Nick Abadzis

Blending fact and fiction, the amazing story of an abandoned puppy from Moscow who grew to be a Russian space program pioneer as Earth's first space traveler is presented in comic-style illustrations. Original.

Laika

Reiza H

Re-read it again after ten years.

It's still a tragic graphic novel that left undeniably feelings of sadness. I think Nick Abadzis really captured the tension and the emotion of the surrounding characters, including, of course, Laika herself. 

Yes, Laika is a female pup. All these years I thought of her as a male.

It raises questions about ethical animal testing for the sake of humans. Even worse, if it's just for the sake of supposedly vague values such as honour and glory. But considering the time period, when the Cold War is still raging hot, I can understand how it matters.

Rest in Peace, Laika. You are among the stars now.

I read Laika at a book store and it hit home so hard I can't help myself weeping right there with flooding tears, snot, and whatnot. I think I was in high school and I don't have my own money so I just left it there and went home without getting it. I was actually with my mom but I might be too shocked with the story and that I was THAT affected, I just washed my face and pretended like I didn't just read a book I'm going to treasure for my whole life. Why did I do that?? Well, I'm still regretting that. It's one of my gateway books to the outer space fandom. Even long after that, sometimes I recounted the book to a friend and I have to stop talking at the exact same part of the story (when Laika saw the earth getting far away and she thought about her family) because I know, one more word and I'd cry again. I've passed that phase, I can tell Laika's story just fine now. But this remains one of the most impactful and personal books I've read. Oh the things we do for science TT

Update 02/05/21: Finally getting this after 8.5 half years! > <

Lincy

Keegan Lull

I was assigned this book for a class, and though graphic novels are typically not my thing, I enjoyed it... even though it did make me cry quite a bit at the end. It was a very quick read and was very informative about the historical Laika.

Laika

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