First in Space - Softcover

Vining, James

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1932664645 ISBN 13: 9781932664645

Publisher: Oni Press, 2010

Synopsis

Extensively researched, FIRST IN SPACE is based on the true-life adventures of Ham, a chimpanzee the Americans trained for the first sub orbital flight. The story follows his training and experiences through the launch, as well as those of the other chimps and trainers involved. Because it is Ham's exciting adventure, it is told primarily through his eyes, along with anecdotal information that provides a snapshot of that time in America's conquest of space.

About this title

From the Publisher:

Ain't It Cool News:

"It's a monkey IN SPACE!!! Who the hell in their right minds can resist a book about shooting those tree-swinging banana-gobblers into the great unknown? Someone who doesn't know how to enjoy something good for what it is, that's who."

Precocious Curmudgeon:

"Ham's story is funny, sad, suspenseful, and thought-provoking."

"I'll never be first in line for entertainments about animals in peril. It's just not what I look for when I open a comic or novel or turn on a television. But First in Space avoids the cheap manipulations endemic to that category, simply telling a fascinating story and with sincerity and intelligence."

Comics Waiting Room:

Vining's art is clean and pleasing to the eye. His storytelling is solid. The emotional arc of the book actually eschews a simple and warm conclusion and instead delivers a cold, sad ending. This is well-researched, brave work, and easily recommendable. I look forward to seeing what Vining does next."

Eye On Comics:

"At first, I thought this was fiction, through and through, but a quick scan of Vining's bibliography and web resources reveals there's a lot of truth to this story. Vining's research is apparently meticulous, but despite the strength of his hard facts, he doesn't sacrifice the emotion that really fuels the story."

The Comic Bloc:

"If you're looking for the perfect comic for a young reader, this may very well be it. It's an interesting story told clearly with some good jokes and a nice hook into American history. Yet, there's something for the grown-ups here too; it's a great all-ages book, at the end of the day. First in Space accomplishes its own "first"--a story that creates sympathy and interest in animals, without descending into fantasy nonsense."

Bookslut:

"First in Space should be required reading for anyone interested in the history of the space program. I'm still thinking about these animals long after finishing the books."

Comics in the Classroom:

"First in Space is informative and entertaining."

About the Author:

After graduating from art school in 2000, Jim Vining spend four and a half years as a boatswain's mate in the US Coast Guard. After his release, he spent the spring and summer of 2005 working on First in Space, his first self-written published work. He currently lives in Indianapolis where he is continuing his education and researching his next project.

About this edition

• Publisher: Oni Press
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1932664645
• ISBN 13: 9781932664645
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 96