#1 The Heights of History

A look back at the Super Tall heroes of history

As the first issue of Super Tall it would be remiss of me not to take a look back before we start on our journey forward. I’d like to journey into the past to garner some insight into the tall ancestors of humanity that deserve our thanks for taking the (rather large) steps that led to us being here.

Giant 1: Maximus Thrax, 8ft 4

I’m sure we have some enthusiasts of the Roman Empire here, and given the recent realisation that almost all men spend a significant amount of time pondering the feats of heroes and villains from this once great dynasty, I couldn’t start this off without making you all aware of Maximus Thrax.

Maximus was Roman Emperor from the year 235 to 238 AD whose reign, albeit short, was a testament to the common man rising through the ranks to the highest position of power and responsibility.

Born into low status and working as a shepherd and barbarian before joining the Imperial Roman Army, Maximus achieved greatness throughout his military career and despite being despised by the Senate for his low born (plebeian) status, became Emperor of Rome after the death of Severus Alexander before him.

Could you imagine being a foot soldier in the Fourth Italian Legion heading into battle or marching back to retake Rome from would be usurpers and at the head of the army is the towering 8ft4 figure of a battle hardened Maximus Thrax? Inspiring stuff.

Giant 2: Abraham Lincoln, 6ft 4

A man who needs very little introduction. A damn sight shorter than our previous giant but at a solid 6ft4, and with a portfolio of some of the most titanic accomplishment known to man, Abraham Lincoln was a giant among men without equal.

As a self-educated man born into poverty near Hodgenville, Kentucky, Lincoln is a man from my own heart being both athletically built and talented in wrestling whilst also having been a devout book worm with a dedication to eduction, literature and poetry.

From his Emancipation Proclamation, to the inspiring Gettysburg Address, losing 3 of his 4 children during his life, working tirelessly to lead the Union to victory over the Confederacy, leading to the freeing of millions of black slaves, and his eventual assassination. Lincoln’s struggles and achievements are legendary.

Lincoln is also the tallest American President to date and rumor even has it that John Wilkes Booth had to aim considerably higher that first though on that fateful day (sorry, couldn’t help myself).

Giant 3: André Roussimoff (Andre The Giant) 7ft4

‘The 8th Wonder of the World’ is without doubt a Super Tall lad we should all be aware of. Not only for being the true giant of wrestling, but also his ability to put away more beers than should be conceivably possible. Can you imagine putting away 119 cans of beer in 6 hours? That’s over 41 litres. No? Well Andre Roussimmof can, and did so more than once.

Andre the Giant, the monicker given to him by then owner of the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) Vincent J McMahon stood an incredible 7’4, 236kg and despite not having a well known finishing move in his wrestling bouts, was prone to sitting on his opponents to subdue and humiliate them.

Andre had one hell of a career as the undisputed giant of wrestling, overcame many injuries, misfortunes and challenges and despite departing from this world far too soon and too young he left an incredible legacy behind.

Giant 4: Victor Wembanyama, 7ft4

Oh mama, Wembenyama! How could I truly call myself a historian of the vertically gifted without mentioning some more modern history. The #1 draft pick for the 2023 NBA season is a 7’4 powerhouse and widely considered one of the greatest prospects of the new generation of basketball players. Victor ‘Wemby” Wembenyama hails from Paris, France and is one of the latest additions to the San Antonio Spurs.

If you haven’t watched this kid play you need to go and amend that travesty right now, even if you’re not that into basketball. He moves like a guard, can drop 3’s when the paint is full, and with the wingspan of a bald goddamn eagle Wemby is an absolute marvel to watch when he drives to the ring to throw down a dunk.

Certainly built different to the iron bodied colossi of Magic Johnson or Shaquille O’Neal, Wemby has a great deal more finesse and agility for his size and weight. Without doubt he is one to watch, and may even lead the spurs to a championship in the not too distant future.

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True Classic, a true marvel

If you’re anything like me you struggle finding T-shirt’s that are long enough without being baggy as hell, whilst also of a good quality. Suffer with this mo longer my friends for the True Classic have delivered the goods.

While I bear no affiliation to the brand whatsoever I am compelled to tell you about them. I was on the hunt for some nice, basic T-shirt’s for my new job which had a much more casual attire than my previous employer when I stumbled across an instagram ad for True Classic.

I got a 6 pack of their basic T’s in multiple colours and despite a week or so delivery timeline and some slightly annoying marketing, I received some of the best T-shirt’s I’ve ever worn.

They are snug around the arms and fitted around the chest without hugging the stomach or appearing as an overly tall T. The benefit being that without the boxy or slim fit it gives off the muscular appearance for those that are more athletic, whilst also disguising the belly of those with a bigger build.

The True Classic are my fashion recommendation for you to have a look at this week, let me know what you think below!

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