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Bomb: The Race to Build--and Steal--the World's Most Dangerous Weapon
A riveting graphic novel adaptation of the award-winning nonfiction book, Bomb ―the fascinating and frightening true story of the creation behind the most destructive force that birthed the arms race and the Cold War.
In December of 1938, a chemist in a German laboratory made a shocking When placed next to radioactive material, a Uranium atom split in two. That simple discovery launched a scientific race that spanned three continents.
In Great Britain and the United States, Soviet spies worked their way into the scientific community; in Norway, a commando force slipped behind enemy lines to attack German heavy-water manufacturing; and deep in the desert, one brilliant group of scientists, led by "father of the atomic bomb" J. Robert Oppenheimer, was hidden away at a remote site at Los Alamos. This is the story of the plotting, the risk-taking, the deceit, and genius that created the world's most formidable weapon. This is the story of the atomic bomb.
New York Times bestselling author Steve Sheinkin's award-winning nonfiction book is now available reimagined in the graphic novel format. Full color illustrations from Nick Bertozzi are detailed and enriched with the nonfiction expertise Nick brings to the story as a beloved artist, comic book writer, and commercial illustrator who has written a couple of his own historical graphic novels, including Shackleton and Lewis & Clark .
Accessible, gripping, and educational, this new edition of Bomb is perfect for young readers and adults alike.
Praise for Bomb (2012):
“This superb and exciting work of nonfiction would be a fine tonic for any jaded adolescent who thinks history is 'boring.' It's also an excellent primer for adult readers who may have forgotten, or never learned, the remarkable story of how nuclear weaponry was first imagined, invented and deployed―and of how an international arms race began well before there was such a thing as an atomic bomb.” ― The Wall Street Journal
“This is edge-of-the seat material that will resonate with YAs who clamor for true spy stories, and it will undoubtedly engross a cross-market audience of adults who dozed through the World War II unit in high school.” ― The Bulletin (starred review)
Also by Steve
Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown
The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights
Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team
Most Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War
Born to The First Women's Air Race Across America
The Notorious Benedict A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery
Which Way to the Wild West?: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About Westward Expansion
King What Was His Problem?: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About the American Revolution
Two Miserable Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About the Civil War
In December of 1938, a chemist in a German laboratory made a shocking When placed next to radioactive material, a Uranium atom split in two. That simple discovery launched a scientific race that spanned three continents.
In Great Britain and the United States, Soviet spies worked their way into the scientific community; in Norway, a commando force slipped behind enemy lines to attack German heavy-water manufacturing; and deep in the desert, one brilliant group of scientists, led by "father of the atomic bomb" J. Robert Oppenheimer, was hidden away at a remote site at Los Alamos. This is the story of the plotting, the risk-taking, the deceit, and genius that created the world's most formidable weapon. This is the story of the atomic bomb.
New York Times bestselling author Steve Sheinkin's award-winning nonfiction book is now available reimagined in the graphic novel format. Full color illustrations from Nick Bertozzi are detailed and enriched with the nonfiction expertise Nick brings to the story as a beloved artist, comic book writer, and commercial illustrator who has written a couple of his own historical graphic novels, including Shackleton and Lewis & Clark .
Accessible, gripping, and educational, this new edition of Bomb is perfect for young readers and adults alike.
Praise for Bomb (2012):
“This superb and exciting work of nonfiction would be a fine tonic for any jaded adolescent who thinks history is 'boring.' It's also an excellent primer for adult readers who may have forgotten, or never learned, the remarkable story of how nuclear weaponry was first imagined, invented and deployed―and of how an international arms race began well before there was such a thing as an atomic bomb.” ― The Wall Street Journal
“This is edge-of-the seat material that will resonate with YAs who clamor for true spy stories, and it will undoubtedly engross a cross-market audience of adults who dozed through the World War II unit in high school.” ― The Bulletin (starred review)
Also by Steve
Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown
The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights
Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team
Most Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War
Born to The First Women's Air Race Across America
The Notorious Benedict A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery
Which Way to the Wild West?: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About Westward Expansion
King What Was His Problem?: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About the American Revolution
Two Miserable Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About the Civil War
256 pages, Paperback
Published January 24, 2023
23 people are currently reading
492 people want to read
About the author
Steve Sheinkin
45 books697 followersFrom: http://stevesheinkin.com/about/
I was born in Brooklyn, NY, and my family lived in Mississippi and Colorado before moving back to New York and settling in the suburbs north of New York City. As a kid my favorite books were action stories and outdoor adventures: sea stories, searches for buried treasure, sharks eating people… that kind of thing. Probably my all-time favorite was a book called Mutiny on the Bounty, a novel based on the true story of a famous mutiny aboard a British ship in the late 1700s.
I went to Syracuse University and studied communications and international relations. The highlight of those years was a summer I spent in Central America, where I worked on a documentary on the streets of Nicaragua.
After college I moved to Washington, D.C., and worked for an environmental group called the National Audubon Society. Then, when my brother Ari graduated from college a few years later, we decided to move to Austin, Texas, and make movies together. We lived like paupers in a house with a hole in the floor where bugs crawled in. We wrote some screenplays, and in 1995 made our own feature film, a comedy called A More Perfect Union (filing pictured below), about four young guys who decide to secede from the Union and declare their rented house to be an independent nation. We were sure it was going to be a huge hit; actually we ended up deep in debt.
After that I moved to Brooklyn and decided to find some way to make a living as a writer. I wrote short stories, screenplays, and worked on a comic called The Adventures of Rabbi Harvey. In 2006, after literally hundreds of rejections, my first Rabbi Harvey graphic novel was finally published.
Meanwhile, I started working for an educational publishing company, just for the money. We’d hire people to write history textbooks, and they’d send in their writing, and it was my job to check facts and make little edits to clarify the text. Once in a while I was given the chance to write little pieces of textbooks, like one-page biographies or skills lessons. “Understanding Bar Graphs” was one of my early works. The editors noticed that my writing was pretty good. They started giving me less editing to do, and more writing. Gradually, I began writing chapters for textbooks, and that turned into my full-time job. All the while, I kept working on my own writing projects.
In 2008 I wrote my last textbook. I walked away, and shall never return. My first non-textbook history book was King George: What Was His Problem? – full of all the stories about the American Revolution that I was never allowed to put into textbooks. But looking back, I actually feel pretty lucky to have spent all those years writing textbooks. It forced me to write every day, which is great practice. And I collected hundreds of stories that I can’t wait to tell.
These days, I live with my wife, Rachel, and our two young kids in Saratoga Springs, New York. We’re right down the road from the Saratoga National Historical Park, the site of Benedict Arnold’s greatest – and last – victory in an American uniform. But that’s not why I moved here. Honestly.
I was born in Brooklyn, NY, and my family lived in Mississippi and Colorado before moving back to New York and settling in the suburbs north of New York City. As a kid my favorite books were action stories and outdoor adventures: sea stories, searches for buried treasure, sharks eating people… that kind of thing. Probably my all-time favorite was a book called Mutiny on the Bounty, a novel based on the true story of a famous mutiny aboard a British ship in the late 1700s.
I went to Syracuse University and studied communications and international relations. The highlight of those years was a summer I spent in Central America, where I worked on a documentary on the streets of Nicaragua.
After college I moved to Washington, D.C., and worked for an environmental group called the National Audubon Society. Then, when my brother Ari graduated from college a few years later, we decided to move to Austin, Texas, and make movies together. We lived like paupers in a house with a hole in the floor where bugs crawled in. We wrote some screenplays, and in 1995 made our own feature film, a comedy called A More Perfect Union (filing pictured below), about four young guys who decide to secede from the Union and declare their rented house to be an independent nation. We were sure it was going to be a huge hit; actually we ended up deep in debt.
After that I moved to Brooklyn and decided to find some way to make a living as a writer. I wrote short stories, screenplays, and worked on a comic called The Adventures of Rabbi Harvey. In 2006, after literally hundreds of rejections, my first Rabbi Harvey graphic novel was finally published.
Meanwhile, I started working for an educational publishing company, just for the money. We’d hire people to write history textbooks, and they’d send in their writing, and it was my job to check facts and make little edits to clarify the text. Once in a while I was given the chance to write little pieces of textbooks, like one-page biographies or skills lessons. “Understanding Bar Graphs” was one of my early works. The editors noticed that my writing was pretty good. They started giving me less editing to do, and more writing. Gradually, I began writing chapters for textbooks, and that turned into my full-time job. All the while, I kept working on my own writing projects.
In 2008 I wrote my last textbook. I walked away, and shall never return. My first non-textbook history book was King George: What Was His Problem? – full of all the stories about the American Revolution that I was never allowed to put into textbooks. But looking back, I actually feel pretty lucky to have spent all those years writing textbooks. It forced me to write every day, which is great practice. And I collected hundreds of stories that I can’t wait to tell.
These days, I live with my wife, Rachel, and our two young kids in Saratoga Springs, New York. We’re right down the road from the Saratoga National Historical Park, the site of Benedict Arnold’s greatest – and last – victory in an American uniform. But that’s not why I moved here. Honestly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
February 22, 2023
The history of the Manhattan Project is dramatized in a gripping manner by interspersing spy games and military operations between the science scenes. Follow the scientists who raced to create the weapon that would change the face of warfare, the Norwegian soldiers who slowed down Nazi research into atomic bombs, and the Americans who funneled bomb secrets to the Soviets to launch the era of mutual assured destruction as you realize you are learning . . . on the edge of your seat.
March 19, 2024
A good intro about the creation of the atomic bomb. Not tons of detail, but enough to pique a kid's interest! I would recommend it to my kids.
March 4, 2024
Fascinating! Sheinkin has a gift for making nonfiction exciting but also ensuring readers comprehend the consequences of historical decisions. The artwork felt a little stiff to me at times, but otherwise I found this really interesting and I learned a lot.
December 29, 2022
Bomb in it's original format was already such an amazing book that I couldn't wait to read the graphic adaptation. The thing that I love about this book (in both formats) is that it breaks down such a complex topic into manageable pieces that anyone can understand. I first read the original as an adult and was absolutely thrilled that I, someone not very scientifically minded, understand the basics of the science behind atomic weapons! I think Steven Sheinkin does a fabulous job blending the science, the atmosphere, the timeline, and the various vantage points of this historical moment. I personally preferred the original edition, but I'm so excited to get this graphic edition in the hands of my graphic-obsessed students. They will eat this up!
July 22, 2023
Read for Oppenheimer (2023)!!
I actually can't believe that some scenes and dialogues in this book are the exact same as in the film.
I actually can't believe that some scenes and dialogues in this book are the exact same as in the film.
December 2, 2023
Finished it didn’t I
September 3, 2023
Gripping and educational adaptation of Sheinkin’s Newbury winner. Depicts how the arms race started way before Hiroshima with exciting concurrent plotlines of secret scientist recruitment, hidden labs, double-crossing co-workers, and real military heroes doing the impossible. I’m ready to see Oppenheimer now-although his story, according to this book’s interesting end notes, is just beginning after the war.
May 9, 2023
Bomb offers a nonstop, thrill-a-minute rendition of the design and creation of the atomic bomb. Part of the appeal are the ancillary stories you might not get in a straightforward, physics-focused read. For example, the Norwegian commandos who took out the Nazis heavy water capabilities - twice. Or the multiple (successful) efforts by the Russians to ferret out American atomic secrets.
It's just a great read all around. Sure, you're going to miss some details: this is YA history that's also been condensed and streamlined into a graphic format. But the important stuff is there and the big moments hit hard - you'll catch your breath when the Trinity test is a success...and when Hiroshima is obliterated.
Put this book in the hands of any young, reluctant reader and they'll be swept away, guaranteed.
It's just a great read all around. Sure, you're going to miss some details: this is YA history that's also been condensed and streamlined into a graphic format. But the important stuff is there and the big moments hit hard - you'll catch your breath when the Trinity test is a success...and when Hiroshima is obliterated.
Put this book in the hands of any young, reluctant reader and they'll be swept away, guaranteed.
March 1, 2023
I’ve seen this book for a few years but not been interested in an reading it. However, when it was put in graphic novel format, I thought this would be the perfect time to give it a try. I’m glad I did. This starts out with us by telling us the story of how the atom bomb came to be. It goes over Oppenheimer ‘s life and other scientists, as well as how the secrets were given to the Soviets. This was much more digestible than the full book. Tt was not only educational, but it was also interesting and kept the pages turning. I am glad to see that the publisher decided to put this out in graphic novel format to make the history approachable to more students.
December 28, 2022
I am not a fan of historical books, but this is one of the required reading for a lot of middle school students and I wanted to see what they were doing with the graphic novel and I think this will be a very valuable edition for students who don't enjoy reading traditional books. The art is cute, the story is the same.
3 stars
3 stars
February 18, 2024
The first of a set of WWII graphic novels I am reading for potential use during my class WWII unit. This one was great. I own a classroom copy of the original Bomb that I personally have not read, but students have loved it. I find I don’t spend a lot of time on pictures in books, but this was really interesting and easy to read. I learned a lot of things I didn’t know about the Manhattan Project
May 27, 2024
The pictures were drawn very well, for sure. The story was well-written, a little fast-paced, but well-written. I did not actually know some (or a lot) of the aspects of WWII, so this book opened my eyes a little to it. It makes me wonder how different the novel version of this is.
February 14, 2025
I was interested in this after having seen the Oppenheimer movie. This dealt much more with the espionage related to the Manhattan project than the movie did.
Read
October 19, 2023Very well done—a good companion to the film Oppenheimer. More on spying and science, both very well done, less on personal lives. Manages the overall context clearly and efficiently, despite the obvious complexity. The Norwegian campaign against Nazi bomb development that runs parallel to the U.S. project is an especially great story to have included here.
December 15, 2024
Very well organized. Nothing too special that makes it stands out from other informational writings, but it truly does fit in the category of one of the most perfect informational writings that I've ever read.
Read
April 6, 2023I was excited to see the adaptation of this story in a graphic novel, having already read via audiobook the novel BOMB. The story is revealed through the FBI's interrogation of captured spy Harry Gold. Readers learn of various backstories from the scientists, world leaders, pilots and spies who shared information with the Soviets during its inception to fruition. These voices allow the space for readers to digest information that is detailed and scientific. Nick Bertozzi's illustrations capture the mood and stress endured by many involved in this secret project and introduce new readers to this period of history that otherwise they may not pursue. This will be a great stepping stone for Steve Sheinkin's novel BOMB but also be used in various curricular subjects. My hope is that the two will collaborate again for Steve Sheinkein's novel FALLOUT.
Gr 6+
Gr 6+
December 15, 2022
The graphic novel #Bomb by #SteveSheinkin was one of the most engaging graphic novels I've read in a while. It combines science and history in a rich storytelling manner. It provides multiple perspectives to overlay a larger picture of the United States' development and use of the atomic bomb. While not every perspective could be covered, it does a good job of examining the complexity of the topic in a way that will be accessible to a high school audience and older. I recommend it for all libraries that serve teens. Many thanks to the publishers and #NetGalley for the ARC.
March 5, 2023
"Bomb" is an interesting graphic novel that tells the illustrated story of the race to build the first atomic bomb. The story is based on historical events that include the lives of the scientists and politicians involved in the "Manhattan Project". The characters, chemical, and military illustrations depict a very accurate but different aspect of World War II. The characters are well-developed the conflicts are explored in depth. Overall, "Bomb" is a well-written graphic novel that provides a fascinating glimpse at a pivotal moment in history.
January 30, 2023
Telling the complex story of the creation and use of the atomic bomb is difficult enough. After accomplishing that feat, Sheinkin added yet another by adapting Bomb into a graphic novel. Having read the original, I couldn’t help but be amazed at the Herculean task of bringing the fast paced, layered suspense using images and limited text. This was obviously a labor of love between author and illustrator, and I’m so glad that students have two powerful ways to access the story of Bomb now!
February 21, 2023
Steve Sheinkin is an excellent writer of non-fiction works but this is his first graphic novel adaptation. I certainly hope he does more because this one was excellent. If you are interested in history, particularly the development of the atom bomb and those that worked on it, worked as spies, how the allies worked to stop the Nazis from developing their own atom bomb. It's entertaining and informative!
December 7, 2022
I’m so excited to share this graphic novel adaptation with my students! At times the narrative and cast of characters were confusing, but overall it takes the remarkable and tragic story of the creation of atomic bomb and makes it more accessible to more audiences. Thanks to Netgalley for the digital ARC.
March 6, 2023
Maybe the whole novel version is better, but I didn't find this particularly enganging
July 8, 2023
A great graphic novel and companion to the novel to help explain a complex historical event. Very timely with the new movie Oppenheimer being released soon.
March 12, 2025
Step I
The book BOMB is a graphic novel based on true events around the arms race to develop the world's first atomic bomb, written by Nick Bertozzi. The book is told through the eyes of Harry Gold, who was arrested for spying for the Soviet Union 1950 after the development of the atomic bomb. The book is told through nonlinear narrative, starting in the present day of 1950. Through flashbacks and flashforwards Harry Gold tells his story recounting his childhood while working forward back to present day 1950. Through his eyes we learn about the race between Nazi, Germany, the Soviet Union and the United States to develop the atomic bomb and end the war.
Step II
I enjoyed how the author went back in time to explain what was happening in each section told through the first hand account of Harry Gold. The author also formatted the book as a graphic novel, which I felt was an easier read and held my interest while telling the story through first person narrative along with pictures. Another aspect of this book I enjoyed is that it is based on real historical events, which interests me and I enjoy learning about. The characters in the book felt real to me, with real places and real events describing how and when the atomic bomb was developed and how they tested it. Opemhimer was my favorite character because he was the main non-fictional character that led the team of scientists in the development of the bomb. My favorite part of the book was when they were recruiting scientists for the Manhattan project and it gave the reader a glimpse of how many scientists and how many locations were really a part of this top secret historical event. The test scene was tense and well written, with pictures capturing the emotions of each character, describing the immense pressure the team of scientists were under to succeed. Through a two day rain delay, the author describes the odds of malfunction increasing every hour the bomb sat in the staging tower (Bertozzi 175-182). Another part of the book that stood out to me was when the bomb was dropped, the author illustrated the kids of Hiroshima looking up as it fell, with the next page showing and describing the city being flattened and talking about the tremendous destruction and loss of life. The story made me think, if the scientist would not have been successful in developing the atomic bomb first, could this same thing have happened to the United States, how would that have changed the outcome of the war and the world as we know it today.
Step III
An Aspect of the book I did not enjoy was the fact that the narrator of the book was a Soviet spy who made attempts to steal plans and share them with the enemy. The fact that he was a spy for the Soviets made me care less about him and question his story. The story is straightforward and leaves little to the imagination with limited twists and turns. I did like the graphic novel format, however there were times the story became hard to follow due to the author jumping from a narrative text box to a dialog text box (Bertozzi 50-51). This became confusing to me and made me lose focus. Lastly, I never felt truly drawn into the story as I already knew the outcome and have learned the history of the development of the atomic bomb through other documentaries and movies I have watched with my family. I felt they could have talked more about the process of developing the bomb which they briefly covered but did not give much details or talk about how it was built. The story is interesting but leaves a lot of details out, this was an important part of American history and this book leaves a lot of gaps left to the imagination of the reader.
Step IV &V
It is a good book but doesn't go into great detail, it gives a short glimpse of how the bomb was developed. This book would be better for younger audiences since it is a graphic novel and wouldn't be a good book for older people as it skips over important facts and details. I would recommend this for a younger reader who is into history, as the format makes it an easy read with pictures. Overall I give this book a 3.5/5 rating.
The book BOMB is a graphic novel based on true events around the arms race to develop the world's first atomic bomb, written by Nick Bertozzi. The book is told through the eyes of Harry Gold, who was arrested for spying for the Soviet Union 1950 after the development of the atomic bomb. The book is told through nonlinear narrative, starting in the present day of 1950. Through flashbacks and flashforwards Harry Gold tells his story recounting his childhood while working forward back to present day 1950. Through his eyes we learn about the race between Nazi, Germany, the Soviet Union and the United States to develop the atomic bomb and end the war.
Step II
I enjoyed how the author went back in time to explain what was happening in each section told through the first hand account of Harry Gold. The author also formatted the book as a graphic novel, which I felt was an easier read and held my interest while telling the story through first person narrative along with pictures. Another aspect of this book I enjoyed is that it is based on real historical events, which interests me and I enjoy learning about. The characters in the book felt real to me, with real places and real events describing how and when the atomic bomb was developed and how they tested it. Opemhimer was my favorite character because he was the main non-fictional character that led the team of scientists in the development of the bomb. My favorite part of the book was when they were recruiting scientists for the Manhattan project and it gave the reader a glimpse of how many scientists and how many locations were really a part of this top secret historical event. The test scene was tense and well written, with pictures capturing the emotions of each character, describing the immense pressure the team of scientists were under to succeed. Through a two day rain delay, the author describes the odds of malfunction increasing every hour the bomb sat in the staging tower (Bertozzi 175-182). Another part of the book that stood out to me was when the bomb was dropped, the author illustrated the kids of Hiroshima looking up as it fell, with the next page showing and describing the city being flattened and talking about the tremendous destruction and loss of life. The story made me think, if the scientist would not have been successful in developing the atomic bomb first, could this same thing have happened to the United States, how would that have changed the outcome of the war and the world as we know it today.
Step III
An Aspect of the book I did not enjoy was the fact that the narrator of the book was a Soviet spy who made attempts to steal plans and share them with the enemy. The fact that he was a spy for the Soviets made me care less about him and question his story. The story is straightforward and leaves little to the imagination with limited twists and turns. I did like the graphic novel format, however there were times the story became hard to follow due to the author jumping from a narrative text box to a dialog text box (Bertozzi 50-51). This became confusing to me and made me lose focus. Lastly, I never felt truly drawn into the story as I already knew the outcome and have learned the history of the development of the atomic bomb through other documentaries and movies I have watched with my family. I felt they could have talked more about the process of developing the bomb which they briefly covered but did not give much details or talk about how it was built. The story is interesting but leaves a lot of details out, this was an important part of American history and this book leaves a lot of gaps left to the imagination of the reader.
Step IV &V
It is a good book but doesn't go into great detail, it gives a short glimpse of how the bomb was developed. This book would be better for younger audiences since it is a graphic novel and wouldn't be a good book for older people as it skips over important facts and details. I would recommend this for a younger reader who is into history, as the format makes it an easy read with pictures. Overall I give this book a 3.5/5 rating.
March 21, 2024
In this graphic novel adaptation of Steve Sheinkin's critically acclaimed work, illustrator Nick Bertozzi brings to life the gripping and tumultuous saga of the atom bomb. The narrative spans the groundbreaking discovery in 1938 by a German scientist that the uranium atom could be split, leading to the frantic international race that ensued to develop, steal, and deploy the world's most dangerous weapon during World War II. Bertozzi's artwork serves not only as a visual narrative but also as a profound exploration into the quest for military supremacy that entangled scientists and spies across America, Britain, Russia, and Germany, setting the stage for the Cold War.
While the graphic novel does an admirable job of presenting historical facts and the intrigue of espionage, the singular utterance of "dammit" and the complex moral implications of the atom bomb's creation and use suggest a narrative suited for a more mature audience. The presentation of such a momentous historical event requires careful consideration of its audience, and in this case, the content may be more appropriate for older teenagers and adults who can grapple with the ethical and moral questions it raises.
My rating reflects a mixture of admiration for the book's execution and reservations about its content. The illustrations and narrative are competently executed, capturing the urgency and gravity of the historical events depicted. Yet, my ambivalence stems from the treatment of the atom bomb's aftermath. The graphic novel maintains a neutral stance, aiming for unbiased historical recounting. However, I believe it falls short in fully addressing the profound remorse and ethical reckoning that followed the obliteration of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This omission does not detract from the graphic novel's educational value but suggests a missed opportunity to engage readers more deeply with the moral complexities of one of the 20th century's most pivotal technological advancements.
I would recommend this for readers with an interest in World War II, scientific innovation, and espionage, with the caveat that it is best suited for those prepared to navigate its mature themes and historical weight.
While the graphic novel does an admirable job of presenting historical facts and the intrigue of espionage, the singular utterance of "dammit" and the complex moral implications of the atom bomb's creation and use suggest a narrative suited for a more mature audience. The presentation of such a momentous historical event requires careful consideration of its audience, and in this case, the content may be more appropriate for older teenagers and adults who can grapple with the ethical and moral questions it raises.
My rating reflects a mixture of admiration for the book's execution and reservations about its content. The illustrations and narrative are competently executed, capturing the urgency and gravity of the historical events depicted. Yet, my ambivalence stems from the treatment of the atom bomb's aftermath. The graphic novel maintains a neutral stance, aiming for unbiased historical recounting. However, I believe it falls short in fully addressing the profound remorse and ethical reckoning that followed the obliteration of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This omission does not detract from the graphic novel's educational value but suggests a missed opportunity to engage readers more deeply with the moral complexities of one of the 20th century's most pivotal technological advancements.
I would recommend this for readers with an interest in World War II, scientific innovation, and espionage, with the caveat that it is best suited for those prepared to navigate its mature themes and historical weight.
May 12, 2025
The graphic novel Bomb by Steve Sheinken and drawn by Nick Bertozzi begins in World War Two with the discovery of nuclear fission. The race to create a nuclear bomb begins between the Axis powers and the Allies. While the scientific battle is ongoing, Russia (which is weak from its destructive battle with Germany) has spies informing them about the advancements and progress the USA makes. The United States won the race and was the first to create a nuclear bomb. Germany is already defeated, but Japan refuses to give up. So, the U.S. is forced to drop a nuclear bomb on Hiroshima, a major city in Japan. The destruction the bomb caused was devastating, killing 140,000. Japan still refused to give up. The United States was forced to drop another bomb, a bigger one on an even bigger city, Nagasaki. This one killed another 80,000 at which Japan had no choice but to give up or watch their country die. After Japan surrendered and the destruction that caused it, the whole world realized that the bombs bring more bad than good for either side.
I personally really enjoyed this book a lot. I have read Sheinken's picture less books before, and I enjoyed them. This is the first graphic novel I have read by him, and I can say that it is one of my favorites. The pictures add a whole new perspective to the story. His picture-less books are very informational and are easy to follow, but the pictures in the graphic novel help the reader visualize the story better. This book is for history lovers, especially war history. The Bomb gives many insights, and behind the scenes of World War Two. I got to know a lot more of the story than I previously did. This book is for children and young adults, although I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone under the age of 10 since it has mature topics and a slightly complicated story line. Overall, this is a great book for young adults and children who are history lovers, the book has many exciting moments informing the reader on the science and espionage behind World War Two.
April 18, 2024
So I read this graphic novel for a college class where we've been analyzing young adult literature. There was two choices to pick from, and frankly, this one was shorter since I'd procrastinated till the last moment on getting the homework done. I just barely managed to read it all in one day, so my first piece of advice is take your time because it's definitely a fun and interesting read.
I'll admit I've never been all that interested in hearing about how the atomic bomb was made. I know the basics that are in the history books taught in American high schools but that was about it. This book kept the journey there fun, especially with the framing device of the spy who had been caught. However, there's only so much "intrigue and action" you can stuff into a book featuring real-life events. This isn't Band of Brothers or The Pacific where you get to read about people fighting for their lives. No matter how much they try to beef up the story with the moral dilemmas people had, at the end of the day, the stakes just don't feel as high. This also, among other reasons, is why I went to go see Barbie last year rather than Oppenheimer.
So that's one star off. The other is because the artwork, frankly, is dull and boring. All the characters have a BAD case of sameface and I found myself rereading dialogue trying to figure out which pasty white guy with a bland expression on their face was being talked about at any given moment. If you're gonna do something as a graphic novel, and presumably one that didn't have a strict timeline like a comic book that has to come out every month, couldn't a little more time and effort been put towards getting the details sharpened up? So that's my second star off and why my total is 3 or maybe 3.5 stars. I won't be rereading it but it was something different and unique to read for class.
I'll admit I've never been all that interested in hearing about how the atomic bomb was made. I know the basics that are in the history books taught in American high schools but that was about it. This book kept the journey there fun, especially with the framing device of the spy who had been caught. However, there's only so much "intrigue and action" you can stuff into a book featuring real-life events. This isn't Band of Brothers or The Pacific where you get to read about people fighting for their lives. No matter how much they try to beef up the story with the moral dilemmas people had, at the end of the day, the stakes just don't feel as high. This also, among other reasons, is why I went to go see Barbie last year rather than Oppenheimer.
So that's one star off. The other is because the artwork, frankly, is dull and boring. All the characters have a BAD case of sameface and I found myself rereading dialogue trying to figure out which pasty white guy with a bland expression on their face was being talked about at any given moment. If you're gonna do something as a graphic novel, and presumably one that didn't have a strict timeline like a comic book that has to come out every month, couldn't a little more time and effort been put towards getting the details sharpened up? So that's my second star off and why my total is 3 or maybe 3.5 stars. I won't be rereading it but it was something different and unique to read for class.
November 6, 2023
A graphic novel adaption of Sheinkin's award-winning history of the Manhattan Project and other countries' race to also build an atomic bomb during WWII.
So the main way this differs from the original is Sheinkin has Harry Gold being interrogated by federal agents about his spying for Russia as the framework to share backstories and switch locations. It's a very engaging way to learn the history of what went on to start the Manhattan Project, who the main people were in the project and their roles, why other countries were so intent on spying on that work, why a small group of undercover operatives in Norway were so vital to the success of the Manhattan Project, and what went into the decision to use the bomb. The book also looks at Oppenheimer and other scientists' efforts to dissuade the arms race before it started, having a vision for how awful the Cold War could get. It's a sobering look at what drove the creation of the bomb and how devastating nuclear arms can be.
Notes on content: 1 strong use of profanity and one moderate swear along with a small handful of minor swears (all in quotes). No sexual content. Deaths in the war, especially from the use of the bombs is related but only non-gory things shown on page (still sobering and devastating). FDR's death is also mentioned.
So the main way this differs from the original is Sheinkin has Harry Gold being interrogated by federal agents about his spying for Russia as the framework to share backstories and switch locations. It's a very engaging way to learn the history of what went on to start the Manhattan Project, who the main people were in the project and their roles, why other countries were so intent on spying on that work, why a small group of undercover operatives in Norway were so vital to the success of the Manhattan Project, and what went into the decision to use the bomb. The book also looks at Oppenheimer and other scientists' efforts to dissuade the arms race before it started, having a vision for how awful the Cold War could get. It's a sobering look at what drove the creation of the bomb and how devastating nuclear arms can be.
Notes on content: 1 strong use of profanity and one moderate swear along with a small handful of minor swears (all in quotes). No sexual content. Deaths in the war, especially from the use of the bombs is related but only non-gory things shown on page (still sobering and devastating). FDR's death is also mentioned.
October 24, 2024
I read this book alongside the prose edition, and I loved this experience. I appreciated the depth of knowledge in the prose, and the extremely accurate images in the graphic novel. Both editions are the most suspenseful non-fiction books I have ever read. Both the text by Steve Sheinkin and the images by Nick Bertozzi are immaculately researched. The story is paced in a manner that sweeps you up and doesn't put you down until the very last page. The complex process of creating the bomb is broken down by both creators in easy to understand language and images, which are layered with stories of how many involved were actually Russian spies. The story reveals Oppenheimer's humanity while describing the bone-chilling celebrations and sense of victory that followed the dropping of the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This story is a must-read for anyone interested in the Second World War, US and Russian military history and the fraught national alliances of the 1940's. An unforgettable graphic novel, beautifully produced.
October 3, 2023
Really good. Creative how the author wove the plot lines together with Harry Gold, a go between for the Soviets. Never considered that giving the Russians the bomb created a parity which prevented the use of nuclear bombs…
Poor Oppenheimer! He wasn’t prepared to deal with military men and politicians, thinking only of power and politics. He must have hated himself the rest of his life! (He tried his best to prevent production of the hydrogen bomb, etc. but the establishment gave him the side arm.)
Also didn’t know about Operation Gunnerside which destroyed Nazi heavy water production in Norway. Very heroic stuff! The book makes it seem more important than it actually was IMO. Wiki says the Nazis were hoping the war would be over sooner so they didn’t put much into A-bomb research (but still some).
Poor Oppenheimer! He wasn’t prepared to deal with military men and politicians, thinking only of power and politics. He must have hated himself the rest of his life! (He tried his best to prevent production of the hydrogen bomb, etc. but the establishment gave him the side arm.)
Also didn’t know about Operation Gunnerside which destroyed Nazi heavy water production in Norway. Very heroic stuff! The book makes it seem more important than it actually was IMO. Wiki says the Nazis were hoping the war would be over sooner so they didn’t put much into A-bomb research (but still some).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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