Messenger: The Legend of Muhammad Ali

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. (Aug.)