Pro wrestling is, of course, a highly visual medium... albeit a high energy one. And because of that energy, its proven virtually impossible to capture the excitement of wrestling in comic art. Until now, that is. "Rival Angels" is a popular web comic, focusing on the lives and battles of several young female wrestlers. By combining personal drama with the 'rope opera' of the ring, RA's creator, Alan Evans, has crafted an ongoing sage peopled with characters with genuine depth, and punctuated with some exceptionally well-structured wrestling matches. And he's managed to do this week after week since December of 2007... and he hadn't been late with a single installment yet! You can find the entire RA run available for free at the official website, or you can purchase collected storylines in graphic novels for comparatively nominal fees, if you prefer to be able to hold your comic book stories in your own hands. Either way, you're bound to be drawn into the fast and furious heaven of the Rival Angels!
LADYSPORTS: Hello Alan, and welcome to LadySports! Can you tell us just what Rival Angels is?
ALAN EVANS: Rival Angels is the #1 wrestling webcomic! It's the story about four girls who battle for survival in the ring, only for them to discover that surviving their battles with each other as roommates is a completely different matter. Rival Angels updates every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. LS: Although all of your wrestlers are original creations, are any based in any way on real ladies of the ring?
LS: In the 'real world' of wrestling, who are some of your favorites?
LS: What inspired you to launch Rival Angels?
LS: Obviously, this is something that demands a lot of work. Just how much time to you put into each installment?
LS: One thing that impresses me is the sequencing of your matches. You don't simply have the wrestlers apply a series of random moves, but there's a genuine sense of flow, with holds transitioning logically. I take it you've studied an array of pro moves. When you're creating a match, do you plot it out move for move in advance, or do you just have a general direction, and you follow your muse?
LS: Given the amount of time and effort you put into this, is there a point where it goes beyond a hobby and into actual work? I'm just wondering if there are days when doing RA is a bit more drudge than delight?
LS: I know you're a big fan of women's pro wrestling, and you attend indy shows. Have you ever received any feedback on Rival Angels from lady wrestlers who know your work?
LS: This is a question we generally reserve for the ladies, but let me ask you now: If you had the power, what is the one thing you would do to improve women's wrestling today?
LS: Who are some of your artistic influences?
LS: Beyond visiting the website for updates, can fans purchase any material from you?
LS: And will you do customized artwork?
LS: Any comic conventions you're planning to appear at soon?
LS: And if the Rival Angels movie is ever made, do you have any casting thoughts?
LS: Alan, thanks so much, and good luck to you and continued success for Rival Angels! Visit RivalAngels.com photos courtesy of Rival Angels
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