1
of
1
The Wrestler
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 99 ratings, 22 reviews)
Brief Description
Freestyle wrestler, The Sledgehammer, has never met defeat—not at the hands of Painkiller, Handsome Jens, Fezzik the Giant, or the Angel of Death. But over the course of 80 pages, Danish illustrator John Kenn Mortensen's surreal black and white graphic novel will take Sledgehammer to the...
Read More
Format: Hardback
$4399
Unit price
/
Unavailable
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER
Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 3-4 weeks
Found a better price? Request a price match
The Wrestler
$4399
Unit price
/
Unavailable
Latest News
The Book Briefing 21/10/2026
Welcome back to another edition of 'The Book Briefing', your weekly round-up of all the...
Story to Screen - 21/10/26
It's been another huge week in the world of book-to-screen adaptations! From record-breaking trailers and...
Things We Learned from an Evening with Alice Oseman
Liam and Lizzy went along to an evening with Alice Oseman of Heartstopper! Here are...
The Book Hero Team's Wins and Misses in Film and TV Adaptations
We all love arguing in a mostly good-natured way about which adaptations of our favourite...
Vanya Insull (aka VJ Cooks) visits Book Hero
We were lucky to have a visit from popular foodie, home cook and baker Vanya...
See moreJohn Kenn Mortensen's mordant, black-and-white inked images have taken you to The Nightmare Factory, scared you with The Bestiary, and given you Night Terrors -- now in the internationally best selling artist's debut graphic novel, you're going to fight like hell!
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
Freestyle wrestler, The Sledgehammer, has never met defeat—not at the hands of Painkiller, Handsome Jens, Fezzik the Giant, or the Angel of Death. But over the course of 80 pages, Danish illustrator John Kenn Mortensen's surreal black and white graphic novel will take Sledgehammer to the limits of reality, revealing that he's motivated by far more than hubris—it's also love.
Mortensen's first English-language graphic novel delivers on the promise that his delightfully macabre books of illustration had previously made to readers around the world. With his spidery black-ink style, reminiscent of Edward Gorey's gothic line, we're transported to a world in which heavy metal mixes with the WWE by way of The Seventh Seal and Faust.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9798875001123
Publisher: Fantagraphics
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 24 June 2025
Country: United States
Imprint: Fantagraphics
Illustration: 80 Illustrations
Audience: General / adult, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Width: 184.0mm
Height: 260.0mm
Weight: 300g
Pages: 80
Collections
About the Author
John Kenn Mortensen is an illustrator, author, and film director. In 2011, he debuted a book of illustrations, Sticky Monsters, which has become an international bestseller. His other works include The Nightmare Factory, The Wrestler, A Christmas Bestiary, and two illustrated adaptations of classic Brothers Grimm tales. He lives in Copenhagen with his wife and twins.
Also by John Kenn Mortensen
View all-
A Christmas Bestiary
In the wintry season, when we all delight in joyful thoughts of family, presents, and sugarplums, we mustn't forget that the night is dark and full of terrors. Thankfully, bold adventurers Benni Bødker and John Kenn Mortensen have journeyed far and wide to comb through ancient tomes, listen to folk tales, and spy upon loathsome lairs to catalogue the most...Hardback$4799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 3-4 weeks -
John Kenn Mortensen's Nightmare Factory
Gruesome, spindly figures gather outside a house, then spirit away a dreaming youth, bed and all. The stage is set for 32 skin-crawling poems imagining various children's nightmares, all with sequential illustrations by Danish horror master Mortensen. His eerie visions fade to black at the edges, like a dreamer unable to shift their focus, and inspire delicious terror all by...Hardback$5699Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 3-4 weeks -
Night Terror
When the sun goes down, our minds invent all manner of horrors that may lurk in the darkness. Danish cult illustrator John Kenn Mortensen draws inspiration from this shadowy realm, and his pen skillfully conjures these eerie visions on paper. Open this book (if you dare) to encounter a frightful horde of sepia-toned spooks - witches, wraiths, goblins, giant spiders,...HardbackSold Out
More from Graphic Novels
View all-
Signed Copy20% offHeartstopper Volume 6
Read it before you see it: Heartstopper Forever movie coming soon from Netflix Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love. The final installment in the bestselling LGBTQ+ graphic novel series about life, love, and everything that happens in between. Everyone in school knows Nick and Charlie. Everyone knows they're going to be togetherforever. But Charlie's busy with...Paperback$2000Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
17% offOne Piece (Omnibus Edition), Vol. 1
One Piece (Omnibus Edition), Vol. 1 by Eiichiro Oda invites readers on an exhilarating journey across the vast and treacherous oceans. Follow the ambitious young pirate, Monkey D. Luffy, and his eclectic crew as they embark on an epic quest to uncover the legendary treasure known as the One Piece, a prize that will crown its possessor as the King...Paperback$2000Elsewhere:$2899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Warriors Graphic Novel: The Prophecies Begin #1
An instant New York Times bestseller! With more than 40 million copies sold, Erin Hunter's Warriors series has taken the world by storm and is now available in a full-colour graphic novel adaptation. The first book covers the first two original novels in The Prophecies Begin: Into the Wild and Fire and Ice. A perfect introduction to the world of...Paperback$2000Elsewhere:$2299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
21% offJujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 1
Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 1 by Gege Akutami introduces readers to the gripping world of jujutsu sorcery and supernatural battles. This first volume sets the stage for an explosive adventure that intertwines the fate of humans and cursed spirits. In a world where cursed spirits, malevolent entities born from human negative emotions, prey on the unsuspecting, fragments of the legendary demon...Paperback$1500Elsewhere:$2099Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Demon Slayer Complete Box Set
Contains Volumes 1-23. Full colour. Double-sided Poster and Commemorative Mini-Book. Tanjiro embarks on the perilous path of a Demon Slayer, driven by a mission to save his sister and seek justice for his slain family! In the backdrop of Taisho-era Japan, we meet the compassionate Tanjiro Kamado, a boy who makes a humble living by selling charcoal. However, his tranquil...Paperback$29500Elsewhere:$41000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Signed CopyDetective Beans and the Case of the Missing Hat
In this hilarious full-colour graphic novel, Detective Beans and the Case of the Missing Hat by Li Chen, readers are introduced to Cat Town's best kitten detective on a new and exciting adventure. When Detective Beans realises his favourite hat has gone missing, he quickly jumps into action to crack the case. Armed with his wit, determination, and a love...Paperback$1900Elsewhere:$2200Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Witch Hat Atelier: Grimoire Edition 1
This deluxe, keepsake-quality hardcover edition includes three volumes of the acclaimed fantasy manga on which the enchanting anime was based. Experience the beautiful tale of a young witch who discovers her creativity and faces down a dangerous and thrilling world with her friends by her side in these extra-large books, printed on premium paper with intricate gold foil covers and...Hardback$9999Elsewhere:$10500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
12% offJoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Part 7--Steel Ball Run, Vol. 1
A multigenerational tale of the heroic Joestar family and their never-ending battle against evil! The legendary Shonen Jump series is now available in deluxe hardcover editions featuring colour pages! JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a groundbreaking manga famous for its outlandish characters, wild humour, and frenetic battles. Riders from around the world gather in the Wild West for the race of...Hardback$2900Elsewhere:$4299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
16% off
Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 2
Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 2 by Gege Akutami continues the gripping saga of Yuji Itadori, a courageous high school student with a heart of gold, who finds himself thrust into a dangerous supernatural world. After swallowing a piece of the formidable demon Ryomen Sukuna to gain the power necessary to save his friends, Yuji is caught in an intense conflict between...Paperback$1600Elsewhere:$2099Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
16% off
Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 3
Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 3 by Gege Akutami continues the thrilling saga of Yuji Itadori, a high school student who finds himself thrust into a world of dark curses and supernatural dangers. In his quest to save his friends and protect humanity, Yuji consumes a piece of the malevolent demon Ryomen Sukuna, gaining unimaginable power but at a great personal risk....Paperback$1600Elsewhere:$2099Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
19% off
Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 5
Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 5 by Gege Akutami continues the thrilling saga of Yuji Itadori, a teenager thrown into the perilous world of jujutsu sorcery and cursed spirits. In his quest to save his friends from malevolent supernatural forces, Yuji swallows a finger belonging to Ryomen Sukuna, a fearsome demon whose fragments, if consumed, bestow immense and destructive power. As cursed...Paperback$1700Usually:$2099Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
13% off
One Piece (Omnibus Edition), Vol. 2
One Piece (Omnibus Edition), Vol. 2 by Eiichiro Oda continues the exhilarating adventure of Monkey D. Luffy and his diverse crew as they seek to uncover the world’s ultimate treasure, the One Piece. This omnibus edition compiles volumes 4-6 of the beloved manga series, presenting readers with an action-packed journey filled with friendship, courage, and burgeoning dreams. Monkey D. Luffy,...Paperback$2000Elsewhere:$2899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
Graphic Novels lists from the team
Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listGraphic Novels
Lizzy's Top Graphic Novel Picks for Dad
Here are 20 (+ 1 extra) awesome graphic novels that Dad might love (or maybe you!!). Thinking about Father's Day, a birthday,...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listGraphic Novels
Graphic Novels that you will love as much as your kids!
These graphic novels are great for the whole family - sometimes funny, beautifully illustrated, or just genius story telling in graphic novel...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Shirl's listGraphic Novels
Top Manga Box Sets
Build your manga collection with our top box set picks! Packed with bestselling series, special extras and hours of reading. These are...View the list
