Muhammad Ali: The King of the Ring (Campfire Graphic Novels) Paperback – January 31, 2012

Lately I have read numerous graphic novels and this one (Muhammad Ali: the king of the ring written by Lewis Helfand and illustrated by Lalit Kumar Sharma) is one of the best graphic novels I have read the last few months. I am always on the lookout for books on great people and anything to do with combat sports like boxing. The writer and illustrator really did a fantastic job of telling the story of one of the greatest boxers in history, Muhammad Ali.This 92 page volume begins when a young Cassius Clay back in Louisville, Kentucky got his bicycle stolen. He approached an officer to report the incident and the officer also taught boxing in a gym. This began his introduction to what has been called “the sweet science.” Even though many trainers at that time did not think young Cassius had much of a future in boxing; nevertheless, he had a work ethic and determination that would never give up. He trained longer and harder than any other boxer in the gym. After winning numerous amateur matches he went on the win a Gold Medal for boxing at the Olympics. After that Cassius Clay began his pro-boxing career. This book not only goes into his boxing career but also covers his personal life and his adoption of the Black Muslim religion when he changed his name to Muhammad Ali.If you are seeking a concise and fully illustrated biography of a great American and worth heavy weight champion of the world, you should check out this excellent graphic novel.Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: The Samurai Soul: An old warrior’s poetic tribute).

It's not only that Ali's life is vibrant and full of exciting material, but it's also that Lewis Helfand and Lalit Kumar Sharma, script writer and illustrator, respectively, have done a magnificent job in presenting the life of Ali matching the same vibrancy and excitement that characterized his life. This comprehensive story includes his childhood, his early training as a boxer, winning the gold medal in the 1960 Olympics, his struggle with racism, his ascendency toward professional boxing champ, his controversial decision to become a member of the Nation of Islam, his refusal to go to Viet Nam, his comeback, all his exciting fights with Liston, Norton, and Foreman, and the years after his retirement. Helfand also does a nice job in including the race issue and the Nation of Islam decision while still focusing on Ali the boxer. This is not an ordinary graphic text just showing a string of events. The narrative is communicated with poignancy; there is feeling to the story of Ali as it is managed by Helfand. The illustrator doesn't stay behind. I particularly liked the different headlines incorporated into the story on a few occasions, condensing important information in one panel. The text also stresses on the positive, Ali's contributions not only to boxing, but also out of the realm of boxing. Even though I belong to the period when Ali was at the peak of his career, I certainly learned a lot of new things about his life during every one of its crucial and poignant moments. This graphic biography certainly deserves a 5 thumbs up.

you cant go wrong by buying this Ali novel. Was looking for this at the local comic store was not in found it on the net.

Great book learned a few things about this guy would by more from Campfire books.

My favorite sport to watch is boxing. Muhammad Ali is a icon to all generation. You should purchase this book if you love boxing. I also wrote a graphic novel about boxing titled The Ring King. Ali is one of the greatest boxers in sports history.

It is a real story of Muhamed ali

Love boxing and love Muhammad Ali great story good read

<3

Great

A great insight into the Great boxers life