Get Ready for a Knockout Read with Ronda Rousey: Expecting the Unexpected from AWA Studios!

Prepare for an action-packed, laugh-out-loud adventure as AWA Studios unleashes Ronda Rousey: Expecting the Unexpected trade paperback on October 8, 2025! Written by UFC and WWE superstar Ronda Rousey, illustrated by Eisner and Ringo Award-winning artist Mike Deodato Jr., and edited by AWA Chief Creative Officer Axel Alonso (former Marvel Editor-in-Chief), this 160-page graphic novel delivers a wild blend of martial arts, romance, comedy, and heart. Originally funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign, this debut from Rousey is a love letter to her life as a fighter, mother, and action movie fan, and it’s set to redefine comic book action with unparalleled fight choreography.

A Story That Packs a Punch

Meet “Mom,” a deadly assassin known for her unique disguise: a fake baby bump packed with weapons. On the verge of her big break in the criminal underworld, Mom makes a life-changing decision—sleeping with a target who happens to be a top-tier assassin himself. Weeks later, her codename becomes literal when she discovers she’s pregnant. What follows is a thrilling, hilarious, and heartfelt journey as Mom, now with a bounty on her head, battles waves of assassins, falls for her “baby daddy,” and grapples with her dual roles as a killer and a soon-to-be mother.

Inspired by Rousey’s experiences as a mother and her storied career in judo, UFC, and WWE, Expecting the Unexpected is a deeply personal project. “I felt like I had to tell this story because it pulls from the most important parts of my life: motherhood, my career as a fighter, and fun action movies,” Rousey said. The graphic novel started as a screenplay before evolving into a comic, with AWA president Matthew Anderson noting its potential for film or TV adaptation: “We’d love to see it grow beyond the page.”

Unmatched Action and Art

What sets Expecting the Unexpected apart is its groundbreaking approach to fight scenes. Rousey choreographed the action sequences herself, filming them with friends to provide reference for Deodato’s artwork. “We’re attempting to create a graphic novel with choreography for action that’s never been seen before,” Rousey explained. Deodato, a martial arts black belt and comic book legend (Avengers, Not All Robots), brings these sequences to life with stunning precision, capturing Mom’s likeness to Rousey down to her mannerisms and laughter. “I’m particularly pleased with how I captured Ronda’s essence in the Mom character,” Deodato told The Los Angeles Times.

The result is a visual spectacle that leaps off the page, complemented by covers from Rahzzah and a Kickstarter-exclusive variant by Frank Cho. At 160 pages, this trade paperback collects the full story in a sleek, oversized format, perfect for fans and collectors.

The Creative Team

• Writer: Ronda Rousey – A global superstar and trailblazer in combat sports, Rousey brings her fierce energy and storytelling passion to her first graphic novel, crafting a tale that’s as authentic as it is entertaining.

• Artist: Mike Deodato Jr. – With credits on The Flash, Wonder Woman, and AWA’s Not All Robots, Deodato’s dynamic art and martial arts expertise make every fight scene a masterpiece.

• Editor: Axel Alonso – AWA’s Chief Creative Officer and former Marvel Editor-in-Chief, Alonso’s editorial guidance ensures a polished, high-octane narrative. “Ronda has brought the same ferocity, discipline, and craft to her script that made her a champion,” he said.

• Cover Artists: Rahzzah and Frank Cho – Rahzzah’s striking main cover and Cho’s exclusive variant offer two distinct visions of Mom’s fierce persona.

AWA’s Bold Vision

AWA Studios, founded in 2018 by industry veterans including Alonso, is known for bold, creator-driven stories like Fight Girls and Marjorie Finnegan, Temporal Criminal. Expecting the Unexpected marks their third Kickstarter success, following campaigns that surpassed funding goals in hours. The project raised significant support through BackerKit, offering exclusive rewards like signed editions, trading cards, and even the chance to be drawn into the comic as an assassin or bystander. AWA’s commitment to innovative storytelling shines through, with Alonso praising the graphic novel as “a potent blend of dark comedy, romance, and over-the-top action” that “delivers a knockout punch on every level.”

Why You Can’t Miss This

• Authentic Action: Rousey and Deodato’s unique choreography process sets a new standard for comic book fight scenes, rooted in real martial arts expertise.

• A Personal Story: Drawing from Rousey’s life, the graphic novel explores motherhood and resilience in a world that feels “on fire,” offering both thrills and emotional depth.

• Stunning Visuals: Deodato’s art, paired with Rahzzah and Cho’s covers, makes this a must-have for comic art enthusiasts.

• Broad Appeal: With its mix of action, comedy, and romance, Expecting the Unexpected is perfect for fans of Kill Bill, The Boys, or Rousey’s in-ring career.

How to Get It

Ronda Rousey: Expecting the Unexpected trade paperback hits comic shops and bookstores on October 8, 2025, priced at approximately $24.99 for 160 pages (final pricing may vary). Rated Mature (MR) for its intense action and themes, it’s ideal for adult readers. Preorder by the Final Order Cutoff (FOC) date, September 9, 2025, at your local comic shop via ComicShopLocator.com or through retailers like Golden Apple Comics (Stock ID: 159408, SKU: 0725AW507). BackerKit pre-orders remain open for exclusive editions, including oversized hardcovers and signed copies, at ronda-rousey.backerkit.com. Digital versions will be available on platforms like ComiXology.

Step Into the Ring!

From the mind of Ronda Rousey and the pen of Mike Deodato Jr., Expecting the Unexpected is a graphic novel that delivers on every front: heart-pounding action, gut-busting comedy, and a story that hits close to home. Whether you’re a comic book veteran, a Rousey fan, or just love a good story, this trade paperback is a must-read. Mark your calendars for October 8, 2025, and join Mom on her wild ride through love, assassins, and motherhood.

For more on Expecting the Unexpected and AWA’s lineup, visit AWAStudios.com or follow them on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube. Don’t miss the comic event of the fall!