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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
It was interesting to see how the author visualized the Bible. I found the language kind of funny at times, as there was a mix of more traditional terms with modern slang. Not quite the ahistorical language of the Message Bible, but close at times.
To encapsulate the entire Bible in one volume of manga is a little too ambitious. The Genesis narrative was easy to follow and had enough characters to follow that it was pleasant. After Moses though, there's basically a ton of summary of all the kings and stuff. And it seems like the point of putting the Bible in visual form is that you shouldn't be summarizing a ton of stuff, but rather showing what's going on.
I didn't really like the visual style of book either. Individual panels I didn't have much to complain about, but so many characters felt generically drawn (one of the leaders of the 12 tribes has a blindfold on as part of his character... really? an eye patch would have been better). I also feel like compared to Crumb's Genesis, this volume did little to research what people would have actually worn and looked like. They just all wore generic robes and stuff.
That said, I found it interesting how some stories felt very different than I've learned them. Samson was portrayed as a Hulk-like figure, complete with temper and proclivity for carnage. And I had totally forgotten that king Saul holds a seance and talks to ghost Samuel. This book is worth looking at if you come across it, but I'm not sure it was worth buying.
I didn't really like the visual style of book either. Individual panels I didn't have much to complain about, but so many characters felt generically drawn (one of the leaders of the 12 tribes has a blindfold on as part of his character... really? an eye patch would have been better). I also feel like compared to Crumb's Genesis, this volume did little to research what people would have actually worn and looked like. They just all wore generic robes and stuff.
That said, I found it interesting how some stories felt very different than I've learned them. Samson was portrayed as a Hulk-like figure, complete with temper and proclivity for carnage. And I had totally forgotten that king Saul holds a seance and talks to ghost Samuel. This book is worth looking at if you come across it, but I'm not sure it was worth buying.
This is definitely a different way to look at the classic book that almost everybody knows. Whether you are a believer or not, odds are you have read the Bible or are familiar with the major stories in it. The author and artist for this manga have come together to create what I consider an interesting interpretation. Actually, when you look at the Bible, a lot of the stories can lend themselves to the manga style treatment. The book does feature small notes with specific Bible verses for people wanting to know more. I think a strength of the book is that it can make the Bible accessible to those who might not want to read it, or who maybe thought it was too daunting. Sure, the author is selective in what is featured, but you do get the major stories and a sense of the story over time from Genesis to Revelation. If you have read the Bible, and I have, I think you may get a better appreciation for the original. This will certainly not replace the classic, but it is a different way to look at it. My bet is that fundamentalists will probably be pissed off about it and that more liberal Christians may at least give it a look.
If nothing else, it was a pretty good and entertaining read. Siku does portray some of the stories with a bit of a modern twist, but I think that adds to the text, making it more relevant to young people today. Regardless of where you stand, believer or not, having some knowledge of the Bible is part of cultural literacy. This could help. But if that is not enough, read it because this is a pretty good manga. By the way, book also includes some commentary from the author as well, which can give insight on some of the artistic decisions made. This is pretty interesting as well.
If nothing else, it was a pretty good and entertaining read. Siku does portray some of the stories with a bit of a modern twist, but I think that adds to the text, making it more relevant to young people today. Regardless of where you stand, believer or not, having some knowledge of the Bible is part of cultural literacy. This could help. But if that is not enough, read it because this is a pretty good manga. By the way, book also includes some commentary from the author as well, which can give insight on some of the artistic decisions made. This is pretty interesting as well.
I have read the Bible through, in various versions , 25 times, or more, over the years. I decided to read this book, taking a break from the “regular Bible.” It is only 218 pages, most of that graphic novel with conversation. I would encourage anyone reading it to read the short commentary or the illustrator and writer at the end. It does not co rain the entirety of every book of the Bible but it does give an overview of the message of the Bible, delving into key parts of the message.
This is NOT a children’s Bible!! It would appeal to teens, some preteens, and adults who are into graphic novels or manga. The perspective is unique in that it gives an understanding of the warfare, political intrigue and what was happening in that time.
I am pleased that I took time to read it, not beneath me even with a M.Div. Rather, it enriched me
Give it a try !
This is NOT a children’s Bible!! It would appeal to teens, some preteens, and adults who are into graphic novels or manga. The perspective is unique in that it gives an understanding of the warfare, political intrigue and what was happening in that time.
I am pleased that I took time to read it, not beneath me even with a M.Div. Rather, it enriched me
Give it a try !