A cosmic chronicle
Are you ready for the greatest story ever told? Launched in France on 25 April 2024, Space Odyssey is the first complete history of space in graphic novel form. Drawing on the latest scientific and historical sources, it tells the story of the men and women who pioneered humankind's journey into space.
Space Odyssey was written by prolific comic book writer Arnaud Delalande and illustrated by renowned comic book artist Éric Lambert. French publisher Les Arènes collaborated with experts from ESA and Société astronomique de France (the French astronomical society) to ensure the accuracy of this amazing story.
Across 192 pages of dramatic and detailed black-and-white artwork, Space Odyssey recounts the history of space from the Big Bang to the modern day. It takes readers on an incredible journey of discovery from the early astronomers to the development of spaceflight and modern space programmes.
Space Odyssey also encompasses significant milestones from Europe's space history. These include the formation of ESA in 1975, many landmark European missions and the agency's continuing endeavours with the Ariane launcher programme and beyond.
The creators of Space Odyssey were ably supported in telling this part of their story by ESA experts, including Head of the ESA History Project Nathalie Tinjod, who said, "It was great to help provide the factual foundations for this huge story about space, and to recount ESA's part in this great endeavour."
Graphic novels are popular with all ages, so Space Odyssey will help to widen awareness of ESA. Emmet Fletcher, Head of ESA's Branding and Partnership Office, reflected on the book launch, saying, "It's wonderful to see ESA's achievements presented with such engaging visual storytelling. The release of Space Odyssey is timely as the agency prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025."
The French edition of Space Odyssey is out now and available from the Les Arènes website.
