Do A Powerbomb! by Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer

Author: collectingissues
Published: Wed 10 Sep 2025
Episode Link: https://shows.acast.com/collecting-issues/episodes/do-a-powerbomb-by-daniel-warren-johnson-and-mike-spicer

This week on Collecting Issues, we step into the ring for Do a Powerbomb! (issues #1-7), the 2023 masterpiece from Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer for Image Comics. Get ready for a cosmic slobberknocker that's one part The Wrestler, one part Dragon Ball Z, and all parts heartbreaking, kinetic action.

Join us as we continue our Daniel Warren Johnson odyssey and explore why he's one of the most exciting creators in comics today. We discuss the series' surprising emotional core, a journey of grief and family set against the backdrop of an interdimensional wrestling tournament. We'll break down the concept of kayfabe, the incredible splash pages, the shocking twists, and why this comic is a true love letter to pro wrestling and its fans.

MAJOR SPOILER WARNING! We cover the entire story from the first bell to the final, emotional finish. We highly recommend reading the comic before listening.

In this episode, we discuss:

The unique blend of high-octane action and devastating emotional stakes.
How Daniel Warren Johnson's kinetic art and page layouts capture the motion of wrestling like never before.
The themes of family, loss, and what it means to "lick the mats for the fans."
The shocking character reveals, the incredible tournament matchups, and the absolutely wild ending where our heroes wrestle God.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to 'Do a Power Bomb'

00:44 Comic Book Education and Daniel Warren Johnson

01:21 Wrestling and Comic Book Crossovers

02:20 Plot Overview and Themes

05:08 Spoilers and Wrestling Terminology

07:13 Art and Visuals in 'Do a Power Bomb'

10:04 Daniel Warren Johnson's Wrestling Journey

13:23 Emotional Depth and Character Arcs

20:51 Wrestling Tropes and Realism

32:04 The Big Twist and Its Impact

35:44 The Evolution of Wrestling: From Extreme to PG Era