By Nick Abadzis

Synopsis: Laika was the abandoned puppy destined to become Earth’s first space traveler.  This is her journey.

Nick Abadzis masterfully blends fiction and fact in the intertwined stories of three compelling lives. Along with Laika, there is Korolev, once a political prisoner, now a driven engineer at the top of the Soviet space program, and Yelena, the lab technician responsible for Laika’s health and life. This intense triangle is rendered with the pitch-perfect emotionality of classics like Because of Winn Dixie, Shiloh, and Old Yeller.

Abadzis gives life to a pivotal moment in modern history, casting light on the hidden moments of deep humanity behind history.

Laika’s story will speak straight to your heart.

Winner of 2008 Eisner Award – Best Publication for Teens

Published: September, 2007 | ISBN-13: 978-1596431010

This is not a science book. It is a graphic novel of a fictionalised version of the true story of Laika, the first dog in space. Like the two fiction entries on this list, you wouldn’t read this book to learn scientific concepts, but to explore the philosophical, practical and political questions that our application of scientific concepts raises. This book uses multiple viewpoints, including of Laika herself, to tell the story of the years leading up to the launch of Sputnik 2. There is no doubt that I’m a big anthropomorphising emotional wreck when it comes to dogs, which is probably part of the reason this book had such an impact on me. Sumen Rai from her list of 10 Great Books on Space

Wikipedia Entry
Author Interview on Comic Book Resources
Alternate Happy Endings by Nick Abadzis