On the Beat With Dirk Manning

I have previously interviewed and written about comic-creator Dirk Manning many times. You can find past coverage by going to Dirk Manning on Johngy's Beat.

I first met Dirk many years ago at a comic con and have seen him many times since. He is always good for an update on his latest projects, as well as talking about wrestling, ice cream and other fun. Dirk has an extensive bibliography and I am a devoted reader of his works, but I have never been as excited as I am about his latest project, Butts In Seats: The Tony Schiavone Story.

Wednesday evening, I had the pleasure of doing an interview with Dirk about Butts In Seats, as well as his other projects. We even squeezed in a little ice cream talk. I have been excited about this book from the first time I read about it in one of Dirk's social media posts. An admitted "unabashed wrestling fan," Dirk is the perfect person to write this story with Tony. Dirk understands and appreciates the wrestling business. He is also an extremely talented writer. Add Tony's collaboration and this book promises to be a winner.

Tony has had an interesting career. Falling in love with wrestling, becoming an announcer, leaving wrestling, broadcasting baseball and returning to wrestling are just part of Tony's journey. Although wrestling is a big part of this book, it's not the whole story. Butts In Seats can be enjoyed be anyone, wrestling fan or not. I have ordered the book and I encourage everyone to check out the Kickstarter campaign to learn all about it, which will lead you to buying the book. Once I get it, I will be reviewing it here, although I don't think Dirk or Tony have any worries. I am confident this book is going to be awesome.

I hope you enjoy the interview as much as I enjoyed talking to Dirk. I appreciate Dirk for all of the entertainment he has provided me in written form and I appreciate his friendship even more. I thank Dirk for taking time from his current insanely busy schedule to give me this fun interview.

Go to the Butts In Seats: The Tony Schiavone Story Kickstarter page for more info. Also, check out Dirk's other work at DirkManning.com and look for him on social media. Also, go to AllEliteWrestling.com for more on Tony and the whole organization.