From Athlete to Activist: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Graphic Novel Journey

The Journey of a Champion

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, an NBA legend, social activist, and lifelong comic fan, has taken on a new challenge with his latest graphic novel, Champion. This work, published by Ten Speed Graphic, is a young adult (YA) story that follows a teenage basketball player named Monk. Through his journey, Monk learns about the life and legacy of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after making a critical mistake in his own promising basketball career. Champion was released on September 2, 2025, and is now available for purchase.

The book is the result of a collaboration between Abdul-Jabbar, writer Raymond Obstfeld, and illustrator Ed Laroche. Together, they have created a narrative that explores themes of identity, personal growth, and the power of self-determination. The story is not just about sports; it's about finding one's voice and standing up for what is right.

A Lifelong Passion for Comics

Abdul-Jabbar has always had a deep appreciation for comics. As a child, he found solace in them during times of uncertainty, especially because of his height and race. He recalls how Marvel comics helped him connect with the struggles of being an outsider, while DC offered a sense of mystery and adventure. Although he can't name a single favorite series, he lists some of his current favorites, including works by Tom King, Frank Miller, Mark Waid, and others.

For Abdul-Jabbar, the graphic novel format offers a unique way to tell stories. While he has written novels, screenplays, and non-fiction books, he felt that this particular story needed the visual storytelling of a graphic novel. The character of Monk serves as a catalyst for exploring real-life lessons about identity and purpose. Interestingly, it’s not the athlete version of Abdul-Jabbar that helps Monk grow, but the more personal side of himself.

Working with the Creative Team

Abdul-Jabbar has worked closely with writer Raymond Obstfeld for over a decade, developing a strong working relationship. They collaborate by exchanging ideas, writing pages separately, and then revising together until they are both satisfied with the manuscript. Illustrator Ed Laroche joined the project after the book was written, but his artistic style perfectly captured the vision of the story.

While there are similarities between Champion and other works like Coach Carter or March by John Lewis, Abdul-Jabbar notes that his story is uniquely his own. It mirrors his own transformation from athlete to activist, but through the lens of a fictional character. The narrative focuses on a young person who suppresses their voice to chase goals they believe they should want, ultimately learning to embrace their true potential.

Lessons for Young Readers

As a YA graphic novel, Champion aims to inspire young readers to dream bigger and think for themselves. Abdul-Jabbar hopes that readers will see that they have the power to become more than they ever imagined. He encourages them to pursue their own goals rather than settling for what others expect of them.

The story also touches on historical events, such as the 1967 Cleveland Summit, where Abdul-Jabbar and other athletes met to discuss supporting Muhammad Ali during his refusal to be drafted into the Vietnam War. This decision was not easy, but it shaped Abdul-Jabbar’s perspective on responsibility and justice. He recalls how Ali’s sincerity and logical arguments convinced the group to support him, a lesson that still resonates today.

Honoring Legacy and Impact

Throughout his career, Abdul-Jabbar has received numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Rosa Parks Award, and multiple NAACP Image Awards. While he appreciates these honors, he sees them as signs that his work has made a positive impact. His focus is on helping people in the present, whether through public health campaigns or advocacy efforts.

In recognition of his contributions to social justice, the NBA recently established the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award. This award celebrates athletes who use their platform to uplift their communities. Abdul-Jabbar encourages current and future athletes to speak out only when they are ready to face the consequences and back their words with facts and logic.

Balancing Multiple Legacies

Abdul-Jabbar has built a legacy that spans sports, literature, journalism, and activism. However, he does not dwell on how history will remember him. Instead, he focuses on making a difference in the present. Whether it's raising awareness about heart health or encouraging vaccination, he believes that helping others is the most meaningful legacy.

For now, Champion stands as a testament to his ability to blend storytelling with real-life lessons. The book is now available for purchase through Penguin Random House, offering readers a chance to experience the journey of Monk and learn from the wisdom of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.