Sometimes I find myself wondering how the hell writers come up with such unique stories to tell and The Masked Macher is one of these times. Written by David Goodman and illustrated by Alex Andres, this comic is an intriguing story of Tony Hollywood and his unexpected transformation into the Masked Macher!

It’s the 1930s and aspiring actor Tony Hollywood is about to make his big break! He’s finally got an audition for the role that will change his life, but a flat tire sends him to a different stage. Breaking down outside a wrestling arena lands him a new part to play… the Masked Macher! Hey, it pays (even if no one knows what a “macher” is).

David Goodman has an ability to blend elements for the past with a modern feel in The Masked Macher. White being set in the 1930s, the story is fresh and engaging, making it an easy comic to dive into. The dialogue is witty and has a clever narrative that had me quickly turning each page to find out what is going to happen.

Goodman’s talent as a writer shines in this debut issue. He draws me into a humorous comic with jokes and witty humor while also caring about the characters on each page. Additionally, the writer adds elements of mystery to the first issue that leaves few threads that will unravel over the next few issues. A comic allowing us to laugh but also get excited about the next issue.

Illustrator Alex Andres also deserves praise for bringing The Masked Macher to life with illustrations that complement Goodman’s storytelling and humor. Telling a story that is humorous while also has visual appeal can sometimes be difficult, but I feel this team of Goodman and Andres does it extremely well. The illustrations are clean and have the right color scheme from Gonzalo Duarte to fit in the 1930s era the comic is based.

The Masked Macher #1 has a great blend of humor, mystery, and unforgettable characters. This comic sets itself apart from others in the world of comics and seems to promise some entertaining future issues. Goodman and Andres have themselves a wonderful book that makes you laugh and think.

The Masked Macher #1 hits local comic shops on September 18, 2024 from Dark Horse.