Mondo Lucha a Go-Go: The Bizarre and Honorable World of Wild Mexican Wrestling » (Bargain)

Television production veteran Dan Madigan has been behind the scenes of professional wrestling for some time. A novelist and screenwriter, his film See No Evil was released by Lionsgate in May 2006. He lives in Los Angeles and goes by the Lucha name Baron von Bava.

Lucha Libre wrestling is nothing short of a phenomenon. Its inescapable visuals have completely permeated the mainstream, and its popularity grows exponentially every year, expanding out from Latin America to hold the entire world in its vise–grip. Dan Madigan will provide the ultimate guide for Lucha fans, in an awesome four–color book that will be undoubtedly informative and incredibly entertaining. Posters, photos, wrestling cards, handbills, mementos will be featured throughout the book. Personal recollections, quotes, stories and memories of Luchador's lives and experiences will provide the backdrop for a completely unique experience in sports.

Publishers Weekly

Though its title might suggest an ironic, kitschy treatment of the hypercolored world of Mexican wrestling, Lucha Libre, Madigan's work makes it clear from the get-go that his love for the sport is true, mad and deep. Author, screenwriter and wrestling TV producer Madigan (See No Evil) answers the frequently asked question "Okay... What is Lucha Libre?" by taking readers through the basics, describing a sport that mixes "combative art forms . . . [with] elements of soap opera and dramatic storytelling, physical comedy, incredible athletics, suspense and intrigue." Though equating past wrestling greats like El Santo and the Blue Demon with celebrated muralists Diego Rivera and Jose Orozco might seem like a stretch ("their goals just as noble and politically minded.... Every kick, leap, and punch was a brush stroke in [a] masterpiece of storytelling"), full-bleed color photos and gorgeous poster reproductions make it easy to see the art in the sport's wild costumes, over-the-top drama and rich history. As much fun as this book is, the level of detail can overwhelm, as in Madigan's endless parade of Luchadore biographies, too many of which run together for lack of a narrative engine. That said, there's a lot to love here, even for the casually curious, and especially for fans of action photography and poster illustration. (Apr.)