Graphic Novels To Mark 40 Yrs On Moon
My kids and I have been eagerly watching the various countdowns for the latest shuttle launch, as they go through the numerous “Go”, “No Go” scenarios. Given that Monday 20th July 2009 is the 40th Anniversary of humankind’s first walking on the moon I felt it would be a great occasion to take a look at graphic novels that deal with human space flight.
Space has been a common theme for comics throughout its history with many titles dealing not so much with the reality of space flight but with fantastical flights of imagination. Star Wars, Star Trek and numerous other stories have effectively taken our imaginations beyond our atmosphere to other planets and other universes.
For comics dealing with the realities of human race as we exist now and our journey towards the stars here are a few of the best.
Tintin Destination Moon
ISBN-10: 1405206276
ISBN-13: 978-1405206273
Tintin Explorers On the Moon
ISBN-10: 0316358460
ISBN-13: 978-0316358460
The amazing thing about Herge’s two interconnected titles (apart from the seemingly ageless dialogue and perspective perfect art) is that they were written in 1953, that is seventeen years before man first set foot on the moon and several years before Yuri Gagarin became the first person in space. But the story is firmly rooted in reality so merits a mention here. Tintin and Captain Haddock are invited to be involved in the first manned rocket mission to the moon, orchestrated by their hard-of -hearing friend Professor Calculus. As to be expected humour and treachery come along for the ride. “Destination” tells the story of the pre-launch to launch process and “Explorers” finishes the story with our intrepid reporter’s landing on the surface of the moon and back down to earth again.
T-Minus: The Race To The Moon
ISBN-10: 1416949607
ISBN-13: 978-1416949602
T-Minus is an even-handed retelling of the events leading up to the first manned spaceflights in the US and the then USSR and of their race to be the first country to put a man on the moon. The black and white graphic novel is a fascinating mixture of politics, science, technology and the power of human courage and ingenuity. Think of it as a comic version of The Right Stuff. Dealing with so many issues there are lots of words, speech balloons and contextual information so older readers will get more out of it but the pictures will entrance younger viewers.
Laika
ISBN-10: 1596431016
ISBN-13: 978-1596431010
Laika was the first being from Earth to travel into space. An abused dog that ended up on the Russian streets, Liaka became part of Russia’s space training-program. The graphic novel weaves in to the story the lives of those responsible for her care, both on earth and in space and their relations to the politics of the Russia at the time. Going into this book, there is an strong sense of emotion and it is a tad depressing given that these animals were meant to be “expendable”. Due to the political situation of the humans in the story and given that many young kids have an emotional attachment to cute animals, this book is probably best for ages 12+.
If the last few weeks of delays to the Space Shuttle launch have showed, going into space is never a routine thing. These graphic novels will help kids understand the complex history involved, both technological and emotional, in getting human space flight to where it is today. And, if you read this in time, watch the space shuttle launch live on NASA TV here. It certainly gives me a greater appreciation of the whole pre-launch, launch and landing process, so much more so than a 5 second news-bite.
Purchase These Space Themed Graphic Novels From Amazon Now:
