I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Andre the Giant by Box Brown Published by Macmillan on 2014-05-06
Genres: Comics & Graphic Novels, Literary, Nonfiction
Pages: 240
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
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Andre Roussimoff is known as both the lovable giant in The Princess Bride and a heroic pro-wrestling figure. He was a normal guy who'd been dealt an extraordinary hand in life. At his peak, he weighed 500 pounds and stood nearly seven and a half feet tall. But the huge stature that made his fame also signed his death warrant. Box Brown brings his great talents as a cartoonist and biographer to this phenomenal new graphic novel. Drawing from historical records about Andre's life as well as a wealth of anecdotes from his colleagues in the wrestling world, including Hulk Hogan, and his film co-stars (Billy Crystal, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, etc), Brown has created in Andre the Giant, the first substantive biography of one of the twentieth century's most recognizable figures.
Why Did I Read This Book?
I am really taken with non-fiction graphic novels. I already legitimately love non-fiction books and love graphic novels, so the combination for Andre The Giant: Life And Legend by Box Brown had me over the moon excited. I really also wanted to read Andre The Giant: Life And Legend for some hopeful bits on the film The Princess Bride which is one of my top five all time favorite movies – to the point where I am pretty sure I can quote the entire movie. I am quite curious about the man who played Fezzik , after all it’s one of the iconic roles of The Princess Bride.
What’s The Story Here?
Okay so the book opens with Andre The Giant growing up — he gets bigger and bigger and bigger. At one point, we see that he gets a ride from Samuel Beckett, the author of Waiting For Godot because Andre lives in France and Beckett just happens to be driving by. Eventually Andre begins wrestling and winning and making money. He then moves to the USA from what I remember, but I could be wrong and he just keeps on winning tournaments and he’s created a character that people love to see. He goes on to become the most popular wrestler of his time and super famous. Also, he has a lot of women friends if you know what I mean. He fathers a child. And he’s in The Princess Bride and hmm, that’s pretty much what I can remember from when I read this book four months ago. I actually wish that this book had more on Andre The Giant’s role in The Princess Bride, but instead it’s mostly about his wrestling career. Actually, a lot of it made me kind of sad to be totally honest.
What Did I Learn About Andre The Giant?
- He was actually really famous at wrestling (I have next to no knowledge about wrestling).
- He had some pretty serious physical issues because of his size.
- He was so strong that he was able to lift a car.
- He plays a few pranks.
- Andre The Giant was pretty famous in Japan and was also friends with Hulk Hogan.
- It’s alleged that he was kind of racist — at least we see this in one scene of Andre The Giant: Life And Legend.
How Is The Artwork?
Box Brown is also the illustrator of Andre The Giant: Life And Legend. I am probably the most non-specific person ever when it comes to graphic novels, because like I always say, I liked the artwork and the pictures. This book is in black and white and there’s no color, which works for the story. The people are drawn in a more round sort of way than an angular way. The graphics are not super detailed but that’s okay, it works for the story. And I mean, this is a graphic novel that can be read in a single sitting. The art flows really well from page to page and is a great way to tell Andre The Giant’s story.
Who Would I Recommend This Book To?
I would say people who actually legitimately like pro-wrestling might enjoy this graphic novel. I think people who are super fans of The Princess Bride will enjoy it as well, because there’s a whole chapter on his involvement in The Princess Bride. Also, people who like non-fiction about famous people should read Andre The Giant: Life And Legend. Oh, and anyone just looking for an interesting, quick read for a readathon or challenge.
Sum It Up With A GIF:
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