The Stuff of Life: A Graphic Guide to Genetics and DNA - Softcover

Schultz, Mark

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0809089386 ISBN 13: 9780809089383

Publisher: Hill and Wang, 2008

Synopsis

Let’s face it: From adenines to zygotes, from cytokinesis to parthenogenesis, even the basics of genetics can sound utterly alien. So who better than an alien to explain it all? Enter Bloort 183, a scientist from an asexual alien race threatened by disease, who’s been charged with researching the fundamentals of human DNA and evolution and laying it all out in clear, simple language so that even his slow-to-grasp-the-point leader can get it. In the hands of the award-winning writer Mark Schultz, Bloort’s predicament becomes the means of giving even the most science-phobic reader a complete introduction to the history and science of genetics that’s as easy to understand as it is entertaining to read.

Note: this edition contains a printing error (page 36 is missing).  For the corrected edition, please see ISBN 0809089475.

About this title

About the Author

Mark Schultz has written for DC Comics and Marvel Comics, and his scripts and illustrations—most notably for his tour-de-force series Xenozoic Tales (also known as Cadillacs and Dinosaurs) and Superman—have garnered five Harvey Awards, two Eisners, and an Inkpot.


 

Illustrators Zander Cannon and Kevin Cannon have worked for clients ranging from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to DC Comics, collaborating on such titles as The Replacement God and Smax and winning two Eisners for their work on Top 10.

Reviews

Grade 10 Up—The Squinch, an asexual race from the planet Glargal, are suffering from a genetic crisis. In an effort to save them, interplanetary biologist Bloort 183 was transmitted to Earth to study the evolutionary success of its life. He is now back and presenting his findings to his planet's leader. Much is packed into this book, which includes information on molecular and cellular life, the basic mechanics of genetics, key scientists who have made discoveries in genetics and DNA, and how they have been and are applying this knowledge. Touching on topics such as genetically altered foods and cloning, Schultz is careful to acknowledge controversial subjects while maintaining an unbiased view. His writing is informative, easy to follow, and infused with humor. The detailed black-and-white illustrations are a perfect match, offering images to enhance learning while adding to the humorous aspect of the book. If there is a fault with this volume, it is its physical size, which has resulted in various panels and pages seeming overcrowded—a potential turnoff for some readers. This title would do well as standard reading for science students.—Lara McAllister, Halifax Public Libraries, Nova Scotia
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Edition details

• Publisher: Hill and Wang
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0809089386
• ISBN 13: 9780809089383
• Binding: Paperback
• Illustrator: Cannon Zander, Cannon Kevin
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 160