Wrestling comic book 'Headlocked' has authentic feel

As a fan of comic books and pro wrestling, a young Shane Helms was excited when Marvel Comics in 1991 put out a WCW comic title. That is, until he actually read the books.

"It was neat to see it in comic book form . . . but they were pretty cheesy," said Helms, recalling the short-lived series, which featured wrestlers brawling through a cruise ship and Sting being brainwashed by a skull-faced ghoul. "It was too childish for the actual wrestling audience to appreciate. Comic books aren't necessarily just for kids."

Mike Kingston agrees and has used that philosophy to put together what he says is the first gritty, realistic, "cable drama"-like comic book about pro wrestling, "Headlocked." The series, which has published two comics so far, follows the journey of Mike Hartmann from college dropout to aspiring pro wrestler.

"Wrestling fans have been, to a certain extent, looked down upon for so long," said Kingston.

He believes fans have long craved authentic and respectful portrayals of the wrestling industry.

"That's kind of how I always felt about wrestling comic books," he said. "You didn't necessarily get the feeling that people involved even liked wrestling."

Now, Kingston is hoping discriminating fans of wrestling and/or comics will support him in his quest to get his series' third installment, "Headlocked: The Last Territory Vol. 2" off the ground. Kingston's Kickstarter Campaign, which ends Tuesday, offers fans several exclusive perks for their financial contributions, including autographs from Kingston and guest artist and WWE Hall of Famer, Jerry "The King" Lawler.

"I don't make a dime out of 'Headlocked,' And I don't care," Kingston said. "But the artists, the printer, everybody whose associated with the book, they do. That's how they pay their electric bills. So I want to make sure all of those people get paid for their efforts."

In addition to Lawler, who created some cover art for the comics, and Helms, who wrote a story for "Headlocked," various other wrestling stars have contributed their talents to the series, including guest artists Tony Atlas and Booker T and guest writers John Morrison and AJ Styles.

Kingston said he came to know some of the wrestlers, including Helms and Rob Van Dam, through their shared passion for comic books. Others were just eager to flex their creative muscles outside of a wrestling ring.

"I think they were sort of anxious to show people that they can do more than just one thing. And they do," Kingston said. "It's exciting for them to be recognized for another skill that they have."

Helms said Kingston's collaboration with so many wrestling legends also guaranteed that "Headlocked" would have the authenticity that has eluded other wrestling comics.

"When Mike first started talking to me about the book, that was my hesitation. I thought, 'What does an outsider know about professional wrestling?' But, man, has this guy done homework," Helms said.

"He's talked to all the right people and has the right guys working for him," Helms added. "This book is as authentic as it could possibly be in terms presenting the trials, turmoil and toil of breaking into professional wrestling."

By Alfonso A. Castillo

alfonso.castillo@newsday.com@alfonsoreports

Alfonso Castillo has been reporting for Newsday since 1999 and covering the transportation beat since 2008. He grew up in the Bronx and Queens and now lives in Valley Stream with his wife and two sons.