Since we’re getting a pretty late start here we’ve decided to pick a small graphic novel for the month of January to kick things off. And, what a better way to start then with a dip into the early days of the space program that astronaut Steve Austin owes so much to!
The pick is “Astronaut Dad” by David Hopkins & Brent Schoonover. While I’m not at all familiar with Hopkins writing I have been introduced to Schoonover through his interviews on Comic Geek Speak and Word Balloon. He’s got a really clean and classic illustration style that hits me right in the sweet spot. Even if you don’t read this month’s selection, do yourself a favor and check out this guys portfolio at his website. You won’t be sorry!
Anyway, here’s the brief synopsis of the book:
Astronaut Dad
Volume 1
Black & White Graphic Novel
Story by David Hopkins
Art by Brent Schoonover
Published by: Silent Devil
Astronaut Dad is a coming-of-age story about the children of astronauts during the early 1960s right before the Apollo program took off. It’s a fictional account of Jimmy Norton and Vanessa Kelly who discover that their dads, as Astronaut reservists, are actually part of a spy orbital program. In book 1, Jimmy and Vanessa uncover the mystery behind a fall-out shelter in the backyard. In book 2, tragedy strikes both families, and the two kids struggle with understanding their fathers. The story marks the transitions we go through with how we perceive our parents — first as idealized heroes, then as the enemy, and later in life, to see them for who they are.
ON DECK FOR FEBRUARY: Coming up in February we’ll be reading Neil Gaiman’s “American Gods.” Check out the synopsis and details here.
POSTED BY: Major Thom
Tags: American Gods, Astronaut Dad, Brent Schoonover, Neil Gaiman
January 24, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Hey thanks for the plug and I hope everyone in the book club digs it!
Best,
Brent
January 24, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Glad to do it! I actually just finally read it Monday and can already confirm that I did indeed dig it very much.
Looking forward to having a conversation at month’s end about it here on the site and really looking forward to Volume 2.
Keep up the great work and we’ll keep reading!
January 24, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Leave it to OG to show his cards like this… what kind of reviewer are you, son? Where’s the professionalism? The talent shows up and you spill the beans like that?!?
By the way, Brent, great job.
‘Doh!
January 25, 2008 at 6:34 pm
[...] Marc N. Kleinhenz at Silverbullet Comics. The book is also the first book of 2008 to be a part of The Steve Austin Book Club, no not the wrestler, The Six Million Dollar [...]