Who Was the Greatest?: Muhammad Ali: A Who HQ Graphic Novel

Who HQ Now

by Gabe Soria, Who HQ, Chris Brunner (Illustrator)

Discover the story behind Muhammad Ali and the boxing match that captivated the world, the Thrilla In Manila, in this powerful graphic novel -- written by Murder Ballads' Gabe Soria and illustrated by award-winning artists Chris Brunner and Rico Renzi.

Presenting Who HQ Graphic Novels: an exciting new addition to the #1 New York Times Best-Selling Who Was? series!

Explore the journey Muhmmad Ali took to win his final match against fellow heavyweight boxing champion Joe Frazier, known as the Thrilla in Manila. A story of athleticism, heart, and determination, this graphic novel invites readers to immerse themselves into the explosive power of the boxing champion and civil rights activist-- brought to life by gripping narrative and vivid full-color illustrations that jump off the page.

Genres: Sports, Biography, Nonfiction, Graphic Novels, Childrens, Middle Grade, Comics

64 pages, Paperback

Published May 31, 2022

Reviews

[Joe Holzer]

It's comforting to know that a historic sporting event from nearly five decades ago is recounted in the form of a youth graphic novel. For all the erroneous "boxing is dead" chatter, having an account available to those whose grandparents might have witnessed The Thrilla in Manila proves the stamp Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier put on history. (The fact that Smokin' Joe is immortalized in graphic form brings a smile across this fan's face.)

The art is gorgeous, and the research and writing are adequate, with just enough information to pique a reader's interest before venturing into the depths of literature concerning The Sweet Science.

Soria accurately mentions the seventeen weight classes in boxing but proceeds to flub the actual weights, apparently using mixed martial arts classifications instead of the lighter boxing ones. How he made this mistake is concerning because the ranges he offers cannot possibly coincide with the number of boxing's weight divisions due to the amount of pounds in each class. The information is not only inaccurate but can also frustrate a boxing connoisseur.

Overall, the book honors a fantastic rivalry and match.

[Patrick Williams]

This is a snapshot of the Thrilla in Manila. I was 6 years old in 1975, and I can remember the hype in the weeks running up to the fight. Also, I have always admired Muhammad Ali, even as my interest in the sport of boxing has declined.
I know I am not the target audience for this book, but I am a fan of the creators and picked up the book in part to support them. Chris Brunner and Rico Renzi’s visuals sparkle, especially carrying the story during the actual fight sequence.

[Jessica Cram]

Graphic novels are not really my favorite reads, but this one was fairly interesting and gave good back story to the scenes. There were little blurbs that described more about each character in the scene, and more information about the places in which the scenes were taking place, which I liked a little more than the graphic novel portion of the book. =)

[Jennybeast]

I think if you're going to try and cram a graphic novel bio into 64 pages, then the strategy of focusing on one day/one fight is a good one, and this isn't badly done at all. It's just too much information for the format, in my opinion.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[wildct2003]

Short book that focuses on the third Ali-Frazier fight; entertaining

[Adriana]

I enjoyed the art because it's very arresting and eye-catching. I can definitely see it making the story more interesting for younger readers.

[Elisabeth]

3.5 stars.

[Jacqueline Davis]

I liked the combination of graphic novel pages and chapters written about him. I learned a lot!

[Shiloh Edmondson]

I liked this book. It was interesting but just really short.

[Hunter Branscum]

I mean it aright like overall ok but Canelo is a better fighter overall.