tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71640481437738656382012-01-25T18:07:48.614-08:00Original wrestling web comics and fan art along with thoughts on the world of wrestling and things in general.John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.comBlogger6081100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-76771684363748085372012-01-25T10:50:00.000-08:002012-01-25T18:07:48.633-08:00

As I continue to reformat and repost some of the old matches to the Arena Island archives, I decided to rework CM-24 a bit, the match between Tom W and Jared P that is worked up to from the very beginning of the series to this point.  Initially, my concept was to have Tom win the championship tournament and Jared, who was out of the tournament due to a broken hand, take the belt from him, but as

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-48540385815222432632012-01-23T15:30:00.000-08:002012-01-23T15:30:47.204-08:00

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-90698907636604570832012-01-23T15:28:00.000-08:002012-01-23T15:28:54.015-08:00

I first became aware of Ken Shamrock when he was wrestling in Japan.  He had a couple of matches under his belt when he went with the Fujiwari-Gumi wrestling group, one of the first "shoot-style" promotions.  Most of the main group of Fujiwari-Gumi wrestlers later split off to form the Pancrase Promotion which was a pure shoot promotion (although there are some indications that there were a few

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-8280242676641242152012-01-21T17:29:00.000-08:002012-01-21T17:29:10.118-08:00

When I took and downloaded the Batman and Bane pics, I had forgotten I had tried taking some other pictures off the TV screen.  Hunter Pence, Philadelphia Phillies outfielder doing a strip at a charity fashion show back during the summer.  Remember, these are photos off a TV screen so the quality is mediocre.  

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-41092851646117530502012-01-21T17:11:00.000-08:002012-01-21T17:11:56.123-08:00

These are photos taken off the TV screen while the match was going on, so take that into consideration, but here are my Bane and Batman characters going at it in the X-Box Arena.

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-86546031789658882162012-01-21T17:04:00.000-08:002012-01-21T17:04:31.653-08:00

I mentioned some time back that I was taking the leap into the gaming community, primarily to explore the possibilities of the Smackdown vs Raw game and what I might be able to do with it.  Now it goes without saying that any kid would stomp my ass in an on-line battle - I could never press those buttons fast enough - but I have enjoyed the creative aspects of it.  I've recreated some comic

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-60201932496021986362012-01-21T11:59:00.000-08:002012-01-21T11:59:14.165-08:00

Digging through the hard drive and back-ups trying to piece together all the old Arena Island matches is making me a bit nostalgic, I guess.  Just added to the Arena Island archives group the second match I did, now renumbered as AD-02 (Arena Island After Dark), Tom Welling vs Gil Ofarim.  I included the ten comic art images I did for the match (very early work and a bit crude, plus getting real

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-47605570515552081902012-01-21T10:35:00.000-08:002012-01-21T10:35:57.499-08:00

Here's an old image from one of my earliest efforts (I see different images from the original still floating around the internet) that was based on the wrestling rivalry between the US and Iran back around the 2004 Olympics.  I based the hold and positioning on an old Matt sketch. 

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-56707350738341692252012-01-20T08:11:00.000-08:002012-01-20T08:11:08.976-08:00

As I've mentioned on my past few posts, I'm doing some renovations over at Arena Island.  In researching roles for Aaron Ashmore, I found a movie he did after he left Smallville called Fear Island - so far unavailable on DVD but by lucky coincidence showing on Showtime during a recent free preview.  The movie opens with a shirtless badboy on a boat that stops me in my tracks with a "Whoa, who is

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-89048540479333900732012-01-19T14:11:00.000-08:002012-01-19T14:11:54.975-08:00

 Image courtesy/from Jared Leto's off the wall blog/website:  Notes from the OuterNet.  You can find it at:http://jaredleto.com/thisiswhoireallyam/

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-72591454210857246242012-01-06T14:57:00.000-08:002012-01-06T14:57:00.547-08:00

I did get at least one project started for 2012.  I've created an archive group for the old Arena Island matches that were sent into the infinite regions of the internet when Google decided to eliminate the Pages function on their groups. So, slowly but surely, the old matches will get reposted for those of you who may have joined the current Yahoo Group via this blog, and had not been able to

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-64231144677433333462011-12-18T09:11:00.000-08:002011-12-18T09:11:50.260-08:00

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-2281698216893186232011-12-16T14:59:00.000-08:002011-12-16T14:59:38.830-08:00

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-16320543489547472932011-11-29T11:11:00.000-08:002011-11-29T11:11:34.820-08:00

This video has been up on YouTube for a while, so it may be old news to many of you, but if the WWE wants to really increase its popularity, it should have a few matches like this.  Hint:  ring gear ends up with a bit less than they began with.

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-28890050940197703692011-09-23T11:14:00.000-07:002011-09-23T11:14:06.510-07:00

For those of you unfamiliar with this artist, he does quite a bit of "Jungle Hero in Trouble" style artwork and story sets.  He has a great and unique style, and tends to have his heroes in battles that they don't win, ending up in very vulnerable positions. I've added a link to his blog in the sidebar, "Blogs of Note".  The image used to illustrate the post is of course, his work, but cropped

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-56937278804967946382011-09-23T09:21:00.000-07:002011-09-23T09:21:41.633-07:00

While it is stating the obvious, 2011 has seen a major drop off in the number of posts to this blog and several extended periods of no posts.  This has been a challenging year, and an especially difficult summer.  Without going too deeply into personal details, suffice it to say that several members of the older generation of my family received basically a time table to complete their bucket list

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-70624248281725911822011-09-22T16:30:00.000-07:002011-09-22T16:30:06.192-07:00

The citizens of Eternia cried out in despair; their champion He-Man had not just been defeated by Kobra Khan, he had been dominated and destroyed by the King of the Snakemen.  They realized that the humans of Eternia would now be under the rule of the Snakemen.His victory decisive and complete, Kobra Khan hoisted the limp body of his defeated foe high above his head as his followers rushed into

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-28944925595663566862011-09-19T10:11:00.000-07:002011-09-19T10:11:19.847-07:00

Now confident that victory would soon be within his grasp, Kobra Khan released the hold, and He-Man lay on the cavern floor his strength almost completely spent.  Lifting his helpless opponent high into the air, Kobra Khan slammed him to the ground once, twice, and then a third time.  The serpent held his arms high in the air in triumph and slithered behind his victim, locking on a tight choke

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-84840572987670902382011-09-17T16:42:00.000-07:002011-09-17T16:42:28.977-07:00

He-Man’s supernatural strength was being slowly drained by the consistent attack of the  powerful Snakeman, as Kobra Khan’s serpent power seemed to be too much for the Hero of Eternia.  Khan hoisted He-Man up higher with the bearhug, then turned and twisted, driving him hard down against the cavern floor with all of the serpent’s body weight on top.  A series of knee drops to the chest took even

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-43464950634983790832011-07-19T11:56:00.000-07:002011-07-19T11:56:11.544-07:00

This month I signed on to my Yahoo account for the first time in quite a while and discovered that people are still requesting memberships to the Yahoo Group Arena Island Wrestling in spite of a long period of inactivity.  As has been discussed ad naseum on this blog, I'm wrestling with time mangement these days, and there are only so many projects that can be done. To answer a few re-occurring

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-63826226599877473332011-07-19T10:42:00.000-07:002011-07-19T10:42:57.645-07:00

Courtesy of blog reader Richard E, here's an update on former WWE wrestler D.J. Gabriel.  Another example of how the WWE missed the boat with their emphasis on writers rather than wrestlers.  Since the writers came up with a lame gimmick for Mr. Lewington that didn't go over, he got released.  Perhaps the WWE should consider firing the writer instead.   Being lazy, I'll let Richard give the

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-89379830872480184332011-07-12T11:00:00.000-07:002011-07-12T11:00:38.227-07:00

First off, let me assure everyone that the blog is not going away due to the self-centered classless commentors; I do appreciate the positive comments.  Just wanted to illustrate what I have to put up with at times, and when there are periods in my life when I am preoccupied with real life issues, it is more than a bit aggravating to have people complaining about a lack of posts. Next up:  I

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-68892434507580066882011-07-12T10:23:00.000-07:002011-07-12T10:23:05.973-07:00

He-Man’s super strength was waning fast.  The fierce attack by Kobra Kahn had the hero’s chest heaving for air and his balls were throbbing in pain from the low blow; the fierce attack by Khan had even knocked He-Man’s boots off, leaving his feet exposed to the dangerous talons on Kobra Khan’s feet.  The serpent moved in quickly, pulling He-Man up off the cavern floor by his long blond hair. “I

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-29349259595822832832011-07-07T17:25:00.000-07:002011-07-07T17:32:18.424-07:00

Yep, you folks are right; not much action lately.  I've been involved heavily with a research project as well as a couple of out-of-town trips (and have a couple more to go the next few months).  I was planning on making a post to say that I would be taking the blog not in a new direction so much as in the direction it has been going lately.  Concentration on original material and not so much

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-28819388246494948422011-06-08T14:00:00.000-07:002011-06-08T14:00:25.491-07:00

Knowing that He-Man was becoming weaker and weaker, Kobra Khan released him from the punishing hold, only to twirl him around and drive a knee between the hero’s legs.“Foolish human!  You have so many weaknesses to explot!  The Sssserpent body is sssuperior!!!” hissed Khan as his low blow stuck home.  He-Man collapsed to the cavern floor, moaning in pain. This web comic is a not-for-profit work

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-57869724157422499002011-05-29T08:54:00.000-07:002011-05-29T08:54:06.557-07:00

He-Man’s thoughts were clear, but his muscles were slow to respond as Kobra Khan’s venomous mist began to absorb into ever fiber of the hero’s body.  Khan sneered in satisfaction as he pulled his opponent to his feet and trapped He-Man in a painful abdominal stretch.  Not only was He-Man being stretched to his limit, but Khan’s python-like muscles were constricting; squeezing tighter and tighter

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-42681599520068594812011-05-20T12:00:00.000-07:002011-05-20T12:00:24.333-07:00

He-Man bellowed in pain and dropped to his knees.   “Can’t see . . . eyes burning," screamed Eternia's champion.  The poisonous mist burned into his  eyes and lungs.  A normal man would have been completely blinded and paralyzed, and in spite of He-Man’s superhuman strength and power, his vision was blurred and the paralyzing venom was slowing his movement.  Kobra Khan sensed that victory was in

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-58593596157340003042011-05-08T14:21:00.000-07:002011-05-08T14:21:42.507-07:00

While my last post might have foreshadowed less activity on the blog, I had no way of predicting how badly the month of April would go.  As those of you who live in the midsection of the country know, spring often brings wild weather.  So far, on various days, two tornados tracked five miles to the northwest of my house, one two miles to the north of my house, and one two miles to the south of my

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-81379998303335108212011-03-29T16:52:00.000-07:002011-03-29T16:52:15.694-07:00

Recycling last years image, because, as you have probably noticed, work on the blog has slowed down.  Typical spring duties, but this March has been exceptionally busy with two seminars plus another out of town trip, as well as three home maintenance appointments requiring my presence above and beyond the annual spring preparations in the yard and around the house. Also, based on some of the

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-47201934193307660332011-03-25T14:18:00.000-07:002011-03-25T14:18:27.096-07:00

The tide of the battle was not going well for He-Man.  The ancients of Eternia used all their powers to try to power-up the champion of Eternia, and soon He-Man felt the strength returning to his body.  With his trademark shout, “I HAVE THE POWER!!!” He-Man broke the hold, flinging Kobra Khan across the cavern.  Lifting the reptile high into the air, He-Man brought him down across his knee with a

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-54750102837455291142011-03-09T10:11:00.000-08:002011-03-09T10:11:07.279-08:00

The heat in the cavern was stifling, but for all the energy it drained from He-Man, the heat fed Kobra Khan, invigorating the King of the Snakemen.  Khan kept the battle on the ground, using the mixture of his oil-like perspiration mixed with He-Man’s sweat to easily slide his body from one position to another as he squeezed and pounded his blond opponent.  He-Man found his head trapped between

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-27576613402605408512011-03-04T12:05:00.000-08:002011-03-04T12:05:19.285-08:00

Kobra Khan was enjoying toying with his opponent.  He released the full nelson, but applied even more pressure to the body scissors, rhythmically squeezing He-Man’s torso, applying tremendous pressure to the rib cage.  Cupping He-Man’s chin, Kobra Khan pulled back on the neck, Hissing into He-Man’s ear, “My python power will squeeze the life out of you!” This web comic is a not-for-profit work

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-20837511823934503502011-02-26T19:08:00.000-08:002011-02-26T19:08:50.391-08:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in the recent poll questions.  It appears the split was about one third of those participating were wrestling video game afficianados, and most of those were pretty involved with creating their own characters to go along with the ones in the game.  I appreciate the input and those who offered their comments.  To me, it was a measure of some of the creativity

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-19840291382064885782011-02-26T11:40:00.000-08:002011-02-26T11:40:01.306-08:00

A stunned He-Man flopped down on the cavern floor, too dazed to move.  Kobra Khan smiled, and then slithered quickly behind He-Man his body gliding more like a snake than his humanoid form would predict.  Khan’s legs bowed and stretched, the top leg compressing down on the side of He-Man’s abdomen while at the same time trapping the blond’s upper leg.  Khan’s bottom leg trapped He-Man’s lower arm

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-8468137324064609162011-02-23T11:35:00.000-08:002011-02-23T11:35:19.225-08:00

Khan flexed his powerful arms, but it was not just arm strength he was using; his entire reptilian body coiled and sprung up from the cavern floor, twisting and contorting in a way unlike any human body.  He-Man, his head trapped between the powerful thighs of his opponent felt his body lifted up off the ground.  As He-Man flew helplessly through the air, Kobra Khan boasted, “You are just

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-79152969934835942252011-02-20T09:13:00.000-08:002011-02-22T09:10:01.511-08:00

Kobra Khan’s weight dug into He-Man; although stunned, Eternia’s hero kept his wits about him and quickly wrapped his arms around Kobra Khan’s midsection and squeezed, trapping the serpent, even though He-Man was on the bottom. “You’re not going anywhere, snake!” growled He-Man.  “Let’s try this again with a tighter grip!”  With that, He-Man, showing his incredible strength managed to get to his

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-11342439440226795222011-02-14T14:34:00.000-08:002011-02-14T14:34:05.807-08:00

He-Man lay on top of his reptilian opponent, his forearm pressed against Kobra Khan’s throat.  The blond hero was enjoying his position of dominance.  He wrapped his thighs around Khan’s legs and thrust his body up into the air, pulling Khan along with him, and then drove both bodies back down hard against the cavern floor.  Khan’s foul breath spewed out as he hit, stunned from the full weight of

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-11039105428747673062011-02-12T17:32:00.000-08:002011-02-12T17:32:28.654-08:00

He-Man flew up and backwards over Kobra Khan who released the hold halfway through to add more distance.  The blond hero landed with a thud.  His chest heaved from the heat and exertion from the battle.  He-Man looked up through foggy eyes.  Kobra Khan had not followed up after the suplex; instead, he stood flexing in a strange way.  It was almost as if his body was stretching.  He-Man shook his

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-41762221034811782292011-02-10T14:28:00.000-08:002011-02-10T14:28:43.144-08:00

He-Man scrambled to his feet and moved forward.  Kobra Khan stood his ground and the two locked together in a test of strength, hand locked against claw.  Soon He-Man found his arms being forced down to his side, and with a quick movement, Kobra Khan released his grip, swiftly locking his arms around He-Man’s waist.  The serpent gave a short powerful squeeze, and He-Man gasped in pain in spite of

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-50285365468092518562011-02-09T16:43:00.000-08:002011-02-09T16:44:28.185-08:00

Kobra Khan began to pull his arms down, and slowly He-Man’s fingers began to pull apart.  With a sudden jerk, Kobra Khan pulled his arms all the way to his side, trapping He-Man’s arms. “You ssee, hero, you are no match for ssserpent sstrength!” hissed the reptile.  Khan thrust his backside into He-Man’s groin, sending a sharp spasm of pain and excitement through He-Man's body.  Reaching up

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-20130539101383510032011-02-08T13:39:00.000-08:002011-02-08T13:39:42.310-08:00

Before Kobra Khan could recover, He-Man had locked on a powerful full nelson.  HIs forearms and hands clenched just under the tough cartilage shell that appeared to be some sort of protection for a vulnerable area.  The glowing walls of the cavern let off an eery light as the heat radiated throughout; He-Man was quickly bathed in a heavy coat of sweat.  Kobra Khan’s body appeared covered in

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-91785640611222428162011-02-07T18:40:00.000-08:002011-02-07T18:44:21.547-08:00

I realize that many if not most of you scout out the pro wrestling videos on YouTube and elsewhere on the web, but here are a couple of hidden gems you may not know about. The AWF, and indie wrestling promotion up in Minnesota has a 30 minute weekly wrestling program that is now being posted to YouTube.  The recent episodes feature a tournament to crown a new heavyweight champion, and just about

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-7379943520836596452011-02-06T11:26:00.000-08:002011-02-06T11:26:13.567-08:00

Kobra Khan moved quickly, grabbing a handful of He-Man’s hair and lifting him up off the cavern floor.  “Get up, He-Man,” hissed the serpent.  “Our battle has just begun.  I will show all of Eternia you are no match for Kobra Khan!Kobra Khan clenched his clawed hand and drove it deep into He-Man’s gut, doubling the blond hero over.  A shoulder toss and once again He-Man was on the cavern floor,

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-89659471570750585042011-02-05T08:56:00.000-08:002011-02-05T08:56:33.677-08:00

Tell me again, why did I leave California? Anyway, winter weather and that TV programming mid-winter hole have in the past provided, and again this year, more time for working on art and the blogs, hence the more rapid than expected panel posting on the current web comic.  Of course things are sped along a bit by the fact that this was an in-process fantasy that has quite a few WIP and finished

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-84804249878224387642011-02-04T17:21:00.000-08:002011-02-04T17:21:08.030-08:00

He-Man continued staring at his opponent; he had to admit, Kobra Khan had been transformed into a formidable opponent.  The transformation of the serpents musculature was fascinating, and as He-Man quickly discovered, Kobra Khan’s riveting coloration and form was yet another weapon in his arsenal.Smiling to himself, Kobra Khan sensed He-Man’s distraction, and he struck swiftly, launching himself

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-41201954284311560872011-02-03T16:19:00.000-08:002011-02-03T16:19:29.913-08:00

The Battle for Eternia BeginsHe-Man wasted no time in getting the word to Kobra Khan that he was willing to accept his challenge.  Kobra Khan had maintained that this was to be only the two combatants, with no interference, but Man-At-Arms was concerned.  “You could be walking into a trap, He-Man,” he warned.Back at Snake Mountain, Prince Anakan cautioned his brother.  “Everything is in our favor

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-15106776959124399702011-02-03T16:09:00.000-08:002011-02-03T16:09:05.264-08:00

Having yet to join the gaming crowd, yet very intrigued by the evolution of the wrestling video games and the ability to create your own characters, I've initiated a poll to see how many of the readers of this blog are gamers; specifically, Wrestling Video Games.  Please feel in addition to participating in the poll to make comments relating to your wrestling video game experiences and skills.

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-58155067305041734122011-02-02T17:28:00.000-08:002011-02-02T17:28:23.553-08:00

The ChallengeThe surviving allies and warriors from the fallen kingdoms of Eternia were now part of the battered force protecting King Randor’s realm from the blitzkrieg offensive of Kobra Khan’s newly hatched Snakemen, but the situation was dire.  Even with He-Man’s help, the sheer numbers and power of the opposing forces was slowly winning the war.  As the leaders met with King Randor to

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-34078618809352294072011-01-31T16:50:00.000-08:002011-01-31T16:50:48.424-08:00

The Rise of the House of KhanKobra Khan wasted no time in removing all remnants of Skelator’s reign over Snake Mountain, but more importantly, he returned to the ancient throne room and discovered a series of holographic discs left for him by his parents.  The first was without a doubt the most important.  “Our son, we do not know what fate awaited our people under the rule of the usurper Hiss,

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-52206974822505278222011-01-31T10:14:00.000-08:002011-01-31T10:14:22.839-08:00

One comment made about one of the animated wrestling game videos I posted noted that while it was interesting, he was sure that if I did one, the wrestlers would have less gear and be more "endowed".. . . and he was right.  I think I'd put just about everyone in trunks, yet if you explore the worlds of these wrestling CAW leagues, you'll find that for the most part, the invented characters are in

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-42292454450908699082011-01-27T12:10:00.000-08:002011-01-27T12:10:59.696-08:00

The Rightful King of Snake Mountain Kobra Khan continued to marvel at his transformed body, rubbing his clawed hands over his torso, exploring the new and unique musculature.  He could feel the added power in his frame; he felt invincible!  Meanwhile, the holographic image recording continued. “This recording could only be triggered by the combination of the medallion you are wearing and a DNA

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-56324902685397817572011-01-26T09:42:00.000-08:002011-01-26T09:42:33.247-08:00

Another shot of one of my all time favorite indie wrestlers, Scotty Mac from up in the Canadian Pacific Northwest. Photo credit:  Screen grab by JKK from YouTube video, MotherNessECCW channel.

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-50866462955969196552011-01-25T14:40:00.000-08:002011-01-25T14:40:15.729-08:00

Destiny Revealed As was his custom, which never ceased to annoy Skelator, Kobra Khan slipped into Snake Mountain via a small fissure, undetected by Skelator’s guards.  The blue skinned villain was deep in discussion with Evil Lynn when he glanced up and saw Kobra Khan standing in the throne room. “So, serpent, you managed to escape the prison of Eternia; of course if you had not allowed

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-34405522986256074182011-01-25T08:58:00.000-08:002011-01-25T08:58:54.805-08:00

The Escape of Kobra KhanKobra Khan sat in his high security cell, his evil mind already outlining his escape.  The mortal human fools of Eternia had no idea of all his skills and powers, although he had been fitted with a special prison mask that prevented him from opening his mouth and spewing his venous paralyzing mist.  The guards had paid no attention to the frequent visits to his cell from

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-33295966138850912402011-01-18T14:23:00.000-08:002011-01-25T09:00:03.194-08:00

I recently (OK, not so recently, but it is no secret I've been behind on blogging) got a note from a new reader who had looked at older posts and asked if I had any more  material on He-Man and Kobra Khan.  I do have an unfinished battle that I did some work on and posted to an old bonus group some time back.  So here goes with the Battle Beneath Snake Mountain . . . be prepared to be patient -

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-9392032351954405112011-01-17T07:45:00.000-08:002011-01-17T07:45:18.643-08:00

As I'm sure most of you have noticed, I've developed an interest in YouTube Internet CAW (Create a Wrestler) wrestling videos.  Reverting back to consultant-speak, Video Gaming is not one of my core competencies; I don't even own a video game console, so my remarks are truly from an observer-neophyte point of view. There appear to be literally thousands of these video game matches out there on

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-42912583299038811782011-01-12T09:40:00.000-08:002011-01-12T09:40:55.362-08:00

Some more wrestling game animation fun.  Surprising about of crotch abuse and humilation included!

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-53133651723474480762011-01-10T09:06:00.000-08:002011-01-10T09:06:18.826-08:00

Now this is what a heel villain champ should look like! Photo Credit:  JKK screen grab from MotherNessECCW YouTube video.

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-40064323595423125452011-01-08T18:54:00.000-08:002011-01-09T08:03:37.673-08:00

Certain that his opponent was completely unconscious, Kirk released the hold; Rakor’s head hit the ground with a thud, although he felt nothing being completely unconscious. A hushed murmur moved through the band of natives. Kirk planted one foot on Rakor’s head and flexed shouting out to the Nyamwezi warriors, “Now do you believe that I have the spirit of your God with me?” Kirk was unable to

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-13057437784032959062011-01-02T18:45:00.000-08:002011-01-02T18:45:48.318-08:00

I'm still swamped, and I traveled on holiday visits for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, logging almost two thousand miles by car, but to show you I'm still around, I found this amusing little video on YouTube.  In this corner, from Africa:  Tarzan!  I wish I was talented with video games and could create characters and matches like this, but I'll have to settle for finding the occasional gem on

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-1472064210135104052010-11-30T09:46:00.000-08:002010-11-30T09:46:38.032-08:00

I just approved a batch of comments that had accumulated.  Also several direct e-mails, so let me update everyone.  I have been very busy with a project that is taking up most of my time.  In addition, it is the holiday season.  My computer and modem were not even turned on last week as I was out of town.  I have tried to explain in the past that the panels do take me anywhere from 5 to 8 working

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-7021782462113391882010-10-26T13:45:00.000-07:002010-10-26T13:45:49.056-07:00

Ilya released the figure four, but upon standing quickly trapped Marcus’ injured leg in his arm, continuing to punish the injured knee.  Adding insult to injury, Ilya’s bare foot and toes began to rub and knead the Canadian’s crotch, causing an immediate reaction.  The sadistic blond Russian was enjoying this combination of physical torture and sexual humiliation he was inflicting on his opponent

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-11863174366629400552010-10-25T11:51:00.000-07:002010-10-25T11:51:20.787-07:00

Well, I've got the computer back to functioning sort of normally, but I suspect in the long run the Hard Drive is nearing the end of its trouble-free life and will require nursing along.  This has been a bad budget year with the surgery so I'm shooting for next year and the next Apple product cycle for replacement, so keep your fingers crossed. I'll be trying to get back to doing some comic

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-82148095860726351942010-10-20T11:54:00.000-07:002010-10-20T11:54:29.843-07:00

I've spent the past three days in combination back-up and troubleshoot mode.  My four-year old  Mac has gone slightly buggy on me, slowing down to a crawl in the Finder and refusing to do certain things.  So I've been making sure all my file back-ups are up-to-date and trying to figure out what is wrong since a new computer is not in the budget right now.  I'm hoping I've got a temporary fix in

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-90170276230307315242010-10-16T16:23:00.000-07:002010-10-16T16:23:22.272-07:00

Kirk positioned himself behind Rakor and clamped his arms tightly around his opponent’s neck and head, locking on the sleeper hold taught to the twins by Colt on one of his clandestine trips back to the states after the war.  A cocky Kirk purred into Rakor’s ear, “It’s been fun, big boy, but it’s time to end it!”  Then after a moment’s hesitation, an evil laugh as he taunted his opponent, “. .

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-58172606542110343562010-10-14T09:40:00.000-07:002010-10-14T09:43:16.030-07:00

. . . while still trying to come to grips with the news that Barack Obama and Sarah Palin are related . . . Yep, it has been a while since a post.  I've been up to my neck with a family research project, a couple of service club projects, and trying to figure out why in the middle of October it it still hitting a friggin' 90 degrees F outside!  The good news is that I have several comic panels

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-49497425838920004932010-10-07T09:37:00.000-07:002010-10-07T09:37:13.807-07:00

Kirk parted this thighs, allowing Rakor’s head to slump to the ground, and stood, stretching his body casually.  The heavy coating of sweat produced a bright shimmer from his white body, almost a halo effect, reinforcing in the minds of the Nyamwezi warriors the thought that he might indeed be possessed by the spirit of one of their deities. Rakor’s body slowly began to move as his strong will

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-89508593082614201482010-10-05T09:38:00.000-07:002010-10-05T09:38:10.112-07:00

Well, the NWA is trying it again - a weekly wrestling TV show.  In addition to airing on a local Los Angeles station, they are putting the show on their website and you can find it here. Move to the 26-minute mark (The first match did have Pretty Peter Avalon, but unfortunately he was matched up against Colt Cabana, a wrestler I've never been particularly fond of; the real jewel of the show is

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-5068701394392096832010-10-04T14:55:00.000-07:002010-10-04T14:55:07.559-07:00

Kirk rolled to one side, grabbing a handful of his opponent’s hair, stuffing Rakor’s head snugly against his soggy red trunks.  The Banyon twin’s powerful thighs locked tightly around his loincloth-clad adversary’s head; Kirk squeezed, pouring all his efforts into the hold.  The ether was finally dissipating from Kirk’s soaked trunks, but as Rakor opened his mouth to gasp for air, the trunks and

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-75898607632231210432010-10-02T10:07:00.000-07:002010-10-02T10:07:43.931-07:00

His acting career already spans an amazing seven decades, and if William Smith takes another role this year or in the future, make it eight decades.  He began as a child actor in the forties.  With the remake of Hawii Five-O, it reminds us that he was in the original as Detective Kimo Carew, but perhaps gained greater notoriety as the villanous Falconetti in the Rich Man Poor Man mini-series.  

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-85696709825728886842010-10-01T12:23:00.000-07:002010-10-01T12:23:30.446-07:00

The boot found its mark, and Rakor let out a groan, curling up into the fetal position.  Kirk grinned, proud of his efforts, and took the time to strike a double bi muscle pose before pointing down at his opponent. “This is only a taste of my power!” he boasted to the wide-eyed Nyamwezi warriors.  Meanwhile, Rakor was struggling to get to his hands and knees, the pain jolting through his body

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-21475766922179999262010-10-01T11:12:00.000-07:002010-10-01T11:12:44.084-07:00

One thing I've noticed lately is that my old bookmarked YouTube channels haven't had that much new activity lately.  However, the FWA posts a weekly YouTube wrestling show on their channel that includes many of my British favorites, including Terry Frazier of the Kartel, Joel Redman, Spud and others, so you should check it out.  Here's part of one episode that included a match featuring the

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-441067354209993062010-09-30T10:52:00.000-07:002010-09-30T10:52:45.088-07:00

Way back when, during the glory days of WCW, I purchased several photosets from a professional wrestling photographer.  Unfortunately, they were not stamped on the back, so I don't have his name anymore.  Here are some shots of a Brian Pillman vs Tom Zenk match, ending with a figure four submission, since that hold seems to have sparked some comment.  Pillman and Zenk were two of my favorite

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-7865338858648935932010-09-29T16:23:00.000-07:002010-09-29T16:23:30.568-07:00

Ilya’s stone face showed a glimmer of a smirk as he leaned back applying even more torque to Marcus’ vulnerable knee.  The blond Canadian struggled valiantly to block the pain, but finally he could endure no more. “My leg,” he moaned in pain, “No more, please . . . I SUBMIT!” screamed Marcus. Ilya responded with the universal, I’m number one gesture, refusing to release the hold.  “Of course

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-14501383811771386662010-09-24T10:19:00.000-07:002010-09-24T10:19:58.093-07:00

Kirk continued the onslaught, using his heavy combat boots as weapons, leaving the impression of the sole all over Rakor’s body.  Hard stomp after hard stomp landed from the top to the bottom of the long-haired jungle hero’s body with Rakor in too much of a stupor to offer much resistance, although the rush of adrenalin from the attack was beginning to bring him back from his senses. “How do ya

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-32934028730184360342010-09-17T15:00:00.000-07:002010-09-17T15:36:38.185-07:00

In some stream-of-consciousness web surfing of comics related blogs, I ran across the motherlode blog for Luche Libre comics, Sensacional de Luchas blog.  It is in Spanish, but it has an amazing collection of images from Luche Libre comics.  Highly recommended. I'm definitely going to be using the cover to the left as a model for a future panel.  Love the look of that hold.  Also, just in case

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-77273029323901480832010-09-17T13:54:00.000-07:002010-09-17T13:54:41.417-07:00

Some more foreign Tarzan comics.  All except the Snake Wrestling cover (French) are Spanish language comics, mostly from Mexico.  I liked the two Leopard Men covers; the one I call Leopard Bait I used in my old eBay profile back when I was doing my three-year garage sale of comics, magazines, and other paper collectibles, so I cleaned it up a bit, taking out the background noise except for the

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-22332608412629932972010-09-16T11:51:00.000-07:002010-09-16T11:51:20.330-07:00

With a blood-curdling scream, Kirk struck landing a hard boot to the ribs, screaming, “Now I’m going to BREAK YOU!” Rakor’s body was lifted off the ground and he rolled mid-air, landing on his back.  Kirk took full advantage of his defenseless foe, beginning a series of hard stomps, using his combat boots as weapons landing kick after kick to Rakor’s exposed ribs, abs and chest.  With a mean

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-75362810434265079712010-09-15T16:43:00.000-07:002010-09-15T16:46:46.701-07:00

For whatever reason, the links I added recently to Fanboys of the Universe and Gay Comic Geek's website refuse to work.  When you hit on the links, you get an error message, yet if you open a new browser tab or window and paste the address in the scrollbar, you go right to the link.  I'm not sure if there is some sort of blocking going on from either side, but whatever, they don't work.  I'm

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-4643155950505497672010-09-15T09:01:00.000-07:002010-09-15T09:01:25.435-07:00

I received a comment on the Action Comics cover post where I mentioned that it was the basis for one of my early efforts, basically little more than a cover modification asking if I would post the image.  Unfortunately, after I published the comment and went back to delete the e-mail, I hit the delete link in the body of the e-mail (Blogger sends e-mail notification of comments for moderation and

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-2680299836212409172010-09-15T08:38:00.000-07:002010-09-15T08:38:59.002-07:00

Larry Scott, an Idaho native from the Blackfoot - Pocatello area was born in 1938 and burst on to the bodybuilding scene in the late fifties and early sixties.  He won the Mr. America, Mr. Universe, and Mr Olympia titles and retired from competitive bodybuilding relatively early, in the mid-sixties, while remaining involved in the business even today from his home in Salt Lake City. The five

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-31320283742380709262010-09-14T10:40:00.000-07:002010-09-14T10:40:30.882-07:00

Kirk took full advantage of his position and Rakor’s vulnerability after the low blow.  The two tumbled to the ground with Rakor landing hard on his back, the air momentarily gone from his lungs.  The jungle hero’s legs flew upwards, and Kirk quickly reached behind him and hooked the legs, and slid forward on Rakor’s chest, jamming his ether-soaked trunks right into his opponent’s face. Almost

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-20588108590147200032010-09-13T09:55:00.000-07:002010-09-13T09:55:36.968-07:00

From Action Comics 372 (February, 1969) Superman as a pro wrestler.  Story line is that Supes has amnesia and doesn't remember his secret identity, so when he sees a news article about the Masked Superman wrestler, he figures that might be his secret identity. I used the cover years ago when I first began trying to do wrestling comic art as a model to create a Joker vs Batman panel that still

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-19525815575906784992010-09-13T09:13:00.000-07:002010-09-13T09:13:33.313-07:00

Here are some movie stills scanned from old physique magazines featuring Steve Reeves in a few of his movies from 1959:  Hercules, Goliath and the Barbarians, and Giant of Marathon.

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-16101855392226672892010-09-11T14:20:00.000-07:002010-09-11T14:23:08.921-07:00

Sheik Khalid bin Mishari 6’5”  242 pounds The youngest son of the ruler of the powerful Bani Hajer Bedouin tribe that roamed Saudi Arabia and the Eastern Gulf States.  Khalid’s father refused to acknowledge the family that claimed the  Royal throne of Saudi Arabia, preferring to maintain his own autonomy. Khalid towered above his brothers, and rumor had it that his mother was actually a

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-65491850370843037452010-09-10T12:51:00.000-07:002010-09-10T12:51:36.515-07:00

Although it will be a while before this character actually shows up in person, coming soon, perhaps as early as tomorrow, a Sneak Peak at a new Tales of the Lost Continent character.

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-89784940790305333772010-09-10T09:10:00.000-07:002010-09-17T13:40:33.168-07:00

My personal favorite Tarzan, hairy-chested Mike Henry.

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-44491640957549415222010-09-10T08:59:00.000-07:002010-09-17T13:41:03.372-07:00

Here's another from deep in the archives.  Unknown bodybuilder posing in Tarzan-style leopard skin loincloth, provacatively dipped on one side.  I'm guessing it is circa thirties or forties.  Wouldn't mind wrestling with this Tarzan!

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-44486228624124179712010-09-08T11:29:00.000-07:002010-09-08T11:29:46.832-07:00

Dirk tumbled through the undergrowth, landing beside his brother.  As he looked up, he saw Kirk spraying a liberal dose of the ether directly on to his trunks and grinned, realizing that his brother would be going into battle with a longer-lasting supply of their secret weapon.  He reached up and gave Kirk a quick wedgie to match his own, ignoring Kirk’s dirty look as the two communicated albeit

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-69301626019336573012010-09-08T09:33:00.000-07:002010-09-08T09:33:29.866-07:00

I've had some other posts on Terry Frazier in the past, but he remains one of my favorite UK wrestlers.  Just wish he would get more bookings and come over the the US for an extended tour of action.  He does get over to Germany and wrestle for wXw (Westside Extreme Wrestling) often.  I believe these photos are from some of his German matches, but I'm not positive - they are just in my Terry

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-74768316477283077322010-09-08T08:42:00.000-07:002010-09-08T08:42:09.262-07:00

Blog follower Lee enjoys seeing the posts on vintage wrestlers and bodybuilders and was kind enough to send in a large contribution of Bill Melby photos.  The only two that came from my collection are the two pro wrestling photos. Like Eric Pederson, Melby came from that late forties period of bodybuilding and made the transition into pro wrestling.  He probably made much more of an impact in

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-61102090651600868002010-09-07T15:43:00.000-07:002010-09-07T15:43:41.661-07:00

I'm not a professional artist, nor a trained artist, nor an art student; hell, I never even sent in the "Draw the Puppy" art aptitude test from the back of magazines.  I stumble along, trying to improve, and I've picked up several books from the "How to Draw Comics" genre, usually when I find them really cheap on Amazon.  I pick up some tricks here and there that really help, but a true comic pro

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-38178154706989220602010-09-07T14:42:00.000-07:002010-09-07T14:42:19.979-07:00

Ilya continued to work the legs and knees, using a spinning toe hold to torque the leg, then dropping a knee into Marcus’ throbbing abs before standing up and repeating the maneuver.  The Russian spread out first the right leg, pinning it to the mat and kicking his legs high into the air, driving down with his knee to first the inner thigh, and then directly on the Canadian’s knee.  Christenson’s

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-71706324513974241862010-09-06T12:53:00.000-07:002010-09-06T12:53:49.395-07:00

Here's another grouping of Eric Pederson poses from the late forties, early fifties.

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-61397675818993819442010-09-04T10:42:00.000-07:002010-09-04T10:42:59.966-07:00

Still harboring the misconception that his opponent had an unnatural fear of snakes lurking in the bushes, with a mighty heave, Rakor sent Dirk flying through the air, right back toward the undergrowth where Kirk was waiting on the other side.  As he saw his brother flying toward, him, Kirk grabbed the can of ether, ready freshen up the ether soaked rag when inspiration hit him.

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-20021181975494387562010-09-03T19:18:00.000-07:002010-09-03T19:18:19.352-07:00

Not on the movie set this time, merely walking out to his car and being set upon by the paparazzi, but a shirtless, scruffy Kellan Lutz is always a welcome site. Here's a link to the Just Jared post with lots more pics of Kellan.

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-37187090024027641412010-09-03T10:14:00.000-07:002010-09-03T10:14:38.459-07:00

The 5'9" Oregon native burst onto the bodybuilding scene in 1953 when, at 22 he won the Mr America contest, that same year winning Mr California and Mr Universe also.  At one hundred eighty-five pounds Bill Pearl was a champion amateur wrestler but once he entered the bodybuilding game that remained his career.  He competed at about 220 pounds but I would guess those early years he was a bit less

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-75668780717662268722010-09-02T09:57:00.000-07:002010-09-02T09:57:39.267-07:00

A furious Dirk twisted and fought across Rakor’s shoulder aided by the profuse sweat pouring off the two young men’s bodies.  Sliding slightly to one side, Dirk jammed his crotch right into Rakor’s face, providing a momentary distraction. “Nobody treats a Banyon like that!” growled Dirk, defiant in spite of still being held aloft by Rakor.  The jungle man’s response was quick, angered by Dirk’s

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-52367233261452868582010-09-01T10:03:00.000-07:002010-09-01T10:04:43.115-07:00

One of the most famous wrestlers in the New York area in the fifties and early sixties was Antonio Rocca.  One reader mentioned that this wrestler was an early "crush", so here he is taking on Superman in Issue 155 (August, 1962). Rocca has his way with Clark Kent before moving on to Superman, using one particularly interesting hold on him! Superman and Superman Comic 155 ©

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164048143773865638.post-12329741094175880972010-09-01T09:25:00.000-07:002010-09-01T15:46:01.023-07:00

Old bodybuilding and physical culture magazines often are a great source of unusual shots of famous people before they were famous.  Interestingly, even the old Strength and Health magazine, run by the infamously homophobic Bob Hoffman used nude photographs of bodybuilders on many of the covers of their pre-World War II issues - Posing straps were "painted" onto the images to hide the private

John Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00972177581204953756noreply@blogger.com4