"This is one of the best comics I’ve read all year. As a comic book reader and reviewer and as a wrestling fan, I have to encourage you to read this book. It’s extremely well done; the story is clear, coherent, easy to follow and fresh. Find this book, order it if you have to, it’s really worth it." -Kevin Powers, Silver Bullet Comics
"A fun, informative read for non-wrestling fans, yet written intelligently enough for diehard fans to enjoy." - Jason Powell, ProWrestling.Net
"HEADLOCKED is the first story to bring us inside the mind of the protagonist and demonstrate exactly where the passion for the art and craft of professional wrestling is born. Kingston has done a wonderful job creating a world that welcomes everyone -- believers and non-believers alike -- to experience the passion and all-too-real sacrifices involved behind-the-scenes for a business the rarely draws the curtains aside." -former WWE/WCW writer Ed Ferrara
"I thought Headlocked was great. Its definetly a concept I felt could be adapted to a major motion picture." -WWE superstar Shawn Daivari
"Having suffered through literally dozens of horrible wrestling-related comic books, it was nice to see that the boys behind Headlocked are the first to deal with the subject in a realistic, and more importantly, entertaining way." Derek Burgan, F4Wrestling.com
"I was absolutely impressed with the books presentation, it shows major potential to create what will be a in depth look at the story of what someone needs to endure while trying to achieve the goal of making it to the big time. At the same time this book will provide the average comic book fan who may think that professional wrestling is a joke a knowledgeable and detailed look at what the business is all about." -Steve Wilson, Main Event Radio
"With a full-blown professional wrestling company as the backdrop, Headlocked has a unique ability to take various controversies, stories and realities of the business and make great stories out of them. The quality of the book proves to me that this is both a series of note and a series that will prevail." -Joe Babinsack, Wrestling Observer
I’d have to say this is an intriguing debut issue. The 48-page comic is entertainingly written by Michael Kingston and nicely drawn by Randy Valiente. Headlocked features strong characters and, best of all, a non-condescending and realistic view of the world of rasslin’. Wrestling fans really need to check this one out. -Encyclopedia of Wrestling Comics.
These are just a few of the many accolades that have been piling up for Headlocked since its release in late 2007. The groundbreaking new series from AAM/Markosia and Visionary Comics Studio is the story of a young theater actor and his unlikey journey to make it to the top of the professional wrestling business. The series debuted with Headlocked: The Work of Art, a 48 page one shot that is in stores NOW and has been universally praised by comic fans, wrestling fans, and wrestlers alike! First printings are flying off the shelves so get your copy today!
*******************THE STORY***********************
Mike Hartmann is a skinny theater major when he attends his first wrestling event, albeit against his will. Once there, he is mesmerized with the performance and can see the art behind the chair swinging theatrics. He then sets out to learn the craft of pro wrestling and make it to the top of the wrestling world.
The story follows Hartmann on his journey from working on blood spotted mats in high school gyms all the way to the top of the wrestling industry. But before he reaches the big time, he must navigate the seedy underbelly of a business that hasn’t progressed much from its carnival roots. It’s a journey filled with con men, racism, gangsters, drugs, money, sex, and unscripted violence. In his travels, he will learn wrestling’s closely guarded trade secrets, its rich history around the world, and the incredible physical and mental toll its performers are forced to endure.
If you are interested in keeping up on Headlocked, I would recommend that you subscribe to my blog. I don't generally post crap about my life, just the book. And the other thing you can do is spread the word...if you know someone who might be interested...tell them. We'll need all the support we can get out of the gate.
I am a big fan of pro wrestling (particularly indy wrestling), so if you are a wrestler, promoter, fan whatever... keep me updated on when your shows are and I will check them out if I am in your area.
As for me personally, I work out a lot and take Tae Kwan Do I am into hiking, enjoy live music, playing pick up football and I'm a recreational artist (b/c I'm not good enough to be professional). I've been described as an amalgamation of jock, hippie, artist, geek...I am all of these things and yet none of them at the same time. It sounds confusing but if you knew me, it would make perfect sense.
