I have been a fan of of Jonathan London since I got to attend a podcasting panel that he was a part of at LA Comic Con 2024. I had initially went to the panel to see the host of the What's Good Games podcast, Andrea Renee. Jonathan answered questions from those looking to get into podcasting with care and honesty. For those that follow our podcast, know we have been doing it since 2019, and I still consider myself somewhat of a novice. I am still continually trying to learn and at the same time be genuine selves. His insights and advice were helpful, and because of he was as a person, I immediately began to follow his podcast Geekscape. I connected with the podcast because he covers pop culture, similar to what we do.
With all the algorithms on social media, it has been harder to keep up with him since then. However, fast forward to 2026 and Free Comic Book Day. Jonathan was posting the set up he and his brother had at a local comic shop for signings. I immediately reached out because I like to support not only those have either been guests on our podcast or have made an impact on me. I did not hesitate to order both issues available. As I get back into comics, I am trying to give new comics I read at least two issues before I decide to continue. So when I got my issues in the mail today, I had to dive right in. At first look, I was impressed with the coloring of the cover. When you look at the cover, you already know you are in for an absurd ride. The cover itself invokes some of the great fantasy movies of the 80s with a twist of the Dolph Lundgren version of Masters Of The Universe and shot of 2000s wrestling. For me, this kind of made reading the first two issues feel oddly at home for this ex-Blockbuster employee.
The hero of the story, Paul London(who indeed is a pro wrestler) gets transported to another realm where he is asked to save the world. A lot of people won't quite remember Paul's actual work that he did in early 2000's WWE. For me, as I read the start of issue #1, I thought he felt like combination of Johnny Cage from Mortal Kombat(both the 1996 and 2026 movies) and Madmartigan from Willow. The reluctant hero that was pulled into another realm to save the world, while so down on his luck that you wouldn't be surprised to see him stuck in a cage on the side of a road. Within the first few pages, you are introduced to the Owl Clan, a once proud clan who has only one among them that believes in the prophecy. There is Sheetara who reminded me of Eowyn from Lord of the Rings. Doing what needs to be done to save her people and doing it without fear. Finally you get to meet the villains. General Gor reminded me of General Kael in Willow. Hiding behind a skull mask and bending knee to the ruler bent on destroying everything without hesitation. Finally there is Ramzaar. A wizard like Bavmorda, hell bent on stopping the prophecy but much like Skeletor, wanting everyone under their rule.
Without ruining any of the story, I definitely think this comic is worth a read for anyone that is a fan of classic fantasy movies. Yes it has the lore of professional wrestling, but at its core it is very much a fantasy story. In an era where they say it's harder to find new IP in comics because everything is being rehashed, it's great to find something refreshing. Paul London: Hero Of The Prophecy had me remembering back to my first movie theater experience with Willow, thinking about all those great fantasy movies of the 80s, and laughing when Paul mentions his match being a work. It was a fun read and I cant wait to read issue #3 when it comes out.
If you are interested in finding out more about Paul London: Hero Of The Prophecy, check out issue #1 and issue #2 out now.