Shadows on the Ice: The 1972 Andes Disaster

by Frédéric Bertocchini, Thierry Diette (artist), Pacal Nino (artist)

Genres: Nonfiction, Graphic Novels, Historical, Comics, Graphic Novels Comics

112 pages, Hardcover

Published January 14, 2025

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read a lot about the 1972 andes disaster when i was younger, and i really enjoyed how the author and illustrator told this story. the way they showed the mountains and the faces of the boys was really stark and really worked for how devastating a story this is. i hope the author got permission from the families of the survivors and especially i hope the author got permission from the families from those who didn’t.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

my only complaint is that I wish we also got to see the aftermath of them being saved

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never would've thought I'd see a story like this in comic form, but it really works honestly. Specially when the artist is able to show just how desolate and isolated the survivors are on the mountains. It reads like your normal non-fiction comic nothing special, but it was still a nice read!

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anyone who has ever had a conversation with me knows that I am absolutely fascinated by the 1972 Andes disaster, where the Chilean Rugby team's plane crashed in the Andes mountains. I've read every memoir the survivors have written, watched every documentary, every movie. I even follow the survivors on IG.

So, when I discovered there was a graphic novel about this story, I had to read it. As someone who knows every single detail of this event, this was a semi-good portrayal. It's hard to detail 70 days in 100 pages, but all the major plot points are there. I'm not sure if anyone who was actually there had any involvement with this (I'm thinking no) but I do like that this GN will hopefully reach some people and get them to do their own research on it. I also liked that the novel's POV is through the eyes of Roberto Canessa, who is probably my favorite from the team. He was the lone med student - in his first year - and there was a lot of pressure on his shoulders during their ordeal. He's also the one who broached the subject of HOW they were going to survive up there as rations ran out. Plus, he's one of the two who made the 10 day journey through the mountains to find help.

My hyperfixation is actually coming back as we speak, so I'm about to be unsufferable :)

[AllyP Reads Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Graphic novel tells the story of the 1972 plane crash in the Andes and the fate of the survivors. Unfortunately, the artwork made differentiating between all the characters difficult. Because it was hard to tell them apart it was hard to keep names to faces and to really care about what was happening when they got caught in the avalanche or died or whatever.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a stark graphic novel to give the basics of the Andes disaster that left many dead after a plane crash but many more fighting for their lives for close to 70 days.

I didn't know anything about this situation but now I can see why others would know a little since it did cover that some of those that survived the initial plane crash ate bits of meat flesh from the dead as a means of survival when they realized that rescue was not imminent in the cold snow-covered mountains with thin air. Many were already maimed from the crash itself and then others were succumbing as there was very little to eat (wine and chocolate) and a little more when they found the tail-end of the plane.

It's not an overly crowded graphic novel in narration, dialogue, or with it's illustration so I almost think more could have been added to give a little more background since there were a little more than a dozen survivors.

[Erik McManus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadows on the Ice is a gripping and accessible retelling of a real-life survival story that I knew little about going in—and I’m so glad I picked it up. Told in graphic novel format, it presents the harrowing events of the 1972 Andes plane crash with clarity, empathy, and emotional weight.

This story doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of survival and the impossible choices the survivors had to make. It’s a sobering reminder of human resilience and what people are willing to endure when pushed to the edge.

The art style is expressive which helps make the story feel more personal and accessible. It strikes a good balance between the gravity of the events and the need to stay visually engaging.

Whether you're new to this historical event or revisiting it from a different angle, Shadows on the Ice offers a compelling and thoughtful look at one of the most intense survival stories in modern history.

[Sesana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a riveting read, but there is one thing about this graphic novel retelling that gives me pause. The narrative is supposedly from the perspective of one of the survivors, Roberto Canessa. However, there's nothing actually in the book that confirms Canessa had anything to do with this project. I think it may be based on Canessa's biography, but I can't be sure about that. He isn't given a credit, and I don't see any sign in the book that he, or any other survivor, was personally approached about telling his story. The English edition at least has a supportive letter from a Uruguayan ambassador, which suggests that it's at least not entirely unwelcome. I don't think this would nag at me if the narrative weren't set up as being an actual person's words.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't connect to this style of storytelling, but this would be worth a shot with readers who like more seat-of-your-pants adventure books with higher emotions. For me, the outbursts and constant jumping between thoughts didn't add tension, just made it seem hectic and poorly-edited. That jumpiness may more accurately reflect the survivors' interactions, but it seems like there's room in this adaptation to have smoothed it out a bit more.

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher, as part of LibraryCon Live! 2024.

[Raven Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

TRIIGGERS This is about the 1972 Andes plane crash involving the rugby team the would result in the consumption of the deceased passengers.

With that said, things seem to be respectfully done, though sometimes things might feel a bit casual towards the events. The illustrations are not completely fully formed, but that does help counter the situation. However, you are aware of what is happening. The lack of details and colors does make it difficult to tell which person is being mentioned. There is a lot going on and therefore a make this a slower read, taking your time to fully take in what is happening.

[Miles Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Way too short. It wasn’t long enough for me to connect with the characters. I think if they made it about twice as long, they could’ve definitely fit in the right amount of character development. I also think it would’ve been cool if they went deeper into detail about the fact that they had to resort to cannibalism to survive. I don’t know why they didn’t, but I was disappointed, especially because the book says that it’s 16+. It totally if enough leg room to put in more detail about their survival. That all said, if you’re interested in the actual event that took place, I would suggest you read it, it’s just a little lackluster.

[Toriah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC -- this is probably one of the most polite discussions of the necessity for cannibalism in the sake of survival. This story is certainly a dedication to the perseverance of man rather than a fixation on the horror and shock factor of what becomes of the dead.

Production of this book began in 2022, the 50th anniversary of the event back in 1972 -- which I find pretty incredible to realize just how long it's been since this happened.

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing GN that takes you into the group of survivors as they try to strategize what their best chance for survival is. Different people have different perspectives; but the one thing everyone agrees on is that time is running out. I would recommend this book to add to your 'emergency preparedness' shelf - will allow you to think outside the 'someone will come help us' box.

[Zay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an incredible story. 67 days stuck in mountains , surviving on a pieces of chocolate and sips of wine. Sheesh I would’ve been dead by the 2nd week.
Only thing I didn’t like about it, that some of the characters had the same side profile/ silhouette so it was hard to determine who was who at times

[Librarian Jessie (BibliophileRoses) · Rating 3 out of 5]

*ARC provided by LibraryCon Live*
For a historical graphic novel, it’s not bad. However, I personally struggled to enjoy it. The art style isn’t something I usually enjoy, and many of the characters blended after a while.

[Christopher McKenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A crazy story told as a spark notes version. The visual style is cool but I'm not sure it totally fits the tone and themes. It was an enjoyable read if a forgettable one. The biggest plus was the color palette, very aesthetically pleasing.

[Chris Sotelo · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first dip into an illustrated version of a real life story. For the audience this is supposed to target I think it would benefit to have a longer, less abrupt ending. At least to me, many of the characters blended together. Otherwise not bad, definitely a gripping story.

[Michell Duarte Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will never get tired of seeing this story be told in any format. the survivors' bravery, their brotherhood, and their hope never fails to impress me. it's truly a story of just how miraculous, amazing and determined humans can be

[Jerry Summers · Rating 4 out of 5]

How would you survive two months in the Andes? Unfathomable for the Uruguay rugby team in 1972.

[Briana · Rating 2 out of 5]

If I had not already read “Alive,” this would have been very hard to follow. There are so many details that were left out and I didn’t love the art style.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

A really disappointing telling that eliminates the heart and camaraderie of what these men faced in favor of sepia tones, melodrama, and blandness.

[Vi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read it with a kid and there were parts that dragged.

[Zoe P · Rating 3 out of 5]

little snippet, way easier than the Netflix show that was too violent for me

[kel · Rating 3 out of 5]

ending was rushed, i wish there was a “where are they now” segment

[Mickey Bits · Rating 5 out of 5]

A decent interpretation of the story. Perhaps too brief for those aware of the full story.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

A chilling read that is quite gruesome! This plane crash and the stories from those that survived is quite phenomenal!

[Nadine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was at the same time riveting as not answering my questions. At time repetitive - which I guess it is if you're doing not much but hoping and praying and responding to the elements.

[Hermione · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this true story told as a graphic novel, I thought this was a great way to share this kind of story, and the visual style really helped show the emotion and mood of the story. It's aimed well at its target audience, it think, with it's lack of sensationalism and it's factual but not gruesome portrayal of what happened.

Thank you to the publisher for the copy of this book for review.