The Lion Comic Book Hero Bible by Siku & Richard

A stunning new comic book version of the Bible now given the superhero treatment by the team behind The Lion Graphic Bible and The Manga Bible.

The story of the Bible is a unique tale of origins and cosmic powers; of the ageless battle between good and evil; of human potential and human treachery; and of a Messiah--a savior for the world. This is indeed the stuff that graphic novels are made of. Superheroes are the biggest comic genre of all, with many heroes having their origins in biblical characterization and imagery. This is the first Bible retelling to engage with and challenge the superhero genre.

The Lion Comic Book Hero Bible is a dynamic expression of the Bible's depth and power, produced in the style of Marvel™ Comics. You've heard of Spiderman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. Now meet Earthman, Lawman, Warrior Man, and many others. With dynamic illustration using a range of styles, Siku (Old Testament) and Jeff Anderson (New Testament) bring the Bible stories alive for a new and graphically sophisticated generation.

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My Thoughts:

I have mixed feelings about this book. Were it simply portrayed as a Comic Book of Bible Heroes, it might not be so difficult for me to accept. But being described as a "Bible", to me feels a little out of line. Personally, I wouldn’t want my children or teenagers to see the Bible as a comic book. I feel like it kind of devalues the actual facts and makes them more like fairy tales or mystical figures. There were also a few things in it, I felt did not exactly line up with my knowledge of the Bible, such as God does not say "KABOOM" when He creates the world.

I do understand why someone would design a book like this, though. And I suppose were it the only way you could interest someone in the Bible, it may have it’s place. But I was not personally impressed with it.  I even shared it with some friends to get their opinion and it became somewhat of a “joke”, humorous. This is certainly, not the respect I would give the Bible. So my interpretation of this book would be more a comic book of Bible Heroes. In that light, perhaps, a person could glean something from it.

My opinion of the book however, does not reflect on the artists ability to draw comics, or create comic books. They are obviously very talented and attempting to use their talents in a way they feel honors God. The artistic portrayal of the people in the Bible was quite interesting. Some of the figures are a bit "comical" no punt intended, and the names are changed. Adam is Earthman, Noah begins as Rainman but then becomes Rainbow man. There are quite a few other interesting names for the Bible characters portrayed.  Some of them sound like they came right out of the movies.  And a few parts were downright dark and scary looking. It starts and the beginning and goes through the New Testament. It certainly does not include the whole Bible, but does include most of the main stories in a short text version. This book was just not right for me or my family.

I was provided this book in exchange for my honest opinion from Kregel Publishers. I am not required to review it positively.