Rockets, Jets and Missiles-Classics Illustrated 159A (1960)

Yet another of these great non-fiction comics. This one especially concentrated on the developing manned space program and its many off-shoots.

Classics Illustrated. Illustrated by Evans, George, Glanzman, Sam and McCann, Gerald. Rockets, Jets and Missiles. New York : Gilberton. (96 p.) 26 cm. 

 Covers the history of rockets, a dictionary of "space" terms, called "Space Talk," descriptions of each of the planets, military rockets, and Project Mercury. Many illustrations of rockets and astronauts. "Classics Illustrated Special" (Issue #159A) December 1960.

I enjoyed the many "Space Talk" illustrated definitions. the terms are focuses more on military rockets than manned flight but are very interesting. These are relatively sophisticated terms to share with children.

I also like these depictions of atomic propulsion and ion propulsion. the rockets are futuristic but the technology is described reasonably clearly.

Still more "Space Talk." I couldn't resist sharing the whole "dictionary."

 "Seven for space" is a nice story about the prospective Mercury astronauts and their training.

 "Off into Orbit" describes what the first orbital flight might be like.

 "Doorway to tomorrow" is their futuristic story . It describes how spaceflight will change our daily lives.

The Illustrated Story of Space-The World Around Us #5, Classics Illustrated (1959)

Classics Illustrated. Illustrated by McCann, Gerald, Glanzman, Sam, and Tartaglione, John. The Illustrated Story of Space. Classics Illustrated. (80 p.) 26 cm. 

Contains illustrated stories on training for space, the first rocket to the Moon, the history and use of the rocket, the launch of Vanguard 1, and the construction of a space station. "The World Around Us" (#5) January 1959. Also UK edition World Illustrated #505.

So much to show, I wish I had the energy to scan all 80 pages of space goodness. Instead I have tried to take a deep sample of some of the articles inside.

This next story I am also lucky enough to have a couple of the pages from. Original art for this story is not valuable just really obscure, but I love these pen and ink drawings that are 19 inches tall in person.

 The last story in this book is slightly fictional but I think you will forgive me. It depicts the construction of a space station and then the launch from that station of a Moon expedition. Really nice set of illustrations of an adventure that was said to be just around the corner.

Adventures in Science- Classics Illustrated 138A (1957)

To kick off my February selection of Classics Illustrated space comics we have "Adventures in Science."

I primary collect non-fiction for children but most comics are fiction. Classics Illustrated was an important exception, along with their comic adaptations of famous fictional stories they also had non-fiction titles known as "Classics Illustrated Special Issues" and "The World Around Us." This one primarily has a nice space cover.

Classics Illustrated. Adventures in Science. New York : Gilberton. (96 p.) 26 cm.  Has “The Story of Flight”. Includes illustrations of rockets on the last page of the story and  a missile on the cover. "Classics Illustrated Special" (Issue #138A) June 1957.

The end of "The Story of Flight" has this nice page about the future.

What is the real hidden gem (of non-fiction) is this story "Andy's Atomic Adventure".

The story is basic in many ways illustrating how Timmy learns about how atoms work and how atomic energy will bring a bright new future. What is unexpected is how Timmy happens to lose his dog on an atomic bomb test site.

Yes, the dog survives and Timmy learns that "atoms don't kill every thing."

But I am not sure how healthy Spot will be if he has been dusted with fallout. They clean-up and incarcerate Spot while Timmy learns more about the atom. Most uses of the atom are energy and medical treatment, but then there is this last disturbing panel I will leave you with (not explained any further.)

7th year of Dreams of Space!

Not meant to be ironic, but it would be nice if this came true for my kids. There is some optimism about our future in space but I am giving up on my being there personally.


Time keeps passing and this is beginning my 7th year of blogging about these space books. So for my "blogiversary" I will will share some non-fiction comic books for the month of Feb.
Thanks for the comments and the continued interest. I am really happy to know there are others out there who find this stuff amazing.