“Women’s Evolution” Pushes Forward In WWE #15

The Women’s Evolution continues as the Four Horsewomen— Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Bayley, and Sasha Banks—climb the ranks of NXT. Plus, the second chapter of the backup story spotlighting the rise of Asuka from Tini Howard (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink) and Hyeonjin Kim (Sisters of Sorrow)!

The saga of the Four Horsewomen continues in WWE #15. Bayley’s been left behind in WWE’s developmental territory, NXT, while her three best friends are called up to the main roster. This chapter throws a spotlight on Bayley’s struggle watching her friends live out her dream. She’s heartbroken, but if she’s going to get her own promotion, she’ll have to find her motivation and work harder than she ever has before.

Dennis Hopeless does an insane job scripting this WWE ongoing. In an age of pro wrestling where kayfabe has been declared all but dead, he’s basically tasked with writing a modern Apter Mag. He actually references the issue in this chapter, when Bayley has trouble reconciling her real life feelings with her kayfabe feud with Sasha Banks. It’s a fine line, and Hopeless walks it with extreme confidence and nuanced flair.

Likenesses and action sequences are spot on, as usual. Serg Acuna’s attention to detail is ridiculous. In Bayley’s title shot at NXT: Takeover Brooklyn, the ladies’ ring gear is perfect. From Bayley’s Dusty dots to the exact pattern detail on Sasha Banks’ kick pads, everything is right. I actually compared photo reference to these panels, and couldn’t find a single sequin out of place.

The backup story by Tini Howard and Hyeonjin Kim continues to follow Asuka through her sweep of the best talent the NXT women’s division has to offer. Two pages, and she’s got the NXT ladies’ strap. Yeah. That’s about how long it took in real life.

WWE #15, published by BOOM! Studios, released 21 March 2018. Written by Dennis Hopeless, illustrated by Serg Acuna, colors by Doug Garbark, letters by Jim Campbell. Backup story written by Tini Howard, illustrated by Hyeonjin Kim. Covers by Dan Mora, Adam Riches, Brent Schoonover, and Andy Belanger.