Soccer Comics

FREE Series | Volume 6 Sports Comic Book

Copyright 2013 | 3rd Edition 2016 By Jim Sweeney Known as football throughout the non-American sports universe, soccer boasts its own unique language, eccentric expressions and unparalleled personalities.

Soccer is the world’s most popular sport by a long shot, in spite of its peculiarities. For example, soccer inexplicably keeps time in the exact opposite direction of every other sport on the planet. Secondly, soccer matches, not games, are played by men wearing boots rather than cleats atop a pitch instead of a field.

When overdone, soccer’s inexcusably melodramatic flopping may sully spectators’ enjoyment. Soccer fans also get flummoxed by the confusing calculation of stoppage time and anti-climactic penalty kick shootouts that decide championship games.

However, this international sport has flourished for generations.

Incredible athletes, iconic coaches and passionate fans cause both the wealthiest and poorest nations of the world to bask in the brilliance of the Beautiful Game.

In this FREE soccer book, you won’t need to fear the sport’s most frightening characters, aptly nicknamed Scarface and The Cannibal.

You’ll enjoy reading about the cleverly named and highly entertaining former British soccer players Spice Boy and Calamity James. You’ll even discover there really was a Fifth Beatle, sort of.

You’ll look up to the goal scoring exploits of taller, long-necked stars The Giraffe and Two Meter Peter.

You’ll relish in the allure of the Beautiful Game, the cleanliness of a goalie’s extra-tidy clean sheet and the “joie de vie” that a Frenchman named Va Va Voom exudes.

References to monarchs, leaders and twentieth century politics are captured by this sport. Expect to meet a Kaiser, a Child of the King and come face to face with soccer’s impenetrable Berlin Wall.

You’ll be impressed by a Genius, dazzled by a Magic Dwarf and enchanted by a pony tailed Princess named Mia.

Finally, after a little assistance from soccer’s most debated Hand of God, you’ll finish this FREE read by paying homage to the sport’s most sacred celestial star - Pele.

Kick this book around on your own or flick it to a friend.

If you love the Beautiful Game, please share these clever comics and the appealing history of the sport with fellow soccer fans.

And, best yet, the book is FREE!

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports! Why read this book?

Favorite #25: Scarface Favorite #24: Stoppage Time Favorite #23: Child of the King Favorite #22: Neymar Favorite #21: Brazil’s Joy of the People

Favorite #20: Two Meter Peter Crouch Favorite #19: The Cannibal Khalid Boulahrouz Favorite #18: Favorite #17: Va Va Voom Favorite #16: Calamity James

Favorite #15: Clean Sheet Favorite #14: The Kaiser Favorite #13: The Giraffe Favorite #12: Mia Hamm Favorite #11: The Genius

Favorite #10: Marta Favorite #9: Flopping Favorite #8: Magic Dwarf Favorite #7: The Berlin Wall Favorite #6: Spice Boy David Beckham Favorite #5: Fifth Beatle Favorite #4: Ian Darke Favorite #3: Hand of God Goal Favorite #2: Pele Favorite #1: World Cup

Bonus Chapter

Thank You & Affiliate Disclosure

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Podcast - MIKE on Sports!

Meet the MIKE Makers

Acknowledgements International football fans will love the short stories in this book as well as learn something new about soccer history.

Plus, the unique sports comics that accompany each chapter cleverly capture the essence of the featured player, team, coach, memorable play and soccer expression.

As an added bonus, I always offer something for FREE in each of my sports comic books. See the back of this book for details.

Check out my author profile on Amazon.com, follow me on Twitter, fan on Facebook and subscribe to my podcast – MIKE on Sports!

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

Franck Ribery earned the nickname Scarface from noticeable facial scars he suffered in a car accident as a child.

Plus, his frightening speed, chilling patience and punishing style truly scare his opposition on the soccer pitch.

The scars on his face have made many compare Ribery to Al Pacino’s frightening character Tony Montana from the movie Scarface.

This Frenchman may look like a back yard brawler, but his game is beautiful on the soccer field. Legendary French once called Ribery, “the jewel of French football.”

One of European football’s top overall players, Ribery signed with powerhouse Bayern Munich in 2008.

While with the German club, Ribery’s outstanding play has been instrumental in Bayern Munich’s success, which includes the 2013 UEFA Champions League championship. Many fans focus on the scars lining Franck Ribery’s face.

But, Scarface’s energy, incredible pace and overall skill on the pitch have made him, like Al Pacino’s legendary character, a superstar.

Not on the big screen, but in international football.

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

Stoppage Time in soccer is one of the real mysteries in sports! Many soccer fans don’t understand the eccentricity of this time keeping method practiced in soccer games at every level across the globe.

Exactly why is it called Stoppage Time when the clock continues to run in the overtime period - backwards?

Let’s just say the clock continues to run in the exact opposite direction of every other clock in every other sport in the world.

Stoppage Time is so confusing that it’s certain to give migraines to fans outside the sport. For example, they wonder what the top secret formula is to actually calculate Stoppage Time. Does it require an abacus or an advanced degree in math? Or, do the refs just guess?

While watching UEFA Champions League games, most fans expect results to boil down to a ref who arbitrarily uses some arcane formula to determine a few extra minutes of action at the end of a game. If there’s one thing that needs to be stopped about soccer, it’s the ridiculous notion of Stoppage Time itself.

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

In the 1981 movie History of the World Part I, comedian Mel Brooks popularized the saying, "It's good to be the king."

Being king might be great, but it could be totally intimidating if you’re an offspring athlete who sets out to play the same sport as your legendary - and royally talented - dad.

Jordi Crujff, son of legendary Dutch soccer star Johan Crujff, did just that. He followed in the fabulous football boots of his father, Johan Crujff, named in 1999 the European Player of the Century.

Son Jordi Crujff was so successful on the soccer pitch that he earned the titled nickname Child of the King. The younger Crujff’s international soccer career exceeded the expectations of the naysayers. His on-field success silenced critics and overcame all doubts about his ability. Johan Crujff, the King of Dutch soccer, may have sired the younger Jordi. However, Jordi's long, impressive career as both player and coach is testament that this son of a soccer king is certainly no child.

MIKE - thee ultimate talking head on sports!

This brilliant Brazilian and FC Barcelona striker may be better known for his assortment of eclectic hairstyles than his remarkable ability to put the soccer ball in the back of the net.

Oft compared to Brazilian soccer icons Pele and , Neymar da Silva Santos, or simply Neymar, has tempted the tabloids and worldwide sports sites with more than tantalizing athleticism and surreal soccer skill.

Neymar has also captivated an international audience that eagerly awaits his next sensational goal as much as it does for his latest avante-guard haircut.

The engaging young Brazilian has discovered just as many inventive ways to find the back of the net as he has in creatively styling his thick main of dark hair. Appealing to a cross section of cultures and international soccer fans, Neymar has also donned a bevy of different looks since emerging a few years ago as Brazil’s next single-named soccer prodigy.

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

These words are written on the tombstone of our next soccer star. “Here rests in peace one who was the Joy of the People.”

Often compared to , Manuel Garrincha, known as Joy of the People, exploded onto the world soccer stage after overcoming a challenging childhood in the projects of Rio de Janiero.

During his time with the Brazilian nationals, Garrincha was an unstoppable right wing who led his country to World Cup crowns in 1958 and 1962.

Unfortunately, this brilliant footballer became a poor alcoholic. In his post soccer playing days, this star striker suffered physical, mental, emotional, marital and financial troubles. His pained life may always remain a mystery to those who knew him.

Despite his personal problems, Manuel Garrincha will never be forgotten. For the joy he brought to Brazilian soccer fans and the symbol of success he brought to the sport, he’ll forever be Brazil’s Joy of the People.

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

Most fans’ favorite nickname for the rail thin 6’7” Crouch is Two Meter Peter because he stands about two meters tall.

The British media also named him Crouchy for his grumpy attitude and Coat Hanger for his lanky frame.

Despite the barbs for his unusual height, redheaded features and skinny build, Two Meter Peter is a solid striker with a very good touch on the ball.

Two Meter Peter has laced up his soccer boots for several English teams.

The tallish Crouch proved stereotypes wrong, playing for the English national team since 2005, collecting 42 caps and netting 22 goals. He wore his country’s colors in both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

In spite of the heckling, Two Meter Peter has set himself apart as a talented – if not unlikely – soccer favorite. MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

What started as a mis-quoted sound bite evolved into one of soccer’s most menacing nicknames – The Cannibal.

Dutch defender Khalid Boulahrouz became known as Khalid The Cannibal when he played for Hamburg SV in the German Bundesliga. Boulahrouz once joked that he would eat an opponent raw, a comment that immediately stuck and morphed into the horrifying nickname.

Boulahrouz’s talent for hard tackling and tenacious play made him a fan favorite. During his two years in Germany, he amassed an uncommonly high 16 yellow cards and three red cards.

The Cannibal’s play in the 2006 World Cup added to Boulahrouz’s notoriety. He was sent off the pitch during Holland’s loss to Portugal when appearing to intentionally kick star striker .

Despite his reputation as hit man of soccer, the fearless Boulahrouz excelled as a staunch defender who routinely outplayed opponents on the pitch. Complimentary or not, he unwittingly deserves his threatening nickname – The Cannibal.

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

Move over legendary ghost ship - The Flying Dutchman - which never made port and roamed the seas forever.

That's because a new "Flying Dutchman" on the football pitch found his home in the back of the net at the most critical time for his ' squad during a 2014 World Cup game against defending champion Spain.

Robin Van Persie’s acrobatic header, which sparked a five goal unanswered assault on the world’s top team, will rank as one of the greatest jaw-dropping scores in World Cup history.

The Dutch captain scored again in the Netherland’s improbable 5 – 1 rout of the Spaniards.

A son of artists, Van Persie has routinely demonstrated soccer artistry on the pitch not only in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

But, the scintillating striker with exceptional ball skills has excelled throughout his career with in the Dutch League and more recently with Arsenal and Manchester United in the English Premier League and now with Fenerbahce Sports Club in Turkey.

Van Persie’s ability to score makes this “Flying Dutchman” one of the highest paid and most recognized footballers in the world.

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

Thierry Henry’s breakaway speed, splendid soccer skill and passion for life (popularized by Renault Clio television commercials in Europe) spawned his nickname Va Va Voom.

It’s no surprise that this electrifying, handsome Frenchman is widely regarded as one of the world’s top strikers and a global fan favorite.

Henry’s storied career has included stints with the world’s top football clubs. He’s played for Juventus in Italy’s , Arsenal in the English Premier League and FC Barcelona in Spain’s .

In addition to his coveted World Cup Championship with France, Henry’s trophy case comprises two EPL titles and three FA Cups with Arsenal and an astounding six total titles with FC Barcelona.

It’s easy to understand why soccer fans have shown their love for the highly accomplished and immensely popular Henry whenever and wherever he hit the pitch by showering him with chants of Va Va Voom! MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

David James may not possess the most flattering nickname in sports.

However, this good natured goalie easily laughs off the unwarranted title of Calamity James.

The genesis of the Calamity James nickname began when James was in goal with Liverpool in the 1995 season: he allowed 20 goals in 11 games.

The cheeky nickname reached new heights when, ten years later, James allowed four second half goals to the Danes in England’s disastrous 4 – 1 loss.

The talented James played in the English Premier League for five teams before retiring in 2011. He once held the EPL record for 536 total appearances as well as for a remarkable 173 clean sheets.

Now admired for his charity work off the pitch, this likeable and more than capable goalie is anything but a calamity. MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

No other sport flaunts its language with the poetic depictions and eccentric expressions of soccer.

Whether it’s a bookable offense for wayward defending, bringing one’s side level in a match or dispossessing the ball from an unexpected midfielder, soccer’s colorful language truly entertains.

A nil nil match serves as another example of the sport’s unique language.

Instead of applauding the goalies for their shut out work in goal, announcers gush over the keepers’ clean sheets.

Sure, you may need an interpreter or a glossary of terms to understand the eccentric vocabulary of soccer.

But, you’ll instinctively know that a goalie’s clean sheet is something to cheer about – if he’s defending your side’s goal. MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

From his sweeper back position, this Kaiser ruled over the soccer pitch like a monarch.

Franz Beckenbauer’s incredible strength and superb defensive skill enabled him to dominate opponents.

With 103 caps and 14 goals for Germany, this soccer king still reigns as the only footballer in the history of the sport to win World Cup Championships as both a player (1974) and manager (1986).

This Kaiser transformed the game of soccer and won the 1972 and 1976 European Footballer of the Year titles for his spectacular attacking play.

Also, Beckenbauer became one of the first defenders in the world to leave his defensive back position and make long runs into his opponents’ backfield. Call him whatever royal title tackles your fancy. Whether Emperor Franz, Caesar of Soccer or Bayern Munich Monarch, will always be Kaiser of international football.

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

The long leg up Jack Charlton enjoyed over the competition was actually his neck.

This 6’3” athlete easily towered above most opponents on the soccer pitch. His nickname Giraffe was born when a rival English coach remarked that the red haired, freckled Charlton kicked like a mule and headed the ball like a giraffe.

With a career spanning an incredible 21 years, Britain’s lean and long necked Charlton is considered the best header of the soccer ball to have ever taken the pitch.

His greatest accomplishment as a player occurred in 1966. Teaming with his more famous and athletically gifted brother Bobby who played for Manchester United, the Giraffe played an integral part on England’s World Cup Championship squad which defeated West Germany 4 – 2. Jack Charlton continued as a manager and soccer statesman after his retirement. This Giraffe proved he stood just as tall off the pitch as his accomplishments towered above others on the soccer pitch.

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

Arguably the greatest female soccer player ever, Mariel Margaret “Mia” Hamm was named by FIFA one of the top 125 international football (soccer) players of all-time in 2006. She remains the lone female and only American on this distinguished list.

Because of her dominance on the pitch, she served as an undisputed pied piper for the sport during the 1990s and was primarily responsible for the surging popularity of women’s soccer.

Legions of pony-tailed young girls across the globe, especially in the United States, enthusiastically embraced the sport of soccer to emulate this American sports icon’s breathtaking soccer talent and wholesome good looks.

Unwittingly, Hamm and US Soccer teammates became international superstars. Hamm emerged as the rock star of the group. Her remarkable athleticism, amazing goal scoring ability, endearing approachability, fresh face looks and flowing pony-tailed hair captivated not only young girls, but male and female sports fans of all shapes, sizes and types. The overwhelming success of women’s soccer over the past two decades can be attributed to Hamm’s unprecedented individual play.

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

With a nickname like The Genius, you’d expect to find this guy in the library or laboratory.

But, the origin of this player’s nickname came from Dejan Savicevic’s spectacular play on the soccer pitch in Serbia and Montenegro as well as throughout Europe.

European football fans, especially those in northern Italy, have vivid memories of this fantastic midfielder. Savicevic starred for A.C. Milan as a brilliant attacking center back.

The Montenegran helped lead the premier Italian team to three Serie A titles in the 1990s and a 1994 UEFA Champions League title game against FC Barcelona. The Genius was instrumental in two goals during the title match.

After watching this Montenegran on film, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to admit that Savicevic is truly The Genius on the soccer field. MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

The global sports expression Beautiful Game has always been synonymous with Brazilian football.

Through deft touches, brilliant runs and spectacular finishes of its iconic male players, soccer crazed Brazil has generously exported its Beautiful Game around the globe.

But Brazil’s Beautiful Game has also produced a female athlete to typify the moniker.

Brazilian export Marta Viera da Silva carries on her country’s Beautiful Game tradition by dominating the women’s game with unrivaled athleticism and panache.

Soccer purists regard her as the female version of Pele. The 5’4” Brazilian’s dazzling play earned her the coveted FIFA World Player of the Year honors an unheard of five years in a row. Marta’s clever passes, flicks and tricks with the ball have magnetized fans wherever she’s played. It’s easy to see how this radiant Brazilian has made the Beautiful Game an even more beautiful sight to behold.

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

Many American sports fans still can’t stomach soccer. It’s probably due to all the ridiculous flopping!

American sports fans may revel in the histrionics of WWF, but the drama-queen dilettantes of soccer are far too over-the-top for the traditional American male.

Falling, flailing, and suffering players miraculously arise after dramatic encounters on the pitch and create far too much drama for not-so- gullible American spectators.

For gutsy American sports fans, the silly shenanigans of flopping in soccer play way too much like a bad Italian opera.

Forget about the flopping!

USA fans favor American football every time. MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

Standing not much taller than a corner flag, this German soccer player perfectly matches his Magic Dwarf nickname.

Considered one of the top FIFA players in the world over the past decade, the quick and fast 5’7” Philipp Lahm packs a whole lot of punch into his pint-sized frame.

Spectators are often amazed by the Magic Dwarf’s speed, athleticism and amazing ability on the soccer pitch. Lahm regularly dispossesses opponents of the soccer ball in the open field.

Leading Germany to third place finishes in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, the Magic Dwarf has emerged as the obvious leader of the German national team.

German soccer fans witnessed even more from the little Lahm in the next World Cup. In 2014, the under-sized Magic Dwarf played bigger than his already over-stated height and led the German national team to the championship in the 2014 World Cup tournament in Brazil.

Now, that’s magical.

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

Nicknamed the Berlin Wall, Italy’s Fabio Cannavaro made certain that nothing got past his defensive position on the soccer pitch.

Like the hundred mile long cement wall that divided Germany during the Cold War, nothing got past Cannavaro.

His brilliant defensive play during the 2006 World Cup in Germany demonstrated to FIFA fans around the globe why adoring named this fortress-like footballer the Berlin Wall.

FIFA recognized Cannavaro’s excellence by awarding him the 2006 Ballon d’Or as the Top Football Player in the World.

He became the oldest player to receive soccer’s highest individual honor. Standing just 5’9” – far shorter than the famed 12’ high concrete wall that divided Germany – there was nothing short about Cannavaro’s performance in soccer.

When sizing up Fabio Cannavaro’s impact on the soccer pitch, no one will argue that he played like the Berlin Wall. MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

During the 1990s, Posh Spice of the all-girl British pop group the Spice Girls sang, danced and jiggled her way to global stardom.

At the same time, her husband David Beckham emerged as one of the most celebrated soccer stars on the planet and unwittingly acquired the tongue-in-cheek nickname Spice Boy. Now one of the most marketable former athletes in the world, Spice Boy David Beckham has cultivated a global following in his professional soccer career.

Once Major League Soccer’s highest paid player with the Los Angeles Galaxy, Beckham proved that he won wherever he played. The Brit won two MLS Cups with the Galaxy and a La Liga Championship with Real . He also took six EPL titles, two FA Cups and the 1999 UEFA Champions League crown with Manchester United.

Now retired, Beckham also captained the English National Team, scoring 17 goals in 115 international appearances that included two World Cups. Sports fans around the world, and those who desire to “bend it like Beckham” with pinpoint accuracy, have always embraced Beckham as one of the world’s best footballers of his generation – even with the cheeky nickname – Spice Boy.

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

The Beatles were exploding as the British rock ‘n roll sensation just when George Best emerged as a beloved football star from Northern Ireland.

As a matter of coincidence, Pete Best preceded Ringo Starr as drummer of the Beatles and holds the unofficial legendary rock n’ roll title as Fifth Beatle.

Soccer fans, especially those of British descent, universally recognize Northern Ireland’s flamboyant footballer George Best. They named him the Fifth Beatle for his iconic celebrity as one of the world’s most gifted and entertaining soccer players.

This 5’9” Northern Irishman plied his trade for eleven years with Manchester United in the vaunted English Premier League where he scored an astounding 179 goals in 470 appearances.

In his native Belfast, the following words are written about soccer’s Fifth Beatle that any fan – including John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr – would agree upon: “Maradona good. Pele better. George Best.”

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

With a fantastic facility for words, this famous British broadcaster is beloved by soccer enthusiasts around the world.

In most parts of the planet, Darke's international football fluency and velvet voice delivery mirror the enormous popularity of American born sportscasters Bob Costas, Al Michaels, Chris Berman, Vin Scully and Charles Barkley.

Darke’s broadcasting aplomb, coupled with excellent elocution and enunciation, made him ESPN’s perfect pick as the voice of their extended 2014 World Cup coverage.

The razor sharp soccer sportscaster’s command of the English language as well as his poetic depictions of simple plays on the pitch make the soccer viewing experience that much more enjoyable.

Fans have regularly equated Darke’s delivery with Shakespearean like references. Expect an American viewing public to soon acknowledge this charming Brit as one of the sports world’s golden voices in the broadcasting booth.

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

The most famous missed call in the history of World Cup soccer is memorialized with a divinely inspired nickname – the Hand of God.

During the 1986 World Cup quarter-final match-up between Argentina and England, Argentina’s illegally punched a loose ball in the box into the back of the net.

Confirmed by video footage, Maradona’s handball goal should have been disallowed.

Instead, the goal stood. The Argentine striker credited his unlikely goal to both his head and the Hand of God. More than 25 years later, the Hand of God goal replays itself in heated debates.

When discussing soccer heroes, Diego Maradona is instantly named along with Pele, Lionel Messi and Johan Crujff. Maradona’s deft touches, sudden bursts of athleticism and amazing soccer skill secure his lore among the sport’s greatest icons. However, fans’ recollections of this athlete will never forget how he illegally scored a goal in a vital World Cup victory . . . with a little help from the Hand of God.

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

Mention the name Edson Arantes de Nascimento and only staunch soccer fans will recognize it. But, say Pele and nearly everyone on the planet will recognize this Brazilian.

Universally regarded as the best international footballer of all-time, Pele's awesome career was recognized in 1999. He was named Footballer of the Century by the International Federation of Football.

Pele's team accomplishments are unrivaled. Pele stands as the only player in soccer history to play on three World Cup championships teams. He starred on Brazil's 1958, 1962 and 1970 title teams.

Dutch midfielder Johan Crujff once claimed, "Pele was the only footballer who surpassed the boundaries of logic."

Also, German defender Franz Beckenbauer remarked, "Pele is the greatest player of all time. He reigned supreme for 20 years.”

Crujff and Beckenbauer were right. There's no one else like Pele." MIKE - thee ultimate talking head on sports!

The surprisingly small World Cup Trophy may be the most valuable piece of sports hardware on the planet.

Though it stands only 14.4” tall and weighs in at just 13.5 pounds, the 18 karat gold plated trophy represents perhaps the biggest team accomplishment in all of sports.

Since the first World Cup in Uruguay in 1930, only 19 total World Cup champions have hoisted this illustrious prize. Once every four years, except between 1938 and 1950, the World Cup has captivated international football fans.

The FIFA men’s tournament has become the most celebrated and watched sporting event in the world. FIFA reported record numbers at the 2014 World Cup where 32 teams with 23 players each played a total of 64 games over 32 days to crown just one team – Germany - its most recent champion.

The under-sized trophy may represent two humans holding up the earth. However, soccer players from around the globe all dream of holding up this coveted prize as World Cup champion.

No, I did not forget either of them.

Any soccer book would be incomplete without mentioning the two greatest players of this generation.

It doesn’t matter whether you think Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player on the planet.

What does matter and what soccer fans can certainly agree upon is that both players have made the Beautiful Game even more beautiful!

Both international superstars have won the prestigious Ballon d’ Or Trophy as FIFA’s top overall player in the world for the past seven consecutive years.

Yes, I know the comic needs updating. Sorry, Ronaldo fans!

At times, the wildly creative Messi and incredibly gifted Ronaldo appear to effortlessly find the back of the net as they continue setting scoring records and winning championships. Thanks to both athletes for their amazing contributions to the world’s most popular sport.

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports! Thank you for downloading this FREE soccer book.

Allow me to extend my appreciation to these companies who partner with us and make their products available to our readers.

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Amazon If you have clicked on any of the highlighted links above or elsewhere in this book and purchased products from the sports related sites, then thank you because we earn a small commission from each sale. In addition to the MIKE Sports Comic Books available for only 99 cents on Amazon.com, here is a bonus for MIKE sports comic book fans.

FREE sports comic books can be safely downloaded at no charge by clicking on the cover images of books on the following pages.

You will be directed to the www.theemike.com web site where you can safely download PDFs of the FREE books. Click on yellow cover above to safely download FREE MIKE Sports Comic Books from the www.theemike.com web site. Click on purple cover above to safely download FREE MIKE Sports Comic Books from the www.theemike.com web site. MIKE on Sports! Podcast

Click on the yellow cover to listen and subscribe to MIKE on Sports!

The podcast is for every American sports fan - especially those who like to laugh or learn something unique about sports. It's loaded with clever quips and fun sports stuff you should know that ESPN and other sports networks fail to report.

MIKE on Sports! offers great sports humor, short sports stories and interesting sports history that never really grab the headlines. Meet the MIKE Makers, Jim and Maura Sweeney, as well as the other contributors to this unique sports property. Jim Sweeney – Author

Born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey, Jim grew up with a passion for sports and fun. Participating in baseball, basketball, swimming, soccer and street hockey as a kid, Jim wound up playing basketball at Boston College where he captained the Eagles from 1977 – 1980 and received the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award as the nation’s top NCAA basketball under six feet tall.

After a 20-year-career in sales, Jim closed the computer agency he founded to pursue a fun career in sports entertainment. Jim developed MIKE as an alter-ego sports personality and has penned dozens of sports comic books under the MIKE name.

Jim also blogs regularly on national sports sites under the MIKE name and has launched the popular podcast - MIKE on Sports!

Now in his fifties and living on the West Coast of Florida, Jim continues to play basketball regularly and always finds time for fun. Jim is a three time World Masters Basketball Champion and a six time USA Masters Basketball Champion in the 45+, 50+ and 55+ age groups. http://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdsweeney Maura Sweeney – Publisher

A successful podcaster, Huffington Post contributor and public speaker, Maura became the driving force in encouraging her husband out of a highly successful business and into the pursuit of his dream – to create MIKE into the sports world’s ultimate talking head.

Maura is MIKE’s co-creator and publisher.

For more on Maura – http://www.maura4u.com The Illustrator

Alex Salsberg - Cartoonist Alex Salsberg is the man behind Poke Gravy Studios in Boston.

An ardent New England Patriots fan, Alex has created animation and illustration for many clients including Nickelodeon and National Lampoon. Alex has drawn the cover and the other complimentary artwork in the book. His work can be seen at www.PokeGravy.com. Kaley Sweeney - Editor

As editor, Kaley infuses youthful enthusiasm and insight into the MIKE project. At 24 years old, Kaley holds a Bachelor’s in Journalism from Boston University and is finalizing her Master’s at Harvard University.

Currently a free lance journalist living in Brooklyn, Kaley acquired extensive writing and editing experience as Content Manager for the World Photography Organization in London.

Also, Kaley co-founded Empowered Voices, a non-profit that works to catalyze economic and social development in Mubenge, Uganda. http://www.linkedin.com/in/kaleysweeney In addition to books, blogs and a popular podcast, MIKE is expected to be seen and heard on television and Jumbotrons.

MIKE is a registered Trademark. MIKE and all the artwork in this book are the property of New Vision Entertainment, LLC.

Special thanks to these MIKE contributors:

Kevin Riley – Animator Greg Stauffer – Studio Production Dave Rittenhouse – Studio Production Amy O’Hara-Cusick – Legal