Suvudu Universe

One of the most amazing things about the explosion of graphic novels in the current era is how many great non-fiction comics have come out. One might argue whether or not book publishers are too focused on “graphic memoir” these days, but if I can read more stories like this bizarre true-life story of Ernest Shackleton, Antarctic explorer, I don’t mind.

Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey

The early 1900s was the “heroic age of Antarctic Exploration”, where daring men struggled to find out more about the ice-bound seventh continent. Shackleton’s third try involved a plan to walk across Antarctica, coast to coast via the south pole.

Nick Bertozzi presents all this in honest detail, but he doesn’t skimp on the dry humor. The first, failed expedition is summed up in three panels, with tiny figures engaging in this exchange:

“We all have scurvy, we should turn back.”
“But we’re only 460 miles way from the Pole!”
“I’d rather live.”

His use of white space is also amazing. When he uses the little people in wide panels, the scale reminds us of what a sparse, desolate environment they’re exploring. The panels without borders similarly open up the pages. He combines maps, diagrams, and more traditional comic storytelling, using whichever techniques better convey the information coherently and effectively. For example, here’s a breakdown of the expedition crew:

It’s difficult to keep all the men straight, with so many of similar looks and character, but I do adore that he drew all the little dog heads, since they were such an important part of the mission (although it did not end well for them). Bertozzi’s use of detail throughout the book brings home the difficulty (and somewhat foolhardiness) and danger of this expedition, making it both real to the reader and entertaining.

Shackleton’s determination to keep returning to an uninhabitable place that almost killed him comes across as rather pig-headed, but the historical English setting of his homeland provides a (perhaps superficial) explanation, what with the stiff upper lip determination of his people. His search for national pride and glory was a significant part of his motivation.

The tasks needed to accomplish this are astounding. The men had to physically break a path for the ship to proceed, for example, and when they got stuck, they spent the winter camped on the ice (with a football game as a distraction and a bicycle trip past penguins). When the ice destroyed one of the ships, they hiked, considering carefully every possession they had to carry, before settling into a new camp. The trip began at the beginning of August, 1914, and concluded with an appeal for rescue in May, 1916, after a daring small boat trip to a whaling station.

Breaking ice and unpredictable currents put them at the mercy of wind and water forces much greater than any man. Yet the crew’s attitude, full of determination and good humor in the face of life-threatening adversity, is the kind of strength not much celebrated any more. Amazingly, no human life was lost (although the same can’t be said for everyone’s toes). Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey is a fascinating book about an adventure most readers know nothing about. Bertozzi takes just the right tone, light and straightforward. I’m not sure I respect Shackleton’s sincerity, but reading this in a comfy, warm home was a lot more enjoyable than being there.

There are preview pages available at the publisher’s website. Bertozzi was interviewed about the book at the National Geographic website. (The publisher provided a digital review copy.)