Laika (comic)

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caption=Cover of Laika
publisher=First Second Books
date=2007
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origisbn=1596431016
writers=Nick Abadzis
artists=Nick Abadzis
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"Laika" is a graphic novel by Nick Abadzis that gives a fictionalized account of the life and death of the eponymous dog, the first living creature launched into outer space.

The graphic novel tells the story of Laika from multiple points of view: from that of the ambitious Sergey Korolyov, Chief Engineer responsible for the launching and construction of Sputnik 2; to that of Yelena Dubrovsky, official trainer of the space-bound dogs; to that of Oleg Gazenko, scientist; and finally from the viewpoint of Laika herself, who had lived as a stray on the streets of Moscow.

Theme

Abadzis notes ["A Short Interview with Nick Abadzis" The Comics Reporter: 1 September 2007] that his intention was to avoid anthropomorphism in portraying the central canine character. Thus Laika's traits of trust and eagerness to please are portrayed through her non-verbalised behaviour, and the reactions of the more sympathetic humans with whom she comes in contact. Mistreated as a young dog, Laika shows a need to gain human affection and approval that ironically leads her through a harsh training regime to death in space. Even the empathetic Yelena accepts that animals will die in the space programme, though bitterly regretting that her "special dog" is the one to be sent with no hope of survival. Many of the incidents portrayed by Abadzis, such as Laika being taken home by a senior officer to play with his children shortly before the launch, are recorded as having actually occurred.

The graphic novel concludes with a real-life statement of regret by Oleg Gazenko, made in 1998: "Work with animals is a source of suffering to all of us. We treat them like babies who cannot speak. The more time passes, the more I'm sorry about it. We did not learn enough from the mission to justify the death of the dog".

Reception

"Laika" was well-received, with the "New York Press" writing that Abadzis “has fashioned a poignant and accurate portrait of the lives Laika touched in the three years leading up to Sputnik II’s launch. His characters — including the dog — are as real as the story he’s telling: animated with complex personalities, flaws, humor and emotion." [ [http://www.nypress.com/20/38/abouttown/bookreview1.cfm New York Press - NICK ABADZIS - Laika ] ] "The Space Review" called it “an entertaining but also educational overview of the life of an unwitting space pioneer,” [ [http://www.thespacereview.com/article/949/1 The Space Review: Review: Laika ] ] while another review states that “reading "Laika" is the sort of experience that you won’t forget any time soon.” [ [http://www.readaboutcomics.com/2007/08/03/laika/ Read About Comics » Laika ] ]

Awards

* 2008: [ [http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=153595 2008 Eisner Award Nominees Named] (press release), Newsarama, April 14, 2008]
** Nominated and won for "Best Publication for Teens" Eisner Award.
** Nominated for "Best Reality-Based Work" Eisner Award.

References

External links

* [http://www.nickabadzis.com/laika/ Author's site on "Laika"]

Reviews

* [http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6496987.html Publisher’s Weekly]
* [http://www.firstsecondbooks.com/reviews/reviewsLaika.html Kirkus, Publishers Weekly and other trade journals]
* [http://observer.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,,2216478,00.html The Observer]
* [http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/blog/1790000379/post/50013005.html School Library Journal]
* [http://www.boingboing.net/2007/11/19/laika-graphic-novel.html Boing Boing]
* [http://www.newsaramablog.com/2006/07/20/mignolas-con-exclusive-pans-labyrinth-poster/?p=5251 Newsarama]
* [http://www.aintitcool.com/node/33366 Aint It Cool (Scroll down)]
* [http://www.comicsbulletin.com/reviews/118838530248949.htm Comics Bulletin]
* [http://www.undressmerobot.com/umr1187632091.html Undress Me Robot]