Comic Book Review: The Strongest Man in the World: Louis Cyr by Nicolas Debon
Louis Cyr (1863-1912) was undefeated in feats of strength during his lifetime, and was billed as “The Strongest Man in the World” when he performed for audiences, including as the main attraction of his own circus. This children’s book is a graphic novel retelling of his life story.
It’s framed as Mr. Cyr telling his daughter Emiliana about his childhood and career as he prepares for his final performance in 1900 Quebec. The doctor has ordered him to retire due to kidney problems and other health issues.
Mr. Cyr talks about his childhood in Quebec, and being trained in strength by his grandfather. Then about meeting her mother, a contest with a rival strongman, and his struggles to get paying employment before finally having enough money to start the circus.
We see Louis Cyr’s last performance, and him walking off into the snow with his daughter. “Maybe the strongest of all is the man who knows how to leave what he has loved with no regret.”
The book does simplify Mr. Cyr’s biography a bit, and move some events around a bit for a better narrative, but we can in-story credit this to a father’s faulty memory and wish to please his child. It’s accurate enough for a children’s book. (A complete biography is credited in the end matter.)
I’ve classed this under “comic book” because of the format, but the art is more in the “classic children’s book” style, which gives it a bit more serious of a tone.
Content note: The death of the Cyrs’ first child is mentioned. In the author’s afterword, the concept of “freak shows” is discussed, and why they’ve largely died out in the present day.
This is a gently told story about a real life remarkable person. It may be of most interest to children of Quebecois heritage, and those who love stories of the circus.
