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Andre The Giant: Closer To Heaven
"A surprisingly touching narrative that reveals a new side to Andre 'The Giant' Roussimoff. . . . With a voice and tone perfectly matched to Andre's demeanor, Easton's writing brings Andre back to life." - Brutal Gamer Lion Forge Comics is proud to present this amazing story of a man who turned a curse into a blessing. Written by 2014 Eisner Award-nominee Brandon M. Easton with gorgeous artwork by Denis Medri, this unprecedented biography of Andre the Giant charts his earliest days on his family's farm, to his enormously successful runs in Japan, to his heated feuds with the biggest wrestling stars of all time, to his memorable turns in Hollywood TV and cinema and to his darkest moments caused by excessive substance abuse. Based on testimony from Andre's friends and colleagues - including his daughter Robin - this is the story you've never been told about Andre "the Giant" Roussimoff.
104 pages, Paperback
First published December 8, 2015
9 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
Brandon Easton
147 books37 followersBrandon Easton is a writer for the new Warner Bros. Animation series THUNDERCATS and a writer for the TRANSFORMERS: RESCUE BOTS for The Hub Network.
In January 2012, Brandon's first graphic novel SHADOWLAW was released to a nationwide sell-out and widespread acclaim with positive reviews from USA Today, Forbes, Wired, Ain't It Cool News and other major publications. Brandon continues to produce his "Writing for Rookies" advice podcast for aspiring comic book and sci-fi writers.
Brandon recently signed a 6-book deal with LION FORGE ENTERTAINMENT, a new transmedia company based out of St. Louis, MO. He splits his time between Los Angeles, New York City and Baltimore, Md.
In January 2012, Brandon's first graphic novel SHADOWLAW was released to a nationwide sell-out and widespread acclaim with positive reviews from USA Today, Forbes, Wired, Ain't It Cool News and other major publications. Brandon continues to produce his "Writing for Rookies" advice podcast for aspiring comic book and sci-fi writers.
Brandon recently signed a 6-book deal with LION FORGE ENTERTAINMENT, a new transmedia company based out of St. Louis, MO. He splits his time between Los Angeles, New York City and Baltimore, Md.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
December 27, 2020
I have little to no interest in professional wrestling but this book was recommended to me by so many people I couldn’t help but give it a chance. I’m so glad I did, as it was truly excellent.
The artwork was fantastic; the illustrator managed to convey an emotional subject beautifully. Despite my lack of interest in wrestling, I couldn’t help but be moved by this genuinely deeply moving autobiography of a man struggling to live with acromegaly and battling with substance abuse and a life lived in the spotlight and all that brings. It probably didn’t hurt that I also live with a congenital chronic pain condition and am not the smallest of men myself.
I am not ashamed to say I shed a tear or two at the end. Don’t think you’d have no interest in this if, like me, you don’t give a Dougal-flip about wrestling. This is a human story that transcends the protagonist’s profession.
The artwork was fantastic; the illustrator managed to convey an emotional subject beautifully. Despite my lack of interest in wrestling, I couldn’t help but be moved by this genuinely deeply moving autobiography of a man struggling to live with acromegaly and battling with substance abuse and a life lived in the spotlight and all that brings. It probably didn’t hurt that I also live with a congenital chronic pain condition and am not the smallest of men myself.
I am not ashamed to say I shed a tear or two at the end. Don’t think you’d have no interest in this if, like me, you don’t give a Dougal-flip about wrestling. This is a human story that transcends the protagonist’s profession.
February 21, 2021
Excellent graphic novel about the life and career of André René Roussimoff, better known as André the Giant.
I was a fan of wrestling as a kid, even went to a WWF show with my dad and some of my friends, which is something you won’t get a lot of chances to do if you are living in Germany. But you do not have to be a fan of wrestling to enjoy this book. I myself haven’t been one for decades now.
This is a very humane, emotionally engaging story of a man that was suffering from acromegaly, got stared at wherever he went, was looking for a place where he would fit in, found said place, became a huge star and then struggled with both his fame and with chronic pain.
After a brief look at his not so easy childhood the book tracks his career from his beginnings and early successes in France, to his time in Japan and ultimately his huge success in North America, where he was the biggest star of the wrestling world at the time when wrestling itself became a huge thing. His forays into Hollywood are shown as well as the worlds of wrestling and boxing coming together. We learn about his relationship, friendship really, with his first manager and see the changes, not all of them good, that Vince McMahon Jr. brought to the world of wrestling when he took over the WWWF from his father. I learned quite a bit about the history of wrestling here.
Through all this we see André’s struggles both with alcohol and his body and the constant pain it was causing him. We see a giant with a big heart, although sadly one that was not big enough for his huge body.
Reading this made me quite emotional, and I almost shed a tear towards the end. The only thing I feel is missing here is a more in-depth look into his family-life. After the heartfelt foreword written by his daughter, I expected to see a little more of this. But then again, his daughter herself only saw him five times in her life. I would have liked to learn a little more about the reasons that made it so difficult for him to connect with his child and her mother. The reasons for their initial estrangement are given, but I reckon it must have weighed on his mind more than is shown here. Or maybe I’m misjudging him in that regard. I don’t know.
Therefore, 4 stars.
Thanks, Paul, for bringing this to my attention. And thanks, mom, for gifting it to me for my birthday.
I was a fan of wrestling as a kid, even went to a WWF show with my dad and some of my friends, which is something you won’t get a lot of chances to do if you are living in Germany. But you do not have to be a fan of wrestling to enjoy this book. I myself haven’t been one for decades now.
This is a very humane, emotionally engaging story of a man that was suffering from acromegaly, got stared at wherever he went, was looking for a place where he would fit in, found said place, became a huge star and then struggled with both his fame and with chronic pain.
After a brief look at his not so easy childhood the book tracks his career from his beginnings and early successes in France, to his time in Japan and ultimately his huge success in North America, where he was the biggest star of the wrestling world at the time when wrestling itself became a huge thing. His forays into Hollywood are shown as well as the worlds of wrestling and boxing coming together. We learn about his relationship, friendship really, with his first manager and see the changes, not all of them good, that Vince McMahon Jr. brought to the world of wrestling when he took over the WWWF from his father. I learned quite a bit about the history of wrestling here.
Through all this we see André’s struggles both with alcohol and his body and the constant pain it was causing him. We see a giant with a big heart, although sadly one that was not big enough for his huge body.
Reading this made me quite emotional, and I almost shed a tear towards the end. The only thing I feel is missing here is a more in-depth look into his family-life. After the heartfelt foreword written by his daughter, I expected to see a little more of this. But then again, his daughter herself only saw him five times in her life. I would have liked to learn a little more about the reasons that made it so difficult for him to connect with his child and her mother. The reasons for their initial estrangement are given, but I reckon it must have weighed on his mind more than is shown here. Or maybe I’m misjudging him in that regard. I don’t know.
Therefore, 4 stars.
Thanks, Paul, for bringing this to my attention. And thanks, mom, for gifting it to me for my birthday.
February 16, 2016
Easton's and Denis Medri's version of Andre was released in November 2o15. Box Brown's version Andre the Giant: Life and Legend was released in May 2104. Do we need two comics biographies of a "pro" wrestler? Especially given there are already a dozen other biographies of him out there? Oh, why not. Brown did the story and the illustration in his bio, and in this one Easton tells the story and Medri does the artwork, in somewhat similar style. I do not have Brown's version in front of me, but glancing at my and other reviews, the art and storytelling styles seem similar.
And the purposes of the two comics biographies seem similar, to somewhat romanticize the literally larger than life World Westling Federation hero. Sure, tell about the excesses, the huge drinking and eating feats, the womanizing, but couch those facts in the larger picture of him as a nice guy who we still love for his WWF feats, his appearances on tv, and of course, his role in The Princess Bride. And his engagements with the other WWF name you recognize is featured, and largely concludes the story: Hulk Hogan.
This one tells less about Princess Bride and more about an appearance on The Six Million Dollar Man. We learn more about his relationship with his manager. We learn very little, for WWF fans, about his signature moves: The Body Slam, The Bear Hug, The Multiple Turnbuckle Thrusts (look it up if you don't believe me! I did!). But I think people maybe don't care about that as much as his general image as a 7'4" giant, who at his death weighed more than 500 pounds.
The subtitle, Closer to Heaven, calls attention to the romanticizing: "Closer to heaven" is what a woman once said to him about his height, and sure enough, he died early at 46. Also, the preface is written by his largely abandoned daughter, who just might be the central reason we might not like him. Why not keep in regular touch with her, at least? Her preface works as a kind of forgiveness, I guess, a coming to peace with them. In truth, a lot of 24/7 celebrities don't do well with parenting. Remember Mommy Dearest?
This is a well told end executed biography. I am indifferent to the WWF. But I like these stories of him quite a bit. And they make me a little interested in pro wrestling as a cultural phenomenon. A little!
Andre reminds me a little of Matt Kindt's 3 Story: The Secret History of the Giant Man. It's this fascination with real life giants and how separated they are from us regular sized folks. I round up from a 3.5 rating because I just feel like it.
This is Andre's official website:
http://www.andrethegiant.com
And the purposes of the two comics biographies seem similar, to somewhat romanticize the literally larger than life World Westling Federation hero. Sure, tell about the excesses, the huge drinking and eating feats, the womanizing, but couch those facts in the larger picture of him as a nice guy who we still love for his WWF feats, his appearances on tv, and of course, his role in The Princess Bride. And his engagements with the other WWF name you recognize is featured, and largely concludes the story: Hulk Hogan.
This one tells less about Princess Bride and more about an appearance on The Six Million Dollar Man. We learn more about his relationship with his manager. We learn very little, for WWF fans, about his signature moves: The Body Slam, The Bear Hug, The Multiple Turnbuckle Thrusts (look it up if you don't believe me! I did!). But I think people maybe don't care about that as much as his general image as a 7'4" giant, who at his death weighed more than 500 pounds.
The subtitle, Closer to Heaven, calls attention to the romanticizing: "Closer to heaven" is what a woman once said to him about his height, and sure enough, he died early at 46. Also, the preface is written by his largely abandoned daughter, who just might be the central reason we might not like him. Why not keep in regular touch with her, at least? Her preface works as a kind of forgiveness, I guess, a coming to peace with them. In truth, a lot of 24/7 celebrities don't do well with parenting. Remember Mommy Dearest?
This is a well told end executed biography. I am indifferent to the WWF. But I like these stories of him quite a bit. And they make me a little interested in pro wrestling as a cultural phenomenon. A little!
Andre reminds me a little of Matt Kindt's 3 Story: The Secret History of the Giant Man. It's this fascination with real life giants and how separated they are from us regular sized folks. I round up from a 3.5 rating because I just feel like it.
This is Andre's official website:
http://www.andrethegiant.com
December 30, 2015
Review written! But I have to say right here, right now, that this moved me.
Andre the Giant was one of my childhood heroes. Hells, I named my puppy for him!
(That may not mean much to some people, but my Andre is a service dog to me, and as important as any of my kids.)
Andre the Giant was a giant of a man, and one that lived - really lived. After reading this, I can confidently say my childhood hero is still one of my biggest heroes, and a enduring symbol. I can't help but hope that he knew how much he meant to kids like me, and that his legend lives on.
<3
Read the full review here:
https://ermareads.wordpress.com/netga...
Andre the Giant was one of my childhood heroes. Hells, I named my puppy for him!
(That may not mean much to some people, but my Andre is a service dog to me, and as important as any of my kids.)
Andre the Giant was a giant of a man, and one that lived - really lived. After reading this, I can confidently say my childhood hero is still one of my biggest heroes, and a enduring symbol. I can't help but hope that he knew how much he meant to kids like me, and that his legend lives on.
<3
Read the full review here:
https://ermareads.wordpress.com/netga...
April 5, 2017
A surprisingly good read! My older brothers watched wrestling when I was young, so I was aware of Hulk Hogan, Rowdy Roddy Piper, and, of course, Andre the Giant. I love graphic novels, I love memoirs, I love Fezzik, and even though I don't love wrestling --I borrowed this hoping to be entertained. I was! -- and then some!
Heart warming. I'd definitely recommend it.
Heart warming. I'd definitely recommend it.
August 5, 2020
Andre the Giant's story makes me sad, and it seems like everyone else is all upset about one thing or another right now. I'm not sure what, exactly. Nobody is tweeting about it or posting a bunch of text in Instagram stories that I try to read in the allotted 30 seconds. Sure, you can tap and pause it, but that makes it less like watching TV, and I like watching TV.
Guys, maybe Instagram isn't a good medium for text.
Anyway, I decided to jump on the sadwagon and read another comic biography of Andre. This one's good. The Box Brown one is also really good. I think most people don't need to read both, they cover a lot of the same territory. It's sort of like when two asteroid movies came out the same year. In fact, Box Brown's book came out mid-2014, this one in 2015, so in all likelihood they were being made at the same time.
Why did I read both? Because I got a new tablet computing device that's capable of reading comics from the library. Whoa. Damn right, whoa.
Now, before you get all excited, it's a cheapie. It was like $100. Which maybe isn't cheap for some people. Tell you what, if you're reading this on a gizmo that retailed for less than $100, I will personally apologize. Comment below.
Most of why I wanted this tablet was to read comics. Also partially to watch a Japanese television show that I've tried really hard to buy legitimately, but only found a few places, and I can't tell if there are English subtitles because I can't read the Japanese item description. It's possible to torrent this show, but I don't know how to do that, nor do I know how to do that without getting my internet taken away. Which might be kind of awesome at this point because I wouldn't be able to work, but less awesome because while I wasn't working I couldn't watch Project Runway seasons from 10 years ago.
Anyway, if someone can torrent this for me and give them to me on cd-rom, it would be much appreciated, but also probably illegal, so don't do it, and I'm definitely not asking people for that on a public forum here. Just saying that I would appreciate that sacrifice.
Guys, maybe Instagram isn't a good medium for text.
Anyway, I decided to jump on the sadwagon and read another comic biography of Andre. This one's good. The Box Brown one is also really good. I think most people don't need to read both, they cover a lot of the same territory. It's sort of like when two asteroid movies came out the same year. In fact, Box Brown's book came out mid-2014, this one in 2015, so in all likelihood they were being made at the same time.
Why did I read both? Because I got a new tablet computing device that's capable of reading comics from the library. Whoa. Damn right, whoa.
Now, before you get all excited, it's a cheapie. It was like $100. Which maybe isn't cheap for some people. Tell you what, if you're reading this on a gizmo that retailed for less than $100, I will personally apologize. Comment below.
Most of why I wanted this tablet was to read comics. Also partially to watch a Japanese television show that I've tried really hard to buy legitimately, but only found a few places, and I can't tell if there are English subtitles because I can't read the Japanese item description. It's possible to torrent this show, but I don't know how to do that, nor do I know how to do that without getting my internet taken away. Which might be kind of awesome at this point because I wouldn't be able to work, but less awesome because while I wasn't working I couldn't watch Project Runway seasons from 10 years ago.
Anyway, if someone can torrent this for me and give them to me on cd-rom, it would be much appreciated, but also probably illegal, so don't do it, and I'm definitely not asking people for that on a public forum here. Just saying that I would appreciate that sacrifice.
March 22, 2023
Andre the Giant: Closer to Heaven is a graphic novel released by IDW Comics written by Brandon Easton with art by Denis Medri.
Andre Roussimiuf was born in a small French town where he lead a plain but harsh farm life until he was recognized for his exceptional height as a young teenager. He started wrestling as a career where his size and talents took him from France to the rest of Europe to Japan to the United States. Eventually adopting the moniker Andre the Giant, he became one of the most famous wrestlers of all time and a cultural phenomenon. Troubled by alcohol addiction and pain from his condition, Andre lead a dark private life until he came to peace with himself late in life. This book details many of Andre’s most famous and infamous moments in an emotional journey of a man who was too large for this world.
Last year I read the graphic novel Andre the Giant: Life and Legend by Brian “Box” Brown. Both books cover largely the same tales from Andre’s life. Life and Legend focused a bit more on the start of his wrestling career and his time working on The Princess Bride where as Closer to Heaven tackles a bit more about his addiction to alcohol and relationship with his original manager and Vince McMahon Sr. Both are a great look at the larger than life individual who revolutionized the sport of professional wrestling. Both books seem to underscore Andre’s faults of womanizing (and possibly more) as well his actions while intoxicated. These behaviors are largely swept under the rug in order to focus more on the grandiose aspects of his life and his impact in Hollywood and wrestling.
Both books have a unique art style with Life and Legend adopting a black and white cartoon style and Closer to Heaven taking on a sketchy and caricature like appearance to the characters. My biggest gripe with Closer to Heaven is that the entire book is colored in sepia and muddy tones. There is very little color pop throughout the book. I think a different approach to the coloring could have made this book stand out a bit more.
While I enjoyed both books, I believe Life and Legend is slightly better. As a wrestling fan, I don’t think you could go wrong with reading either book though.
Andre Roussimiuf was born in a small French town where he lead a plain but harsh farm life until he was recognized for his exceptional height as a young teenager. He started wrestling as a career where his size and talents took him from France to the rest of Europe to Japan to the United States. Eventually adopting the moniker Andre the Giant, he became one of the most famous wrestlers of all time and a cultural phenomenon. Troubled by alcohol addiction and pain from his condition, Andre lead a dark private life until he came to peace with himself late in life. This book details many of Andre’s most famous and infamous moments in an emotional journey of a man who was too large for this world.
Last year I read the graphic novel Andre the Giant: Life and Legend by Brian “Box” Brown. Both books cover largely the same tales from Andre’s life. Life and Legend focused a bit more on the start of his wrestling career and his time working on The Princess Bride where as Closer to Heaven tackles a bit more about his addiction to alcohol and relationship with his original manager and Vince McMahon Sr. Both are a great look at the larger than life individual who revolutionized the sport of professional wrestling. Both books seem to underscore Andre’s faults of womanizing (and possibly more) as well his actions while intoxicated. These behaviors are largely swept under the rug in order to focus more on the grandiose aspects of his life and his impact in Hollywood and wrestling.
Both books have a unique art style with Life and Legend adopting a black and white cartoon style and Closer to Heaven taking on a sketchy and caricature like appearance to the characters. My biggest gripe with Closer to Heaven is that the entire book is colored in sepia and muddy tones. There is very little color pop throughout the book. I think a different approach to the coloring could have made this book stand out a bit more.
While I enjoyed both books, I believe Life and Legend is slightly better. As a wrestling fan, I don’t think you could go wrong with reading either book though.
February 12, 2016
~Netgalley Synopsis (because it's better than the Goodreads one)~
"He was one of the greatest performers in sports entertainment history, but his legions of fans around the globe barely know the man behind the legend of Andre the Giant -- until now!
Jean Ferre. Monster Eiffel Tower. Fezzik. These were alter egos for the internationally acclaimed pro wrestling superstar known as Andre the Giant, who thrilled audiences worldwide with his unmatched charisma and remarkable athleticism. Despite his astonishing popularity, few really knew the man behind the curtain -- the man born in the French countryside named Andre Roussimoff. Showing signs of gigantism at an early age, Andre decided to use his size to his advantage and entered the wild world of professional wrestling. From his first day in the squared circle, those close to him knew that a legend was born.
This lavishly illustrated authorized biography of Andre the Giant charts his entire life from the earliest days on his family's farm to his blockbuster feuds with the biggest wrestling stars of all time, exploring the dark side of fame and fortune along the way."
~My thoughts~
This is one of the rare interesting non-fiction graphic novels I happened to stumble upon. Somewhere around Christmas, I finally watched The Princess Bride, after having it on DVD for about 8 years now. An episode of The Goldbergs gave me the signal that it was time.
After seeing the movie (which is great by the way) I was interested in getting to know more about André the Giant, so I read a couple of articles on the internet and watched a few Youtube videos. The general opinion that I seemed to come across was that André was a giant asshole with a poor sense for personal hygiene. So when I saw this book, I felt like this would be a great opportunity to learn more of the true story. It did not disappoint.
The novel starts off with a foreword from André's daughter, Robin Christensen Roussimoff. It drew me right in. The foreword ends with:
"I hope when people read this graphic novel, they will get answers not only to who Andre the Giant was as an entertainer, but who Andre Roussimoff was as a person."
I think it very well did.
A lot of the novel involves André's wrestling career and lots of names and facts were dropped on the reader. This could be a bad thing if you're really not into the wrestling scene. However, I'm not into wrestling at all and I found it truly fascinating to learn about it. Who knew there was so much theatrics involved! I didn't. I learned that the Japanese wrestling scene added a lot to the Western one. I learned how Wrestlemania and Hulk Hogan grew to be as famous as they are now. Very interesting! I'm pretty sure the combination of all these info dumps in a graphic novel is what does the trick. I highly doubt I would've enjoyed it this much while simply reading about it in a regular novel.
Another thing which makes it all so vivid (as opposed to boring) is that the author chose to tell the story from André's point of view, which makes it a very personal experience. His thoughts are a red line throughout the book.
"Even at that young age, there was a part of me that was monstrous. Not in temperament, but in how others saw me."
It's really touching to see him reminisce about his past.
Incorporated pieces of a letter his daughter wrote to him gave it an extra layer of emotions. Even though I already knew he passed away at the young age of 46, alone in a hotel room in Paris after having attended his father's funeral, I still almost had to shed a tear when the novel ended with André stepping in his bed.
The graphics style in itself isn't something I'd usually go nuts about, but for the purpose of telling this story, it was perfect. Colourful, but not too colourful to draw away the attention of what's going on.
After having read this book, I look at André now as a friendly giant, but definitely not a stupid one. His gigantism, acromegaly, strive for happiness and lack of moderation are what make his life a sad story, but never a truly depressing one due to the enthusiasm for his work, both as an actor and professional wrestler.
I'm giving this 4.5 brownies because it left such an impression on me that I won't likely forget about anymore.
I'm ending this post with a clip of a famous match between André and Hulk Hogan. Eventually, André gave up his spot to Hogan by intentionally losing matches. When I occasionally saw wrestling matches on TV, I'd flip the channel, going "Ugh, gross." But after reading this book, I can see the entertainment of it. It's all a big show instead of just some brutal fighting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7Zh0...
An ARC of this book was provided by Lion Forge via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2024
*3.5/5
I didn't grow up in the era that Andre became famous. I discovered, him a couple of years ago, when I watched the Princess Bride film, and I am certain that this is the truth about so many people.
After watching the film, I looked the main cast up and saw his name. Shortly after, I discovered that he was a professional wrestler, that he was suffering by a serious medical condition and that he died from it at quite a young age.
I stumbled across this graphic novel randomly, while searching for something new to read, and here are my thoughts.
This one, has many positive characteristics. The style of the illustrations is one of them. And the writing is quite good too.
In regards to the plot, I liked the parts where his illness was discussed, as well as the more personal side of his life.
I didn't really enjoy the parts where his wrestling career was discussed at large tho, but that's a me thing, 'cause I don't find any appeal at that. But hey, what can you expect when you read a book about a wrestler?
It was definitely a decent book, I am glad I discovered more stuff about Andre's life, but I doubt that this will be a book I'll find myself returning to.
If you made it this far, congratulations!
'Til next time, take care :) :) :)
I didn't grow up in the era that Andre became famous. I discovered, him a couple of years ago, when I watched the Princess Bride film, and I am certain that this is the truth about so many people.
After watching the film, I looked the main cast up and saw his name. Shortly after, I discovered that he was a professional wrestler, that he was suffering by a serious medical condition and that he died from it at quite a young age.
I stumbled across this graphic novel randomly, while searching for something new to read, and here are my thoughts.
This one, has many positive characteristics. The style of the illustrations is one of them. And the writing is quite good too.
In regards to the plot, I liked the parts where his illness was discussed, as well as the more personal side of his life.
I didn't really enjoy the parts where his wrestling career was discussed at large tho, but that's a me thing, 'cause I don't find any appeal at that. But hey, what can you expect when you read a book about a wrestler?
It was definitely a decent book, I am glad I discovered more stuff about Andre's life, but I doubt that this will be a book I'll find myself returning to.
If you made it this far, congratulations!
'Til next time, take care :) :) :)
August 9, 2018
I know this is the book with his daughter's endorsement and she calls it more accurate. It feels less honest to me, because written in the first person and being fairly philosophical, it feels like it is pretending to know things it can't.
That doesn't mean that it's badly written and there are some things that are touching. However, the Box Brown book, with an outsider view trying to understand him, felt more honest.
I am impressed how the art does resemble most of the people involved, but the depiction of Vince McMahon Jr just doesn't.
That doesn't mean that it's badly written and there are some things that are touching. However, the Box Brown book, with an outsider view trying to understand him, felt more honest.
I am impressed how the art does resemble most of the people involved, but the depiction of Vince McMahon Jr just doesn't.
December 13, 2015
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I remember Andre the Giant from cartoons and Princess Bride, and after reading As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride (which I loved) I had to request this from Netgalley when I saw it. The book about the making of Princess Bride had so many stories and memories from his cast members about him that I was curious to learn more about his story.
The artwork is clean and simple, and the text is a mix of dialogue and short paragraphs to detail various parts of his life. There's a lot of text for a graphic novel, but I didn't find it too dry of a read or anything. It flowed really well.
I was also surprised by some parts of it that I wasn't aware of before -- his daughter Robin and what happened with her mother. I really wish that more would have been gone into there, but it's mostly summed up in a short "letter" from Robin to Andre. It was sad seeing him trying to find that missed out on relationship in other places.
It's very heavy and extensive on the wrestling parts of his career. I knew some from reading As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride with his childhood and all the struggles he faced, and the pain he had to live with.
If you're curious at all about him, it's a good and quick read.
I remember Andre the Giant from cartoons and Princess Bride, and after reading As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride (which I loved) I had to request this from Netgalley when I saw it. The book about the making of Princess Bride had so many stories and memories from his cast members about him that I was curious to learn more about his story.
The artwork is clean and simple, and the text is a mix of dialogue and short paragraphs to detail various parts of his life. There's a lot of text for a graphic novel, but I didn't find it too dry of a read or anything. It flowed really well.
I was also surprised by some parts of it that I wasn't aware of before -- his daughter Robin and what happened with her mother. I really wish that more would have been gone into there, but it's mostly summed up in a short "letter" from Robin to Andre. It was sad seeing him trying to find that missed out on relationship in other places.
It's very heavy and extensive on the wrestling parts of his career. I knew some from reading As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride with his childhood and all the struggles he faced, and the pain he had to live with.
If you're curious at all about him, it's a good and quick read.
November 18, 2015
I have been a wrestling fan for a long time and remember the feud between Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan. I also know how much respect many of the wrestlers have for Andre the Giant. This graphic novel was relatively short but with a lot of information. I did not really know the story of Andre and was actually a little teary during a couple of sections in this story. Andre Roussimoff made the best of a bad situation. He was a huge boy and man who tried to make a living the best way he could. I enjoyed reading about his journey, his daughter, his struggles and his triumphs. The forward from his daughter was very touching. I would recommend this book to any wrestling fan and to those who like biographies. Younger readers might need a little background information before reading this story, but I think they would enjoy it as well.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2019
Andre the Giant’s road to wrestling stardom was one filled with pain, unhappiness, excessive drinking, and tough choices. Starting out as a farm boy in France, he fell in love with professional wrestling in his teen years when he’d see these small shows performed in front of live crowds. Needing an escape from feeling like a freak, he used his massive size to his advantage and started his long hard road to becoming one of the biggest legends in the wrestling industry. He traveled all over the world wrestling matches that stunned spectators until he made it to the multi-billion dollar World Wrestling Federation. His larger-than-life star power would become immortalized with his matches against Hulk Hogan, The Ultimate Warrior, and many other future Hall of Famers. He died in 1993 due to complications with his gigantism, but he will never be forgotten.
Graphic novels and comic books alike get bad reputations for being ordinary picture books for kids (that was a dig at you, Bill Maher). This graphic novel in particular is much more than that. It’s a well-written biography with dialogue and narration any reader can get behind. I especially liked the part where the old lady at the fairgrounds told Andre that he’s “closer to heaven” because God doesn’t have to reach down that far to touch him. That simple act of kindness helped Andre feel like more than just a sideshow freak. He was a human being with real emotions and real struggles, just like any other regardless of size. The dialogue and narration help convey that message perfectly. In other words, he’s a three-dimensional character within the confines of a greater story.
Just like all three-dimensional characters, Andre had flaws underneath all of his stardom. He was so young and egotistical that he thought he was invincible, so he turned to drinking and telling inappropriate jokes to keep up this appearance. Partying was a huge part of the wrestling industry and some people succumb to their vices easier than others. In Andre’s case, his alcoholism led him to complicate his gigantism, where his bones were already aching and he needed so many surgeries that he lost count. Despite his flaws, it’s impossible to hate Andre the Giant as a character. He is, after all, human. He still feels guilty during his times of sin, especially as it relates to his estranged daughter Robin, who penned an emotional letter to him while he was away. This is a reminder that nobody is invincible no matter how big and strong they are. That’s true storytelling at its best.
In addition to his struggles with his physical health, his emotional health took a toll on him as well. Despite being a mega star every country he wrestles in, he couldn’t find his permanent happiness. He took the little things for granted until it was almost too late to appreciate them once again. Being able to catch up with his friends back home in France was a huge emotional boost for him. Forging new friendships with his business manager and his bosses helped keep him in check. Being able to shoot movies and work with friendly actors helped him escape from wrestling when he needed to the most. In the end, being happy is all that matters in this world. If you hate life with a passion, you can’t be like Andre the Giant and be “closer to heaven”. It’s not a religious thing. It’s common sense that we all push aside at some point down the road. The key is to remember who we are and why we do what we do.
As short as this graphic novel is and as easy as it is to poke fun at the wrestling genre (again, I’m looking at you, Bill Maher), Andre the Giant: Closer to Heaven is a brilliantly-written piece of art that should be appreciated by wrestling and non-wrestling fans alike. It’s not just a biography of a pop culture icon. It’s a story. A real, living, breathing, three-dimensional story about a human being overcoming gargantuan obstacles. A passing grade is what this graphic novel deserves.
Graphic novels and comic books alike get bad reputations for being ordinary picture books for kids (that was a dig at you, Bill Maher). This graphic novel in particular is much more than that. It’s a well-written biography with dialogue and narration any reader can get behind. I especially liked the part where the old lady at the fairgrounds told Andre that he’s “closer to heaven” because God doesn’t have to reach down that far to touch him. That simple act of kindness helped Andre feel like more than just a sideshow freak. He was a human being with real emotions and real struggles, just like any other regardless of size. The dialogue and narration help convey that message perfectly. In other words, he’s a three-dimensional character within the confines of a greater story.
Just like all three-dimensional characters, Andre had flaws underneath all of his stardom. He was so young and egotistical that he thought he was invincible, so he turned to drinking and telling inappropriate jokes to keep up this appearance. Partying was a huge part of the wrestling industry and some people succumb to their vices easier than others. In Andre’s case, his alcoholism led him to complicate his gigantism, where his bones were already aching and he needed so many surgeries that he lost count. Despite his flaws, it’s impossible to hate Andre the Giant as a character. He is, after all, human. He still feels guilty during his times of sin, especially as it relates to his estranged daughter Robin, who penned an emotional letter to him while he was away. This is a reminder that nobody is invincible no matter how big and strong they are. That’s true storytelling at its best.
In addition to his struggles with his physical health, his emotional health took a toll on him as well. Despite being a mega star every country he wrestles in, he couldn’t find his permanent happiness. He took the little things for granted until it was almost too late to appreciate them once again. Being able to catch up with his friends back home in France was a huge emotional boost for him. Forging new friendships with his business manager and his bosses helped keep him in check. Being able to shoot movies and work with friendly actors helped him escape from wrestling when he needed to the most. In the end, being happy is all that matters in this world. If you hate life with a passion, you can’t be like Andre the Giant and be “closer to heaven”. It’s not a religious thing. It’s common sense that we all push aside at some point down the road. The key is to remember who we are and why we do what we do.
As short as this graphic novel is and as easy as it is to poke fun at the wrestling genre (again, I’m looking at you, Bill Maher), Andre the Giant: Closer to Heaven is a brilliantly-written piece of art that should be appreciated by wrestling and non-wrestling fans alike. It’s not just a biography of a pop culture icon. It’s a story. A real, living, breathing, three-dimensional story about a human being overcoming gargantuan obstacles. A passing grade is what this graphic novel deserves.
March 3, 2021
This is a lovingly rendered account of the man, the myth, the legend, Andre "The Giant" Roussimoff. Sussing out fact from fiction is a challenge in even the best of conditions but in the world of professional wrestling it is exponentially difficult. By its very nature, this world is one of secrecy that relied on the grift to con its audience. In this orbit, Andre was a true pioneer. It is said the best wrestling gimmick is one in which the performer is mostly themselves with the volume turned up to the maximum level. Andre certainly lived up this tendency and as this book demonstrated it was often inside and outside the ring.
Andre the Giant was essentially a bridge between two eras of wrestling. He combined the technical ability and realistic violence of the territorial days with the showmanship and splendor of the "sports entertainment" personified by Vince McMahon's WWF/E. It is important to note that he was not merely some freak of nature or a clumsy performer that could barely lace up his boots. He was not a Giant Gonzalez or Silo Sam whose lugubrious performances brought great shame into the squared circle. Andre was an athlete who could perform a standing drop kick or even chain wrestle when called upon. Along with his multitudinous athletic gifts he was also a fair and courteous gentleman who despite his stature treating most of his fellow wrestlers with kid gloves. Though there are a few stories of someone crossing Andre and getting their comeuppance, these were fairly rare.
Outside the ring, it is said that Andre lived the life of a giant even more than inside of it. This is where this novel really shines. Whether it was his humble origins in the bucolic French countryside , his pursuits in Hollywood, his gentle nature around younger fans or even his alcoholism, this book nails the man that is Andre Roussimoff. Stripped of artifice, we learn that Roussimoff is in physical and mental pain. Despite living a life of extreme excess, he is oftentimes depicted with a sense of longing. He has a daughter who he does not know and is estranged from, a drinking problem, multiple maladies and a burgeoning death sentence brought upon by his gigantism (acromegaly). The book also does not sugarcoat that wrestling was oftentimes a cesspool of misogyny and racism, where ring rats and confederate flags were a way of life. Andre took part in both: telling off color racist jokes and having groupies in every town he performed.
I really loved this book and I applaud the authors and artists for their talent. They were able to capture the many sides of Andre while being true to how he was as a performer and as a person. He was a man with many foibles and talents that extended beyond the squared circle. He could be gentle and generous one moment and the next be vindictive and violent. In a world that celebrates deception and bullshit, he was the most uncommon of things, and that is he was genuine, he was unique and he was the "Real McCoy"; there will be other giants but there will only ever be one Andre "the Giant" Roussimoff.
Andre the Giant was essentially a bridge between two eras of wrestling. He combined the technical ability and realistic violence of the territorial days with the showmanship and splendor of the "sports entertainment" personified by Vince McMahon's WWF/E. It is important to note that he was not merely some freak of nature or a clumsy performer that could barely lace up his boots. He was not a Giant Gonzalez or Silo Sam whose lugubrious performances brought great shame into the squared circle. Andre was an athlete who could perform a standing drop kick or even chain wrestle when called upon. Along with his multitudinous athletic gifts he was also a fair and courteous gentleman who despite his stature treating most of his fellow wrestlers with kid gloves. Though there are a few stories of someone crossing Andre and getting their comeuppance, these were fairly rare.
Outside the ring, it is said that Andre lived the life of a giant even more than inside of it. This is where this novel really shines. Whether it was his humble origins in the bucolic French countryside , his pursuits in Hollywood, his gentle nature around younger fans or even his alcoholism, this book nails the man that is Andre Roussimoff. Stripped of artifice, we learn that Roussimoff is in physical and mental pain. Despite living a life of extreme excess, he is oftentimes depicted with a sense of longing. He has a daughter who he does not know and is estranged from, a drinking problem, multiple maladies and a burgeoning death sentence brought upon by his gigantism (acromegaly). The book also does not sugarcoat that wrestling was oftentimes a cesspool of misogyny and racism, where ring rats and confederate flags were a way of life. Andre took part in both: telling off color racist jokes and having groupies in every town he performed.
I really loved this book and I applaud the authors and artists for their talent. They were able to capture the many sides of Andre while being true to how he was as a performer and as a person. He was a man with many foibles and talents that extended beyond the squared circle. He could be gentle and generous one moment and the next be vindictive and violent. In a world that celebrates deception and bullshit, he was the most uncommon of things, and that is he was genuine, he was unique and he was the "Real McCoy"; there will be other giants but there will only ever be one Andre "the Giant" Roussimoff.
July 7, 2019
This was a touching memoir/biography of Andre the Giant. I’ve never been a huge wrestling fan, but growing up in the South and being a teenager in the 80s & 90s, you don’t not know about Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan. With The Princess Bride being one of my all time favorite movies, I’ve learned a lot about Andre and his character as a man through my devouring of all things Princess Bride. This was a nice back story of his early life and his career in wrestling.
January 5, 2018
Great artwork and an interesting story. However, it was too much life to cram into too short of a book. Plus, I was disappointed that they focused so much on Andre's drinking when I have heard that he refused surgery for his acromegaly and that was a huge factor in his decline in health.
April 5, 2018
Andre the Giant has always been one of my favorite wrestlers! Such a shame all the pain and heartbreak he had to go through. He brought so much joy and entertainment to millions. Definitely a gentle giant. Princess Bride is one of my favorite movies as well just because he was in it.
December 16, 2015
First off, full disclosure: Writer Brandon Easton is a longtime friend of mine. I remember when I first met him fifteen years ago in graduate school, and he was "just" an aspiring creative type. Well, now Mr. Easton has written a truly fantastic work of biography, and he should be extremely proud of himself.
Andre the Giant: Closer to Heaven, as the title makes clear, is a graphic-novel biography of wrestler, actor, and entertainer Andre "the Giant" Roussimoff, from his youth in rural France to his untimely death in 1993. What makes Closer to Heaven different—especially as compared with Box Brown's graphic-novel biography of Roussimoff—is that Closer to Heaven is an authorized biography, written very much in collaboration with Robin Roussimoff, Andre's daughter. As a result, Closer to Heaven feels throughout as if Roussimoff himself was speaking with the reader; indeed, Mr. Easton's narrative style is in the first person. And what makes this authorized biography especially good is that Mr. Easton doesn't mince words around Roussimoff's alcohol problem or his virtual abandonment of his daughter.
Those familiar with Andre the Giant through the film of The Princess Bride most likely have an impression of him as an incredibly gentle human being, at least outside the wrestling ring. (Mr. Easton shows multiple times that Roussimoff could be—and was—quite tough inside the "squared circle", however.) Roussimoff's costars in that movie generally concur. Mr. Easton's tone throughout Closer to Heaven reflects this, wherein even as he details the start and finish of violence in the ring, the "speaking voice" of Roussimoff never deviates from that of gentility. Just as Roussimoff in real life conveyed an air of sweetness, kindness, and gentleness, so to does Mr. Easton write Roussimoff's dialogue and monologue as sweet, kind, and gentle, at least in his everyday life. I smiled warmly several times as I read Closer to Heaven as a result; Mr. Easton does an excellent job in portraying Roussimoff's approachability, at least as much as those not close to him could get.
As for artist Denis Medri's art in Closer to Heaven, Mr. Medri does a remarkable job in conveying the nature of Rossimoff's existence. Mr. Medri draws Roussimoff as larger-than-life, as he was to a great extent, and Mr. Medri collaborates fantastically with Mr. Easton in showing this: Witness the dinner table early in the book piled high with empty plates. Never do Messrs. Easton and Medri tell us of Roussimoff massive capacity for eating; they show us, without words. Colorist Davide Caci deserves credit as well for his sepia palate, which adds to the overall tone and effect of the graphic novel.
I've already read and rated Mr. Easton's prior graphic novel Shadowlaw, and I definitely enjoyed it. With Closer to Heaven, however, Mr. Easton (a fan of the Baltimore Orioles, so he'll appreciate this metaphor) hits it out of the park easily. Closer to Heaven is a worthwhile addition to any library, whether of graphic novels or in general, and it is excellent storytelling made all the more impressive because it's a true story.
And I'm not just saying that because Brandon's a friend of mine.
Andre the Giant: Closer to Heaven, as the title makes clear, is a graphic-novel biography of wrestler, actor, and entertainer Andre "the Giant" Roussimoff, from his youth in rural France to his untimely death in 1993. What makes Closer to Heaven different—especially as compared with Box Brown's graphic-novel biography of Roussimoff—is that Closer to Heaven is an authorized biography, written very much in collaboration with Robin Roussimoff, Andre's daughter. As a result, Closer to Heaven feels throughout as if Roussimoff himself was speaking with the reader; indeed, Mr. Easton's narrative style is in the first person. And what makes this authorized biography especially good is that Mr. Easton doesn't mince words around Roussimoff's alcohol problem or his virtual abandonment of his daughter.
Those familiar with Andre the Giant through the film of The Princess Bride most likely have an impression of him as an incredibly gentle human being, at least outside the wrestling ring. (Mr. Easton shows multiple times that Roussimoff could be—and was—quite tough inside the "squared circle", however.) Roussimoff's costars in that movie generally concur. Mr. Easton's tone throughout Closer to Heaven reflects this, wherein even as he details the start and finish of violence in the ring, the "speaking voice" of Roussimoff never deviates from that of gentility. Just as Roussimoff in real life conveyed an air of sweetness, kindness, and gentleness, so to does Mr. Easton write Roussimoff's dialogue and monologue as sweet, kind, and gentle, at least in his everyday life. I smiled warmly several times as I read Closer to Heaven as a result; Mr. Easton does an excellent job in portraying Roussimoff's approachability, at least as much as those not close to him could get.
As for artist Denis Medri's art in Closer to Heaven, Mr. Medri does a remarkable job in conveying the nature of Rossimoff's existence. Mr. Medri draws Roussimoff as larger-than-life, as he was to a great extent, and Mr. Medri collaborates fantastically with Mr. Easton in showing this: Witness the dinner table early in the book piled high with empty plates. Never do Messrs. Easton and Medri tell us of Roussimoff massive capacity for eating; they show us, without words. Colorist Davide Caci deserves credit as well for his sepia palate, which adds to the overall tone and effect of the graphic novel.
I've already read and rated Mr. Easton's prior graphic novel Shadowlaw, and I definitely enjoyed it. With Closer to Heaven, however, Mr. Easton (a fan of the Baltimore Orioles, so he'll appreciate this metaphor) hits it out of the park easily. Closer to Heaven is a worthwhile addition to any library, whether of graphic novels or in general, and it is excellent storytelling made all the more impressive because it's a true story.
And I'm not just saying that because Brandon's a friend of mine.
October 30, 2015
My only real experience with Andre the Giant is from The Princess Bride where he played the giant Fezzik. This was and remains one of my favorite movies so there is a special place in my heart for him. But it wasn't until very recently (I'm talking the last year or so) that I found out he was way more famous for being a Pro Wrestler than the lovable giant I was used to.
I have some mixed feelings about this graphic novel. On one hand, this is a person I am interested in and enjoyed learning more about. On the other hand, this read more like a really straight forward biography in prose form. Which was pretty dry to read.
I did like the artwork. Very understated and clean.
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But in the end I was left feeling a bit "meh" about this one despite my interest in Andre himself. I'd highly recommend this if you are a fan of his wrestling work since it does go into the details of his career and his impact on the sport in general, but I'm not sure there is much here for anyone else.
Copy courtesy of Lion Forge, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have some mixed feelings about this graphic novel. On one hand, this is a person I am interested in and enjoyed learning more about. On the other hand, this read more like a really straight forward biography in prose form. Which was pretty dry to read.
I did like the artwork. Very understated and clean.
[image error]
But in the end I was left feeling a bit "meh" about this one despite my interest in Andre himself. I'd highly recommend this if you are a fan of his wrestling work since it does go into the details of his career and his impact on the sport in general, but I'm not sure there is much here for anyone else.
Copy courtesy of Lion Forge, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2016
Andre the Giant. As far back as I can remember there's been the legend of Andre the Giant. It took a brilliant movie though to make me fall in love with this gentle giant; The Princess Bride brought him fame outside the wrestling world when he played the sportsmanlike Fezzik.
Miracle Max: Go away or I'll call the Brute Squad.
Fezzik: I'm on the Brute Squad.
Miracle Max: [sees Fezzik] You *are* the Brute Squad!
Gigantism was both a blessing and a curse, it brought world-wide fame and fortune to Andre, but in the end it took his life at forty-six. This authorized biography of Andre Roussinoff worked well in the graphic novel format. It's honest, well drawn and filled with details from his birth and childhood in the French countryside, to his life on the circuits and in Hollywood, and offers a concise history of the wrestling industry from 1963 through 1987 when he handed his legacy as the world's greatest wrestler over to Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania III in front of 93,173 screaming fans.
"The true art of professional wrestling is to simulate violence and transform it into theater." Who knew?
I received a copy of Andre the Giant: Closer to Heaven from netgalley and Lion Forge Comics in return for an honest review.
Miracle Max: Go away or I'll call the Brute Squad.
Fezzik: I'm on the Brute Squad.
Miracle Max: [sees Fezzik] You *are* the Brute Squad!
Gigantism was both a blessing and a curse, it brought world-wide fame and fortune to Andre, but in the end it took his life at forty-six. This authorized biography of Andre Roussinoff worked well in the graphic novel format. It's honest, well drawn and filled with details from his birth and childhood in the French countryside, to his life on the circuits and in Hollywood, and offers a concise history of the wrestling industry from 1963 through 1987 when he handed his legacy as the world's greatest wrestler over to Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania III in front of 93,173 screaming fans.
"The true art of professional wrestling is to simulate violence and transform it into theater." Who knew?
I received a copy of Andre the Giant: Closer to Heaven from netgalley and Lion Forge Comics in return for an honest review.
May 31, 2016
What a wonderful book. I've read another recent graphic novel on Andre, but this one is even better! The art is absolutely fantastic! The book tells the story of Andre's life from childhood to death from his own point of view. It was great to see the first three Wrestlemania's covered as these were my hey-days when I was a wrestling fan back in the '80s. I pretty much already knew the story of Andre's life but this is a book that embraces him and tells his own bittersweet story. The Foreword is written by his only daughter, Robin Roussimoff.
January 3, 2017
This is a great graphic biography of mythic, larger-than-life character. It is funny, sad, encouraging...it is a fun read. Some of the drawings would be worth having as prints to frame and display (Inoki and Ali, on the set of The Princess Bride, Andre and Henan riding out at WM3, and others).
Well worth grabbing a copy!
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Well worth grabbing a copy!
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
December 1, 2015
This was really good. A well written narrative of Andre The Giant's life. Very informative and interesting. If You don't know much about Andre, or if you do, this is a great read. If You're a wrestling Fan, Definitely read this.
Artwork was well done.
I received an advanced copy of this from NetGalley.com and the publisher.
Artwork was well done.
I received an advanced copy of this from NetGalley.com and the publisher.
January 8, 2017
A serviceable biography of a unique performer, but I think the Box Brown graphic novel was better.
November 17, 2016
absolutely touching look into the extraordinary life of a French farm boy turned legend.
November 6, 2023
This is as heartwarming/heart-wrenching a telling of Andre the Giant's life as a compact graphic novel would allow. Written in the first person, as if reminisced by Andre Roussimof (the man's actual name) on the last day of his life, it remains firmly in PG territory, but does not gloss over the nasty parts as far as that allows.
Not for nothing, Andre the Giant's life story is inextricably tied to the story of modern pro-wrestling and its evolution: he was the flagship wrestler that made it all possible. Oh, it took an endless succession of promoters, businessmen and historical coincidences (such as the massive boom of pro-wrestling in Japan) to make it happen, but it is very likely none would have been inspired to do so if not for this literal giant of a man, straddling the worlds of folkloric legend, sideshow freak and athlete with his massive frame.
Andre the Giant was a sort of folktale incarnate, changing himself as the story framing his wrestling career changed to sell more tickets and draw larger crowds. If Big Fish had been a movie about the narratives and history of wrestling, it would have starred Andre the Giant.
The comic also does an excellent job of faithfully depicting the various actors of the story (other wrestlers, promoters, and people of consequence to the events), without deviating from its chosen style. You would think Antonio Inoki's shovel of a jaw is an exaggeration, and you would be very much mistaken. To the same degree, it also effectively depicts Andre's physiological changes as his acromegaly advanced.
One thing that doesn't work very well is the lettering, either because of positioning, or the color of the letters mingling with the rest of the panels. Furthermore, most of the maps appearing throughout the comic do not serve to really explain anything, but there are not that many in any case.
One of the things repeatedly stressed throughout the comic is the inaccuracy of pro-wrestling's criticism for being fake, beyond the predetermined result of matches. Here's a strange and interesting thing. I found and watched many of the fights mentioned within, some of which were supposed to be truly brutal. With today's eyes, most look so fake that it makes you wonder how anyone could believe otherwise, or even get pumped about them. And yet, I remember my young self totally believing that the Undertaker had killed Ultimate Warrior.
Perhaps suspension of disbelief did not require as much before the internet (that was 1992), and definitely even less in the mid '70s. Perhaps the unspoken "contract" between pro-wrestlers and audience, along with the frantic "sportscasting", resulted in enough brain chemicals to make it all seem briefly real.
In any event, this was a truly enjoyable comic that manages to convey and evoke true emotion. That, in and of itself, is a true rarity nowadays.
Not for nothing, Andre the Giant's life story is inextricably tied to the story of modern pro-wrestling and its evolution: he was the flagship wrestler that made it all possible. Oh, it took an endless succession of promoters, businessmen and historical coincidences (such as the massive boom of pro-wrestling in Japan) to make it happen, but it is very likely none would have been inspired to do so if not for this literal giant of a man, straddling the worlds of folkloric legend, sideshow freak and athlete with his massive frame.
Andre the Giant was a sort of folktale incarnate, changing himself as the story framing his wrestling career changed to sell more tickets and draw larger crowds. If Big Fish had been a movie about the narratives and history of wrestling, it would have starred Andre the Giant.
The comic also does an excellent job of faithfully depicting the various actors of the story (other wrestlers, promoters, and people of consequence to the events), without deviating from its chosen style. You would think Antonio Inoki's shovel of a jaw is an exaggeration, and you would be very much mistaken. To the same degree, it also effectively depicts Andre's physiological changes as his acromegaly advanced.
One thing that doesn't work very well is the lettering, either because of positioning, or the color of the letters mingling with the rest of the panels. Furthermore, most of the maps appearing throughout the comic do not serve to really explain anything, but there are not that many in any case.
One of the things repeatedly stressed throughout the comic is the inaccuracy of pro-wrestling's criticism for being fake, beyond the predetermined result of matches. Here's a strange and interesting thing. I found and watched many of the fights mentioned within, some of which were supposed to be truly brutal. With today's eyes, most look so fake that it makes you wonder how anyone could believe otherwise, or even get pumped about them. And yet, I remember my young self totally believing that the Undertaker had killed Ultimate Warrior.
Perhaps suspension of disbelief did not require as much before the internet (that was 1992), and definitely even less in the mid '70s. Perhaps the unspoken "contract" between pro-wrestlers and audience, along with the frantic "sportscasting", resulted in enough brain chemicals to make it all seem briefly real.
In any event, this was a truly enjoyable comic that manages to convey and evoke true emotion. That, in and of itself, is a true rarity nowadays.
May 27, 2018
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
He was one of the greatest performers in sports entertainment history, but his legions of fans around the globe barely know the man behind the legend of Andre the Giant -- until now!
Jean Ferre. Monster Eiffel Tower. Fezzik. These were alter egos for the internationally acclaimed pro wrestling superstar known as Andre the Giant, who thrilled audiences worldwide with his unmatched charisma and remarkable athleticism. Despite his astonishing popularity, few really knew the man behind the curtain -- the man born in the French countryside named Andre Roussimoff. Showing signs of gigantism at an early age, Andre decided to use his size to his advantage and entered the wild world of professional wrestling. From his first day in the squared circle, those close to him knew that a legend was born.
This lavishly illustrated authorized biography of Andre the Giant charts his entire life from the earliest days on his family's farm to his blockbuster feuds with the biggest wrestling stars of all time, exploring the dark side of fame and fortune along the way.
A fabulous way of bringing the life of Andre the Giant to life.
I thought I knew quite a bit about Andre after watching him for years in the wrestling but some of the details that come out in this book I have never read before. And some of it is heartbreaking, some humorous. As a good biography should be. Andre did so much with his life - only 46 years of it - and there are going to be ups and downs along the way. The story about his daughter was really hard to read. I understand it but I don't. If you read this, you will understand what I mean...
I think this is a heartwarming story and one that is presented very nicely in graphic novel form.
Paul
ARH
He was one of the greatest performers in sports entertainment history, but his legions of fans around the globe barely know the man behind the legend of Andre the Giant -- until now!
Jean Ferre. Monster Eiffel Tower. Fezzik. These were alter egos for the internationally acclaimed pro wrestling superstar known as Andre the Giant, who thrilled audiences worldwide with his unmatched charisma and remarkable athleticism. Despite his astonishing popularity, few really knew the man behind the curtain -- the man born in the French countryside named Andre Roussimoff. Showing signs of gigantism at an early age, Andre decided to use his size to his advantage and entered the wild world of professional wrestling. From his first day in the squared circle, those close to him knew that a legend was born.
This lavishly illustrated authorized biography of Andre the Giant charts his entire life from the earliest days on his family's farm to his blockbuster feuds with the biggest wrestling stars of all time, exploring the dark side of fame and fortune along the way.
A fabulous way of bringing the life of Andre the Giant to life.
I thought I knew quite a bit about Andre after watching him for years in the wrestling but some of the details that come out in this book I have never read before. And some of it is heartbreaking, some humorous. As a good biography should be. Andre did so much with his life - only 46 years of it - and there are going to be ups and downs along the way. The story about his daughter was really hard to read. I understand it but I don't. If you read this, you will understand what I mean...
I think this is a heartwarming story and one that is presented very nicely in graphic novel form.
Paul
ARH
August 9, 2017
"A touching side to Andre 'The Giant' Roussimoff. . .” This biography of Andre the Giant charts his earliest days on his family's farm, to his enormously successful runs in Japan, to his heated feuds with the biggest wrestling stars of all time, to his memorable turns in Hollywood TV and cinema, and to his darkest moments caused by excessive substance abuse. Based on testimony from Andre's friends and colleagues—including his daughter Robin—this is the story you've never been told about Andre "the Giant" Roussimoff. Growing up I felt Andre the Giant was there as a marker or chapter break in my own life. I watched him wrestle on TV and saw his cameos on shows like the Million Dollar Man, and later when I started becoming invested in film he was there in the Princess Bride. When I became interested in art and street art The Andre the Giant has a Posse stickers started showing up everywhere. But I can't say I really knew the big man's story. The artwork is great, I enjoyed the writing. You don't even have to be a wrestling fan to like this. It's that good.
September 1, 2019
I am a huge fan of Andre. I followed him from watching "The Princess Bride," and learned about his wresting career along the way (which I expect is the reverse of most people), but he has always seemed very interesting to me, and I've watched more than a few biographies about his life, read "As You Wish" (of course)... you get the idea.
I was intrigued when I saw this comic, because how to do fit a life like Andre's into a comic? It is, admittedly, the "cliff notes" version, but it seems to cover all the bases well. It starts with an endorsement from his daughter, so that made me feel a little more secure about the content. The decision to tell it in 1st person was incredibly effective. The artwork is also done well, and I like to believe that the illustrator chose a monochromatic palette so the emphasis would be on the story. The good. The bad. It's got a little of everything. I'm unconvinced that non-fans would really love it, but for the rest of us, this was a fun homage to a legend. 4.4*
I was intrigued when I saw this comic, because how to do fit a life like Andre's into a comic? It is, admittedly, the "cliff notes" version, but it seems to cover all the bases well. It starts with an endorsement from his daughter, so that made me feel a little more secure about the content. The decision to tell it in 1st person was incredibly effective. The artwork is also done well, and I like to believe that the illustrator chose a monochromatic palette so the emphasis would be on the story. The good. The bad. It's got a little of everything. I'm unconvinced that non-fans would really love it, but for the rest of us, this was a fun homage to a legend. 4.4*
March 27, 2020
One of my earliest memories of my dad is watching televised wrestling (way back in the early 1980s) so needless to say I’ve grown up with wrestling. Andre the Giant is someone that has transcended wrestling culture and stardom to become an international icon... and for good reason.
This graphic trade can be considered a condensed story if his life. You’re not going to get a real in-depth look at the man, the myth, the legend but instead a very poetic retelling if his life (and tiny peak behind the wrestling current).
Beautifully illustrated and wonderfully written this book really struck me in the feels because it has a ton of heart. With a foreword by Andre’s daughter and the blessing of his estate this book is a great read for someone who may be curious about the larger than life person behind Andre the Giant.
This graphic trade can be considered a condensed story if his life. You’re not going to get a real in-depth look at the man, the myth, the legend but instead a very poetic retelling if his life (and tiny peak behind the wrestling current).
Beautifully illustrated and wonderfully written this book really struck me in the feels because it has a ton of heart. With a foreword by Andre’s daughter and the blessing of his estate this book is a great read for someone who may be curious about the larger than life person behind Andre the Giant.
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