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Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey
Ernest Shackleton was one of the last great Antarctic explorers, and he led one of the most ambitious Antarctic expeditions ever undertaken. This is his story, and the story of the dozens of men who threw in their lot with him - many of whom nearly died in the unimaginably harsh conditions of the journey. It's an astonishing feat - and was unprecedented at the time - that all the men in the expedition survived.
Shackleton's expedition marked the end of a period of romantic exploration of the Arctic and the Antarctic, and this is as much a book about the encroaching modern world as it is about travel. But Nick Bertozzi has documented this remarkable journey with such wit and fiendish attention to detail that it's impossible not to get caught up in the drama of the voyage. Shackleton is a phenomenal accompaniment to Bertozzi's earlier graphic novel about great explorers, Lewis & Clark.
Shackleton's expedition marked the end of a period of romantic exploration of the Arctic and the Antarctic, and this is as much a book about the encroaching modern world as it is about travel. But Nick Bertozzi has documented this remarkable journey with such wit and fiendish attention to detail that it's impossible not to get caught up in the drama of the voyage. Shackleton is a phenomenal accompaniment to Bertozzi's earlier graphic novel about great explorers, Lewis & Clark.
128 pages, Paperback
First published June 17, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
May 12, 2024
Am familiar with this story, but it is always fun to revisit thrilling tales and rediscover them (although usually I prefer to read Antartica tales in the heat of summer, even though they have been shown not to have a cooling effect).
The front flap states that "all the men in the expedition survived" and that it only true if one ignores the group that went to McMurdo Sound to lay out supply depots for Shackleton's party (for more on that aspect, see the wonderful account The Lost Men: The Harrowing Saga of Shackleton's Ross Sea Party). The correct information is provided in Bertozzi's Afterword, and he also notes a more complete rendering of this expedition would have filled 300 pages and his hand would have fallen off.
Overall this volume can be a great introduction to this amazing tale. I enjoyed revisiting these daring explores, who were all on their own and had to save themselves.
The front flap states that "all the men in the expedition survived" and that it only true if one ignores the group that went to McMurdo Sound to lay out supply depots for Shackleton's party (for more on that aspect, see the wonderful account The Lost Men: The Harrowing Saga of Shackleton's Ross Sea Party). The correct information is provided in Bertozzi's Afterword, and he also notes a more complete rendering of this expedition would have filled 300 pages and his hand would have fallen off.
Overall this volume can be a great introduction to this amazing tale. I enjoyed revisiting these daring explores, who were all on their own and had to save themselves.
October 18, 2015
Nick Bertozzi’s latest comic is about the real life story of British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton’s 1914 expedition to traverse the Antarctic continent on foot. It’s a really good book that effectively summarises what could be considered the greatest survival story of all time.
Shackleton dreamt of being the first explorer to reach the South Pole but failed twice - the Norwegian Amundsen was first in 1910 shortly followed by Scott. But Shackleton was determined to make it to the Pole (he never would) and decided third time’s the charm: he’ll be the first person to walk across Antarctica on foot. He would fail spectacularly.
He and his crew set sail on the Endurance (never was a ship more aptly named for what awaited Shackleton and his men!) shortly after World War 1 kicked off, on August 1, 1914. They wouldn’t return to England until May 1917 at which point the war was almost over!
The Endurance was stuck in ice on January 24, 1915, 70 miles from land. Shackleton and his crew decided to wait out the Arctic winter and see if when the ice broke up it would free their ship. They literally lived on the frozen sea for 9 months! When the ice began to break up in October, it sunk the Endurance - and their troubles were just beginning!
Without going into the details here, Bertozzi notes the main points of the trip Shackleton and his crew made from then on. The journey to actual land, carrying boats and supplies across the ice, living precariously on icebergs, making it to Elephant Island and then making the incredible 800 mile trip from there to South Georgia Island for relief. It is staggering what these men went through - sheer punishment, day after day, in the most brutal conditions on the planet!
It’s an understatement to say what an incredible story it is. It’s interesting to see the day to day lives of the men and how they kept their spirits up, as well as low points like shooting their dogs for food (which is however tastefully shown). Even more amazing is that Shackleton didn’t lose any men during the entire trip, though one of his crew lost his toes to frostbite.
The black and white art is well-suited to the arctic landscape. The art is understated, sometimes to its detriment as the various characters are quite indistinct. But Bertozzi has an excellent eye for scene placement and knows how to perfectly tell the story with the right angles and perspectives. He also clearly put a lot of effort in researching the expedition as the book is full of informative detail, amidst a gripping adventure story.
At 125 pages it’s by no means definitive, nor is it meant to be, and it does feel quite truncated - besides Shackleton, the other men are underwritten and it would’ve been nice to see what happened once Shackleton made it back to Elephant Island. It just ends a bit too abruptly. Also, it’s unclear why, when Shackleton and his small group made it to relief in May 1916 why it took until August to send a ship to the rest of his crew on Elephant Island.
Nevertheless, Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey is a fine summary/introduction to the legendary Endurance expedition. Great reading!
Shackleton dreamt of being the first explorer to reach the South Pole but failed twice - the Norwegian Amundsen was first in 1910 shortly followed by Scott. But Shackleton was determined to make it to the Pole (he never would) and decided third time’s the charm: he’ll be the first person to walk across Antarctica on foot. He would fail spectacularly.
He and his crew set sail on the Endurance (never was a ship more aptly named for what awaited Shackleton and his men!) shortly after World War 1 kicked off, on August 1, 1914. They wouldn’t return to England until May 1917 at which point the war was almost over!
The Endurance was stuck in ice on January 24, 1915, 70 miles from land. Shackleton and his crew decided to wait out the Arctic winter and see if when the ice broke up it would free their ship. They literally lived on the frozen sea for 9 months! When the ice began to break up in October, it sunk the Endurance - and their troubles were just beginning!
Without going into the details here, Bertozzi notes the main points of the trip Shackleton and his crew made from then on. The journey to actual land, carrying boats and supplies across the ice, living precariously on icebergs, making it to Elephant Island and then making the incredible 800 mile trip from there to South Georgia Island for relief. It is staggering what these men went through - sheer punishment, day after day, in the most brutal conditions on the planet!
It’s an understatement to say what an incredible story it is. It’s interesting to see the day to day lives of the men and how they kept their spirits up, as well as low points like shooting their dogs for food (which is however tastefully shown). Even more amazing is that Shackleton didn’t lose any men during the entire trip, though one of his crew lost his toes to frostbite.
The black and white art is well-suited to the arctic landscape. The art is understated, sometimes to its detriment as the various characters are quite indistinct. But Bertozzi has an excellent eye for scene placement and knows how to perfectly tell the story with the right angles and perspectives. He also clearly put a lot of effort in researching the expedition as the book is full of informative detail, amidst a gripping adventure story.
At 125 pages it’s by no means definitive, nor is it meant to be, and it does feel quite truncated - besides Shackleton, the other men are underwritten and it would’ve been nice to see what happened once Shackleton made it back to Elephant Island. It just ends a bit too abruptly. Also, it’s unclear why, when Shackleton and his small group made it to relief in May 1916 why it took until August to send a ship to the rest of his crew on Elephant Island.
Nevertheless, Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey is a fine summary/introduction to the legendary Endurance expedition. Great reading!
December 5, 2014
I really wanted to like this book. Alas. For me, the major problem is just how choppy it is. There's an author's note at the beginning of the book where Bertozzi says that, really, this book should be longer, but that his hand would fall off if he made it as long as he should. Which kind of rubbed me the wrong way immediately. If you know a book should be a certain length and cover certain things, but you just don't feel like it, maybe don't write the book? Because you already know going in that you aren't really doing the material justice. And that's exactly what happens here. By trying to do only the "good parts version", Bertozzi made a book with almost no flow to it. Things happen without context that would make them easier to believe. For example, the book spends a fair bit of time dwelling on McNish being kind of a jerk, but never says why he was a jerk. In short, he was angry at Shackleton for killing the ship's cat after they had to abandon ship, an animal he loved dearly. Kind of puts his defiance in another light, doesn't it? Maybe not more reasonable, but certainly more understandable. By not including this important context (which, really, could have been done with just one more page), it makes McNish look like a cardboard villain. In the end, I felt like this book just didn't do justice to the Endurance mission, because it was just so short.
January 11, 2016
Despite the tense story, the tone of this book manages to be fairly upbeat. The author dwells more on the triumphs and humorous moments than on the negative - i. e. - the fate of the dogs - and for this, I was glad.
Though the details are a bit sketchy, I felt I was provided with a good overall idea of what the adventure must have been like for the crew.
On the whole, an interesting glimpse into history that manages to be both horrifying and exhilarating.
Though the details are a bit sketchy, I felt I was provided with a good overall idea of what the adventure must have been like for the crew.
On the whole, an interesting glimpse into history that manages to be both horrifying and exhilarating.
May 31, 2017
A nice re-telling of a historical exploration from the time there were still things to explore on this world. Personally I am always fascinated with the extend of scientific curiousity and how far the explorers are willing to go for more knowledge. Actually the mentality of all kind of adventures fascinated me, also of people who climb the mount Everest for example. There is something fascinating in the kind of mentality that is necessary to decide to risk your own live to achieve a goal you have, especially because a lot of people live in a very save world nowadays.
The art of this book is not the flashy kind you would find in most superhero comics, and that is a good thing. Ultimately this is a story about normal people and what they can endure when they have too, so the almost sober drawing style fits with that.
The art of this book is not the flashy kind you would find in most superhero comics, and that is a good thing. Ultimately this is a story about normal people and what they can endure when they have too, so the almost sober drawing style fits with that.
first-second-publications
June 23, 2014My favorite scene in this is the one on page 75 where the ice is creaking and shifting and everyone's uneasy. Then there's an image of all these fantastical creatures who are swimming around under it.
Obviously, the fantastical creatures are just that: fantastical. But I think this does an excellent job of bringing the inside of peoples' thoughts into a non-fiction graphic novel.
Sometimes, we just think about gigantic sea serpents, even if there really aren't any.
Obviously, the fantastical creatures are just that: fantastical. But I think this does an excellent job of bringing the inside of peoples' thoughts into a non-fiction graphic novel.
Sometimes, we just think about gigantic sea serpents, even if there really aren't any.
July 7, 2016
Yay what a neat (I know super lame word) non-fiction. I love real adventure books. I haven't read enough about trips to Antarctica and this non-fiction graphic novel has peaked my interest.
I loved the way Nick Bertozzi put this graphic novel together. There is a kind of "map" at the beginning of the book that talks about each place that was discovered at the South Pole and who reached each spot at Antarctica. There were 5 teams that set out for the South Pole starting in 1901 and the last expedition being 1914. The main character of this graphic novel is Ernest Shackleton. He was part of the first crew to sail to the South Seas in 1901 and then captained two expeditions in 1907 and the last one in 1914 where he finally reached his destination.
The graphic novel is in a plain black in white style, normally I enjoy my graphic novels to have color, but I found the black and white to work well with this historical setting. The illustrations were okay. Nothing to brag about. It did well for the story and I loved the dialogue. I mean this is a true account, from journals I believe and so I'm hoping the dialogue is accurate because those men were funny.
Overall a great read. I love reading non-fiction graphic novels. For those that get a little sleepy when it comes to reading about History definitely pick up the History you are looking for in graphic novel format if you can it's a little easier to digest :D
I loved the way Nick Bertozzi put this graphic novel together. There is a kind of "map" at the beginning of the book that talks about each place that was discovered at the South Pole and who reached each spot at Antarctica. There were 5 teams that set out for the South Pole starting in 1901 and the last expedition being 1914. The main character of this graphic novel is Ernest Shackleton. He was part of the first crew to sail to the South Seas in 1901 and then captained two expeditions in 1907 and the last one in 1914 where he finally reached his destination.
The graphic novel is in a plain black in white style, normally I enjoy my graphic novels to have color, but I found the black and white to work well with this historical setting. The illustrations were okay. Nothing to brag about. It did well for the story and I loved the dialogue. I mean this is a true account, from journals I believe and so I'm hoping the dialogue is accurate because those men were funny.
Overall a great read. I love reading non-fiction graphic novels. For those that get a little sleepy when it comes to reading about History definitely pick up the History you are looking for in graphic novel format if you can it's a little easier to digest :D
December 28, 2015
This is a fun, if somewhat choppy, non-fiction graphic novel and if you are interested in Shackleton or Antarctic exploration it is worth a read. I loved the black and white illustrations, but it was hard to tell some of the characters apart. Reading this while sipping an ice cold drink in the summertime is a perfect way to appreciate the fortitude of these explorers. By the way, was I the only one disappointed that Mrs. Chippy the cat gets no air time?
July 18, 2017
This was a cool fun light novel to read in this horrid hot weather.
Shackleton depicts the voyage of Ernest Shackleton when he lead a crew of 22 men across the Antarctic.
To be honest, I'll never understand what provokes man to put themselves in extreme situations where survival rate is less then 25% yet, this novel was enrapturing and I was really rooting for this crew. Like I said, survival rate is extremely low and the history of the voyages taken to explore the Antarctic have many casualties. Entire crews have perished in this mad pursuit and yet, Shackleton manages to save each and every man that went with him on this adventure.
I really enjoyed this graphic novel. It's a great educational starting point if you're interested in reading more about the Antarctic. I went in knowing very little yet was informed in a way that did not hinder the story line nor bombard me with too much historical information. As you read you can tell just how much effort Bertozzi put into editing, planning, and researching. It reads like the cool iced drink sliding down your parched throat on a hot summer's day.
The art style was one that I really love. I don't know if there is a specific name for this style but if you enjoy Quentin Blake, then give this book a go because Bertozzi's style is close to Blake's.
Shackleton depicts the voyage of Ernest Shackleton when he lead a crew of 22 men across the Antarctic.
To be honest, I'll never understand what provokes man to put themselves in extreme situations where survival rate is less then 25% yet, this novel was enrapturing and I was really rooting for this crew. Like I said, survival rate is extremely low and the history of the voyages taken to explore the Antarctic have many casualties. Entire crews have perished in this mad pursuit and yet, Shackleton manages to save each and every man that went with him on this adventure.
I really enjoyed this graphic novel. It's a great educational starting point if you're interested in reading more about the Antarctic. I went in knowing very little yet was informed in a way that did not hinder the story line nor bombard me with too much historical information. As you read you can tell just how much effort Bertozzi put into editing, planning, and researching. It reads like the cool iced drink sliding down your parched throat on a hot summer's day.
The art style was one that I really love. I don't know if there is a specific name for this style but if you enjoy Quentin Blake, then give this book a go because Bertozzi's style is close to Blake's.
August 16, 2018
A graphic novel of the Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition- yes!
The book can be summed up in the brief author’s note: “The book should have been three hundred pages, but then my hand would have fallen off. For those readers who finish this account eager for more details, there is a great wealth of literature and film about Shackleton and I hope you will devour it as I have.”
The book can be summed up in the brief author’s note: “The book should have been three hundred pages, but then my hand would have fallen off. For those readers who finish this account eager for more details, there is a great wealth of literature and film about Shackleton and I hope you will devour it as I have.”
August 28, 2015
I didn't know anything about Shackleton really other than that he was an polar explorer, but am obsessed with all things arctic so was very interested. It's a quick read (about an hour), and covers the context and outcome of Shackleton's Endurance expedition.
On the whole, very good, I enjoyed it a lot and learned a lot, and well worth reading if you're interested in the subject. Nick's art quite effectively captures the grey desolation of Antarctica. I'd like the story to have been longer and more developed, though. He notes in the intro that it's deliberately meant as a summary because there's too much to cover thoroughly, but a bit more narrative fill-in could have gone a long way. I felt confused more than once about what was going on (e.g., where exactly they were, why certain events were important--I went in knowing zero about icebreaking and still don't, seems like I should though). Most of the sequences are dated but sometimes it was an hour, sometimes a month between panels without a lot of variance. So, it was hard to grasp the time passage easily, I was flipping back a lot to remember how long it had been since such-and-such had happened. There's also very little character development, I came away not really feeling like I know Shackleton any better as a person. Perhaps there might have been some better choices about what to present (maybe even leaning fictional?) in such a short work that would illustrate the people and events more deeply.
On the whole, very good, I enjoyed it a lot and learned a lot, and well worth reading if you're interested in the subject. Nick's art quite effectively captures the grey desolation of Antarctica. I'd like the story to have been longer and more developed, though. He notes in the intro that it's deliberately meant as a summary because there's too much to cover thoroughly, but a bit more narrative fill-in could have gone a long way. I felt confused more than once about what was going on (e.g., where exactly they were, why certain events were important--I went in knowing zero about icebreaking and still don't, seems like I should though). Most of the sequences are dated but sometimes it was an hour, sometimes a month between panels without a lot of variance. So, it was hard to grasp the time passage easily, I was flipping back a lot to remember how long it had been since such-and-such had happened. There's also very little character development, I came away not really feeling like I know Shackleton any better as a person. Perhaps there might have been some better choices about what to present (maybe even leaning fictional?) in such a short work that would illustrate the people and events more deeply.
October 11, 2015
This probably wouldn't be four stars if it wasn't about Shackleton (aka my hero), but it was a pretty good graphic novel. It covered all the highlights and the art actually looked a lot like the actual people. The best part was definitely when Shackleton and Blackborow meet for the first time. The South Georgia Island hike part wasn't very good, but on the whole I enjoyed it.
Also, next month is the 100 year anniversary of the Endurance'sdeath sinking, so I read it at just the right time.
Also, next month is the 100 year anniversary of the Endurance's
July 7, 2024
A wonderful 126 page graphic novel detailing Shackleton’s expedition aboard the Endurance. Seeing facts which I’d read in non-fiction visualised in a cartoon format gave me pause for thought, especially when crewmen are being treated for frostbite or when dogs are being shot for food. I’d definitely read this again. It’s been a short, but sweet insight into one of the greatest voyages ever to have been undertaken.
July 28, 2022
A good YA introduction to Shackleton and the Endurance expedition. While this book focuses more on the teamwork and jovial perseverance of the 22 men who all survived over a year on the ice and open water, that seems appropriate for this level of book. I really liked the artwork and was glad Mr. Bertozzi named each & every dog that gave its life to keep the crew alive, including the Antarctic Derby and Split Lip’s escapade to make off with the sausages. A good and engaging nonfiction read for young adult readers.
January 31, 2020
Maybe I just know too much about Shackleton. Maybe this book is supposed to be an introduction for a reader who's never heard of the Endurance. But I felt the story was somehow lacking. It didn't have the drama and didn't grip me the way the true story does. I can't pinpoint exactly what I felt was missing, but I just didn't love it like I had hoped.
October 16, 2017
Surprisingly uplifting.
Read
April 9, 2023"After the war, Shackleton returned to England, lecturing for several years before returning on a final expedition to the Antarctic. He died en route and is buried on South Georgia island."
March 12, 2018
Nicely done
January 19, 2017
Amazingly detailed and informative for the small amount of pages it containts.
It's a great little introduction to a great adventurer, almost like a Cliff Notes on Antartic exploring.
The art is also great. The stark yet detailed black and white art works perfectly with the story.
Overall, it's definitely worth a read.
It's a great little introduction to a great adventurer, almost like a Cliff Notes on Antartic exploring.
The art is also great. The stark yet detailed black and white art works perfectly with the story.
Overall, it's definitely worth a read.
April 4, 2017
A little choppy and superficial, but a fascinating look at a piece of the exploration of Antarctica.
April 21, 2025
The book has enough details and covers the main story. But as readers point out it's very rushed. One of the biggest events was when Shackleton told his crew not to hunt seals and penguins as they wouldn't need it. His way to make them not lose hope. Of course once conditions got awful they needed extra food and didn't have it. Which created a huge conflict that lasted the whole trip. This is fully skipped as we only see Shackleton mention some displeasure. It could also be the author doesn't want to make anyone here look bad. They are all depicted as straight up heroes. Which is valid, but they had faults too. They mention how they shouldn't talk ill of the dead. Robert Falcon Scott reached the South Pole a month after Amundsen and died, yet anyone in Britain shouldn't smear him. Died because of arrogance and bad preparation for the trip. This is how the author tackles the issue despite all surviving on this trip and it was safer to go on this trip than to stay in England and take part in WW1. Except the crew on the other side of the continent. Several of these sailors died in WW1 when they returned home despite leaving when it was ongoing and spending 2 years on the trip.
So yeah, it's a fine little summary. But I have noticed how all comic books about historical events are extremely truncated. Shackleton tried 4 times to rescue the crew left behind and finally succeeded. Even finding funding for this rescue was a huge endeavor as WW1 took all they had. When millions are dying how can you make expensive trips to save a few people stuck on an island in safety? Indeed if they had remained there for 2 more years they would have avoided WW1. But the book only shows him rescuing them skipping all details and failed attempts. At least we could have gotten pages with text. This is a summary of the expedition that leaves out too many details and is nothing compared to the popular Endurance book.
I would say it's decent as it's a comic book and never gets dull. It's without color though and should have been way better. I think it would need 4 artists each drawing a chapter and each chapter being 80 pages long. I can't see why this comic book would be recommended when we have the book and several documentaries. But I think it's a decent fast read anyhow.
So yeah, it's a fine little summary. But I have noticed how all comic books about historical events are extremely truncated. Shackleton tried 4 times to rescue the crew left behind and finally succeeded. Even finding funding for this rescue was a huge endeavor as WW1 took all they had. When millions are dying how can you make expensive trips to save a few people stuck on an island in safety? Indeed if they had remained there for 2 more years they would have avoided WW1. But the book only shows him rescuing them skipping all details and failed attempts. At least we could have gotten pages with text. This is a summary of the expedition that leaves out too many details and is nothing compared to the popular Endurance book.
I would say it's decent as it's a comic book and never gets dull. It's without color though and should have been way better. I think it would need 4 artists each drawing a chapter and each chapter being 80 pages long. I can't see why this comic book would be recommended when we have the book and several documentaries. But I think it's a decent fast read anyhow.
September 30, 2017
I'm always a fan of historical graphic novelization. I think they're a good way to get people interested in history, at a basal level, which could prompt them to want to read more.
It was a pretty short comic, only 125 pages, but it felt genuine- in that it felt like I was reading about real people dealing with being stuck in Antarctica. Sure there were some harrowing parts what with the ice and the lack of food and trying to travel on overlapping ocean currents. But there were also long stretches of time spent waiting for the ice to break so that they could even attempt at figuring out how to move on. And as humans the men tended to get bored during these times, no matter how scary it might seem to the reader, the human brain always has the potential for boredom.
I'm not sure how I feel about the art; on one hand I enjoy it aesthetically, on the other hand while the artist utilizes black for deep shadows/night and graytones there's still a large amount of white on the pages. Which if this was the old style of doing comics sure I understand, but it's not, it's not even an homage to the older styles. But the comic can kinda get away with it because it's in ANTARCTICA, IT'S ALL JUST WHITE SNOW.
So while I'm on the fence about the art, I still recommend the reading of this book, it's a pretty interesting moment in history and it's short so you can get through it over the course of one or two bus rides
It was a pretty short comic, only 125 pages, but it felt genuine- in that it felt like I was reading about real people dealing with being stuck in Antarctica. Sure there were some harrowing parts what with the ice and the lack of food and trying to travel on overlapping ocean currents. But there were also long stretches of time spent waiting for the ice to break so that they could even attempt at figuring out how to move on. And as humans the men tended to get bored during these times, no matter how scary it might seem to the reader, the human brain always has the potential for boredom.
I'm not sure how I feel about the art; on one hand I enjoy it aesthetically, on the other hand while the artist utilizes black for deep shadows/night and graytones there's still a large amount of white on the pages. Which if this was the old style of doing comics sure I understand, but it's not, it's not even an homage to the older styles. But the comic can kinda get away with it because it's in ANTARCTICA, IT'S ALL JUST WHITE SNOW.
So while I'm on the fence about the art, I still recommend the reading of this book, it's a pretty interesting moment in history and it's short so you can get through it over the course of one or two bus rides
May 30, 2020
Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey is a graphic novel written by and illustrated by Nick Bertozzi. It is a graphic novel focuses on Ernest Shackleton and his crew during the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914. This graphic novel was published during the 100th anniversary of the expedition.
Ernest Henry Shackleton was an Irish Antarctic explorer who led three British expeditions to the Antarctic. He was one of the principal figures of the period known as the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration.
After two failed previous attempts to reach the South Pole, Shackleton and a stalwart crew braved unimaginable desolation, an eight-month stretch with their icebreaker at a standstill, the ship sinking when crushed by tons of thawing ice, and the subsequent trek across 374 miles of frozen wastes.
Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey is written and constructed rather well. It's an epic true-life adventure, and Bertozzi's storytelling will keep readers riveted as he illustrates the expedition's day-to-day travails in black and white panels as sparse as the stark expanses Shackleton and crew crossed. That bleakness is offset by Bertozzi's depiction of the tenacity, camaraderie, and humor of the men and it's that spotlighting of the crew's unwavering humanity in the face of icy doom that sets this book apart.
All in all, Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey is a top-shelf rendition of one of the greatest survival stories to come out of the Age of Exploration.
Ernest Henry Shackleton was an Irish Antarctic explorer who led three British expeditions to the Antarctic. He was one of the principal figures of the period known as the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration.
After two failed previous attempts to reach the South Pole, Shackleton and a stalwart crew braved unimaginable desolation, an eight-month stretch with their icebreaker at a standstill, the ship sinking when crushed by tons of thawing ice, and the subsequent trek across 374 miles of frozen wastes.
Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey is written and constructed rather well. It's an epic true-life adventure, and Bertozzi's storytelling will keep readers riveted as he illustrates the expedition's day-to-day travails in black and white panels as sparse as the stark expanses Shackleton and crew crossed. That bleakness is offset by Bertozzi's depiction of the tenacity, camaraderie, and humor of the men and it's that spotlighting of the crew's unwavering humanity in the face of icy doom that sets this book apart.
All in all, Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey is a top-shelf rendition of one of the greatest survival stories to come out of the Age of Exploration.
May 8, 2017
I really enjoyed this book especially the start but at the end it started to get really confusing and hard to understand. However the book and all of the drawings were generally detailed. The part I didn't like about this book was there was no real character development and only mood swings. It didn't really end up with them being different they just have different emotions from time to time. And the story is a good way to describe a real life event even though the ending is difficult to follow and it ends quiet abruptly. The emotions and hardships were shown in a really nice way with them being really happy when they announce a good meal or they get rescued from their island. Their sadness is also shown when they have to kill the dogs. It also shows their anxiety and their fear of falling into the deep, dark and cold ocean. The first part of the book where they show previous arctic expeditions and the crew for Shackleton's adventure with all it's members and jobs. The characters didn't seem to be much different from each other but with around 25 different characters and lots of animals it would be difficult to make each of them wholly unique. Overall this book was an enjoyable and quick read but it wasn't that detailed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2018
About a ten minute drive from where I live is the birthplace of Robert Peary, an Arctic explorer who claimed to be the first to reach the North Pole in 1909, although there is no real evidence that he did or didn't. Nonetheless, a local highway and a vocational technical school have been named in his honor.
The Shackleton story came to my attention many years ago, but I never pursued learning more about him and his endeavors, although I intended someday I would. And, in the midst of a graphic novel phase, Nick Bertozzi's Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey was recently cataloged at the school library where I teach.
I decided to check it out over the weekend so I could learn more about Shackleton's story in an introductory manner, and Bertozzi's stylistic presentation is a perfect segue. It is an amazing tale, and Bertozzi's illustrations generate the vicarious atmosphere that one is present.
In addition, the fortitude of Shackleton and his crew to survive two years in polar isolation while continuously exposed to the elements is astonishing. It is an inspiring tale of courage and resolve.
The Shackleton story came to my attention many years ago, but I never pursued learning more about him and his endeavors, although I intended someday I would. And, in the midst of a graphic novel phase, Nick Bertozzi's Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey was recently cataloged at the school library where I teach.
I decided to check it out over the weekend so I could learn more about Shackleton's story in an introductory manner, and Bertozzi's stylistic presentation is a perfect segue. It is an amazing tale, and Bertozzi's illustrations generate the vicarious atmosphere that one is present.
In addition, the fortitude of Shackleton and his crew to survive two years in polar isolation while continuously exposed to the elements is astonishing. It is an inspiring tale of courage and resolve.
October 7, 2019
This graphic novel recounts Ernest Shackleton's attempt to cross Antarctica on foot. He had tried a few times to make it to the South Pole but was never successful. Roald Amundsen succeeded in 1912, followed one month later by Robert Falcon Scott. Making it to the pole had already been done. To gain glory for himself and England, Shackleton conceived the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. After gathering financing, he set out in 1914 (just as World War I started). His ship, the Endurance, became trapped in the ice of Vahsel Bay, just short of landfall on Antarctica. After waiting it out for several months, it became clear they would never cut through the ice and make it to land. As the ship was slowly crushed by the ice they turned back. The journey back was hardly easier. Shackleton brought his entire crew back to civilization, an impressive feat in and of itself.
The simple black and white art tells the story quite well. The attention to detail is amazing and the story of perseverance through adversity is inspiring. The book includes a bibliography for further reading.
Recommended.
The simple black and white art tells the story quite well. The attention to detail is amazing and the story of perseverance through adversity is inspiring. The book includes a bibliography for further reading.
Recommended.
June 18, 2024
I find myself fairly disappointed in this. I love age of exploration shit, and I am well familiar with Shackleton, especially the endurance trip. I thought this would be an exciting graphic novel, but it turned out to be a very superficial telling of some of the main points of this expedition. If I didn't already know all the beats I may have been lost in this. It really isn't a story.
The art was fine at best. It didn't capture the antarctic, it didn't capture the sea, it didn't capture the struggle nor the men themselves. It was fine enough art, but I don't think it suited this story well at all. Although I don't think comic shackleton looked much like real shackleton, there were expressions that I think were pretty good.
Overall this was fine, but I would certainly not recommend this to anyone who doesn't already know the story as a way of learning about it. 2.5 stars.
The art was fine at best. It didn't capture the antarctic, it didn't capture the sea, it didn't capture the struggle nor the men themselves. It was fine enough art, but I don't think it suited this story well at all. Although I don't think comic shackleton looked much like real shackleton, there were expressions that I think were pretty good.
Overall this was fine, but I would certainly not recommend this to anyone who doesn't already know the story as a way of learning about it. 2.5 stars.
April 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and thought it did a good job of telling the story of Shackleton's voyage in an easily digested way. I have read other accounts, so I did have prior knowledge, but I think this book would also work well as an introduction. The illustrations really added something to the story, because it can be hard to picture the situations these explorers faced. Black and white makes perfect sense for illustrating Antarctic exploration. The dates added in the corners of many of the panels also helped with keeping track of the passage of time.
(I did notice one error in the dates. Return to the Floe, 6 PM, April 10, 1916, was followed by Dawn, April 10, 1916. It made me wonder if there were other little issues, but certainly that one wasn't too consequential.)
(I did notice one error in the dates. Return to the Floe, 6 PM, April 10, 1916, was followed by Dawn, April 10, 1916. It made me wonder if there were other little issues, but certainly that one wasn't too consequential.)
May 24, 2017
I read this in preparation for Ernest Shackleton Loves Me (the musical @ Second Stage Theater in NYC), and it really made me appreciate the story so much more as I watched it onstage.
The fact that Shackleton was able to rescue all 22 of his men stranded on Elephant Island was a miracle... The odds were truly impossible and mind-boggling.
I actually think I didn't appreciate the story fully first on paper, and enjoyed seeing it played out as an action story more. Not sure if it's the medium that didn't impress me, or my understanding of where they were throughout. I think I would have liked more maps.
The fact that Shackleton was able to rescue all 22 of his men stranded on Elephant Island was a miracle... The odds were truly impossible and mind-boggling.
I actually think I didn't appreciate the story fully first on paper, and enjoyed seeing it played out as an action story more. Not sure if it's the medium that didn't impress me, or my understanding of where they were throughout. I think I would have liked more maps.
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