JOSH ADAMS TO ILLUSTRATE MUHMMAD ALI WEBCOMIC

[MattBrady]

Press Release

In his webcomic debut, The Greatest, Josh Adams tackles the boxing icon that his iconic artist father, Neal Adams, drew into comic book history three decades ago.

It was 1978, when legend-in-the-making Neal Adams illustrated the giant-sized extravaganza, Superman vs Muhammad Ali, in which the greatest super hero in comics teamed up with the greatest athlete of the 20th century. In 2008, Neal's youngest son, Josh Adams, makes his comics debut with a more reality-based, but no-less-sequential, take on Ali. His historical story about the legendary fighter, aptly titled The Greatest, will debut on April 16, 2008 – the Wednesday prior to the New York Comic Con – at Adams' official website, http://www.whatwouldjoshdo.com.

"I knew my debut had to be about something I was passionate about, and I also wanted it to be grounded in reality," said Adams, "So what better subject for my comics debut than a real man who, in the comic book world, has beaten up Superman?"

Since the announcement of Josh Adams' entry into the comics field earlier this year in Rich Johnston's column, Lying in the Gutters, fans have been clamoring to see the 20-year-old second-generation artist's first works. Adams, who is also currently working on his printed debut, chose to make his initial offering to the industry via the webcomic revolution. His choice of subject for this debut was inspired by something deeper:

"I'm a competitive guy," said Adams, "and having a father who has been praised for everything from defining Batman's image to bringing the concept of 'dynamic reality' to comics really makes me feel like I have something to prove. So taking on Muhammad Ali, a subject my father has already famously illustrated is my way of paying homage to my father's legacy, while, at the same time, stepping out from his shadow."

Bio: At just 20 years of age, Josh Adams has lead the life many established artists dream of. Being the son of a bona fide comic book legend, Josh has worked his whole life to be the best he can at his chosen field. And he hasn't learned his trade from only one master -- as a student at the School of Visual Arts, in New York, Josh has learned from mainstream greats like Phil Jimenez, Klaus Janson and Joey Cavalieri, indie talents Jessica Abel and Matt Madden, and countless "friends of the family" whom he's met over the years. At just 18 years of age, Josh was doing poster design and storyboarding commercials for the Sci Fi Channel, earning his first professional credits as an artist before even finishing high school.

For more information about The Greatest, or to contact Josh Adams personally, visit http://www.whatwouldjoshdo.com or e-mail Josh directly at Josh@WhatWouldJoshDo.com.

[Harmful]

I love Superman vs Ali. I bought it new, and still have it. It's pure genius. IMHO Ali was the closest thing to a superhero the world's ever seen.

[BUMP]

Congrats, Josh. Now go and give Zeea, Joel & Jason a run for their money!

Geez, how can one family be so talented!

Best of luck on the webcomic.

Scott

[djcoffman]

Glad to see it's a webcomic! This will rock.

[JoshAdams]

No pressure by me then, I suppose! Thanks for the kind words everyone. I hope it meets everyone's standards. And I agree, Muhammad Ali is one of the closest people we had to a real life superhero, he did the right thing, stood up for what he believed in, faster than a speeding bullet and more powerful than a locomotive...not sure if he could leap buildings in a single bound but I'm sure if he set his mind to it...

[ssava]

Congrats and good luck with the webcomic venture.
I think it's a great choice.

Go get 'em!

[Lord Shockwave]

Sweet! I'm getting this.

I just by chance bought that Superman vs. Ali comic on Ebay a month ago.

Ali stole the show in that issue, and you're right, he is like a super hero!

[AbacusComics]

Originally Posted by Harmful

I love Superman vs Ali. I bought it new, and still have it. It's pure genius. IMHO Ali was the closest thing to a superhero the world's ever seen.

You clearly haven't read the Bible.

Samson, David's Mighty Men, the Prophets, and for crying out loud, JESUS could walk on WATER!

Cassius Clay was a hell of a boxer. Nobody has had that kind of charisma before or since.