Superpowers and kayfabe will collide in this first look at Ahoy Comics' THE GIMMICK #1.

The press release follows:

Media Release -- AHOY Comics is ready to body-slam readers with high-flying humor and a peek behind the curtain of pro-wrestling in The Gimmick.

A hard-hitting action/drama written by rising star Joanne Starer (Sirens of the City)! Pro wrestling champ Shane Bryant's ring persona—his gimmick—is forgettable: he's a "nice guy." But his secret is more colorful: he has super strength. And when he punches a fist straight through his opponent's brain—in front of 2.4 million horrified viewers—everything changes. Now Shane needs a new gimmick—and a new life…

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Joanne Starer has worked with Marvel, Image, King Features, and Walter Foster Publications, among others. At Marvel, she was part of the team that launched the now-legendary Marvel Knights line. She has served on the board of the Editorial Freelancer's Association and holds a master's degree in Media Studies as well as a certificate in Digital Film Editing from The New York Film Academy.

Outside of her publishing pursuits, Joanne owned and operated a women's wrestling promotion in 2002, championing equality in pro-wrestling a decade before it became a nationwide trend.

"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 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 Batman

"You need to be living THE GIMMICK! Here's a raw exploration of the wrestling business's underbelly that's one-part LUCHA UNDERGROUND and one-part A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE. Go behind the curtain and see what happens when superstars meet superpowers!"

— Eisner, Ringo, and GLAAD Nominated Writer of Batman, Steve Orlando

"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

"THE GIMMICK is a very pleasant surprise. ...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... Good job, you got me."

—Pia Guerra, artist of Y: THE LAST MAN

GIMMICK #1 (OF 5) CVR A ERICA HENDERSON (MR)
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FOC - 2/5/2023 - IN STORES - 3/8/2023

GIMMICK #1 (OF 5) CVR B 3 COPY KHARY RANDOLPH UNLOCK VAR (MR)
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FOC - 2/5/2023 - IN STORES - 3/8/2023