Suspended In Language by Jim Ottaviani and Leland Purvis

This 2004 graphic novel is subtitled Niels Bohr's life, discoveries, and the century he shaped. That sums up the subject and goal of this biography of Niels Bohr (1885-1962), a legendary physicist who interacted with Einstein, Heisenberg, Churchill and F.D.R, among many other important 20th century figures. The novel is written by Jim Ottaviani who, according to his included bio, "stud[ied] to become a nuclear engineer. He doesn't do engineering anymore." The main story is illustrated by Leland Purvis, with supplemental material illustrated by Jay Hosler, Roger Langridge, Steve Leialoha, Linda Medley, and Jeff Parker.

One of the interesting things to think about when considering this book is to wonder who or what the target market is. Now, I don't think this need be a necessary consideration when creating a book, but surely it must come to mind at some point, perhaps when applying for the ISBN number. I assume that there are few comics readers like myself that think it is realistic that a graphic novel might provide some illumination for a subject that they know absolutely nothing about (nuclear physics). There might also be some possibilities with regards to supplying libraries and schools with (what some might think of as) a Cliff's Notes version of a scientist's biography. In any event, let's not allow that to keep us from viewing the book as objectively as possible.

It took me about three months, on and off, to read this, consuming it in chunks here and there, in the manner I might consume my nutrients, which is to say, rarely all in one meal. Allow the complement to stand that I read every page and panel, trying to achieve the illumination I was hoping for. I can't say that I could comfortably describe any of the scientific concepts contained herein, but I'm sure that the next time I run across them, I will feel more prepared, and that in the meantime, I have been quite entertained. The life of Niels Bohr, as portrayed by Ottaviani, certainly included some interesting bedfellows, and his place in history is assured, even in a field of study which I'm sure will change many of its theorems to adapt to new and unexpected discoveries. A biography, at its minimum should make you familiar with its subject, and I feel familiar now.

Leland Purvis has floated around the edge of wider comics awareness for a few years now, and this book cetainly shows his many strengths. Interesting and varied page layout, clear design, and a talent for controlling the flow of the page and the chapter. He illustrates this text-heavy comic with a fluidity of line that provides a great contrast to the sometimes dry delivery. He lettered the entire book as well, and this provides the glue to hold each page together. He manages to illustrate extremely complex concepts of science in a way that allows an entry to the material for the layperson such as myself. To me, this would be the great advantage of telling a story like this is comics form; the medium can elaborate on the message.

It seems to me that a book as dense as this is in comics form, would require even more pages were it in prose. The facial expressions and illustration of grandiose scientific ideas would require much picture painting in the prose fashion. All in all, a fascinating man, a fascinating scientific study guide, and a fantastic story, ripe with philosophy for the reader to ponder after consuming the hard facts relayed within.