Ring Career: Joe Louis vs Jack Dempsey (1947)

Ring Career is a landmark 1947 comic fully written and illustrated by Ted Carroll, recognized as the first Black creator in U.S. comics to achieve full authorship of a comic book. Published as a pictorial biography, it chronicles the legendary heavyweight boxing careers of Joe Louis, "The Brown Bomber," and Jack Dempsey through more than 400 dynamic illustrations. Carroll’s distinctive artistry and storytelling bring both athletes to life, blending sports action with narrative depth, and providing young readers and fans with a dignified portrayal of Black athletic achievement.

Widely recognized as the first U.S. comic both written and drawn by an African American, Ring Career breaks new ground in comic book history. Ted Carroll, an acclaimed sports artist and journalist, paved the way for future generations by portraying Black sports heroes with authenticity, dignity, and narrative sophistication. The comic celebrates the cultural impact of Joe Louis and Jack Dempsey, while marking a foundational moment in African American creative representation within sequential art.