Ask most space aficionados and they'll easily tell you that the first humans to be launched into orbit were the Soviet Union's Yuri Gagarin, soon followed by the United States' Alan Shepard. But ask what living creatures were the first to leave the bonds of Earth's gravity and many might not guess that it was a Siberian Husky/Terrier mix and two primates.

These forgotten animals astronauts, led by Laika the dog, are the subject of "Primordial," a new sci-fi comic book series from Image written by Eisner Award winning creator Jeff Lemire ("Black Hammer," "Sweet Tooth") and showcasing art by Italian illustrator Andrea Sorrentino ("Old Man Logan," "Joker: Killer Smile") and colorist Dave Stewart ("Hellboy").