Eileen O’Hely (text) and Nico O’Sullivan (illustrator), 50 Ways to Die in Space, Hawkeye Publishing, April 2025, 162 pp., RRP $29.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781923105416
This graphic book surprised me. I am not a huge fan of scientific space but as soon as I started reading it had me hooked. Fast paced, the reader learns about space, as presented by the two main characters, neither of whom is named. It’s tempting (for me, at least) just to read the words but the graphics are integral to the whole.
The sun is introduced as a star – get too close and you will die. And the same effect if the reader visited Venus, Mars, Mercury and other planets. Why is flying in a spaceship dangerous, and how to avoid the dangers? The book introduces iodising radiation and black holes, microgravity and space debris, and many other space concepts.
A small gripe from me is that the monotone pages are sometimes darker than I am comfortable with but producing the book in colour would make it less appealing. The somber colours may put off some readers, but these niggles are alleviated by the subtle humour. And the final message is sure to resonate with many readers.
This book is an essential read for everyone interested in space, budding scientists and space enthusiasts, and for all those who don’t realise they are: there is still a lot to learn.
Reviewed by Maureen Mann
