(2) YA Illustrated by Jerel Dye. Color by Alison Acton. This thoroughly researched comic-format account of the world's most well-known physicist is described by its author as "not so much a biography of Albert Einstein as it is a story about him." Storytelling liberties such as a nonlinear narrative, invented dialogue, fourth wall–breaking asides (identified by square word balloons), and scenes of a teenage Einstein visualizing his quintessential white-haired self as running along a beam of light are engagingly theatrical. Complicated scientific concepts, including relativity and space time, are imaginatively portrayed at length through a blend of words and pictures. Einstein's multifaceted personal life is equally examined--including his involvement in geopolitics, experiences of antisemitic attacks, and numerous affairs. Relationships and rivalries with a large cast of world-renowned scientists, from Planck to Curie to Bohr, serve as a constant through line, underscoring the collaborative and competitive nature of early-twentieth-century scientific discourse. Strong cartooning across consistent three-tier page layouts is clear and effective. The hand-inked illustrations are rendered in an undulating black line and muted color palette, punctuated by ethereal blue thought bubbles and visual motifs representing Einstein’s inner life. This nuanced portrayal of the individual behind many of the last century's greatest discoveries is complex and confounding, much like the man himself. Back matter includes a timeline and whimsical coda regarding Einstein's death.

Reviewer: Patrick Gall | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2022

(2) YA Illustrated by Maris Wicks. At the attention-grabbing start of ­Ottaviani and Wicks's second graphic ­collaboration (Primates, rev. 5/13), a series of panels shows a "famous astronaut" (gender intentionally obscured) shedding gear one item at a time until only stark white long johns remain. With a page-turn, readers meet (female) ex-astronaut Mary Cleave, who drolly admits that she's "maybe not so famous." But she gets the spotlight here--and the narrative reins, too--in a dense and riveting biography that not only tracks Cleave's path to NASA's Group 9 (the second astronaut class to include women) but also weaves in the voices of many trailblazers: Valentina Tereshkova, a Soviet cosmonaut and the first woman in space; the Mercury 13, thirteen American women who passed the same rigorous physical tests given to male astronaut candidates; and Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. A well-researched and lively text and tidily composed yet expressive illustrations capture the women's passion, ambition, and know-how--and their indignation and fury at the sexism they faced. Inspirational and funny ("That was Sally's ride") and full of nitty-gritty scientific details about astronaut training and life and work aboard a space shuttle, the book illuminates the women's tough journey to prove that "space is for everyone." Back matter includes an author's note (addressing composite characters and invented dialogue), a bibliography, a how-this-book-was-made spread, and character sketches.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2020

(2) YA Illustrated by Maris Wicks. A graphic format admirably propels this lightly fictionalized group biography of "Leakey's Angels": Jane Goodall (chimps in Tanzania), Dian Fossey (gorillas in Rwanda), and Biruté Galdikas (orangutans in Borneo). In a neat division of labor, the scientists themselves narrate the story while speech balloons and the small, tidy comic illustrations take readers to each moment. The tone is lively but respectful. Reading list. Bib.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2013

(1) YA Illustrated by Leland Myrick. Color by Hilary Sycamore. Richard Feynman was a brilliant theoretical physicist and an individualist of the highest order. The first-person graphic novel format is ideal for telling his story, and Ottaviani and Myrick do a spectacular job presenting their remarkable subject--even unto clear explanations of complex physics. Their enthusiasm infuses every aspect of the book, from the riveting opening scene to the aptly spirited and opinionated bibliography.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2011

(1) 4-6 Illustrated by Zander Cannon & Kevin Cannon. This graphic novel highlights the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space programs while contrasting them with the parallel Russian achievements, creating a palpable sense of suspense about the moon race. The black-and-white cartoons and panel layouts provide cohesion among the multiple settings, numerous characters, and technical information. An author's note explains how the story deviates from historical record. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2009