Rocky Marciano: the legend of the Italian American boxer in a new artistic project

Feb 15, 2025 354

A team of Italian artists, led by Carmine Di Giandomenico, Francesco Colafella, and Maestro Tanino Liberatore, has come together to tell the story of legendary boxer Rocky Marciano in a work that blends comic book and biography, offering a fresh perspective on his extraordinary career.

Born on September 1, 1923, in Brockton, Massachusetts, Rocco Francis Marchegiano—better known as Rocky Marciano—was destined to become a boxing legend. The son of Italian immigrants, Marciano is the only heavyweight boxer in history to retire undefeated, with a record of 49 wins, 43 of which were by knockout.

His story continues to inspire generations, and now a new project titled Souzie-Q: A Portrait of Rocky Marciano aims to celebrate his life and career. Presented at the latest edition of Lucca Comics & Games, the project has sparked great interest among comic book and boxing enthusiasts. The creators involved, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Francesco Colafella, and Maestro Tanino Liberatore, have combined their talents to deliver a unique narrative.

Di Giandomenico expressed his admiration for Marciano as a symbol of resilience, emphasizing the importance of standing tall in the face of life's challenges. Colafella, for his part, has long nurtured the idea of telling the Marciano myth, finding in this collaboration the opportunity to bring his project to life. Liberatore’s involvement added a third artistic perspective, further enriching the work.

The project’s title, Souzie-Q, refers to a signature punch of Marciano's, the "Suzie Q," a powerful right cross that often ended his matches. The work aims to provide a multifaceted view of the champion's life, exploring not only his successes in the ring but also the personal challenges and cultural roots that shaped his identity.

The release of Souzie-Q. Un ritratto di Rocky Marciano (Souzie-Q: A Portrait of Rocky Marciano) is scheduled for the fall, both in bookstores and comic shops, offering readers a unique opportunity to dive into the life of one of the most iconic figures in world boxing.

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