Andre the Giant: Closer to Heaven Review

Writer: Brandon Easton / Artist: Denis Medri / Lion Forge Comics Whether you crave panel-to-panel action or characters with deeply empathetic dramas, Andre the Giant: Closer to Heaven is a book that should be on your shelves as soon as possible. Believe me, as someone who before this comic would not have once considered wrestling worth a moment of interest (sorry, Omar), I can almost guarantee this comic will have you questioning and re-framing your own beliefs about the nature of art and sport before you’re even halfway through. From the very start this biography leaves no doubts that the late Andre Roussimoff, better known as Andre the Giant or Fezzik a la the Princess Bride, left a greater impact on international popular culture than many people realize. Framed by a touching introduction written by his daughter, the book recounts Andre’s struggle from a mammoth adolescent fitting in to his rural French town to his wrestling debut and the thrilling love affair that would ensue. Beyond the exaggeration of the camera Andre the Giant reveals the very human man whose grueling sacrifices and fight for meaning launched a brilliant career and unforgettable rise to stardom.

From a reader’s perspective Brandon Easton’s Andre occupies an almost mystical space between flawed human and wise narrator, yet the balance never fully tips one way or the other. Admittedly the poignant quote that begins the book made me nervous for how heavy-handed this tale could become but Easton maintains …