Author/Illustrator: James Vining
Publisher: Oni Press
Grade levels: 4-5, 6-8, 9-12
Subject: Science, History/Social Studies
Special Attractions: For adults too
Synopsis: In the early 60s, the space race was moving towards its climax. Prior to manned spaceflight, both Americans and Soviets were launching animals up in rockets in order to test the biological viability of manned spaceflight… often with tragic results. Extensively researched, First in Space is based on the true story of Ham, a chimpanzee that NASA trained for the first sub-orbital spaceflight. This rousing adventure provides a snapshot in time of mankind’s early steps at conquering the final frontier. (from the publisher’s site)
Comic Book Resources author interview and preview
Awards: 2006 Xeric Award