Laika is one of the very best graphic novels I have ever read. Written and drawn by Nick Abadzis, it is based on the true story of the very first animal in space. Laika starts with the Chief Rocket Designer, Sergei Pavlovich being released from the gulags and realizing that he is a man of destiny, ready to change the world. Then we get to see the young mutt, Kudryavka (little curly), born to a high-ranking party official and soon given to the domestic help.
Kudryavka, later named Laika (barker) by the Chief Designer himself, has many adventures,
becoming a stray, being taken in by a family trying to give their awful son some responsibility, and running from the dog catchers. Eventually Kudryavka ends up in the care of Yelena Alexandrovna Dubrovsky, the assistant for the dog-training sessions. Yelena and Kudryavka grow very close and it is the first time the little mutt feels safe.
The story then goes through the training that the space dogs had to go through as well as the design of Sputnik II. The entire launch was designed and launched only one month after Sputnik I, the first man0made object in space. This limited time meant that there was no time to design a way to return the orbiter to Earth. Anything launched would not return.
Abadzis takes this story, which is already sad and moving, and makes it even more so. He brings life and personality to this little puppy and is really able to demonstrate how the people in charge of the dog and the launch might feel. The story is hard to read at times, becuase we always know what is coming. Abadzis is able to show the confusion that any animal in this situation might go through, and it can be heart-breaking.
The art wasn't my favorite at first. A lot of it came off as sloppy, but it grew on me and was really expressive. Emotions were displayed really well and the overall experience was made big and important through his artwork.
If you want to check out a graphic novel, or just want to learn more about this amazing animal, check out this book. It's fantastic.
Kudryavka, later named Laika (barker) by the Chief Designer himself, has many adventures,
becoming a stray, being taken in by a family trying to give their awful son some responsibility, and running from the dog catchers. Eventually Kudryavka ends up in the care of Yelena Alexandrovna Dubrovsky, the assistant for the dog-training sessions. Yelena and Kudryavka grow very close and it is the first time the little mutt feels safe.The story then goes through the training that the space dogs had to go through as well as the design of Sputnik II. The entire launch was designed and launched only one month after Sputnik I, the first man0made object in space. This limited time meant that there was no time to design a way to return the orbiter to Earth. Anything launched would not return.
Abadzis takes this story, which is already sad and moving, and makes it even more so. He brings life and personality to this little puppy and is really able to demonstrate how the people in charge of the dog and the launch might feel. The story is hard to read at times, becuase we always know what is coming. Abadzis is able to show the confusion that any animal in this situation might go through, and it can be heart-breaking.
The art wasn't my favorite at first. A lot of it came off as sloppy, but it grew on me and was really expressive. Emotions were displayed really well and the overall experience was made big and important through his artwork.
If you want to check out a graphic novel, or just want to learn more about this amazing animal, check out this book. It's fantastic.
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