When even suplexing people can't cheer you up anymore, what's an unhappy professional wrestler to do?Cartoonist Hicks delivers an affectionate body slam to the world of pro wrestling with this compilation of graphic episodes chronicling the ups and downs (mostly the latter) of a struggling troupe of ring warriors-led by fish-headed veteran Great Carp, who's feeling the existential depression more than the pain these days. He's accompanied by frustrated Miranda ("If you can't beat 'em, join 'em…and then beat 'em to death!") Fury, who secretly adopts a new persona as Hyper Mask so she can take on men too; and struggling poet Death Machine ("I gaze upon her beauty, her flowing, glistening hair / shimmering in the moonlight, like a reflective steel chair"). Great Carp's departure to find himself (and make a fortune selling branded vodka and housewares) nearly causes the Glorious Wrestling Alliance to founder, but in a properly rousing climax that underscores the spectacle's timeless appeal, he returns in the nick of time for a final, torch-passing Ultrabrawl XXVI bout that will have sweaty readers pounding their seats and saluting a new GWA champion. The art's cartoon style (not to mention the costuming) makes it hard to distinguish racial identities, but the cast does show a range of skin tones.Spine-crushing fun. (Graphic fiction. 14-18)

Gr 9 Up Glorious Wrestling Alliance is a tongue-in-cheek homage to pro wrestling that will have readers rooting for a scrappy crew of misfit athletes. Great Carp, who has a fish for a head, is the current champion, but he's having an existential crisis ("I just feelempty. And lost. And overwhelmed. All the bad feelings"). Other team members are grappling with identity issues: Miranda Fury resents being seen as a lesser wrestler because of her gender; Gravy Train, who has a gravy boat for a body, wants a different persona; and tortured poet Death Machine wants his writings to be taken seriously. A traveling tour results in comedy and mayhem as they all struggle to move into new roles. Cult classics in some circles, Hicks's comics have been collected and colorized for the first time. His straightforward six-panel format, with occasional breaks for amusing maps or sidebars, capably brings to life the characters. The story has a "Scott Pilgrim" vibe, with witty dialogue and spot-on satire poking fun at the world of pro wrestling. Miranda Fury and Death Machine appear to be white; Gravy Train is cued as Asian. VERDICT This campy graphic novel is a knockout; sure to be popular with older youth and adults, who will enjoy the quirky illustrations and humor. Nancy McKay, Byron P.L., IL