MrKnight

One of my favorite and most slept-on comics of the year: The Ring: The Man Who Beat The Man. I'm sure a boxing series might not be for everyone. But Gail Simone, Elisa Romboli, and Iolanda Zanfardino are telling a strong, multifaceted story that approaches the sport from a fresh perspective while examining classic boxing themes of redemption and sacrifice. The series explores the lives and backstories of a group of fighters competing for a title belt, with each issue interweaving kinetic, visceral fights, behind-the-scenes drama, and the emotional journeys of each competitor heading into the ring. The book embraces the culture of boxing through the lens of new school vs. old school journalism, with Gail Simone's signature wit and humanity shining through on every page as she explores the roads that brought each character into their match. I can't praise the art enough. If you're going to do a boxing comic, you HAVE to nail the combat. Period. Romboli and Zanfardino deliver bone-crushing blows, with energy and movement that leap right off the page. Blood splattering, teeth flying. All while keeping the focus on the characters behind the punches. Even if you don't care about the sport, The Ring is building a unique take on the culture and history of boxing that's simply worth checking out.