Orbiter

Ten years after the Space Shuttle Venture's disappearance put an end to human space travel, a strangely changed Venture returns to the derelict Kennedy Space Center. A team of specialists is called in to study the ship's modifications and attempt to communicate with its catatonic pilot, the only member of the crew remaining on-board. Their work will change the course of the future. Writer Ellis (The Authority; Transmetropolitan), highly acclaimed by many comics fans, often focuses on the seedy, dark, and brutal, but he shows a different face here, with a passionate commitment to humankind's future in space. Fans of Doran, known for fantasy work such as her series A Distant Soil, will see a different side of her as well in the realistic work here. Part of DC's Vertigo line, this includes gore and some harsh language, but no nudity or sex. When the Shuttle Columbia burned up in reentry just after this book was completed, Ellis and Doran dedicated it to the seven astronauts lost. In its theme, and in its portrayal of the excitement of scientific discovery, this book is reminiscent of the movie Contact, which to this reviewer is a very good thing indeed. Consequently, it is highly recommended for both older teens and adults. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.