Science Comics: Plagues: The Microscopic Battlefield

Science Comics

By Falynn Christine Koch

ISBN: 9781626727526

Author’s Website: http://www.falynnk.com/

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra                   

Summary

In PLAGUES, we get to know the critters behind history’s worst diseases. We delve into the biology and mechanisms of infections, diseases, and immunity, and also the incredible effect that technology and medical science have had on humanity’s ability to contain and treat disease.

Review

This is my first foray into graphic novels. SCIENCE COMICS: PLAGUES is a journey through history describing the how’s of infections, diseases and our immunity.  Entertaining in such a way that I was also able to follow the educational aspect without getting bored or confused.

Bubonic Plague and Yellow Fever are dropped into a host (so they believe) and promptly begin their attach on the body.  As they proceed (unsuccessfully I might add) they are quickly interrupted by a white blood cell.  Given that the white blood cell is there to fight off infection and disease, the depiction of the white blood cell is fitting – the cartoon character looks like a linebacker. Humour is sprinkled throughout the dialogue…for example, when the white blood cell is describing both bubonic plague and yellow fever to Elena during a bit of a scuffle he says – “They have the critical thinking power of Jello”.

The artwork is cartoony with the characters drawn with simplicity yet with just enough detail, capturing the individuality of each of the characters/diseases:

I appreciated the glossary at the end of the book providing a concise and easily understood definitions of what was discussed throughout the book, with pictures. Good for visual learners.

With the author presenting complex scientific concepts by using illustrations and humour, I was able to understand the concepts more easily and hopefully I will be able retain this information for a long period of time ☺. I would like to think that if I had had this book available when studying these concepts in school, I would have understood and enjoyed the learning even more than I did.

This book is for anyone who wishes to learn about plagues, infections, diseases in an entertaining and educational manner and enjoys comic books.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*