Creative Staff:
Story: Jean-David Morvan
Art: Rafael Ortiz
Colors: Hiroyuki Ooshima
Photographer: Abbas
What They Say:
On the 30th October 1974, the most famous boxing match of the 20th Century took place. Nicknamed the “Rumble in the Jungle”, it pitted Muhammad Ali, desperate to win back his world champion belt, and George Foreman, the current holder, against each other. Foreman had just KO’d the only two boxers to have ever beaten Ali. By his own admission, Ali was terrified of facing him in the ring…
Now, the photojournalist Abbas immortalizes this legendary meeting, having kept his photos in his personal archives for 36 years before unveiling them to the world. In a cross between a documentary, photo report, and graphic novel, this book reveals the context of the most powerful photographs taken by one of the greatest photographers of the Magnum Photos agency. Enriched by the testimony of Abbas himself, Jean-David Morvan’s script is rigorously brought to life by artist Rafael Ortiz.
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
The boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman is one of the greatest boxing matches to have ever take place. George Foreman was the strongest boxer and was making his presence know by winning titles and defeating the boxers that Muhammad Ali couldn’t. Muhammad Ali was one of the best in the sport but faced multiple hardships. Putting that behind him, Muhammad was climbing his way back and making a glorious comeback to the world of boxing.
This graphic novel has a wonderful look at Muhammad Ali and George’s Foreman’s lives leading up to the fight. There’s no easy way to climb to the top and the events that pushed these two men into history is stunning. For the most part, it manages to avoid picking a favorite until the very end. It lessens the impartial mood that had been flowing with as it picks Muhammad as the favorite. It’s unavoidable to take this route as Muhammad ends up coming on top. I would have liked it just strayed away from unverified rumors.
This book made an eccentric move with its art direction. It has photographs from the event blending in wonderfully with the artwork. It has a perfect unison as the focal point quickly changes. But it still has the same effect as it effortlessly switches from an image to a drawing. The photos are a testimony to its time but they have a powerful feeling to them.
This book was about to reach glorious perfection but it just quite didnt manages to get there. This is a bit nitpicking on my part, but I would have liked to see what role did Muhammad Ali’s fight have on the Republic of Zaire. The legendary fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman should have had some effect on this country. It’s still discussed to this day. It’s not the book’s job to discuss the events but unfortunately, the book did open Pandora’s box by mentioning the Republic of Zaire. There was a music festival to promote the fight. There were so many popular singers and groups all gather for the sake of this fight. It must have left a mark on this country. It’s also intriguing seeing how Muhammad Ali and George Foreman’s attitudes left a mark in Zaire. Muhammad Ali took the stance of the common man and getting the hearts of the people. While George Foreman came in with a dominant attitude and setting himself up as the enemy.
It’s a bit disastrous to see Abbas putting himself as having an active role in this story. This is not his story. It ruins the flow that the story is working so hard to get as he envisions himself having a special role in all of this. There wasn’t any reason why he had to know about him having sex at the very end of the book. Maybe he had a grander vision that he was bigger than he actually was just because he was covering this fight. But it just doesn’t fit the tone that the book is going for. The second part that I struggle with is that he took a drink out of what is suppose Muhammad Ali’s bottle and claims that there was something besides what was supposed to be there. The problem is that it differs from the historical accuracy the book is going for. I take this book for its truth and not unclaimed rumors that are hearsay. If this book wants to be taken as fiction then Abbas’s role would be acceptable.
In Summary:
This is a must-have book for boxing fans. Muhammad Ali and George Foreman’s fight is superbly put on for all to see. Various layers of their life are distinguished peeled for all to see. It creates a wonderful mood to set you in Muhammad and George’s state of mind for this epic fight. Abbas’s photographs combined with Rafael Ortiz’s art elevates this legendary fight to a new level. Abbas’s role as a character in this book should have been completely minimized as to not distract front the subject matter.
Grade: A-
Age Rating: 17+
Released By: Titan Books
Release Date: February 23, 2021
MSRP: $29.99