Why would anyone in their right mind want to do a 200-mile marathon? Something that would take you at least 6 days to finish? A trek that isn’t just in the “sweet, wide open mid-west of the country,” but in the Italian Alps? Well, I did say their right mind. 
The Last of the Giants: An Ultra Running Graphic Novel by Doug Mayer is based on Mayer’s own experiences as someone who has been on several extreme hikes. As I read via an online reader copy (on a computer) the last 20-25% was hard (next to impossible) to read as you need to turn the book upside down to finish. If you like based on true stories done in a fictional and slightly fantastical manner, this is a book to read. If you are an extreme runner/hiker this is a read for you. If you do not like “medical content” and issues with some mental health (the “hitting the wall/dealing with dragons” of the race) this might not be something you would like. The illustrations are “like or not” but do set a tone.
Due in September 2025, Mayer tells about (from his point of view) the appeal of doing such an event, but also the psychological toll it will take on people. During the six days of the journey we find the character Sam telling his story to a medical professional. We see how he took 20 minute naps. How he found old and made new friends. How there is a community, but each one wants to win the race. Or at least say they finished. The illustrations, as mentioned, set the tone. They are realistic enough so you know what is happening, but also are abstract enough so nothing is “real.” There are some funky feet shown with blisters, bunions and probably more. We see the “dragon” (the physiological mindset of the hiker/the bully in themselves) hiding but then is in full force. One hiker breaks his leg, but nothing is graphic. 
There are times I like Sam and times I think he needs a big kick in the butt! There can be a “Mindfulness” that gets a little too “mindful” and goes into a saccharine, self-sacrifice tone. And yet, it is very straight forward and no goat muffins. I think had I been able to flip my computer screen upside down, it probably would have helped with this feeling of left hanging, not finding out what happened, I had.