An early look at Ronda Rousey’s first graphic novel

The cover of “Expecting the Unexpected,” an upcoming graphic novel written by Ronda Rousey and illustrated by Michael Deodato Jr. (Illustrations by Michael Deodato Jr. / Courtesy of AWA)

By Chuck SchilkenStaff Writer

June 25, 2024 7:14 AM PT

Artists Writers and Artisans has provided The Times with an exclusive early look at “Expecting the Unexpected,” a graphic novel written by Ronda Rousey and illustrated by Michael Deodato Jr. The preview includes the book’s cover as well as Deodato’s completed artwork for the first seven pages. Rousey’s text will be added closer to the book’s 2025 publishing date.

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Page 1. ‘Expecting the Unexpected’ tells the story of an assassin whose code name is Mom, because of the fake baby belly she wears to conceal weapons. Mom later becomes pregnant. (Illustrations by Michael Deodato Jr. / Courtesy of AWA)

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Page 2. Illustrator Michael Deodato told The Times that Mom’s striking resemblance to Rousey was intentional. “I’m particularly pleased with how I captured Ronda’s essence in the Mom character — her mannerisms, personality, and even her laughter.” (Illustrations by Michael Deodato Jr. / Courtesy of AWA)

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Page 3. Accoprding to Rousey, the story is autobiographical, to a certain degree, inspired by the journey she and husband Travis Browne took in becoming parents. “It really is our story — even though it didn’t really happen. I didn’t go on a spree of fighting all these people.” (Illustrations by Michael Deodato Jr. / Courtesy of AWA)

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Page 4. Rousey said she choreographed the action sequences and filmed them with some friends for Deodato to use for reference. “What we’re really attempting to do here is create a graphic novel with choreography for action that’s really never been seen before.” (Illustrations by Michael Deodato Jr. / Courtesy of AWA)

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Page 5. ‘Expecting the Unexpected’ started as a screenplay before Rousey turned it into a graphic novel. AWA president Matthew Anderson said his company would be happy to help bring it to movie or TV screens. “We’d love to see it grow beyond the page.” (Illustrations by Michael Deodato Jr. / Courtesy of AWA)

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Page 6. Rousey said the story is a commentary on “this scary task of bringing a kid into the world when it feels like everything is a hostile environment. ... You’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, am I up to the task of bringing a kid into the world that seems like it’s on fire?’ This is kind of the exaggerated version of that experience.” (Illustrations by Michael Deodato Jr. / Courtesy of AWA)

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Page 7. For Rousey, the experience has been “entirely surreal because I’ve been working on this for years and it’s just been something in my head that was almost like a secret for a long time. And to see that not only come to life but other people also believing in it was one of the most fulfilling experiences. ... I think that’s a feeling I’m gonna end up chasing for a long time now.” (Illustrations by Michael Deodato Jr. / Courtesy of AWA)

Chuck Schilken

Chuck Schilken is a sports reporter on the Fast Break team. He spent more than 18 years with the Los Angeles Times’ Sports Department in a variety of roles. Before joining The Times, he worked for more than a decade as a sports reporter and editor at newspapers in Virginia and Maryland.

An early look at Ronda Rousey’s first graphic novel

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