Daniel Warren Johnson Suplexes All Expectations In Stunning Conclusion [Do A Powerbomb #7 Review]

By: Mithrandiel

In this house, we stan Daniel Warren Johnson. From his phenomenal work with established characters like Wonder Woman in Dead Earth and Beta Ray Bill in Argent Star, to his superb independent titles including Murder Falcon and Extremity, DWJ (as he’s known by his fans) has developed an impressive storytelling signature that has become more and more recognizable over the years.

Typically, the most compelling fiction is created from an author or artist’s personal passions. DWJ is a lover of music, and poured his heart into Murder Falcon with this in mind. The result is one of my top 5 comics of all time: an emotionally rich and aesthetically brilliant story that everyone should check out.

DWJ also is a big fan of wrestling - which influenced the creation of his latest independent series: Do A Powerbomb!

Those unfamiliar with the story probably shouldn’t be reading this article, as it will be discussing (generally) the closing chapter of the series. However, if you’re looking for a crash course: Do A Powerbomb tells the story of Lona Steelrose, a young wrestler attempting to follow in the footsteps of her deceased mother - Yua Steelrose - who happened to be a wrestling champion. When a mysterious necromancer offers a chance to bring her mom back to life in an otherworldly wrestling championship, Lona finds herself allying with an unlikely partner in CobraSun, the very wrestler who (accidentally) killed Yua years before. The resulting partnership is Sun and Steel - and they have spent the last few issues navigating a brutal gauntlet against other duos.

In the 7th and final issue of Do A Powerbomb, Sun and Steel are facing their toughest opponent yet.

Indeed, probably the toughest opponent in the universe.

The issue kicks off with DWJ’s trademark action and does not let off the gas for the majority of its 26 pages, with Sun and Steel’s chemistry at its peak. From powerful gut-kicks to earth-shattering suplexes and jaw-dropping finishing moves, the climactic conflict lives up to its reputation, and then some!

While you’re still catching your breath after the conclusion of the match, the closing pages give readers a chance to take a step back as DWJ provides a resolution to the emotional unrest that drove Lona and Cobrasun’s journey in the first place, with a final panel that hits the right chord emotionally, while offering a powerful easter egg for longtime fans of DWJ.

Upon reflection, I realized that a big part of Do A Powerbomb’s narrative was about the value of second chances. Second chances for forgiveness, for peace, for closure. There’s no guarantee that even if you’re given a second chance, that it will end up the way you think it will. However, the opportunity in itself is a gift. One that Sun and Steel cherish.

In the closing letter of the final issue, DWJ comments on the realization that the series has ended: “This issue is about to go to print, and I’m so proud and happy, but also melancholy. There’s something sad about knowing the hardest part of a project is behind you, and the knowledge I have to start this process all over again with something new.”

Indeed, reading through this final issue I could feel that DWJ was pushing himself to the limit. There’s a frenetic energy to the art - a commitment to putting everything that he has onto the page - and the result is a scene of iconic, breathtaking action that occupies so much of this final issue.

DWJ goes on to say that it’s okay, because in the end it’s all part of the process of making comics, and the dedication of his fans is what makes it worthwhile.

Do A Powerbomb will be arriving in trade paperback form in March of next year. However, I wouldn’t wait that long to read this amazing story. If you can, pick up the issues and dig in. It’s a phenomenal story that deserves your attention.

Finally, while I share DWJ’s melancholy in saying goodbye to Lona and Cobrasun, that sadness is quickly eclipsed by excitement, encapsulated in a single thought: there’s a light at the end of this tunnel, and it’s whatever new project DWJ has in store.