Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey

Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey
By Nick Bertozzi
First Second, 2014. 125 pages

In 1914, polar explorer Ernest Shackleton and company set out to be the first expedition to successfully cross the Antarctic continent. Fate had other plans for these intrepid explorers, however, as their ship was trapped in sea ice before the expedition ever made land. Thus began the harrowing journey back to safety and civilization that has been immortalized as a journey of fortitude, exemplary leadership, and a test of the limits of human endurance.

The story of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is one of my all-time favorite things to read about. Naturally, when I saw a graphic novel about the Endurance’s voyage, I had to check it out. This is a fantastic addition to Shackleton literature, especially for anyone new to this story. There is an impressive amount of detail in the illustrations of each crew member, and Nick Bertozzi does an excellent job of capturing the mood of the story through with dialogue and captures instead of a narration. Shackleton is truly inspiring as a leader and the morale and comradery exhibited among the members of this expedition is incredible.

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