Hedy Lamarr and a Secret Communication System

Graphic Library: Inventions and Discovery

by Trina Robbins, Cynthia Martin (Illustrator), Anne Timmons (Illustrator)

Tells the story of how Hollywood star Hedy Lamarr came up with the idea for a secret communication system, which would much later become the basis for wireless technology. Written in graphic-novel format.

Genres: Biography, Graphic Novels, Nonfiction, History, Comics, Childrens

Library Binding

First published September 1, 2006

About the author

Trina Robbins is an American comics artist and writer. She was an early and influential participant in the underground comix movement, and one of the few female artists in underground comix when she started. Her first comics were printed in the East Village Other. She later joined the staff of a feminist underground newspaper It Ain't Me, Babe, with whom she produced the first all-woman comic book titled It Ain't Me Babe. She became increasingly involved in creating outlets for and promoting female comics artists, through projects such as the comics anthology Wimmen's Comix. She was also the penciller on Wonder Woman for a time in the '80s.

Trina has worked on an adaptation of Sax Rohmer's Dope for Eclipse Comics and GoGirl with artist Anne Timmons for Image Comics.

Trina designed Vampirella's costume for Forrest Ackerman and Jim Warren.

In addition to her comics work, Robbins is an author of non-fiction books, including several with an emphasis on the history of women in cartooning.

She is the first of the three "Ladies of the Canyon" in Joni Mitchell's classic song from the album of the same name.

Trina Robbins won a Special Achievement Award from the San Diego Comic Con in 1989 for her work on Strip AIDS U.S.A., a benefit book that she co-edited with Bill Sienkiewicz and Robert Triptow.

Reviews

[Bill Zappone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and informative. My daughter mentioned her name and her contribution to modern day communication. Anyone would enjoy this book.

[Wiley R · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s a children’s book, granted, but they define Nazis as a political force that bombed England—literally no reference to the ethnic cleansing and other horrors. This would be easily explainable to children with careful appropriate language (e.g. the Nazis believed that people different from them should not live in Germany and imprisoned and killed many Jewish people, Polish people, gay people and people from other groups.) If you can talk about bombing England, you can be honest about the Nazis. It’s critically important not to erase history.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice graphic novel layout. Great 5 minute read for all ages. I didn't know anything about Hedy other than recognizing the actress' name. Impressive!

[Donna Mork · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this on audio. It was informative but I probably would have enjoyed it more if I had read the graphic novel version with the pictures intact. Hedy was an interesting lady and I find myself in awe of her brilliance in spite of lack of training.

[Sylvia J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oops! This was absolutely not the book. I thought it was. I was looking for a different graphic novel about Hedy Lamarr and her life. I’m sure children will enjoy this. I find it very interesting, though, that there is no mention that she was Jewish. Anyway, if you read it, enjoy it

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely intro for young readers to the little known parts of Hedy Lamarr’s life, from her escape from an abusive marriage to her scientific discoveries and their impact on our modern society.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick introduction to the story of Hedy Lamarr. Looking forward to reading Hedy's Folly: The Life And Breakthrough Inventions Of Hedy Lamarr, The Most Beautiful Woman In The World by Richard Rhodes.

[LauraW · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am gradually finding a few graphic novels that I like and this is one. I like it that a beautiful woman can also be known for her courage and her inventiveness. The novel is a bit too short for my tastes, but I tried another book (for adults) about her and it was too long.

I am thinking that this might be a good book for science-minded girls. Unfortunately, it was only available from inter-library loan. I guess it isn't very much in demand.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This graphic novel (more like a comic book; very short) was a very quick read. I think it took less than ten minutes. But other than its size, it was actually pretty interesting. it held a lot of facts that I never knew before, so it kept my interest. The colors and depictions throughout this graphic novel were engaging too.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hedy Lamarr one BAMF. (She escaped from the Nazis and a crazy husband!) Definitely share with a girl (or boy) in your life who is excited about science. Hopefully they will become inspired. Short and engaging, this is a great series for science and comic book readers. I'm glad Lamarr's story was included.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have wanted to know more about this story for years so was excited to see this existed! The pictures are lovely, but sadly it's written mostly with kids in mind so is very short. Guess I'd better crack open my copy of "Ecstasy and Me"...

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great comic book of how Hedy Lamarr helped develop a patent that relates to wireless/cell technologies today. The only thing annoying was how it tried to make a point that she had both beauty and smarts. Read it to my 6 year old and she enjoyed it.

[Mrs. Van · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit I wasn't very familiar with Hedy Lamarr's story. I did feel a bit badly that my introduction to her was a a short comic book. Best used as a hook to build students' schema for a deeper unit of study.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very brief graphic novel, I imagine geared to reluctant readers? However, I was delighted to learn what little I did about Hedy Lamarr's wartime and postwar accomplishments. I'm intrigued and plan to find out more about this intelligent, talented woman.

[Lylah Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 8 year old loved it and was very inspired!

[Gary Varga · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great little graphic novel for the younger reader, however, I believe that any reader would have benefited from more depth.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good short kids' book. I'm looking forward to reading the longer adult story of her life.