Messenger

June 26, 2023
Bernardin (Adora and the Distance) and Salas (Transference) chronicle the early life and later achievements of Black boxer Muhammad Ali in this moving graphic novel biography. After his bike is stolen in 1954 Louisville, Ky., Ali meets boxing coach Joe Martin and insists that Joe instruct him in how to fight so he can teach the thief a lesson. What follows is a passion-fueled journey that would see Ali win six championships before, at age 18, participating in the 1960 summer Olympics in Rome. Salas’s noir-like b&w illustrations depict some of Ali’s career-defining matches in adrenaline-rich sequences that feature fluidly rendered sweat flying across the page and sharp lighting tracing swift punches. Beyond Ali’s athletic prowess, Bernardin employs organic dialogue to highlight his humanitarian efforts throughout, such as the story of his bond with Jimmy, a child with leukemia who reveres Ali. The creators pull no punches when it comes to discussing heavier topics; Ali’s Olympic achievements are soured by the racism he endures in the U.S., and chapters covering the Vietnam War portray Ali’s refusal to participate in the draft, making for a well-rounded look at the subject’s impact on society. Ages 14–up.

Starred review from July 15, 2023
A rousing graphic biography tracing the evolution of a storied boxing champion and humanitarian. How did Cassius Clay become "The Greatest"? Born in Louisville, Kentucky, the future heavyweight champion stumbled into the sport after a thief stole his bicycle. Clay reported the crime to police officer Joe Martin, who trained boxers at a local gym. Martin advised Clay to "learn to fight before you start fighting." Later, 18-year-old Clay earned a gold medal at the 1960 Olympics. Becoming an Olympic medalist, however, didn't protect him from the widespread terror of white supremacy. A chance meeting with Malcolm X in Miami opened Clay's eyes to the importance of Black pride and claiming his own identity. Later, he converted to Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. Denouncing the Vietnam War as a conscientious objector made headlines; the U.S. Supreme Court found him guilty of draft evasion but later overturned his conviction. Parkinson's disease may have slowed Ali down, but he remained steadfast in his beliefs. Bernardin's prose effectively captures Ali's larger-than-life aura, seamlessly incorporating the boxer's poetic catchphrases and electrifying speeches. Salas' emotive grayscale illustrations complement the narrative, evoking the unspoken fears, worries, and doubts hiding beneath Ali's bravado. This work does a stellar job of presenting Ali's life in an accessible way without minimizing the impact of his legacy and the expansiveness of his life. A moving ode to a mighty icon whose cultural contributions are as powerful as his victories in the ring. (bibliography) (Graphic biography. 14-18)

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October 1, 2023

Gr 8 Up-Just like the man himself, this book will you have you smiling one minute, then puzzling over philosophical questions the next. Organized into "rounds," Muhammad Ali's most famous matches and contributions to American History become clear for readers with an interest in understanding his full life. Enhanced by poignant and powerful art, Ali's story and personality are captured on paper for new generations of readers. Moments of rough language and racial slurs portray the harsh realities faced by Ali and millions of others. His charitable and diplomatic actions are also included along with his memorable lighting of the Olympic torch. VERDICT Most libraries have several Ali biographies already, but this will make an excellent addition to tell his story in a more complete and captivating way.-Darby Wallace

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