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1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Bravo Mr. Gamow and Mr. Tompkins Apr 02, 2010
By Howard F. Claydon Jr.
Many years ago I was fortunate enough to have known George Gamow, the renowned physicist, cosmologist and the creator of what has come to be called the "big bang" theory of the origin of the universe. I became fascinated with his writings and his work and was initially drawn into his universe through his fictional, witty bank clerk, Mr. Tompkins.
Needless to say I was thrilled to discover that Professor Igor Gamow has maintained the Mr. Tompkins tradition initiated by his father in producing a beautifully illustrated comic book entitled The Adventures of Mr. Tompkins. To classify this as simply a comic book is somewhat of a misnomer. Professor Gamow and his illustrator, Scorpio Steele, have created a work of art in this undertaking. It is not only entertaining, but highly educational, covering the life and work of such scientific luminaries as Albert Einstein, Ernst Rutherford and Marie Curie. Appended is an extensive glossary of scientific terms which alone is worth the price of the book.
The book is a must read for adults and children alike. It is my understanding that Igor Gamow's The Adventures of Mr. Tompkins is the first in a series of illustrated scientific books and DVDs. I anxiously await the next installments.
John Claydon
2 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 2 stars for effort, 1 for potential... Feb 19, 2010
By C. Vales
I love, love, love the concept of this graphic novel. It's brilliant, however it seems like the exposition is coming from nowhere and too much ground is being covered. At times, I thought what does that have to do with this? So much is happening, that it may not be coherent for the reader that is unfamiliar with the names and events being spouted off by Madam Curie. It's a bit jarring.
The only past events that need to be related are the ones that directly define the characters' goals in the immediacy of the moment. And this is quite a challenge, and as a writer, its always my main concern.
People don't walk around living this historically, they don't relate current events-to ones that happened a century ago immediately and analytically. That really struck a false chord with me.
The art is beautiful, although it may be better to keep a better sense of cohesion in the lighting schemes, one frame to the next. It shouldn't just be lit one way and then another without the story supporting it. The structure of boards was interesting. What it is missing is the nuts and bolts truth about story: showing it, not having characters gab about it. Even if its structured like a flashback or a vision, etc, its better to incorporate a single historical event with its effect and perhaps have the characters respond to that. Basic cause and effect must be observed. If the creators want the avant garde, work with time structure-thats more coherent for a reading audience. Otherwise, I enjoyed the idea and hope to see more of it, and whether or not the creators develop a learning curve when it comes to greater salience in what this is actually about, at the moment I'm not sure if its about Science history, or Madam Curie or Mr. Thompkins or what.
 Innovation in Science educaton Mar 11, 2010
By Brad Mclain
Aimed at the science attentive public, yet also remarkably alluring for up upcoming generation just discovering the wonderful word of science, this book is a great innovation in the realm of science education. Based on the historic Mr. Tompkins character made famous by George Gamow, this completely fresh recast tours us through our much-storied scientific past with a vibrant graphic novel format. What I love most about this book, besides its exciting look and feel, is that it pulls no punches in delivering content. This is not watered down science. It is hard hitting information presented through the very human stories of those great individuals who made breakthrough discoveries. This book is powerful tool in an educators toolkit for combating science ignorance and elevating the level of science literacy in America for learners of all ages. Accessible, engaging, and leaving you wanting more -- this book delivers where it counts and should be found on the bookshelf of every school library and science classroom. Two thumbs up!
Brad McLain
Stroke of genuis - a comic book about physics Mar 02, 2010
By Clive Jones
The Gamow legacy is part high science and part imaginative popularization. This new graphic novel (comic book) fits splendidly into this tradition. Featuring the dreamy and impeccably dressed bank clerk, Mr. Tompkins, the first installment presents vivid (lurid?) illustrations of the physics of Einstein, Rutherford, and Madame Curie. The graphics are so good that this version is destined to sit alongside collector copies of Spiderman and other Marvel comics. It also makes a great coffee table conversation piece.
Educationally, the comic book version of The Adventures of Mr. Tomkins is best read in connection with Professor (Igor) Gamow's lectures. The two make a nice package.
But a lot of scientists and technical professionals can recall reading materials, when they were 11, 12, 13, or 14 or even older, which presented scientific concepts and discussions that, at the time, they only partly understood. So The Adventure of Mr. Tomkins (the comic version) can make a good stand-alone gift for youngsters showing an interest in science.
I look forward to further installments about, for example, Darwin or the giants of quantum mechanics.
Outstanding!!! Feb 08, 2010
By Aaron M. Shupp
This exceptional book is a must have for every scientist and historian, especially those who enjoy a fantastic graphic novel. While didactic and enlightening, this fun and engaging adventure explores some of the most important contributions to modern physics made by Einstein, Rutherford, and Curie. Inspired by physicist George Gamow's popular fiction novels in the Mr. Tompkins series, this illustrated work sheds light on the historical context in which many of these investigators' pivotal scientific discoveries were made. Overall, this is a great book for anyone curious about physics and the great minds that helped reveal its secrets. Beginning students and those without training in sciences will find it both informative and a pleasure to read, while experts and educators will enjoy a fresh look at classic theories. I've shared this book with a number of friends and colleagues, including some of their teenage children. It was a hit across the board.
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