Fallout: J. Robert Oppenheimer, Leo Szilard, and the politcal science of the atomic bomb

Ottaviani, J. (2001). Fallout: J. Robert Oppenheimer, Leo Szilard, and the political science of the atomic bomb. Ann Arbor, MI: G.T. Labs.  ISBN: 0-9660106-3-9 

Author: Jim Ottaviani
Website: http://www.gt-labs.com/writers.html

Artists:
Janine Johnston Website (under construction): http://www.janinejohnston.com/
Chris Kemple Website: http://www.redvengeance.com/
Steve Lieber Website: http://www.stevelieber.com/
Vince Locke Website: http://vincelocke.com/
Bernie Mireault Website: http://bem.spiltink.org/
Jeff Parker Website: http://www.parkerspace.com/

Media Used: The cover of the hardback edition is in color, while the rest of the graphic novel is illustrated in shades of black, gray, and white.

Summary:  Ever wonder just how the atomic bomb was created?  Learn about the people and politics behind the creation of the atomic bomb in this graphic novel about the lives of Oppenheimer and Szilard, two of the bomb's creators.

Personal Reaction:  The use of multiple artists, and thus multiple styles of drawing, in creating this book seemed to me to be a good idea.  The multiple styles helped to highlight the different viewpoints, time periods, and events that were taking place. One of my favorite artistic portions of the book included the 'interludes' and 'epilogue' portions which were created by Bernie Mirault because the format (classic comic book style) was easier to follow along with.  The portions by Locke ('school') and Parker ('work') were really hard for me to focus on because of the more messy penciling technique used.  Honestly, I really wanted to just skip over these parts of the book because I was so distracted by the style.  My first impression upon opening the book was "OMG! So much text crammed is crammed onto the page!" This worries me because I don't know many young adults who would be willing to move past that first impression when reading for pleasure.  But, I really enjoyed how the information being discussed was explained either in the dialogue, in small notes. or in the back section.  The book does have a lot of good information crammed into it.  I would recommend for an older (10th grade & up) audience with a strong interest in physics, scientists, or nuclear development.
Non-Fiction in Graphic Novel Format

Use of Onomatopoeia: "Pop" (p.86) is spelled out in the liquid spraying from the champagne bottle to mimic the sound of the cork being released.

Use of Repetition: The word "click" is repeated 61 times on pages 83 to 85 to mimic the constant sound of the control circuit instruments which were vital to determining the scientists safety.

Use of Allusion: The flowers pictured on p. 55 (and in the rest of the book) reference a story told by Frank Oppenheimer in The Day After Trinity which tells how Robert Oppenheimer would go to the woods to pee and return with a flower. [This is explained on p. 215 of Fallout].

Use of Metaphor: "The cloud resembled a giant brain, the convolutions of which were constantly changing." (p. 136)

Use of Simile: "It [the bomb's heat] was like opening a hot oven..." (p. 137).

Curricular Connection: Grades 9 to 12 Chemistry & 11th Grade History
California Standard:  Chemistry: Nuclear Processes - this book can be used to connect historical nuclear development when learning about nuclear processes.   
History: 11.7 Students analyze America’s participation in World War II - 11.7.6. Describe major developments in aviation, weaponry, communication, and medicine and the war’s impact on the location of American industry and use of resources.
11.7.7. Discuss the decision to drop atomic bombs and the consequences of the decision (Hiroshima and Nagasaki).