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WWE: Then. Now. Forever. #1
Building off the buzz from the partnership announcement prior to San Diego Comic-Con 2016, 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.
- GenresComicsGraphic Novels
46 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2016
7 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Dennis Hopeless
528 books118 followersDennis "Hopeless" Hallum is an American comics writer from Kansas City, Missouri who has written for Marvel Comics, Image Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Boom! Studios, Arcana Studio, and Oni Press.
See also under Dennis Hallum
See also under Dennis Hallum
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 13, 2016
The last time I had read a WWE themed comic book, the 21th century had not begun and wrestling was at its all-time peak. The attitude era was in full swing and WWE - then still called WWF - partnered with Chaos comics to publish an awful Undertaker series and a couple of mostly forgettable one-shots, peppered with scantily clad ladies and lame late 90's aesthetics. Not surprising considering the type of comics Chaos was known for back then...
More than fifteen years later, the WWE is finally back in comic book land thanks to a deal with established publisher Boom Studios. Known for it's numerous licensed series (Adventure Time, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Regular Show to name a few), Boom is laying the groundwork for its upcoming ongoing series with this extra-sized one-shot. Considering the quality of this book, wrestling fans should be eagerly waiting for the regular series in January.
The main feature turns back the clock a couple years and centers around The Shield and the growing tensions between some the members of the group. The decision to expand upon past events is probably the smartest move the creative team could make. Considering the fast-changing storylines of WWE's TV programming, it would've been near impossible for a monthly comic book series to keep up and stay current. By exploring past storylines, Dennis Hopeless avoids all those headaches while staying "in continuity" and giving the reader the feeling that events of this comic are actually significant. I don't know if it was his call of the editor's, but it's a smart and effective choice.
One thing for which the writer definitely deserves all the praise is the spot-on dialogue. Seth's quick laugh and arrogant smile, mere seconds before using that steel chair, were simply perfect and in general everyone has a distinctive voice in sync with the characters we see on TV every week. Same thing goes for the art. Adaptations of real life characters can be a hard thing to pull, some artists relying too heavily on photo reference. In this case, Dan Mora does a remarkable job at showcasing his own modern, kinetic style while making each wrestler instantly recognizable. To be honest, I went into this book expecting either a very in-house, generic art style or photo-realistic and static panels. Luckily I got neither of those, with Dan Mora offering work that would perfectly fit any best selling big two title. VERY impressive.
Still, there were a few awkward moments, but I guess it's part of the charm of pro wrestling. Seeing Seth Rollins walk into a yacht club party wearing his special-ops looking ring gear felt a bit corny, event though one could argue it's not worse than the grown men roaming the streets in spandex costume we comics fan are long accustomed to. Thankfully most of the action takes place either backstage or in the ring so those instances were few and far between
The rest of the issue is comprised of short back-up stories and one-page vignettes on past and present superstars. What could have easily been filler is everything but, the Sasha Banks four-pager retrospective being especially interesting. Honorable mention to the Rob Guillory drawn New Day story which fully encapsulate the aura of those crazy, time-traveling, unicorn-loving, Booty-Os eating positive thinkers. Fingers crossed well be seeing some more of those back-ups pop up once the ongoing series gets going.
If you consider yourself a wrestling fan, this is a must buy. The creative team is clearly familiar with their subject matter, their knowledge and love of this thing called « sports-entertainment » shining through from cover to cover. I'm sure you'll be impressed by the quality of the work of everyone involved and you'll be grateful that we'll have the chance of getting one of these each and every month comes January.
More than fifteen years later, the WWE is finally back in comic book land thanks to a deal with established publisher Boom Studios. Known for it's numerous licensed series (Adventure Time, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Regular Show to name a few), Boom is laying the groundwork for its upcoming ongoing series with this extra-sized one-shot. Considering the quality of this book, wrestling fans should be eagerly waiting for the regular series in January.
The main feature turns back the clock a couple years and centers around The Shield and the growing tensions between some the members of the group. The decision to expand upon past events is probably the smartest move the creative team could make. Considering the fast-changing storylines of WWE's TV programming, it would've been near impossible for a monthly comic book series to keep up and stay current. By exploring past storylines, Dennis Hopeless avoids all those headaches while staying "in continuity" and giving the reader the feeling that events of this comic are actually significant. I don't know if it was his call of the editor's, but it's a smart and effective choice.
One thing for which the writer definitely deserves all the praise is the spot-on dialogue. Seth's quick laugh and arrogant smile, mere seconds before using that steel chair, were simply perfect and in general everyone has a distinctive voice in sync with the characters we see on TV every week. Same thing goes for the art. Adaptations of real life characters can be a hard thing to pull, some artists relying too heavily on photo reference. In this case, Dan Mora does a remarkable job at showcasing his own modern, kinetic style while making each wrestler instantly recognizable. To be honest, I went into this book expecting either a very in-house, generic art style or photo-realistic and static panels. Luckily I got neither of those, with Dan Mora offering work that would perfectly fit any best selling big two title. VERY impressive.
Still, there were a few awkward moments, but I guess it's part of the charm of pro wrestling. Seeing Seth Rollins walk into a yacht club party wearing his special-ops looking ring gear felt a bit corny, event though one could argue it's not worse than the grown men roaming the streets in spandex costume we comics fan are long accustomed to. Thankfully most of the action takes place either backstage or in the ring so those instances were few and far between
The rest of the issue is comprised of short back-up stories and one-page vignettes on past and present superstars. What could have easily been filler is everything but, the Sasha Banks four-pager retrospective being especially interesting. Honorable mention to the Rob Guillory drawn New Day story which fully encapsulate the aura of those crazy, time-traveling, unicorn-loving, Booty-Os eating positive thinkers. Fingers crossed well be seeing some more of those back-ups pop up once the ongoing series gets going.
If you consider yourself a wrestling fan, this is a must buy. The creative team is clearly familiar with their subject matter, their knowledge and love of this thing called « sports-entertainment » shining through from cover to cover. I'm sure you'll be impressed by the quality of the work of everyone involved and you'll be grateful that we'll have the chance of getting one of these each and every month comes January.
August 18, 2017
One of the best collections
October 11, 2017
I wish this was just one long story like I thought it was but the art is good.
August 27, 2022
Of course, it's written in kayfabe, but some of the choices of a pre-Freakin' Seth Rollins are silly!
March 16, 2025
WWE: Then. Now. Forever #1 is a Boom Studios comic written by Dennis Hopelessand Ross Thibodeaux with art by Dan Mora and Rob Guillory. It is cover dated November 2016.
This issue is a collections of shorter preview stories that served as Boom Studio’s launching point into the WWE Universe. The first revolves around Seth Rollins as he decides on betraying The Shield. The second sees The New Day travel back in time in order to restore positivity to the WWE universe. We also get a collection of one page pinups of some of WWE Biggest stars with a quick recap of their careers including Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, John Cena, The Undertaker, Triple H, The New Day, Sasha Banks, and Dusty Rhodes.
I was surprised with the art talent here. This was still pretty early in Dan Mora’s career and you can see his skill really taking form. Guillory’s art perfectly captured the vibes for the wacky New Day story. Hard to give this a review as it serves more as a preview issue but I still enjoyed what I read. I’m going to seek out The New Day comics because it was just so incredibly ridiculous.
This issue is a collections of shorter preview stories that served as Boom Studio’s launching point into the WWE Universe. The first revolves around Seth Rollins as he decides on betraying The Shield. The second sees The New Day travel back in time in order to restore positivity to the WWE universe. We also get a collection of one page pinups of some of WWE Biggest stars with a quick recap of their careers including Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, John Cena, The Undertaker, Triple H, The New Day, Sasha Banks, and Dusty Rhodes.
I was surprised with the art talent here. This was still pretty early in Dan Mora’s career and you can see his skill really taking form. Guillory’s art perfectly captured the vibes for the wacky New Day story. Hard to give this a review as it serves more as a preview issue but I still enjoyed what I read. I’m going to seek out The New Day comics because it was just so incredibly ridiculous.
November 14, 2016
It was a bit silly at first but it was easy to read. I think I enjoyed the short stories in the back rather than the first story arc with The Shield. It started off pretty random but there was some good action and artwork that kept my interest.
Sasha Banks' chapter/story arc (not sure what to call it) was very positive and inspiring. I really appreciate it when women wrestlers are treated as simply that. (Even though I am a guy it feels creepy to me when women wrestlers are treated like they are only there to be eye candy.)
There were other shorts that make me curious to read the next issue also. I really hope that they feature The Ascension and The Lucha Dragons. They look like they were made for comic book action.
Sasha Banks' chapter/story arc (not sure what to call it) was very positive and inspiring. I really appreciate it when women wrestlers are treated as simply that. (Even though I am a guy it feels creepy to me when women wrestlers are treated like they are only there to be eye candy.)
There were other shorts that make me curious to read the next issue also. I really hope that they feature The Ascension and The Lucha Dragons. They look like they were made for comic book action.
November 13, 2016
Rollins at a yacht club with wet hair, the Shield having a shirtless barbecue on the roof of a production truck. This is gold!
Plus, excellent art.
Plus, excellent art.
November 14, 2016
This was quite enjoyable, especially the 1-page comics that each centered around a different person.
Want to read
March 22, 2018good
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews