Real Life Superhero's and 24 Hour Taco Stand Fans!

Mondo Lucha A Go-Go

Enmascarados En La Casa!!

Released: 2007
Author: Dan Madigan
Publisher: Rayo Imprint of Harper Collins Publishers
Website: Mondo Lucha Myspace
Buy this book at Amazon

I have always had a fascination of the mysteries surrounding Latin America’s Lucha Libre. These men were more than wrestlers to me, and growing up they seemed to be more of a super hero rather than professional athletes. The fact that they wore masks and never took them off, unless defeated in a match, was sort of like something out of a comic book. But I never really knew shit about their histories or the struggles and hardships these heroes’s endured. I was familiar with El Santo and The Blue Demon because of their movie careers, but that is about as much knowledge I can say I have had. Trying to find information and any in depth literature on the sport has always been an unsuccessful task that I have continued my quest for knowledge on. Until now…..

Mondo Lucha A Go-Go might as well be the official Bible of Mexican Wrestling. Written by Dan Madigan (He also wrote 2006’s See No Evil starring Kane) this book is a journey into the mystic of all the bizarre and insanity surrounding free-style wrestling, better known as Lucha Libre. Combining all sorts of fighting styles such as boxing, kickboxing, judo, jujitsu, grappling, and wrestling, the sport is real deal; these men get hurt for real. They survive on their honor and becoming unmasked could result in the end of ones career. Madigan details everything there is to possibly know about Lucha Libre, and then some. He tells the history of legends such as El Santo, Blue Demon, and Mil Mascaras, and introduced me to Luchadores I had never heard of such as El Murcielago, Angel Blanco, Rayo de Jalisco, and Huracan Ramierez. He also explains the terminology as well as the traditional good vs. bad ethics these men carried in and out of the ring. I was extremely impressed with the books photos and event flyers reprinted throughout. Not to mention some of the one sheet posters for films that El Santo and Blue Demon starred in such as Santo vs. Las Mujeres Vampiro and Aranas Infernales. Oh and I almost forgot to mention a kick ass chapter on midget or The Minis wrestlers!

Who knew that Jack Black’s Nacho Libre is actually based on a true story of a priest who moonlighted as an enmascarado to help support his financially failing parish? Perhaps the coolest bit in the book goes to Gory Guerrero and how his lineage has been such a strong factor in the sport. His reputation and legacy is unmatched and I learned about his sons Chavo, Hector, Mando, and Eddie; who is a legend in his own right. Needless to say I was glued to the book. I know can honestly say I know a few things about Lucha Libre. Dan Madigan did a ton of impressive homework here and I can honestly say I envy him for getting to see so many matches in person while working on this book! (You hear that Madigan, you need to invite me sometime!! Haha)

The book is truly astounding and something I will continue to read again and again. And for that matter I was surprised to find a pretty decent amount of Luchadore movies through Netflix. When I finish this review I actually plan on watching El Santo y La Tigresa which came in the mail today! I’m hooked! All I can say is if you ever had any curiosity towards Mexican Wrestling, this is a book you need to pick up. I am glad I got a copy because this is truly the best schooling I could have ever received! Via Baron von Bava!

El Santo will charm the pants off your mom and kick your dads ass.