Messiah: Origin TPPublisher: Zondervan
Release Date: October 2013
Price: $19.99
Creator(s): Mark Arey and Matt Dorff (translation and adaptation); Kai Carpenter (art)
Format: 176 pgs., 6" x 9", Trade Paperback
ISBN: 978-0-3104-3161-9
Age Rating: N/A
ICv2 Rating: 3 Stars out of 5
This graphic adaptation of New Testament texts, by well-known religious publisher Zondervan, is an interesting idea. Its creators postulate that it would be easier to read and understand the gospel texts about the life of Jesus if presented in chronological order, rather than bouncing back and forth between different texts. This does work quite well in terms of telling the story that is normally divided between the books of Luke, Matthew and John. There is an index at the back, explaining which texts were used for what page and panel, quite helpfully arranged. There are also two genealogies for Jesus, from the texts of Matthew and Luke, apparently just because they could be squeezed in.
The graphic form of the Biblical texts makes no effort to exaggerate or dramatize, the way some previous Bible graphic novels have done. For the most part the artwork was very good, but every time an angel appears, the artwork is more creepy than awe-inspiring. I don't know what the artist was trying to convey, but the actual result is often unpleasant. The angel appearing to Zacharias could be used to frighten small children.
Overall, this will find an audience with teens and adults who want an illustrated Bible story.
--Nick Smith: Library Technician, Community Services, for the Pasadena Public Library in California.
