Other Comics

SLAM! #2 (2016)

Comic Books Library
by Comic Books Library August 04, 2025
SLAM! #2 (2016)


SLAM! #2 (2016) – Comic Review & Breakdown

🌀 Genre

Sports Drama | Slice of Life | Friendship | Female-Centric

đŸ‘©‍đŸŽ€ Main Characters

  • Knockout (Jennifer Chu): A fiercely determined skater who thrives on discipline and competition. Knockout's intensity makes her a rising star on the derby track, but her single-mindedness puts her friendship to the test.

  • CanCan (Maise Huff): A free-spirited and emotionally driven skater whose creative approach contrasts with Knockout's rigid style. Her journey is about self-discovery and staying true to her heart despite rising pressures.

✍️ Writer

Pamela Ribon – Known for her work on Moana and Ralph Breaks the Internet, Ribon brings genuine emotional layers and authentic female voices to the comic world with SLAM!.

🎹 Artist

Veronica Fish – With a background on Archie and Spider-Woman, Fish delivers kinetic action and expressive storytelling. Her vibrant and fluid art style mirrors the fast-paced nature of derby skating while capturing the characters' emotional struggles.

📝 Editor Details

Shannon Watters – A senior editor at BOOM! Studios, Watters is a champion of fresh, diverse storytelling. She ensures SLAM! stays grounded in reality while embracing its energetic tone.

🏱 Publisher and Brand

BOOM! Box (BOOM! Studios) – Known for promoting creator-owned titles and diverse storytelling. BOOM! Box stands out for highlighting authentic voices, particularly in youth-driven and female-centric narratives.

📅 Release Year

2016

📖 Brief Plot Summary

In SLAM! #2, best friends Jennifer (Knockout) and Maise (CanCan) find themselves on separate roller derby teams for the first time. The competitive heat between teams forces them to navigate unfamiliar emotional territory, including jealousy, insecurity, and the challenges of personal growth. As their bond is tested by distance, rivalry, and physical exhaustion, both women must figure out whether friendship and competition can truly coexist.

đŸ”„ Notable Arcs or Storylines

  • Team Split Tension: The emotional toll of being drafted to rival teams explores how competitive structures can fracture personal connections.

  • Skating as Identity: Both characters begin to realize that roller derby isn't just a sport—it’s a defining part of who they are and who they want to become.

  • Mental and Emotional Wellness: The comic subtly tackles the psychological strains of high-performance athletics, particularly for women trying to balance ambition with relationships.

💭 Fan Theories or Interpretations

Some fans speculate that SLAM! is an allegory for adult friendships post-college or early adulthood, where life choices pull close friends in separate directions. Others interpret the narrative as a subtle queer-coded relationship between Knockout and CanCan, with emotional intensity and misunderstandings often mirroring romantic tension.

🌟 Review Summary

SLAM! #2 continues to deliver a compelling and beautifully illustrated story of friendship under pressure. Pamela Ribon writes characters with emotional depth, making their internal conflicts feel real and relatable. Veronica Fish’s artwork stands out, capturing both the thrilling motion of roller derby and the quiet moments of vulnerability between friends. đŸ’«
The issue strikes a balance between heart and adrenaline, making it a standout for fans of character-driven storytelling. Whether you're into roller derby or just love powerful female leads, SLAM! is a ride worth taking. đŸ›Œ❤️


Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)

SLAM! #2 (2016)
Language : English