Astronaut Gerst expresses his fondness for 'Yps' comic series - Astronaut Gerst boasted a preference for literature from the "Yps" series
In the heart of Germany, a cult classic children's magazine named "Yps" made a significant impact, captivating the minds of young readers with its unique blend of comics and interactive gadgets. Published from 1975 to 2000, and later relaunched in 2012, "Yps" has a cult status in the country due to its innovative approach to children's entertainment.
The magazine's significance lies in its ability to engage children with both entertaining stories and interactive items, a combination that was rare at the time. This innovative approach created a lasting cultural impact, with many adults still recalling "Yps" fondly from their childhood.
One such individual who cherishes memories of "Yps" is German astronaut Alexander Gerst. Gerst, who embarked on his first space flight from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on May 28, 2014, and later commanded the space station in 2018, has publicly shared that the magazine played a crucial role in his early life.
Gerst credits "Yps" with sparking his imagination and interest in science and exploration during his childhood years. The playful and educational nature of the magazine likely influenced his curiosity and adventurous spirit, traits that would later serve him well in his career as an astronaut.
In an intriguing twist, Gerst also recalled participating in a quiz in "Yps" magazines titled "Are you suited to be an astronaut?". While he cannot remember his answer to the first question, "Can you sleep well in strange beds?", the mere mention of it underscores the magazine's impact on his life.
To this day, Gerst still has a "Yps" T-shirt that he wears occasionally to parties, a testament to the enduring nostalgia he feels for the magazine.
As "Yps" prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a special anniversary issue set to be released on September 4, 2021, the magazine's influence continues to resonate. The cult classic remains a symbol of innovative children's entertainment and a reminder of the power of fostering curiosity and imagination in young minds.
"Yps"'s cultural impact extends beyond its initial publication, reaching pop-culture and even influencing the lives of prominent figures like German astronaut Alexander Gerst. As he 'wears a "Yps" T-shirt occasionally to parties', Gerst's nostalgia for the magazine underscores its lasting significance in the environment of childhood entertainment.
