First in Space

by James Vining

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.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, History, Science, Historical, Childrens

96 pages, Paperback

First published May 16, 2007

Reviews

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a graphic novel, meant for middle readers, about the chimps that were trained and sent into space early in the US space program. I liked the idea, but I felt that Vining did a poor job of providing context for both the characters and the larger events taking place in the novel. I'm an adult reader, and I had difficulty in distinguishing what the actual roles were of the men and scientists caring for and training the apes (in fact, I frequently had trouble recalling if the human characters had been given names). I can't imagine that a young reader would have an easier time. There is also very little explanation given for the fate of the chimps after the space race is over; the narrative suddenly flashes a couple of decades into the future, and our starring chimp is in a zoo. How did he end up there? How did his trainers feel about this? If this is going to be included in the novel, it needs to have context, otherwise it's just confusing. Artworkwise, I did really like the way Vining drew the chimps, and his drawings of the equipment and machinery are very accurate. The artwork feels flat, however, and the frames are often crowded. I think Vining has a lot of potential, but I wish he would work in color and/or learn to use shading and greyscale to better advantage.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touchingly told from the monkey's perspective, the story realistically portrays the relationship of the keepers and their monkey charges, including the struggle to maintain objectivity and distance to prevent becoming too attached. The epilogue, showing the end of Ham's life, followed by the beginning of his career with NASA, provides an emotional low and high that is effective in showing how these animals were indentured servants their whole lives.

[Garrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Touching and fun, but not very fleshed out; if this is designed to make someone look up details about the principals involved, then it works very well. Also, as introductory material for kids, this would be more or less okay. The author attempts to soften the sadness of reality by re-jiggering the flow of events with a kind of flashback/memory sequence, but the end result of this is a little flat and depressing. Still: chimps and space, and the B/W line art here is great.

[Brandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow. You want to talk severe expositionitis in a comic? This is the place to start. Besides the bad, stilted dialogue and the cramming of exposition into each speech balloon, the art is one step away from Scooby-Doo--flat, 2-dimensional lines, no shading or depth to it at all.

And the paper quality was shit, but that's not the fault of the book, exactly, just the publisher.

[Richard Archambault · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok, but rather short and sparse on details about what the training was all about for the chimps and their trainers. Laika was more detailed and drew me in more. This was a quick read, too quick; I wish there had been more to it.

[Mary Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

2007 Cybils Graphic Novel nominee

[Loren · Rating 3 out of 5]

learning about history through graphic novels is awesome!

[Joella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. I often forget about the ones that really were the "first in space" and how they got there.

[Jacob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Public library copy.