YORKTON - Wayne Gretzky retired from the NHL some 35-years ago – his last season was 1998-99 – but when you put together the sort of career he did, you will never be forgotten.
That said, it was a bit of a surprise when a release hit my email feed announcing that TidalWave Comics would be featuring Gretzky in its “FAME” comic book series, highlighting influential personalities.a
The story is written by Michael Frizell and Ramon Salas provides the art in a 22-page comic book which is accessible in both digital and print formats. The book comes in softcover and hardcover editions, with the paperback version showcasing a distinct cover illustrated by Pablo Martinena.
While TidalWave is well-known in terms of the comic book sector for doing bios – many sport related – Mike Tyson, Pat Mahomes and Steve Austin among them – Frizell noted Gretzky is a first foray into hockey, and one he admitted surprised him just a little when asked to write it.
Frizell said in general terms sports related comics are not new – noting back in the 1970s one even had Muhammad Ali fighting Superman.
It’s a case where star athletes often lead lives which seem larger than life which “leads itself really well to the comic book format,” he said.
Frizell said athletes seem “to do superhuman things you and I can’t do.”
In that regard Gretzky certainly fits, but Frizell was left with the question of who he was writing for, understanding that younger fans at least, might not know the Great One all that well, or have interest in his story.
But, at the same time there was interest since it was requests for the book that got the company to call on Frizell to pen the book.
With a long, and rather storied career 22 pages is not a lot of space.
“It’s challenging to put scripts together, especially when you’re talking about real people,” Frizell told Yorkton This Week.
According to the release at tidalwavecomics.com this book allow readers to “follow Gretzky’s journey from his early days on Canadian ice rinks to becoming the NHL’s all-time leading scorer. This engaging narrative captures key moments of his career, showcasing his skills and dedication. Perfect for hockey fans and comic book enthusiasts, this biography highlights the challenges and successes of one of sports’ greatest figures. With Frizell’s storytelling and vivid illustrations, Fame: Wayne Gretzky offers an insightful look into the life of a genuine sports icon.”
“Comic books have a unique way of connecting with readers—they inspire, educate, and entertain all at once. Through dynamic storytelling and visuals, they make complex ideas accessible, spark imagination, and even offer comfort by showing that every hero faces challenges but always finds a way to rise above.” said Frizell in the release.
Frizell said given the amount of history with an athlete like Gretzky it took “about a week of solid research,” and then a couple of more weeks before his writing went to the artist, whose efforts of course meant more story adjustment so everything worked together over about 100 image panels.
“With Gretzky it was a lot,” he said, adding with so many records and accomplishments it was paramount he avoid making it read like a Wikipedia page, and instead to take all the records and make it “and engaging story.”
