Introduces genetic concepts, via an alien character who has researched earth to give data to his ruler. Some amusing script, and creative images. Since I had already taken a genetics class, a lot of it was pretty old-hat & boring. I can't really say how someone who knew nothing about genetics would respond.
Some of it was dated: --His pondering (p 132) whether modern humans have any neanderthal genes (which would indicate they were absorbed into Homo sapiens rather than being exterminated by us--current DNA testing can give you what % Neanderthal you are). --Twenty years ago my son was given recombinant human growth hormone for genetic disorder--didn't think it was "still being tested for safety" as stated on p108: "Somatotropin also known as Human Growth Hormone.Helps prevent growth deficiencies, especially in children. At this time, the recombinant form is still being tested for safety."
Some of the current uses of genetic modification were new to me & I appreciated being updated, and the page on Johnny Appleseed was actually useful as I plan to start an orchard.
Includes glossary & recommended reading list. ( )

I get things like this for the professional scientist in my family, so she can always have a nice stack on hand for graphics & fun quotes when she teaches, yes, GENETICS. Unfortunately, when I asked her how this one was, she made a "meh" face, and said there were several things in it that were wrong.

So, cute, but not to be relied on for studying for your quizzes, kids. ( )

4Q, 3P. This graphic novel is very informative, but in an accessible way! The Stuff of Life provides an alternative to boring high school textbooks. The information is the same, but there is a story line, writing style is easier to follow, and there is humor. I believe in combination with lessons related to genetics/DNA the book would be a great tool for teaching teens about science. Teens will find this much more engaging and the concepts are explained in way that they aren't a big headache (well at least not as much as in a textbook). I also really like that the book doesn't over simplify everything and respects teen's intelligence.

Bloort 138 is a biological scientist sent to Earth to look for answers to his world’s current health crisis. He is back and reporting on the science of genetics in terms that even the royal family can understand. He explains in some detail the importance of understand individual genetic histories, the roles of molecules, cells, dna, methods of genetic reproduction and manipulation. He briefly introduces issues including cloning and genetic engineering for the lay reader. Bloort 138’s detailed report uses Earth’s success with diversity to suggest a solution for the planet Gargal’s genetic problems.
Though this graphic novel is not a simple comic book, it does a good job clarifying some of the complex concepts of genetics and DNA. Dull lessons on the scientific explorations of Mendel, Darwin, Watson and Crick, and many others would be enhanced by supplementing them with Bloort 138’s explanations and understandable descriptions. Young adults with an interest in the science of genetics will find sidebars of information on specific people and concepts. They will also appreciate the suggested reading list and illustrated glossary. The black and white drawings are sometimes crowded but always thorough in depicting the facts and research questions of genetics making this an interesting read for even those readers who don’t especially like science. This is a recommended purchase for high school and public libraries. Grades 10 -12 ( )

http://www.nonfictioncomics.net/2010/09/making-genetics-a-little-less-alien/

"The science fiction premise may cause some to take it less seriously, and the artists’ tendency to anthropomorphize the molecules in order to facilitate understanding sometimes obscures the actual chemical process—no good for those who are looking to study genetics beyond this primer. But for those who just need a solid conceptual understanding, this is a good way to go. Each step is delightfully illustrated, and when the content starts to get too heavy the writer is fully aware of the problem, having Floorish stop to summarize each section in case he (and we) missed anything.

At 142 pages (plus a glossary) The Stuff of Life may not seem long, but it’s one of the densest graphic books I’ve ever read. It treats its subject and its readers intelligently, and appropriately enough for a comic, with plenty of humor. Highly recommended." ( )