Blue Book Volume 2: 1947

Blue Book

by James Tynion IV, Michael Avon Oeming (Illustrator), Tom Napolitano (Letterer)

From the New York Times bestselling and multi-Eisner award-winning co-creators of Something is Killing the Children, The Nice House on the Lake, The Department of Truth, and Powers comes this ambitious, non-fiction comic book experience depicting true stories of UFO abductions with an eye to capturing the strange essence of those encounters.

In 1947, Kenneth Arnold flew his Call-Air A-2 over the skies of the Pacific Northwest when all of a sudden he saw a blinding flash of silver light. What followed was a bizarre and difficult to explain encounter with several flying objects that would change the course of his life forever.

Tiny Onion Studios and Dark Horse Comics present a line of upcoming creator-owned work from the mind of James Tynion IV across a broad spectrum of his interests, from non-fiction supernatural encounters to high concept coming-of-age monster comics.

Collects the Dark Horse Comics series Blue 1947 #1–#5.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Nonfiction, History, Graphic Novels Comics, Science, Sequential Art

136 pages, Paperback

First published October 29, 2024

About the author

Prior to his first professional work, Tynion was a student of Scott Snyder's at Sarah Lawrence College. A few years later, he worked as for Vertigo as Fables editor Shelly Bond's intern. In late 2011, with DC deciding to give Batman (written by Snyder) a back up feature, Tynion was brought in by request of Snyder to script the back ups he had plotted. Tynion would later do the same with the Batman Annual #1, which was also co-plotted by Snyder. Beginning in September 2012, with DC's 0 issue month for the New 52, Tynion will be writing Talon, with art by Guillem March. In early 2013 it was announced that he'd take over writing duties for Red Hood and the Outlaws in April.

Tynion is also currently one of the writers in a rotating team in the weekly Batman Eternal series.

Reviews

[Alexander Peterhans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading volume 1 of this series, I seriously wondered who this was made for - it basically regurgitated well known facts and didn't add anything to it. This volume round, I enjoyed it a lot more, it felt less like a dry retelling.

Michael Avon Oeming's art remains excellent.

(Thanks to Dark Horse Books for providing me with a review copy through Edelweiss)

[Jiro Dreams of Suchy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really clean, stylish 1940-50s art. Really helps compliment the story with its cool color scheme. JT4
Is a great writer and takes the historical research to create a great reading experience. This would be a great read for anyone new to aliens

[Maxine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was less cohesive than the first one was; where the first volume focused entirely around one specific possible alien encounter and the individuals involved in the case, this volume spreads itself out, talking at length about the origins of alien/UFO sightings in modern America. From pilot Kenneth Arnold seeing strange flying shapes in the sky in 1947 to the origins of Project Blue Book decades later, this volume tries to tackle it all.

In this volume, Tynion and Oeming cover a lot of ground as they try to explain what Project Blue Book is, how and why it was created, and what purpose it historically served, extrapolating backwards in time to show us a smattering of reported UFO sightings that captured the attention of not only the public, but the U.S. military. Pilots report seeing strange lights in the sky that they can't explain. Civilians and army men claim to see flying saucers. Several hoaxes are concocted, giving rise to popular images of Little Green Men and Men in Black, and an errant balloon puts Roswell, New Mexico onto the pop culture map.

Overall, I found the volume to be very interesting. I know very little about alien sightings and conspiracies, and I thought this set of comics did a good job introducing and explaining the early days of UFO sightings. It doesn't spend much time on every sighting, often giving short, general notes on several incidents instead of focusing in on every little detail, so a newbie like me didn't feel very overwhelmed or anything. Admittedly, I would have liked for it to have focused a little more on one chain of events, rather than the general overview of the history of UFO sightings it is, but that's really my only complaint.

I'm still enamored with Oeming's artistic approach to this series. The sharp lines and the limited color palette gives the whole thing an eerie, old-timey feel that I think works really well with the subject matter.

I would definitely recommend this volume to anyone who likes nonfiction comics, and anyone who is interested in UFO sightings in the U.S. and wants to dip their toes into the history of it.

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

James Tynion IV covers the mid-century craze for finding UFOs in this relatively dry, color-free non-fiction work. I guess I didn't realize how many people were seeing unidentified things in the 50s and how many of those people were later tasked with finding more unidentified things, so that was certainly interesting. But the names/faces all kind of washed together with the low-key artwork and the outcome of the book was kind of "well, I guess we'll never know."

This Blue Book series is somewhat interesting, but definitely feels like a goofy side project for Tynion that got approved only because his other books are receiving such critical acclaim/sales.

[Mat Davies · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the kind of comic a Roswell nerd like me really loves. That said, I think many readers will enjoy it even without that background. It has a strongly autobiographical feel, which adds authenticity, though it may make the book slightly less accessible for readers who don’t already share the author’s interests.

[Matthew Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Sonic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Avon Oeming rocks!

[Soteralzobooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.3 (biblio)

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blue Book Vol. 2 goes back to 1947 in its true tales of ufo hysteria.

[Kyle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am puzzled by how a comic book about UFO sightings can be so dry and boring. Felt like it was made by AI.

1.5/5

[Nat]

Review of “Blue Book Volume 2: 1947”

How I read: 📖

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Rating System Below)

”Blue Book Volume 2: 1947” is an absolute gem for anyone fascinated by UFOs and the unexplained. The art style is stunning, with Michael Avon Oeming’s illustrations capturing the eerie, surreal vibe of the 1947 Kenneth Arnold sightings perfectly. Every page pulls you deeper into the mystery, and the visuals alone are worth the read.

What really made this volume stand out for me were the fascinating snippets of Project Blue Book history. Seamlessly weaves in real accounts and the government’s responses to UFO sightings back in the day, adding a layer of authenticity and intrigue to the already captivating storyline. It’s a wild ride that’s as informative as it is thrilling.

If you’re the kind of person who’s always wondered about extraterrestrial life or loves a good non-fiction paranormal read, this comic series is a no-brainer. The combination of true stories, historical context, and incredible art makes “Blue Book Volume 2” an absolute must-read for believers and skeptics alike.

Get it at…

📗 - Hard Copy -📗

Your Local Canadian Book Seller

Indigo

Amazon Canada

📱 - Digital - 📱

Kobo

Kindle

🎧 - Audio - 🎧

Audible - (Not Available at Time of Review)

Libro.FM - (Not Available at Time of Review)

___________________

*Star Rating Guide*

⭐ - The writing style didn’t appeal to me. The characters didn’t resonate with me. I pushed myself to the limit to avoid DNF’ing. I wouldn’t suggest this book to anyone I’m acquainted with.

⭐⭐ - The book was passable, but it won’t stick in my mind. Although I didn’t abandon the book, my mind wasn’t fully immersed in the story. I discovered that it was easy for me to stop reading it and not feel compelled to continue promptly. When everything was said and done, I was unsure of my immediate opinion on this book.

⭐⭐⭐ - If someone is actively seeking a book in this general premise, I would suggest this. While it was good, I don’t think I’ll ever pick up this book for a second read. If it were part of a series, I’d probably venture into the next book. Reading it was time well-spent.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ - This book was brilliant. I had the urge to keep reading and turn to the next page. The book stayed on my mind for days after I finished it. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I was actively engaged in wanting to finish reading this book. My thoughts are consumed by this book after completing it. I want to have a physical copy as a trophy that I can display on my shelf. I felt a strong connection and investment while reading this book, would definitely recommend.

[Rick Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second volume of James Tynion IV's and Michael Avon Oeming's Blue Book series sets the stage in 1947, where Kenneth Arnold spots a series of UFOs in the skies above Mount Rainier. Marking this as the first widely publicized sighting of UFOs, Arnold would go on to investigate, publish and publicly speak on the incident for years to come, building for himself a major profile amongst mid-century UFO enthusiasts. Arnold's description of the nine UFOs spotted would mark the advent of the "flying saucer", a well-established lexicon for alien and UFO related media. Oeming leans into the era of the story with artwork that fits, primarily opting into a minimalistic yet classical appearance. The shots of Arnold's CallAir A2 flying over the Pacific Northwest are some truly gorgeous sequences, and work well with Oeming's choice of limiting the color palette to spot blues. Tynion's script is imaginative to fill in the gaps of Arnold's life surrounding the incident, adding the alien mythology in fairly well. It does read a fair bit dry, but still interesting enough for UFO enthusiasts to appreciate.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was cool. Unlike the first book, this one covered multiple UFO cases, beginning with the initial sighting of Kenneth Arnold that kicked off the UFO craze in America. From Arnold's initial sighting, it tracked subsequent major UFO events, including a brief mention of the Shaver mysteries, which I greatly appreciated, with particular attention paid to Roswell.

The creation of Sign and its transformation into Grudge and Blue Book were covered in detail, as well as the changing views towards UFO phenomena. Tynion does a good job of never fully disclosing whether he believes in the extraterrestrial origin or not, instead presenting the arguments for and against each case. It makes for compelling reading and a very human depiction of the different characters covered.

The art, likewise, is positively brilliant. Muted blues, strong whites, and dark blacks are the bulk of the palette. Only a few panels showcase a shock of red, which jumps out of the page right after you've gotten used to the darker shades. It's extremely effective, and I can't help but think that I would love to see more posters done in this style.

[Jamie Nimitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting and informative GN.
I personally enjoyed the first volume, 1961, more as I’ve been more in the mood for stories. Vol 1 made me feel more, while this one made me think more.

1961 primarily focuses on one couple over the span of decades and the impact of their abduction/sightings on their lives & relationship(s); this vol started with one man’s story, then became less cohesive and more info-dense introducing many other individuals (various members of the military, other UFO sighters, writers, government officials, UFO hoaxers, etc.) and explored less of the character’s personal lives.

That said, this vol has so much good info on the history of UFO sightings, how international events & politics impacted how the U.S. gov’t handled UFO sightings, facts vs. fictions, and a great summarization of the events in Roswell from the 40s through the 21st century.

[Ken R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love aliens, and I love comics. Volume 2 is on a much bigger scale compared to Volume 1, but in just 5 issues, I think it manages to make the brief history of the UFO craze in America feel nicely condensed and not too clunky. Instead of focusing on one story, it expands and acts more like a history comic, which I thoroughly enjoyed!! Panel to panel reads almost like a documented fever dream, and the art adds so much to that feeling. There’s something about the way it all comes together that makes the mystery and obsession surrounding these UFO events feel even more eerie. Is it truly a mass hysteria event or are we actually being visited? Even though a lot of the sightings or Roswell can be explained, I’ve always been a believer, and these books make that curiosity feel even bigger!! 🛸

[Andy Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue Book Volume 2: 1947, James Tynion IV
This is an excellent summary of the UFO phenomenon in the USA. (Americans would benefit from research done in other countries by those who have first-hand experience with sighting a UFO).
#1- pilot Kenneth Arnold "would later describe their movement like saucers skipping on water."
#2- "We were unable to tell whether they outsped us or disintegrated," Captain Smith (July 4th, 1947)
#3- "Scattered across the dusty earth was what looked to be the debris from a crash of some sort." The Roswell speculation has not helped clarify UFO sightings.
#4- "Wondering what it all could mean."

[Dr. T Loves Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seems like this should have been Book One. The central focus is on events that happened in the 1940s and 1950s, while Books One focuses on an event from the 1960s.

I was very into the paranormal as a kid and was therefore already familiar with most of this information. These books remind me of those that I read long ago. I was disappointed that these did not offer new information, nor did they create narratives. They were more expository than I would have liked.

[Chad · Rating 2 out of 5]

A really boring drive by approach to UFO sightings throughout the 20th century. It's written in a factual style that is extremely dry and there's no real story. Just a few panels for most of the major sightings. I'm honestly not sure why this even exists. Disappointing considering I like both creators involved.

[Spencer Greenwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another good volume but was more dense than volume 1. A large cast of characters made it a little confusing to keep them all together. This was still fun but read a little more like a textbook.

[Alisa]

Not as interesting as the first novel, mostly because this story was more disjointed and multifaceted. I would have preferred if it followed a single character instead of taking a bird's eye view approach.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

A whole lot better than the extremely dull volume 1, this is still fairly dry stuff, as it moves through the history of UFO encounters in the 1940s and beyond. But, while dry, it's also pretty interesting. The artwork does a good job of supporting things.

[Francisco Becerra · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the UFO craze of ‘47 to Project Blue Book, this bok is a wild ride through the misteries and facts of the beginnings of ufology. Much more informative than its predecessor. A must for anyone interested in ufology.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

i think this might be the one Tynion book that isn't for me.

[Andy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Straightforward US UFO History

Love the art and the stories. The writing is very straightforward and simple making for a really quick but enjoyable read.

[Brandon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume is all about UFOs! Flying saucer sightings, public perception, and government agencies looking into them. It's all rather dry, and if not for the art kind of boring.

[John T]

Some where they are out there.

[Robert · Rating 2 out of 5]

The B-stories in the single issues were more entertaining than the main line.

[angelofmine1974 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great read about the beginning of UFO sightings, Roswell and the Blue Book.

For the rest of my review, visit my Vlog at:

https://youtube.com/shorts/zN9d908B6Q...

Enjoy!

[Edd Sanders · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Very Weak 3/5 Supernatural Graphic Novel about the documented history of UFO sightings