The Manga Bible Discussion Group

I introduced THE MANGA BIBLE to the pastors at my church and have received some interesting feedback ranging from “I don’t like comics” to “This is interesting” and ending with “We should do something with this.”

Comics are not for everyone and that’s fine, but for those of us who respond to the medium, and there are a lot of us, THE MANGA BIBLE holds a certain fascination. It is an interesting way to engage the Bible. It can bring the stories into a different light giving fodder for those well-versed in all things Bible.

I asked and my church responded by starting a little 8-week class, a discussion group or round table, to explore the graphic adaptation of some of the Bible stories. The group ranges in biblical knowledge, which makes it fun.

We met for the first time last night (Thursday), and the four of us had a good time. For the most part those present look at the Bible, not as the inerrant word of God, but as stories that have been written, edited, redacted, re-edited, translated and printed. That is not to say that God is not present or is absent from the Bible. It’s just that we do not see every single word as the literal word chosen by God himself, although we acknowledge that view is controversial for many. That view does not necessarily represent the view of Siku, the author of THE MANGA BIBLE. It is simply the lens that those present last night use. I think I speak for those who attended last night that we do not expect everyone (even those who might attend the group) to agree with that viewpoint.

I started a wiki for the group, just to help us record the information that we learn. So far, I am the only one who has contributed, but I hope others will add information, thoughts, comments, disagreements, and questions. A lot of educators are using wikis as part of the learning process for students, so it was good practice for me.

Siku is working on other comic adaptations of the Bible, specific parts. So I look forward to those.

The group is open, so if you are interested in exploring the comic adaptation of some of the biblical stories, you can contact me at abikerbard@mac.com. Space is very limited as we wish to keep it intimate. The pastor has two copies of the book on reserve in his office.

My Other MANGA BIBLE blog posts can be viewed here, here and here.

Mecha Manga Bible Heroes: Retelling the Bible in the 23rd Century

Christian mythology set in the future with robots and whatnot? Why not? Who says the heroes of the Bible must be viewed only within real historical context? Who is to say that same stories, the same political and religious strife, wars and struggles cannot be told within a mechanized futuristic backdrop?

Newsarama published an excellent story on a new comic, Mecha Manga Bible Heroes. So much Christian literature is nothing more than a church service rather than a piece of literature. The morale being the only thing that really matters, which of course turns off many readers. Trite and didactic writing, while good intentioned I suppose, is boring and people tend to put it down.

After reading the interview, I didn’t get that feeling with Mecha Manga Bible Heroes. I think it is meant to relate Christian mythology (please read that word with a positive connotation) and not meant to preach and convert. It's supposed to be fun and offer a Christian worldview.

I am intrigued and wonder what the kids at church would think? I suspect it might make the Bible come alive for them.

Click here for the Newsarama Interview

The Manga Bible

I’ve often wished there was a graphic adaptation of Biblical stories. The only one I’ve ever seen was the story of Samson from a now defunct Christian publisher. It was a great story and even better art.

Now, the Manga Bible is on its way. That’s right, the conceptualist and illustrator known as Siku, is putting together the manga adaptation of the New Testament. The New Testament is available now in two different formats: Raw and Extreme. The Old Testament will be available later in 2007, with a full Bible also being released late in 2007.

The Raw version is a small-format edition with some extras. The Extreme edition is a deluxe, large-format version that costs $13.37 from Amazon.com. The Extreme edition is the one for those who are really interested. It will sport Biblical texts using the New International translation.

I have no idea how good this is. I am tempted to purchase it and find out for myself. It was only a matter of time before someone did it. I find it interesting that it will be done first in a manga, but that is, after all, the major force in comics and animation right now.

The Manga Bible is intended for 11- to 18-year-olds and, according to the website, is suitable for all young people. In broad terms, it will offer an overview of the Gospels, the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, Jesus’ death and resurrection, the book of the Apostles, the letter to the Corinthians and Revelations.

Click here to visit the publisher
Click here to read about the artist
Click here for sample art
Click here for an 8-week lesson plan for teachers and youth leaders
Click here to purchase from Amazon.com

Biblical Message is About Justice, Especially for the Poor

That is what comic creator Anjinbayo Akinsiku, known as Siku, wanted to get across to readers when he created THE MANGA BIBLE: FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION. You can read all about it in this story from the New York Times.

I have written about this graphic novel before – here and here. It made its way into my hands a few weeks ago and is being reviewed by three pastors that I know and trust. I cannot wait to read it myself and get feedback from those that are more scholarly than I when it comes to the Bible.

Speaking of Biblical graphic novels, JMG Comics is releasing a series called MECHA MANGA BIBLE HEROES, where Biblical stories are set in the future with sci-fi flare. Unlike traditional manga (pronounced "mahn-ga" not "main-ga") this will be in color. That is the right move. Scoop has the story here, including some art. The story states:

All the characters, themes, and stories from the Bible will remain the same, but in a science fiction setting with aliens, robots, and futuristic technology. “Just like modernized versions of Shakespeare’s plays, by taking a solid, meaningful story and translating its elements as faithfully as possible into a new setting, we hope to bring out some of the more amazing details that might get missed by today’s readers,” co-writer Tom Hall explained.

Comics are a great way to help bring young people to The Bible. It makes the stories relevant. Now how will the stories change, setting them in the future? Who knows. But it might just help students relate as many youngsters see Bible stories as very old and irrelevant to their lives.

As a side note: I know that I offer a lot of criticism of Christians. I happen to think that tall persons of faith, regardless of the religion, must constantly re-examine their lives and philosophies to make sure they are in line with that religion. So I challenge a lot of Christian dogma, as that is my religion.

The Manga Bible Received

Last April I brought you the story of The Manga Bible, a graphic adaptation of The Holy Bible done in the style of Japanese comics, called manga.

It finally came in and it is pretty cool. I have not read it yet, but both my wife and I plan to. Interesting is the ability for young people to access biblical stories in a contemporary way. However, I suspect that format may be interesting to more than just kids., but it is intended for ages 11-18.

In broad terms, it will offer an overview of the Gospels, the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, Jesus’ death and resurrection, the book of the Apostles, the letter to the Corinthians and Revelations. That is a lot to cover in 218 pages.

Personally, I would enjoy taking some time in our Sunday School class to read through this and talk about it.

• Click here for the publisher
• Click here for a pdf sample of the art
• Click here for an 8-week lesson plan for youth leaders