PopCultHQ received a review copy from Graphic Mundi, an imprint of Penn State University Press, for their upcoming June 27th release of NUKING ALASKA: Notes of an Atomic Fugitive. From Peter Dunlap-Shohl, the creator of the critically acclaimed graphic novel My Degeneration: A Journey Through Parkinson’s, comes an unnervingly funny tale of life in Alaska during the tensest times of the Cold War.
Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…
NUKING ALASKA: Notes of an Atomic Fugitive
Writing by Peter Dunlap-Shohl
Illustrations by Peter Dunlap-Shohl
Publisher: Graphic Mundi – Psu Press
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 1.00(d)
ISBN-13: 9781637790472
Sales rank: 104,902
Age Range: 16+
Pages: 104
Release Date: June 27, 2023
Nuking Alaska is an unnervingly funny tale of life in Alaska during the tensest times of the Cold War. It recounts the surprising and tragicomic details of the nuclear threats faced by Alaskans, including Project Chariot in the late 1950s and early 60s, the near-nuclear disaster caused by the Great Alaskan Earthquake of 1964, and the 1971 test of a nuclear warhead on the island of Amchitka. Alaskan resident Peter Dunlap-Shohl shares the terrible consequences that these events and others had for humans and animals alike, all in the service of “atoms for peace.”
Peter Dunlap-Shohl grew up on the front lines of the Cold War in the 1950s and ’60s, where Alaska residents lived in the shadow of a nuclear arsenal nine times the size of the Soviet Union’s. This graphic novel recounts the surprising and tragicomic details of the nuclear threats faced by Alaskans, including Project Chariot, championed by Edward Teller and his “firecracker boys” in the late 1950s and early ’60s; the nearly nuclear disaster caused by the Great Alaskan Earthquake of 1964; and the 1971 test of a nuclear warhead on the island of Amchitka. Dunlap-Shohl shares the terrible consequences that these events and others had for humans and animals alike, all in the service of “atoms for peace.”
Drawn with Dunlap-Shohl’s characteristic editorial cartooning style, Nuking Alaska is a fast-paced reminder of how close we came to total annihilation just a half century ago—and how terribly relevant the nuclear threat remains to this day.
PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
NUKING ALASKA: Notes of an Atomic Fugitive
History is something that has a significant impact on all of us every single day. Whether or not we realize it, past events have paramount importance on our present and future in big and small ways. This delightful graphic novel from Peter Dunlap-Shohl unpacks and eloquently presents a significant piece of U.S. history in a way that not only makes it accessible to scholars, but also to casual readers and comic book fans as well. An item of great significance that will stand out to readers is that Dunlap-Shohl not only draws on his own experiences from this time, but makes excellent use of extensive material from other sources to build out the tale that unfolds within these pages.
Writing: Peter’s script is, at first glance, a cocktail that is equal parts historic fact intermingled with childhood recollections and a charming style of prose writing that would make many people scratch their heads in confusion. However, once a person can dig past the surface layer into the story’s deeper meaning, the method to the madness becomes apparent. This graphic novel is not just a platform for Peter to tell the story of his childhood in Alaska during the Cold War. It is a key that further unlocks the door of systemic abuse on Alaska by scientists who were putting “the greater good” ahead of the interests of the people and a government trying to gain a foothold in an ongoing global conflict by any means necessary. These seemingly disparate elements combine to make a powerful cautionary tale that informs, educates, and entertains readers.
Art: In addition to providing people with a sensational story, Peter plays his hand as an artist. For those who have read and love comics/graphic novels deeply and are unfamiliar with Dunlap-Shohl’s style, the art seems childish at times. Yet the level of detail within these pages quickly abolishes any bias that may pop up. Some of the most intriguing information is when all storytelling is thrown out the window. Instead, people are presented with a detailed schematic of a SAM missile or a Magic School Bus-style graphic showing the various layers affected by the Cannikin weapons test. The art provides a delightful window through which audiences can enjoy the whole tale.
Overall Assessment:
When it comes down to it, history is full of countless examples where ordinary citizens are trampled on and become mere footnotes. That is why graphic novels like Nuking Alaska help cast a light on their stories. Peter does a masterful job of sharing the story of Alaska during the Cold War and the terror of having nuclear sites and operational tests in one’s backyard. There is not a single dull moment throughout this entire book. Whether you are a dedicated fan of Peter’s work, a newcomer, or just a fan of comics, you will love adding Nuking Alaska to your collection.
PopCultHQ’s Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
Purchase NUKING ALASKA: Notes of an Atomic Fugitive
About Graphic Mundi:
Graphic Mundi publishes graphic novels for adults and young adults. As an imprint of Penn State University Press, we’re located in University Park, Pennsylvania. Our graphic novels are available online, in libraries, and wherever books are sold.
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