Wild: Or So I Was Born To Be

Cristan Castelo

Oni Press

Half roller derby action, half coming-of-age tale, Cristian Castelo’s debut graphic novel takes readers into the rinks of the 1970s on a track where identity is made and the league underdogs live to skate another day.

At Westhoff High, pain is part of the curriculum... But so is math, science, and chemistry. However, Wild Rodriguez and her pint-size companions have always had one goal and one goal only as they enter freshman year: to join the Rocket Rollers and test their mettle in the infamously violent roller derby league. Now, summer draws to an end and tryouts are here! Do they have what it takes to climb the ranks of the derby world, or will their dream just as quickly turn into a nightmare?

Wild discovers that sometimes dreams involve a lot of getting kicked in the face, as well as maybe accidentally getting involved in a blood feud or two. Half roller derby, half professional wrestling, the league is filled with cussin’, spittin’ roughnecks like the Cult Catastrophe, earnest athletes the 8-Ball Bruisers, sick freaks Puppy & the Pound, and the elegant-but-deadly Matadors. Becoming a true legend of the derby track like her hero (and occasional helpful psychic avatar) Rosie Rozine involves a lot of physical and emotional fortitude, luckily Wild and all her friends—imaginary or otherwise—have each other’s backs no matter what!