subject in sentences coordinated by 'and'

[simplythebest]

Hello,

I'd like you to tell me if the following is OK:

One year ago Jane's first crossword saw the light of day, and soon afterwards was tackled by her most brilliant students.

Need I have a subject in the second sentence as well ('it')?
'...., and soon afterwards it was tackled...'?
Should I use a comma after 'One year ago,...'?

Thank you,
simplythebest

[Alan]

1. no
2. yes

N.B. No comma after 'day'.