Laika by Nick Abadzis

Really enjoyable blend of fact and fiction. A made up biography of the first dog in space from her humble origins, the preparatory training and finally the flight itself. A bit sentimental at times (that said it is about Russians, a nation comfortable with sentimentality in all of it's forms, and a little dog!) it keeps the story moving at a great pace. Would suit animal lovers and the most geeked out of comic fans. Highly recommended.

EL(ol)IET!

LOLCAT ELIOT:



IM IN UR WASTELAND BURYING UR DEAD

april hates u, makes lilacs, u no can has. (1)
april in ur memoriez, making ur desire.
spring rain in ur dull rootzes.

earth in ur winter, covered in snow
can has potato. PO-TA-TO.
INVISIBLE SUMMER! RAININGZES!
im in ur hofgarden, drinking ur coffeez.

at archduke’s haus, invisible sled!
im in ur moutainz, holding on tight.
no can has cheezburger.
oral sex metaphors in ur poem.

More here.

Attempted Book review...

Great read. Murder mystery set around the Salon of Gertrude and Leo Stein in 1920's Paris. Picasso, Braque, Matisse all play their role in trying to capture a blue lady intent on tearing off the heads of painters. Fantastically drawn it manages to convey the feel of the time both artistically and socially. A certain amount of familiarity with the period artistically does help but isn't necessary at all!