Exclusive Reveal: Erik Whalen’s Limited Variant Cover For ‘A Real Slobberknocker’ #2

Let’s get the disclaimer out of the way straight off. James Ferguson used to be a Senior Editor at Comicon. Now he writes comics. This article is about one of them. Fair? Fair.

James’ creator-owned project, A Real Slobberknocker, with co-creator and illustrator Dan Buksa, letterer Matt Krotzer, and editor James Powell, is headed into the second issue of a planned trilogy. The Kickstarter campaign for A Real Slobberknocker #2, expected to launch on January 15th, 2025, can be found at this link.

Because James likes us so much, Comicon got an exclusive reveal for Erik Whalen’s limited variant cover, which will only be available through the Kickstarter campaign. Check it out below.

A Real Slobberknocker is a love letter to professional wrestling. The comic follows Bret and Jake, two best friends who come up through the indie wrestling circuit together as a tag team called the New Kicks. Tragedy strikes just as they get their shot at the big leagues, sending them down two very different paths. 

Issue #2 picks up with Jake debuting as Jacob Thunder, a singles competitor, while Bret serves as his manager. Jake rises up the ranks and starts chasing gold, while Bret falls into the shadows. 

“A Real Slobberknocker takes inspiration from big wrestling moments like The Yes Movement and Kofi-Mania,” said Ferguson of the series thus far. “Those stories are filled with heart and really encapsulate what makes pro wrestling so much fun. That’s what makes up the heart and soul of Bret and Jake as they pursue their lifelong dream. 

“A Real Slobberknocker came from failure. Dan and I pitched it as a short story for an anthology and we were rejected. We liked the idea so much that we decided to do it on our own. Now it’s a three-issue mini-series with a blend of high-flying wrestling action and emotional gut punches.”

The Kickstarter campaign is aimed at new and old fans alike, offering reward tiers that include the first issue as a catch-up tier or just the second issue for returning backers.

James will even give you access to the first issue for free, just for signing up to receive his newsletter at this link.

This campaign will be part of Kickstarter’s Make 100 event, featuring a limited edition Whalen’s variant cover. Series artist and co-creator, Dan Buksa will offer a limited amount of commissions. There are also two cameo spots for backers to get drawn into the issue as a wrestler.