The Original Black Panther: The Life & Legacy of Jim Mitchell

Before there was Bobo Brazil, before there was television, there was the original Black Panther! Jim Mitchell wasn't the first African American to make a living in the sport of professional wrestling, but the Louisville, Kentucky native was the first to become an international superstar. Trained by the great welterweight champion Jack Reynolds, Mitchell broke out in the business in the early 1930s, becoming a main event superstar in the Indianapolis territory by the age of 23. Jim Mitchell became a top draw in every territory he worked, from his adopted home base of Northwest Ohio to the Boston area to the Pacific Northwest to sunny Southern California as well as sojourns to Europe, Canada, and Australia. He feuded with some of the biggest heels of his era including Danny McShain, Wild Red Berry, and Martino Angelo. His most storied rivalry was with none other than Gorgeous George, a feud that culminated in a riot in the hot summer of 1949 at the Olympic Auditorium. He was a trailblazing African American athlete whose exploits were overshadowed by the advent of television and the rise of a new generation of stars, not the least of which was Bobo Brazil. Wrestling historian John Cosper takes you back to the golden age of professional wrestling and uncovers the lost story of a true pioneer. The Original Black Panther is filled with stories of Mitchell's exploits taken not only from the newspapers of the day, but from a treasure trove of documents found in Jim Mitchell's home years after his death. More than 100 images of programs, posters, ledger books, personal letters, and photographs from Mitchell's own archive bring the story of this amazing man to life. With a foreword written by WWE Hall of Fame Mark Henry, Jim Mitchell's biography is a must read for every professional wrestling fan. It's the long lost story of the man who broke ground for future generations and fought the prejudices of his day by becoming a champion in and out of the ring. "Wrestling historian John Cosper has done it again. His newest book, The Original Black Panther: The Life and Legacy of Jim Mitchell is a fascinating journey into the history of one of wrestling's forgotten superstars. This book is compelling, informative, and leave you wanting more. Major kudos to Mr. Cosper. Another great job!" - Tim Hornbaker, author of "Death of the Territories"