The story of Tom Crean is so extraordinary, it is hard to believe it's not made up, and yet his story is real. Crean's heroic exploits in the vastness of Antarctica are in sharp contrast to his persona, the unassuming humble Kerry man who faced every challenge. A compassionate comrade and lover of animals amidst the wild and often brutal conditions of the southern oceans, Crean was involved in almost every epic battle to chart Antarctica and reach the south pole . This lavish graphic novel, beautifully illustrated with colour images, cleverly draws on original images from the various Antarctic exhibitions. The fast-paced narrative tells concisely Tom Crean's progress through life, from farmer's son in rural Kerry, to his exploits on the high seas and the furthest corners of the Earth, to his career in the Royal Navy. Like any good story it returns him home to his sweetheart and to his native Annascaul. This reviewer has always had a fascination with this subject, so it is a treat to review such a wonderful book subject, so it is a treat to review such a wonderful booksubject, so it is a treat to review such a wonderful booksubject, so it is a treat to review such a wonderful book.