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

Who HQ Now

by Gabe Soria, Who H.Q., Chris Brunner (Illustrator)

"The Who HQ Graphic Novels series does an excellent job of quickly engaging readers by capturing the drama and immediacy of pivotal historic events." — Booklist

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 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.

A 2023 YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers!

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

64 pages, Hardcover

Published May 31, 2022

Reviews

[Shifa Safadi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whatever your stance on boxing, there is no doubt that Muhammad Ali has been an inspiring figure in Black Muslim American history, and I was interested to get an ARC on this upcoming graphic novel about him!

Genre: MG Graphic Novel
Ages: 10 plus
Available: Amazon

Screening: boxing (obviously lol)

Islamically: I did note in the beginning it said Muhammad Ali converted in 1964 to Islam, and in the back, the timeline stated it was a conversion to Nation of Islam. I do know that both are technically true, as it was first Nation, and then a conversion further to Sunni Islam, and would have appreciated this expansion of facts. Nothing further is mentioned Islamically.

This graphic novel explores the fight that happened between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in the Philippines (titled The Thrilla in Manilla). It shows Muhammad Ali’s conflict about the fight both before and after, but also shows the fight, the trick “rope and dope” he uses (according to my husband lol I am not knowledgeable at all in sports), and the conclusion of him winning the fight.

The graphic novel ARC pictures do look well done, although I assume the final product will look even nicer in book format and likely be a fun and informative book for the age group to be introduced to who Muhammad Ali was. The boxing was not anything too violent and it was similar to what you might see in a superhero comic.

I did think it was nice that a brief introduction was given about him and how he was such a powerful figure in the anti-war movement in 1967. And even when it had consequences, he stuck to his morals, and was later reinstated by the Supreme Court.

There was also more information given about Joe Frazier and his career, and the Philippines and the country’s history.

An interesting graphic novel, and I am really interested to still seek out if there is a Muhammad Ali book with more emphasis on his faith and what it meant to him.

[Joe Holzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 2 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Jacqueline Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Shiloh Edmondson · Rating 2 out of 5]

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

[Hunter Branscum · Rating 3 out of 5]

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