us here, you probably know I’ve got a new book coming out in March, THE GIMMICK, from Ahoy Comics. This week is your last chance to pre-order it from your local comic shop. So if you’ve been enjoying the free content here on this site, I ask you kindly to contact your store and ask them to add THE GIMMICK to your pull list. If you need a little more convincing, well…

“A violent, darkly comedic tale right out of a Coen Bros. movie.”

—IGN

“Ahoy Comics is uniting the kayfabe of wrestling with the deadliness of superpowers… Another charming addition to the publisher's ever-growing library… The comedic new title that promises action, laughs, and people being hit with folding chairs”

—SCREENRANT

“THE GIMMICK is anything but a gimmick. This book is the real deal, full of humor, heart and indelible characters who feel perfectly realized right out of the gate. It’s so good it makes me mad! I’m so mad.”

—Chip Zdarsky, writer of Daredevil

“Back-breaking laughs and shin-cracking action…plus a lot of heart. The Gimmick has it all!”

—Patton Oswalt, writer of Minor Threats

“THE GIMMICK delivers like a flying elbow to the brain. Elena Gogou has drawn a beautifully illustrated book and Joanne Starer takes us deep inside the dark side of wrestling. Together they deliver one of the freshest books of the year. If you love adventure featuring wrestling, manslaughter, redemption, betrayal, and over the top chaos, THE GIMMICK is custom made for you.” 

—Jimmy Palmiotti, writer of Harley Quinn

Or maybe I can just show you some never-before-seen character designs?? I know there’s been a lot of focus on the wrestling aspect of this book, and the main character Shane Bryant, so you may not have guessed that most of the characters in this book are women. The story is about how Shane’s actions affect the people around him, and the women in his life bear the brunt of it. Let’s take a look at some of the incredible designs by Elena Gogou, and I’ll tell you what I can about the characters without spoiling any surprises.

Alicia is Shane’s ex and the mother of his child. A former wrestler herself, her career was cut short when she became pregnant. She’s had a lot of questions about her child’s miraculous abilities, and now they’re being answered.

Sam is the daughter of pro-wrestler Schmidt, the man Shane Bryant killed. She hadn't seen her father for years and has no interest in the wrestling business that he loved so much, but now she’s being dragged into it kicking and screaming.

Shane’s estranged from his strict and severe mother Bonnie. She's been described as the only person Shane's afraid of. And she's willing to do anything to get her baby boy back.

Delilah Heywood is the owner of the global wrestling phenomenon, PWF. She grew up in the business, around wrestlers and con-men, and she doesn't take shit from anyone. She may talk like a sweet Southern Belle, but you don't want to cross her.

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Remember, THE GIMMICK #1, from Ahoy Comics, hits stores on March 8. You'll love it even if you're not a wrestling fan. Just take it from Pia Guerra!

“THE GIMMICK is a very pleasant surprise. I never figured I’d get drawn into a story about wrestling but here I am, totally interested in a story about wrestling… and super powers. Joanne Starer pulls from her extensive knowledge and years of experience in and around wrestling communities to create a vibrant, wholly believable world of unique characters in extraordinary and very messed up situations. The art by Elena Gogou is dynamic and engaging, her energy keeps everything moving along at a solid pace. I got to the end of the first issue and found myself not just wanting to know what happens next, but to learn more about the world their characters are entering into. It’s not often you get teased like this and damnit, yes, I’d like some more. Good job, you got me.”

—Pia Guerra, artist of Y: THE LAST MAN

We’ll be back in a few days with more FREE COMICS!