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The following press release was issued:
FINAL COMIC BOOK SHOP ORDER CUTOFF IS MONDAY FOR NEW ACTION-HORROR COMIC BOOK SERIES "VAMPIRO: ROCKABILLY APOCALYPSE" FROM MASSIVE PUBLISHING’S MASKED REPUBLIC COMICS IMPRINT
Masked Republic and Writer Michael Kingston introduce horror comic lovers and the legend’s legions of fans and to a wild new world where an apocalyptic threat looms and this guitar shredding ronin is ready to rock - causing heads to roll
'VAMPIRO: ROCKABILLY APOCALYPSE is raw, full-on, blue-collar pulp culture madness! It's action, rock and roll folklore with a mythic guitarist--and like all strangers who come to town, Vampiro's got a secret. Crack that open and it's AMERICAN VAMPIRE meets LUCHA UNDERGROUND in the best possible way! For horror fans, for wrestling fans, for midnight movie connoisseurs--don't miss out!' -Steve Orlando (Batman, Avengers Assemble, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter)
In 1991, a young, tall, pale white, rock star looking luchador arrived at Arena Mexico from Canada and immediately became an overnight sensation. “El Vampiro Canadiense” became an icon transcending lucha libre and extending his presence into telenovelas, magazines, music (including working with The Misfits) and more. Now, as, in front of sold-out crowds from north to south, as he says goodbye to competing in the ring in the country that made him a legend, Vampiro shifts his sights from battling rudos in the ring to harbingers of the apocalypse in his new comic book series Vampiro: Rockabilly Apocalypse from Masked Republic Comics (The Luchaverse) and Massive Publishing (Wesley Snipe’s The Exiled, American Psycho, Assassins’ Creed, Zorro: Man of the Dead, Ninja Funk)
WHO IS VAMPIRO?
Since his impressive debut in Montreal in 1984, Vampiro Candiense, real name Ian Hodgkinson, has transcended the world of wrestling to become a true cultural icon. His influence extends far beyond the confines of the ring. Early in his career Telenovela appearances were in demand, though over time his focus away from the ring shifted to the punk rock music that inspired his look and appeal to fans. As vocalist of gothic metal band Droch Fhoula and member of Psychopathic Records’ Dark Lotus, he has left his mark on music. His versatility also led him to venture into television, being a reporter for Mexico’s paranormal program Extranormal, demonstrating his ability to connect with the public across fan bases.
Vampiro's legacy in wrestling is immense. Long before he became familiar to wrestling fans outside of Mexico thanks to his time in WCW, he was the most in-demand foreigner for the entire lucha libre industry. At his peak, Vampiro was wrestling 4 shows in one day on a regular basis. With a career spanning several decades and a unique style, he has garnered generations of fans. His charisma, in-ring persona and passion have established him as a living legend. He has held wrestling championships throughout North and South America as well as in Europe and has been the subject of two award winning documentaries Vampiro: Angel, Devil, Hero and Nail in the Coffin: The Fall and Rise of Vampiro.
In 2014, the Robert Rodriguez and Mark Burnett produced TV series Lucha Underground catapulted Vampiro back into the spotlight around the globe. Once again, a fanbase of both old faithful and brand new converts wanted more Vampiro and that included following him and his world away from the ring in series like Vampiro: Unleashed which enjoyed a 24-episode run on the El Rey Network.
In his new role as host and producer of his own podcast, Vampiro has reinvented his popularity. With over 1 million followers on Facebook alone and a significant impact on video platforms, his content has generated over 62 million views in the last two years as he has captured the attention of audiences throughout Mexico and beyond.
In the world of lucha libre, has remained an integral part of the storylines of Mexico’s leading promotion, Lucha Libre AAA on their national television series in Mexico, throughout Latin America and now once again broadcast in the U.S. on TUDN and Galavision. His year long retirement tour from active lucha libre competition has drawn 100,000s of fans to arenas so far and his final Mexico City match at Triplemania XXXII had nearly 20,000 fans in attendance for the event which garnered more than 13 million social media impressions.
VAMPIRO: ROCKABILLY APOCALYPSE - THE NEW HORROR-ADVENTURE WITH MORE ACTION THAN A LUCHA LIBRE MATCH, BUT ALL THE SAME ATTITUDE AND SNARKY HUMOR YOU’VE COME TO EXPECT FROM VAMPIRO!
Now, for the first time ever, the legendary luchador stars in his own comic series as Masked Republic Comics and Massive Publishing get set to debut Vampiro: Rockabilly Apocalypse on October 16 with a SUPER SIZED 48-PAGE premiere!
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