Tried to cram way too many characters, way too much plot, and way too much social commentary into too short of a comic. The result was a bit of an unsatisfying mess.

A fun, little romp of a book takes us through the infamous 1904 Olympic Marathon in St. Louis. I was familiar with elements of the story but I wonder if some of the exposition and reporting done at the end of the book would have been more useful at the beginning or sprinkled in throughout. Either way, an enjoyable story, told light-heartedly.

I just couldn’t get into this I think all the show and it was interesting. I wanted to get into historical comics but unfortunately I don’t think it’s a genre that I will be getting on with any time soon. It just felt boring it didn’t really pull me in it was kind of cliche unpredictable and the art style just didn’t fall on a type that I am toy so unfortunately this is only a two stars. I would rate any lower because it is fun but I just don’t think it was marketed for me, specifically.

I had no knowledge of the 1904 marathon, so this was a fun way to learn more about it.

The drawings were great, and the overall story was quite interesting, but I would of like if it had a bit more depth. But all in all, I think this in an interesting way to teach some history ;)

Easier than saying what I enjoyed in reading this book, is saying the only thing I had a problem with - the type of the text. It’s not as easy to read as most.

After saying that, I loved the whole book. It’s interesting how something so dramatic and horrible was transformed into a comedy, while still passing the message of the severity of what happened.

One of the best graphic novels I read lately.

4.75*

I liked the artwork, but the prose sort of got in the way of the story, especially where the author repeats the basics of everything at the end. It made me wonder why they even put the story in a graphic novel form when it could have been summarized with a few paragraphs.

Thanks to The Wildest Race Ever: The Story of the 1904 Olympic Marathon by Meghan McCarthy, which I read last year, I was already somewhat familiar with the 1904 Olympic marathon. It was an awful sporting event, but it is fascinating to read about. This comic did a great job bringing it to life.

The informative pages at the end really bring this story to life. The photos of the real people and the stories to describe the motives of the race, wow! The 1904 marathon in Saint Louis – scandal, selfishness, and unethical behaviors. All the makings of a great story.

I wavered between 3 and 4 stars because the representation of some of the characters is appalling. And, that’s the point. The “science” that was being conducted without anyone knowing. The “superior race” belief that was rampant at the time. Each of these scenarios lends to the outlandishness of the runners, the course, the lack of water, the use of rat poison on one of the marathoners.

The graphic novel genre allows the author and illustrator the design license to match the ludicrous nature of the race itself to the characters and actions. Very well done illustrations. At 100 pages, this is a quick read and a great look at history. Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC!

I had no idea that St. Louis hosted the Olympics before reading this and I wonder if that has to do with the fact that this race was a complete and total mess. The story is very interesting and the graphic style is good. I like that it is done in sepia tone to convey looking into the past.

I found an article about what actually happened at the race and its amazing that people didn't die over the course.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review, all opinions are my own.

I don’t often read graphic novels, but this one was a topic that interested me. It was about the 1904 Olympic marathon in St. Louis. The story was well told and the drawings were amazing. Nicely done.

Historical graphic novel. Started off promising but it turned out just ok. It was not my favorite. Great facts tho and the art was good

I liked reading the previous comic and that's why I decided to go for this one as well. I received a copy via Europe Comics via Netgalley. It was published on the 29th of November.

The story is based on the worst marathon in Olympic history, the 1904 marathon. The organizer of the Games, James E. Sullivan, wasn’t looking for the glory of competition and sportsmanship at his games, but rather evidence of white supremacy. The runners had to run in extreme heat while only getting a limited amount of water. It’s a miracle that fourteen of the initial thirty-two competitors even completed the event.

Just like the last comic, it was fun to read about something I had no previous knowledge of. It is based in real events with a bit added for the story of course. The drawings are quite nice and the story is interesting as I have mentioned before. It is a decent read, although it could have been a bit more elaborate and more in depth.

3,5/5 ⭐

I would like to thank NetGalley and Europe Comics for the opportunity the read this in exchange for an honest review!

This was honestly not my favorite. However, I can appreciate the historical value that this graphic novel presented. The illustrations were incredible, and matched the story very well.