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2008 Archives
-- DECEMBER 2008
The Gospel According to Robots
Literature Ministries International (LMI) in Texas USA has officially announced a new comic-style tract project designed to appeal to pre-teen and early teenage boys. Tentatively entitled "The Betrayal," this full-color Gospel cartoon tract is scheduled for publication in early 2009. The script is by comics professional Ben Avery with finished illustrations by Jonathan Koelsch, a veteran of many notable Christian comics productions. LMI states: "Using the 'transforming robots' concept popular with boys, the hero's willing death for a disloyal subject vividly illustrates Christ's sacrificial death for us." The tract is being produced in partnership with the COMIX35 ministry. The first and last pages from the tract may be seen on LMI's donation page . [SOURCE: LMI, 29 December 2008]
More Manga Messiah News
Crossroad Bible Institute in Michigan USA is using illustrations from the Manga Messiah graphic novel for a unique new Bible study course for children of prison inmates. The first course includes "10 full lessons accurately based on the life of Christ as recorded in the Gospels." The Bible study is being produced as part of the ministry's Project Angel Tree. [SOURCE: Crossroad Bible Institute's Christmas newsletter, December 2008]
Manga Messiah is Number 1 in Norway
The Japanese graphic novel Manga Messiah was chosen as the Best Children's Book in 2008 by the Norwegian Christian Booksellers. Manga Messiah is 288 pages, in full color, and is the only 'Manga Bible' in circulation today that is actually written and illustrated by Japanese Christians who are professional manga-ka. Over one million copies are in print in 13 languages. The Manga Messiah Video Competition , which offers YouTubers and GodTubers an opportunity to create their own interpretations of Manga Messiah using images from the graphic novel, ends Wednesday 31 December. [SOURCE: NEXT, 23 December 2008]
Cook Releasing New NT Picture Bible
David C. Cook in Colorado USA is producing a brand new version of their classic best-seller The Picture Bible . Professional comic book artist Sergio Cariello was chosen to be the new illustrator after Cook staffers noted that he had won the 1st International Christian Comics Competition in 2005. LifeWay Stores will have an exclusive edition of the New Testament Picture Bible in their stores beginning February 2009. [SOURCES: David C. Cook and Sergio Cariello, 22 December 2008]
Overseas Outreaches for Artists Announced
Georgia USA based ArtsLink has released its schedule of short-term outreaches for 2009. Artslink has "a passion to see Visual Artists get involved in the Great Commission" and has developed these outreaches so that "artistic skills can be used practically and radically on the foreign mission field." Participants do not need to be art students or professional artists. The schedule of up-coming outreaches includes trips to Spain in April, North Africa in May, Hungary in June, and Germany and Western Asia in mid-late summer. ArtsLink is a division of OM ARTS, the artistic ministries of Operation Mobilization. [SOURCE: ArtsLink, 22 December 2008]
Another Super Outreach to Children on 31 October
Eric Jansen of California USA, says that he has received some good reports back on distribution of his newest "Paraman" Christian comic tract that he created specifically for Halloween outreach. One person told him, "I was amazed, but almost all of the kids seemed more interested in getting the comic than the candy! Overall it was an awesome experience, and one I look forward to next year." Hundreds of thousands of Jansen's "Paraman" tracts have been printed in the past 6 years in both English and Spanish. [SOURCE: Eric Jansen, 17 December 2008]
Editions Husky Closes in France
Former Christian publisher Gino Balocco in Peyrus, France, reports that he has closed down his company Editions Husky and will no longer be involved in publishing and writing comics. Editions Husky published its last comic album, Bate et Fonte , a French translation/adaptation of US comics creator Jesse Hamm's Comics to Bore and Confuse You, in November '07. In years prior to that Husky had produced a number of Christian graphic novels and comic albums such as L'Apocalypse de Jean (2006), Jésus chez les Pharisiens (2005), Les Oubliés: L'Ogre d'Ouganda (2005), Les épées de Philistie: David et Goliath (2001) and Frère Jack: Noé Noé matelot (2001). "I spent a great time in this activity, and who knows … Perhaps I’ll be back one day," Balocco said. [SOURCE: Gino Balocco, 15 December 2008]
Cyberspace Has Weekly Christian Comic Strip
Since 1995 the nonprofit Christian organization Cyberspace Ministry has been offering a number of free services and resources including a weekly Christian Comic Strip in English , French , German , Spanish , and 6 other languages. Currently the site is featuring Jack Chick comics including "Charlie's Ants." The Cyberspace Ministry site also has Online Bible Lessons, Christian Software, and Christian Games. [SOURCES: Brigada Today and the Cyberspace Ministry website, 13 December 2008]
Auderset Wins Top French Comic Award Again
The annual International Prize for French Language Christian Comics (Le prix international de la bande dessinée chrétienne francophone) has been awarded once more to Alain Auderset of Switzerland, this time for his new comic album Willy Grunch . The prize will be presented at the Angoulême Comics Festival (Festival International de la Bande Dessinée d'Angoulême) in January 2009. This festival has been called "the graphic novel's equivalent of the Oscars" in France. Auderset entered 3 single-page comics from Willy Grunch in the 2nd International Christian Comics Competition which won 1st, 3rd, and 4th Places in the "People's Choice" voting on the Internet. All 3 pages appear in English in the printed ICCC2 book . [SOURCES: Alain Auderset and COMIX35, 11 December 2008]
Big Idea Cuts Staff, Moves Office
The maker of VeggieTales products reports that it "is cutting its workforce because of current economic challenges." Also, in an operational move to further reduce costs, the company will be moving its office but will remain in Franklin, Tennessee USA. "These were difficult decisions," said Big Idea General Manager Leslie Ferrell. "They impact real people, friends and colleagues who share Big Idea’s values and mission." Parent company Entertainment Rights PLC stated that they will "continue to build on [the VeggieTales] track record of profitability and innovation" and that "Big Idea will be supported to ensure the continued and expanded development of innovative and beloved faith-based product." VP of Development Mike Nawrocki will remain with the company which he co-founded in 1993 with Phil Vischer. Vischer is no longer with Big Idea but is still involved with writing and voicing VeggieTales projects. [SOURCE: CBA Retailers+Resources Industry Brief, 8 December 2008]
New Calendars Published Downunder
The Bible Society of Australia has just released two calendars designed and illustrated by Christian artist and former Disney animator Matt Baker. The 2009 Bible Memory Verse Calendar is for children ages 11 and under. It has a Bible verse for every month and "helps children remember God's word as they look at it daily." The inside cover becomes a poster to keep once the year is over. There is also a Collision Calendar: Ancient Wisdom 4 Today's World for teenagers. Both are available through the websites of the Bible Society and Australian Christian product supplier Koorong . Matt Baker's "Cranky Bob's Sheep Parable'' comic won 2nd Place in the 2nd International Christian Comics Competition and appears in the printed ICCC2 book . His illustrated testimony is featured on the Personal Testimony Comics page. [SOURCES: Matt Baker and the Bible Society of Australia website, 8 December 2008]
Swiss Cartoonist Tours USA, India
Award-winning Christian comics artist Alain Auderset has returned to Switzerland after a speaking tour that took him to Lakeland, Florida and Jackson, Mississippi in the USA, followed by New Dehli and Lucknow in India. In addition to producing comic albums such as Conventional Wisdom , Robi , and Willy Grunch , Auderset is an evangelistic speaker to young audiences. During his time in India Auderset reports that he met an orphan who was very determined to be an artist. Auderset gave the boy one of his comic albums and some pencils and told him with great emotion: "Draw for the Lord! These are not to use for play, nor as a hobby ... it is very important! Show the way of Jesus ... save a maximum of the lost!" Auderset's Robi was the winner of the International Prize for French Language Christian Comics in 2007. He became a Christian when he was a young teenager after reading a Tournesol comic magazine he had found in a trash bin. [SOURCE: Alain Auderset, 5 December 2008]
Japan’s Largest Evangelical Publisher to Relocate
The headquarters of Word of Life Press Ministries (WLPM) is moving from the 4-story building they have occupied in Shinanomachi since 1965 to a new location, called the Word Building, near the railway station in Nakano. A dedication and open house will be held in March 2009. WLPM began in Nakano-ku at the kitchen table of TEAM missionaries in 1950. The group published a tract and booklet that summer and their first book in October that year. Early sales took place at Nakano Station using a fukuinsha – a bicycle trailer with a wooden box with shelves of books and a public address speaker on top. Since that time WLPM has grown to become the largest Evangelical multi-media publishing, retailing and distributing ministry in Japan with 190 staff members from 50 denominations and 14 Gospel Shop stores nationwide. It is now part of the Sweden Alliance Christ Mission. WLPM is also the publisher of a number of Christian manga titles including the 879-page Manga Bible Story , the 2-part Manga History of Christianity , and the Christian Shinbun Ramii , a 32-page monthly Gospel comic book featuring Lammy the Lamb, with Bible and contemporary stories for children. [SOURCE: Don Regier at WLPM Tokyo, 4 December 2008]
GodsFamily.com Features Animation
The new GodsFamily.com website has just gone "live" with a short flash cartoon by Milowerx Media . The site is for "kids of all ages," reports Sheldon Rhodes of JestKidding.com, and is a "tool to share the Good News ... through web evangelism." The featured cartoon is an animated presentation of the Gospel that can be viewed in less than 5 minutes. Animator Mike Milo of Milowerx is a 20+ year veteran of 2D, 3D, and Flash animation. He received an Emmy Award for Directing Pinky and the Brain and two Gold Reel Awards for The Real Adventures of Johnny Quest. Plans are underway to make the GodsFamily.com cartoon viewable with dialogue in French, Spanish, and three other languages. "We are looking forward to the day when people can go to this site and see and hear the Gospel in their own language," says Rhodes. [SOURCES: Sheldon Rhodes at JestKidding.com and the Milowerx website, 3 December 2008]
-- NOVEMBER 2008
Escape the Trap! to be Published in Portuguese
Interlink in Brazil has finished translating the powerful Escape the Trap! tract into Portuguese. Originally published in English by Literature Ministries International (LMI) in Texas USA, Escape the Trap! is a 36-page, full-color booklet with comic-style artwork designed to help young men resist and overcome sexual temptation and pornography. Artwork is provided by Jonathan Koelsch who has been involved in numerous Christian comics projects. The new Portuguese version of the booklet will be entitled Armadilha Digital! ("Digital Trap!"). "I'm really pleased with the way they were able to redesign the booklet and keep the flow moving through so well ... The adaptations of the title and 'Stop! Drop! and Roll!' [section] were nicely done," said Doug Salser of LMI. "Those are the kinds of things that really make an international project work, when seasoned vets adapt without tearing the original fabric! It's an art." Printing will be handled in Ireland, and the booklets will be available in 2009. [SOURCE: LMI, 17 November 2008]
Spanish Version of Manga Messiah Available
El Mesías Historietas Manga , the Spanish-language edition of Manga Messiah , is now being sold through the Christian Comics Catalog . Published by the American Bible Society (ABS), the new 288-page paperback edition received an excellent response at the EXPOLIT Christian Book Show in Florida USA earlier this year. NEXT, Inc., producer of Manga Messiah, has reported that over 50,000 Spanish language copies are in print, with many copies being distributed in Guatemala and Ecuador. [SOURCES: Amazon web site and NEXT, 17 November 2008]
COMIX35 Joins OSL, Launches Prison Project
Operation Starting Line (OSL) has announced in the latest issue of OSL Connections that the Christian comics ministry COMIX35 is the newest OSL Collaborator in their network of national, regional and state ministries and organizations. OSL Collaborators work together to support prisoners, their families and the prison community through evangelism and discipleship. The OSL newsletter article also announced that COMIX35 is launching a Christian Comics Competition for US Prison Inmates . This competition will offer prisoners an opportunity to create an 8 or 16-page evangelistic comic book story to reach their fellow inmates as well as "at risk" youth who are in danger of ending up in prisons. Ministry partners assisting COMIX35 on the competition include Good News Jail & Prison Ministry and Crosswind Comics . [SOURCES: The OSL Connections Newsletter and COMIX35, 15 November 2008]
Spanish Outreach Comic Available Online
Eternidad , the 16-page prize-winning comic in the Concurso de Historietas Cristianas en Español (Spanish Christian Comics Competition) is now being offered through the Christian Comics Catalog in 10-packs. This special edition has been packaged for effective, low-cost use in outreaches to Spanish-readers in North, Central and South America. Eternidad was written and illustrated by Iván Emilio Tapia Camargo of Mexico and chosen as the winner by judges from Argentina, Mexico, and Peru. The competition's sponsors and organizers were COMIX35 , Milamex/Revista Prisma , and the Letra Viva publishing network. [SOURCE: COMIX35, 14 November 2008]
"Advocacy Art Exhibition" To Be Held in Africa - UPDATE
Information on the up-coming Christian art exhibition in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, is now available online. The show is organized by Francodus International Communications (FIC), in association with the Christian Comic Arts Society - Africa Outreach (CCAS - AFRIK), and is entitled "Open Heavens: The God Factor in Nigeria’s Quest for National Re-engineering." Professional artists anywhere in the world, including cartoonists and comics artists, may participate free of charge by using the official participation form . Submitted works must have clear Christian themes. The event will be held at the National Museum Hall from 8-12 December 2008. FIC is headed by Francis Umendu Odupute, a senior cartoonist with the Nigerian Observer newspapers. His artwork appears in t he first issue of the new African Comics Project magazine. [SOURCE: The FICDATA Team, 14 November 2008]
Nigerian Artist Draws Manga Jesus
British-born Nigerian illustrator Bayo Akinsiku (known as "Siku")is recreating the life story of Jesus Christ in a new 300-page, 3-volume graphic novel series. The first 128-page book, The Manga Jesus: Volume 1 , has just been released and is a collaboration between Siku and The Edge Group/UK, publisher of Behold 3-D #1 and other Christian comics. Reportedly The Manga Jesus: Volume 1 "repitches Christ as the hardened political rebel of his day." This latest graphic novel joins Siku's previous effort, The Manga Bible , on bookstore shelves along with similar titles Manga Messiah and the Manga Bible series . Siku is best known in the British comics industry for his work on Judge Dredd and the sci-fi/fantasy weekly comic 2000AD. [SOURCE: The Edge Group/UK, 14 November 2008]
COMIX35 Publishes All-African Magazine
T he first "pilot" issue in COMIX35's African Comics Project has been printed and is being shipped to the Christian comic contributors in Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The project is part of COMIX35's new P.I.C.S Projects initiative and was designed to provide encouragement and income for comics creators in Africa. Two versions have been produced, with distinctly different covers and titles to help contributors discover which will sell best in their geographic area. The interiors are the same for both versions. The magazine's first Guest Editor is David Waweru, Publisher & CEO of WordAlive Publishers Limited in Nairobi, Kenya. COMIX35 intends to publish additional issues of this 24-page, black & white comic magazine in 2009 if the pilot is successful. The project has received an enthusiastic reception from Christian publishers and cartoonists across the African continent. [SOURCE: COMIX35, 11 November 2008]
Zonderkidz and Big Idea Announce VeggieTales Bible
Zonderkidz , a division of Zondervan and publisher of children’s Bibles and Bible storybooks, will release the VeggieTales Bible in February 2009, in partnership with Big Idea . Features of the VeggieTales Bible include the full text of the New International Version (NIV), 210 "Veggie Values" lessons from the Bible, and 32 pages retelling 8 favorite Bible stories in full-color comic book format. "Zonderkidz is proud to partner with Big Idea on a product we know kids will love," says Senior VP/Publisher Annette Bourland. "And we trust that the VeggieTales Bible will be instrumental in getting kids engaged in God’s Word," adds Greg Fritz, SVP of Marketing and Licensing for Big Idea. The VeggieTales Bible is for children ages 8 and under. [SOURCE: ECPA's Rush to Press newsletter, 10 November 2008 ]
Comics Containing "New Twist to Old Testament" Continue
JMG Comics has announced that the second issue in its Mecha Manga Bible Heroes series, The Rise of David , will begin a new 3-issue story arc and debut a new artist. In 2008, the publisher drew widespread publicity with its first release, David Vs. Goliath . “The new storyline, ‘The Rise of David’ is what I like to call ‘The Fugitive’ of the Old Testament,” said Paul Castiglia, Managing Editor and co-creator of the series. “David’s fame in slaying Goliath comes at a price. Now he’s on the run from King Saul, whose royal lineage is threatened. This leads to a series of thrilling near misses, exciting chase scenes and intriguing hiding places.” Co-creator/co-writer Tom Hall continues his role on the series while Josh Alves takes over the art chores for this next chapter in David’s life. The Mecha Manga Bible Heroes issues are 32-page, full-color comics drawn in a manga (Japanese comics) style and featuring "mecha" (robots), a mainstay of manga. [SOURCE: JMG Studios, 4 November 2008]
-- OCTOBER 2008
Christian Comics "Classics" Re-released
Two of the original three Aida-Zee Christian comics titles from the '90s are available again through the COMIX35 ministry. Both Paro-Dee #1 and Behold 3-D #1 are being sold through the Christian Comics Catalog . Along with Aida-Zee #1 , these books were the first Christian titles to bring together comics professionals such as Nestor Redondo , Gaylord DuBois, Kerry Gammill, Jeff Anderson, Carlos Garzón, Kevin Frank , Kathleen Webb, and Win Mumma , all Christians, all under the same cover. Paro-Dee is available in single copies while Behold 3-D is being offered in packs of three, with six pairs of 3-D glasses included. [SOURCE: COMIX35, 29 Octo ber 2008]
Time to Start Preparing for Oct. 31st - UPDATE
In addition to the resources listed in the 25 September news item (below), there is a new "Paraman" comic booklet created specifically for Halloween outreach by Eric Jansen of God And Country Graphics in Los Angeles, California USA. "Paraman" #2 is "the story of a mystical super-hero who comes to Paraman's home for help against a demon," reports Jansen. "But the newly Christian Paraman wants nothing to do with magic and instead uses the name of Jesus to vanquish the demon ... and to start leading his friend to the Lord." Up to 6,000 copies of the new "Paraman" tract will be given away to individuals and ministries across the USA for evangelism use this Halloween. Jansen's first "Paraman" tract (shown here) was published in 2002. Approximately 300,000 copies have been printed since then and over 3,000 copies were distributed in a single night on Halloween two years ago. [SOURCE: Eric Jansen, 18 October 2006]
"Advocacy Art Exhibition" To Be Held in Africa
As part of the activities marking the 10th anniversary celebration of the Beautiful Feet International (BFI) evangelistic ministry, Francodus International Communications (FIC), in association with Christian Comic Arts Society - Africa Outreach (CCAS - AFRIK), is organizing a group Christian Art exhibition entitled "Open Heavens: The God factor in Nigeria’s Quest for National Re-engineering." Professional artists anywhere in the world can participate, including cartoonists and comics artists, provided their submitted works have clear Christian themes. The event will be held at the National Museum Hall in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria from 8-12 December, 2008. BFI and FIC are both headed by Francis Umendu Odupute, a senior cartoonist with the Nigerian Observer newspapers. [SOURCE: The FICDATA Team, 17 Octo ber 2008]
Resources & Opportunities for Writers
• The Heart of America Christian Writers Network (HACWN) , based in Kansas City USA, is holding a Christian Writers conference on 13-15 November. They will have editors in attendance from Focus on the Family, MOPS, Thomas Nelson, and other publishing houses. There will be sessions for beginning to advanced writers. Discounts are available for full-time ministry professionals and students. [SOURCE: HACWN, 15 October 2008] • Media Associates International (MAI) is holding the LittWorld 2009 Writing Competition which offers writers an opportunity to compose an article of 1500 words or less telling"a true story of the power of Christ to achieve reconciliation and forgiveness."Articles should target an adult reader and may be submitted in English or French. Entries must be received by 1 March 2009. First place winners in each language will be offered a full scholarship to the LittWorld 2009 Conference , not including travel, valued at US$500. [SOURCE: MAI, 10 October 2008] • Cook Partners magazine offers "additional reflections" in the Writing/Editing category at the Cook Partners blog . [SOURCE: Kim Pettit, Managing Editor at Cook International, 9 October 2008]
-- SEPTEMBER 2008
ICCC2 Book Now in Print
The published book from COMIX35's 2nd International Christian Comics Competition is now available through the Christian Comics Catalog . This paperback anthology is 152 pages with 50 short comics stories from 21 countries, with two 16-page color sections. Entries by all the prize winners and "People's Choice Award" favorites are included along with other selected comics. COMIX35 reports that Brazilian artist "Gade," who won 1st Prize in the amateur division, wrote after receiving the book: "Dude, I was amazed. The finish was impeccable. The whole team is to be congratulated for the new edition of the book. God bless you all. Also, this was the first time I saw my comic printed, and I hope that is not the last time. This was very gratifying and encouraging to continue the work."COMIX35 received over 240 pages of professional and amateur entries from 24 countries for this competition. [SOURCE: COMIX35, 27 September 2008]
Time to Start Preparing for Oct. 31st
Once again publishers of evangelistic comics and cartoon tracts are offering a number of resources for Halloween outreach. "Barna research reports that 85% of all Christians make their faith commitment between the ages of 5-14. And that's who will be out this Halloween!" says the American Tract Society (ATS). The ATS Fall-Winter '08 catalog has a number of new " fun paks " that include various cartoon tracts packaged with crayons, candy, stickers or toys. Other sources of tracts for Halloween include Chick Publications , Good News Publishers , and Community Comics . Comic books that are particularly appropriate for this time of year include Hairy Polarity and the Sinister Sorcery Satire and Masquerade . Tracts and comics should be ordered before 15 October to ensure on-time delivery. [SOURCES: ATS, The Truth for Youth, Chick Publications, Powermark and Community Comics websites, 25 September 2008]
Manga Video Competition Updates
NEXT is now offering 3 special one-of-a-kind prizes for the top winners in their new Manga Messiah Video Competition : Exclusive "Gold" Editions of the Manga Messiah graphic novel. The books will be a limited-run hardcover version featuring gold foil-stamped title lettering, a gold foil-stamped "Winner" label, and the winner's name in gold on the cover. Each of these 3 books will contain a small original sketch by artist Kozumi Shinozawa along with her signature on the inside cover. In addition, there are links to free Japanese-language songs that are available for use with submitted videos. The Manga Messiah Video Competition offers YouTubers and GodTubers an opportunity to create their own interpretations of Manga Messiah using images from the graphic novel. The competition ends Wednesday 31 December. [SOURCES: NEXT and COMIX35, 4 September 2008]
Big Idea "Goes Galactic"
For their 15th anniversary season Big Idea, the creator of Veggie Tales, is releasing three all-new 3-2-1 Penguins animated adventures on a DVD entitled Save the Planets! . The new episodes are "The Green-Eyed Monster" (based on Proverbs 13:40), "More is More" (Proverbs 25:16), and "Give and Let Give" (Proverbs 11:25). According to the Big Idea website, the stories "combine faith, fun, and flightless birds(?!) responding to distress calls from across the galaxy." Churches around the USA are hosting premier events. The new 3-2-1 Penguins DVD is available through the Christian Comics Catalog . [SOURCES: American Family Association and the Big Idea website, 2 September 2008]
-- AUGUST 2008
Continuing to Communicate through Comics
New Creation Now (New Creation Entertainment, Inc.) continues to grow in their mission to use the comic book medium to communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Their website has weekly comic updates and currently is featuring "Ant's House" by the Cuban Christian comics artist Montos. They also have an on-going blog series "Biblical World View and Comics" by Christian Comics Pioneer Don Ensign . New Creation Now's website reports that they "work in association with the Christian Comic Arts Society (CCAS) to function as a media outlet, think tank, consultant, and promoter of Christian work as it relates to the comic book genre and other related mediums." Both New Creation and CCAS were active at the Comic-Con International in San Diego, California USA this year. [SOURCES: The New Creation team and website, 31 August 2008]
News from Chick Publications
Another new tract has been released by Jack T. Chick of California USA in anticipation of evangelism efforts during Halloween. This one is a "tongue-in-cheek satire" on movies about vampires and witches and is entitled First Bite! . The Chick Publications Newsletter writes: "Of course, it finishes with a clear Gospel message. It will be the first thing they go for when they open their Halloween candy."The tract is also available in Spanish as ¡El Primer Mordisco! Chick Publications is also offering 4 free interactive Chick tracts that can be embedded on a web page for online witnessing through blogs, MySpace pages or other pages. In addition, Chick is selling a 2009 Calendar containing many images from their movie “Light of the World.” (A biography of Jack T. Chick may be found on the Christian Comics Pioneers page.) [SOURCE: The Chick Publications Newsletter, 29 August 2008]
Modern Master Serves The Master
The newest edition in the "Modern Masters" series published by TwoMorrows Publishing is entitled LEE WEEKS . This 128-page trade paperback "features an exhaustive look into Weeks' career and creative process, with a career-spanning interview with tons of art, including many rare and unpublished pieces, and a huge gallery of stunning artwork" according to the TwoMorrows website. More importantly "Lee openly shares of his faith in Christ throughout the book," reports Alec Stevens of Calvary Comics . "Lee makes it clear, even down to the last sentence, that his whole life's journey has not been about seeing his dreams come true as a comics pro, but in being won to Christ, and deepening in his eternal relationship with Him."Over the course of his career, Weeks has worked on such characters as Captain America, Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk, and Batman. The LEE WEEKS "Modern Masters" edition may be purchased through TwoMorrows or Amazon. [SOURCES: Alec Stevens and the TwoMorrows website, 29 August 2008]
Comics are Popular in Baptist Magazine
Christian comics artist Jonathan Koelsch is producing a series of full color, 2-page comics for The Heritage Seekers Magazine published by The Center for Baptist Heritage Studies . "The magazine is like Highlights for Kids," says Koelsch. "And every issue focuses on one important person in Baptist history." The website reports that the magazine is designed for children in 3rd through 6th grades and their parents and each issue is written by a professional children’s educator. Koelsch also illustrates the magazine covers which feature the individual historical person being portrayed in each issue. The editor, Jon Messer, says the comics are the main draw for the magazine. The Heritage Seekers Magazine is available by subscription or individual copy . Koelsch was also the artist for the Hairy Polarity and the Sinister Sorcery Satire comic book and all the other comics in the current edition of The Truth For Youth Bible . [SOURCES: Alec Stevens, Jonathan Koelsch, and the Baptist Heritage website, 28 August 2008]
Comic Brings "New Twist to Old Testament" - UPDATE
The long-awaited first issue of Mecha Manga Bible Heroes from JMG Comics is now in print. "The books are officially out of customs," says co-writer Tom Hall. " Anchor Distribution has their books and should begin filling orders in the next few days." Hall goes on to report: "For those of you in the tri-state NY area [USA] the Mecha Manga Bible Heroes gang will be at the Revelation Generation festival in NJ during the Labor Day weekend, selling and signing books ... and we will have a table at the NY Anime Festival in September as well."The first comic contains a 32-page, full-color story on David and Goliath drawn in a manga (Japanese comics) style and featuring "mecha" (robots), a mainstay of manga. Reportedly the next 3 issues continue the story of David, and future editions will take place in the same "sci-fi world." [SOURCE: Tom Hall, 19 August 2008]
New Rick Griffin Hardcover
A new hardcover "coffee table" version of The Gospel of John is being released by Word For Today Publishing with artwork by Christian comics pioneer Rick Griffin . "The little comic-style booklet never really gave the art the exposure it deserved, so they decided to present Chuck Smith's paraphrased version of The Gospel of John and give the art big full pages," says Griffin's former agent Gordon McClelland. "It also includes some art that was done for the project, but not previously used. It looks quite nice and will hopefully bring the Word of God to many people who might not have previously been open to considering it." The original 1970s collaboration by Calvary Chapel Pastor Chuck Smith and the late Rick Griffin is considered to be a classic by many. [SOURCE: Gordon McClelland, 18 August 2008]
Third Graphic Novel Published by Head Press
The award-winning Eye Witness graphic novel series from Texas USA-based Head Press Publishing has received coverage recently in Publishers Weekly, Tulsa World Newspaper, Sightmagazine in Australia, Midwest Book Review, and World Magazine. This month Head Press released the third volume in the series, Eye Witness: Rise of the Apostle . The fourth and currently untitled volume is set tentatively for a release in late 2009. Author/Illustrator Robert James Luedke appeared recently at Comic Con International in San Diego USA where he gave a short sermon during a Sunday gathering at the convention . [SOURCE: Head Press Publishing, 14 August 2008]
"Back to School with a Bible" Project
Evangelist Tim Todd reports that 40 million students don't have a Bible out of the 53.8 million that attend public schools. Todd wants to get copies of The Truth For Youth (TTFY) Bible into their hands in the new school year through any Christian teen who is willing to give a copy to a friend who doesn't know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The TTFY Bible consist of the entire New Testament along with 100 pages of full-color comics about issues such as evolution, abortion, homosexuality, pornography, and witchcraft, all told from a Biblical perspective. The Students Legal Rights on Public School Campuses are displayed on the back cover to let young people know they have the right to distribute Bibles on campus during non-instructional time. More than 1.2 million copies have been provided to American teenagers. Todd says that the Gideons, who also give New Testaments to students on campus, have been "attacked, persecuted and threatened with prosecution" by the ACLU. Todd's ministry has also provided more than 140,000 Bibles for US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and held evangelistic crusades in Africa, India, Israel, Mexico, Haiti, Russia, Latvia, and the Bahamas. The National Truth for Youth Week on American Family Radio is scheduled for 8-12 September. [SOURCE: Tim Todd Ministries, 7 August 2008]
-- JULY 2008
Manga Video Competition Announced
Video producers around the world are being challenged to create their own interpretations of Manga Messiah using images from the graphic novel. NEXT and COMIX35/New Life Literature Asia/USA are the sponsors and organizers of this new Manga Messiah Video Competition . Competition judges are the manga artist, the project coordinator, and the art director for Manga Messiah. Prizes are signed copies of the books, including the new Manga Metamorphosis and Manga Mutiny editions. The competition ends Wednesday 31 December. More information may be found on the Manga Messiah Video Competition web pages in both English and Japanese. This popular Manga Bible series is the only one created by Japanese Christians who are manga professionals. There are now nearly 1 million copies of these books in print in 7 different languages, with 13 more languages currently in translation or production. [SOURCES: NEXT and COMIX35, 23 July 2008]
New Graphic Biography Published
The newest release from Calvary Comics is a graphic novel entitled Erlo Stegen and the Revival Among the Zulus . Adapted and illustrated by Alec Stevens, it is the true story of a South African man who was "called of God to minister to the Zulus at a time when Apartheid (government-imposed racial segregation) was at its zenith in the nation." Stevens obtained permission from Stegen to reproduce the portions of his testimony that are contained in this graphic novel. There are five preview pages at the Calvary Comics web site , along with ordering information. [SOURCE: Alec Stevens, 19 July 2008]
Catch Some Kidz Cartoon Clips
Reggie and Dionne Byers have announced that the first episode of Kidz of the King: The Animated Series is finished. Based on the popular Christian-themed comic books currently published by Urban Ministries, Inc. (UMI) in Chicago USA, this production is a "Flash animated, multi-cultural, action-adventure series, that features ten angels disguised as teenage Super-heroes who show up when a child prays or when trouble presents itself." Ten Talents Productions has some clips featuring the characters Truth, Peace, Temperance, Mercy, and Faith. An episode synopsis on their web site says: "When a character named 'Skully' befriends two urban teenagers, they are confronted with conflicting ideas. Is life a meaningless series of random events, or were they created with God-given purpose?" All the names of the ten Kidz of the King characters point to Godly virtues. [SOURCE: Reggie Byers, 18 July 2008]
Classic Comic Still Available
Although Tom Skinner himself passed away in 1994, the Skinner Leadership Institute continues to sell his biographical comic book Up From Harlem for just $2.00 in the "Resources" section of their website. It is also available in packs of 10 or 25. This classic Christian comic was adapted by Al Hartley and Dick Ayers in 1975 and originally published by Spire Christian Comics . In addition to this full-size, full color comic book about him, there was also a smaller, black & white, comic-style tract about Skinner entitled "At Last I'm Free to Live: The True Story of Tom Skinner." It was adapted from book Black & Free by tract artist Fred Basher in 1968 and published by Life Messengers/World Home Bible League . [SOURCES: Alec Stevens and the Skinner Leadership website, 8 July 2008]
UPDATE : The Tom Skinner tract "At Last I'm Free to Live: The True Story of Tom Skinner" is still available today from A New Thing Outreach Ministries Inc. in Ontario, Canada, the new publisher and distributor of the popular Life Messenger booklets/comics. These publications "continue to be effective and relevant in communicating the Gospel," the publisher reports. They carry several of the classic Fred Basher illustrated tracts including "Free To Live" , "Two Of A Kind", "Have You Been Brainwashed?", and "It's Much Later Than We Think", plus "The Lonely Cabin on the 40-Mile", adapted by Deryl Skelton, and 4 other titles in their online store . [SOURCE: A New Thing Outreach Ministries Inc., 14 July 2008]
CCAS at Comic-Con in San Diego
The Christian Comic Arts Society (CCAS) will be active again this year at the Comic-Con International in San Diego, California USA. CCAS and New Creation Entertainment, Inc. will be set up in the Small Press Section at table #M12. CCAS is also sponsoring two panels at Comic-Con, including the annual "Spirituality in Comics" panel on Saturday 26 July and their "Christian Comics Art Society" panel on Sunday 27 July. Both panels will be moderated by Leo Partible (shown here, left). A short sermon by Robert Luedke, creator of the Eye Witness graphic novel series, and worship music will precede the Sunday panel discussion. [SOURCE: The Christian Comic Arts Society, 7 July 2008]
Mexican Cartoonist Blessed with Success
As a result of his participation in COMIX35 's 1st International Christian Comics Competition and Concurso de Historietas Cristianas en Español (Spanish Christian Comic Competition), José Carlos Gutiérrez of Mexico now has comics appearing in every issue of Revista Prisma (Prisma Magazine) published bi-monthly by Milamex . Gutiérrez wrote to COMIX35 saying, "This is a great blessing due to your efforts in the Christian Comics Competition in helping our work be shown." Gutiérrez won 1st Prize in the Amateur Category of the International Competition and an Honorable Mention in the Spanish Competition. He has since turned professional. His comic "Tiempo Atrás" ("A While Ago"), which was published in the January/February issue of Revista Prisma , was also a submission to the 2nd International Christian Comics Competition and will appear in the printed book, scheduled for release this coming September. Gutiérrez has also illustrated La fortaleza, the most recent book by Mexican writer Keila Ochoa Harris. [SOURCES: José Carlos Gutiérrez and COMIX35, 4 July 2008]
Who is He?
Chick Publications of California USA has released a new tract entitled Who Is He? about "the most important person you will ever meet." The Chick Publications Newsletter reports:"This tract will show a confused world who Jesus really is. It lifts up the Lord Jesus Christ, and brings the reader face-to-face with the Big Question: Will He be your loving Saviour, or the most terrifying judge you could ever imagine?"The tract is also available in Spanish as Quién es Él? (A biography of Jack Chick may be found on the Christian Comics Pioneers page.) [SOURCE: The Chick Publications Newsletter, 2 July 2008]
Another New Comic for Africa
Christian cartoonist Marcel Niyungi Bin Yungi (Marcel Bin) of Kenya wants to reach Muslim children and young adults with the Gospel in Sub-Saharan Africa using his 20-page, full-color comic book entitled The Story of Abdallah . Bin's youth ministry Kialu Visions ("Kialu" means "Christ" in Bakongo) is currently raising funds to print 3 million copies of this comic in 7 targeted languages: English, French, Kiswahili, Wolof, Hausa, Amharic, and Arabic. "Muslim children are the least reached Muslim age group with the Gospel," reports Bin on his web site . "Ironically, studies have shown that Muslim children are the most receptive ones to the Gospel than any Muslim age group." Bin plans to distribute the comic through an established network of Muslim evangelism ministries, Christian churches, and Muslim evangelists. Bin has also contributed comics to the 2nd International Christian Comics Competition and the new African Christian Comics Project . [SOURCE: Marcel Bin, 1 July 2008]
-- JUNE 2008
Artist Auderset Always Active
Award-winning Christian comics artist Alain Auderset of Switzerland will have another new French-language comic album, Willy Grunch , coming out in September. Auderset entered three of his 1-page comics from this new book into COMIX35's 2nd International Christian Comics Competition and won 1st, 3rd, and 4th place in the "People's Choice Award" voting for the Professional Division. Auderset's earlier album Conventional Wisdom , previously released in England, Australia, South Africa, and Singapore, has now come out in Germany. One ministry has purchased 10,000 copies of the book already and plans to give out 8,000 free copies for evangelization. Auderset's Robi , the winner of the Le prix international de la bande dessinée chrétienne francophone 2007 (International Prize for French Language Christian Comics), is now available in German, too. Auderset is available as an evangelistic speaker to young audiences and may be contacted for bookings through the Atelier Auderset web site . [SOURCE: Alain Auderset, 28 June 2008]
Manga Bibles Noted in Japan
The Daily Yomiuri, Japan's major newspaper (English version), has published a story entitled "The Word in pictures: Are manga-style Bibles really inspiring?" comparing the various "Manga Bibles" currently in circulation. The article notes that only Manga Messiah from Tyndale House Publishers actually originates from Japan. One manga critic is quoted as saying that Manga Messiah "has better narrative flow ... it's the more engaging..." The same critic goes on to dismiss some of the charges of anti-Semitism that have been leveled against the graphic novel observing that "... the 'bad guys' in Manga Messiah are drawn in a very cliched 'ugly' way, but I don't think this is anti-Semitism, it's just the standard manga stereotype that minor evil characters look ugly .... It['s] not an ethnic or religious prejudice."The story also notes that Manga Messiah has been endorsed by Focus on the Family as"an edgy rendition of the Gospel accounts [that is] both compelling and highly engaging." All the "Manga Bibles" are available through the Christian Comics Catalog . [SOURCE: The Daily Yomiuri, 20 June 2008]
Ministry & Missions Conference for Artists
Artists in Christian Testimony International and The Arts-Ministry Training Institute have announced plans for their upcoming Arts Alive Conference to be held in Nashville, Tennessee USA. The goal for Arts Alive is three-fold: "[1] Envision artistic Christians with the crucial role they play as Arts-Ministry Specialists, [2] Encourage the church to identify, validate, equip, and mobilize potential Arts-Ministry Specialists, and [3] Equip Arts-Ministry Specialists to impact individuals and culture for Christ." The conference is open to "Artistic Christians… from all disciplines ... desiring to better understand the role of arts in missions and ministry ... exploring how to pursue full-time or bi-vocational ministry as an occupation ... desiring to disciple and mentor other artistic Christians." The Arts Alive conference will explore these and other topics through guest speakers, artistic expressions, and workshops with discussions and open forums. [SOURCE: ACT's Arts-Ministry Training Institute, 16 June 2008]
UPDATE : The discount registration rate for Arts Alive Nashville 08 has been extended through July 31st. [SOURCE: Artists in Christian Testimony Intl, 30 June 2008]
Making the Move to Movies
Formerly a Christian cartoonist, Gbenga Salu of Nigeria has moved into tv and movie production. Recently he won the Soundcity Music Video Award in the Best Special Effect/Editing category for a Christian music video he produced, edited and directed. The song, " Aye Ole ," is performed in the Yoruba language and features the Nigerian Gospel group Infinity. Salu was an entrant in COMIX35's 1st International Christian Comics Competition in 2005 and his full-color comic entry appeared in the printed competition book. Lord willing, Salu plans to attend film school in the US to study directing and cinematography. [SOURCES: Oluwagbenga Salu and COMIX35, 8 June 2008]
Christian Comics from Kingstone
Kingstone Media Group in Florida USA is producing a line of Kingstone Comics to "spread the Gospel message, Christian values and teachings of the bible in an easy to understand, fun to read style for people of all age groups." The first books in the series are The Beginning , which details "the beginning of the world and the dawn of mankind," and Incarnation , which tells "the Christmas story of God visiting earth in human form." The comics each have 26 pages of full-color artwork and are written by Art A. Ayris who is the founder and CEO of Kingstone. Both comic books are available through the Christian Comics Catalog . [SOURCE: Kingstone Media Group, 6 June 2008]
VeggieTales Celebrates Anniversary
Big Idea, Inc. is marking VeggieTales’ 15th anniversary this year with a commemorative DVD release of Where's God When I'm S-Scared? , the first-ever VeggieTales animated video title, in partnership with Word Entertainment. There will also be an all-new VeggieTales "God Made You Special" live tour, new books from Random House, Christmas-themed and The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything apparel from Crossroads Apparel, plus a variety of other toys, puzzles, and ornaments from other licensees. [SOURCE: CBA Retailers+Resources Industry Brief, 2 June 2008]
-- MAY 2008
COMIX35 Unveils Project for Africa
As part of their new P.I.C.S Projects initiative, COMIX35 has launched an African Christian Comics Project to be written and drawn by Christian comic creators from all over Africa for an audience of unbelieving African readers. The project will provide encouragement and income for existing and up-coming comics creators in Africa. COMIX35 intends to publish the first "pilot" issue of this 24-page, black & white comic magazine before the end of 2008 and up to 3 more editions over a period of 12-18 months if the pilot is successful. Readers of the magazine will be encouraged to give feedback through a letters page and to participate by submitting their own story ideas for the cartoonists to illustrate. The project has received an enthusiastic reception from Christian publishers and cartoonists across Africa. Complete details may be seen on the P.I.C.S Projects: Invitationals page at the COMIX35 site. [SOURCE: COMIX35. 28 May 2008]
Manga on the Move in Miami
Christian comics made an impact at this year's EXPOLIT in Miami, Florida USA. American Bible Society (ABS) had an excellent response to El Mesías Historietas Manga , the Spanish-language edition of Manga Messiah produced by NEXT . ABS reports that they made a big effort to promote it at the convention. In addition, hundreds of copies of Eternidad , the prize-winning comic book in the Concurso de Historietas Cristianas en Español (Spanish Christian Comic Competition), were given out at the Letra Viva booth during the show. EXPOLIT is an annual international Christian industry conference serving the Spanish-speaking community with a variety of panels, exhibits, training seminars, workshops and concerts. [SOURCES: American Bible Society and COMIX35, 22 May 2008]
New Comic Book Series from Brazil
The Christian clown ministry Expressão de Amor has launched a new comic, " O Mundo de Otávio ," featuring characters from their team. This Gospel comic book has been created as an outreach to children and will be sold by subscription. Copies will also be delivered free-of-charge to poor and hospitalized children. In addition, the comics are being sent to the USA for the large Brazilian community that does not have any similar literature in Portuguese. "God has given us great opportunities," reports team leader Alexandre Penha. [SOURCE: Expressão de Amor, 8 May 2008]
Animated "Jesus Film" in Development
Visual Translation has been working with the Jesus Film Project to craft a short film about Jesus Christ to be done in Japanese Anime style. Currently they are gathering information and opinions on a concept video for a pilot film for use in Eastern Europe. The video is in English, but there is also a Hungarian version. Visual Translation is looking for feedback, especially from the 15-30 year-old audience. They are requesting that people view the video, answer some survey questions at an "anonymous, obligation-free webpage" shown in the video, and then forward the information to others. "This type of exponential multiplication is critical," says Irv Klaschus, who is spearheading the project. "Eventually, we want this creation to reflect what people around the world find interesting to see and to discuss."The Visual Translation web site will announce other language versions as they become available. [SOURCE: The JESUS Film Project / Campus Crusade for Christ, 2 May 2008]
-- APRIL 2008
Manga Bible Series Rolls On
NEXT reports that they have printed 590,000 English, 25,000 Japanese and 5,000 Indonesian editions of Manga Messiah so far. In April they will be printing 10,000 Norwegian, followed by 20,000 Spanish and 20,000 Tagalog. "Chinese will hopefully be ready for the press soon," says Roald Lidal of NEXT , "And we can only thank God for what He is doing and allowing us to have a part in." NEXT has also negotiated the rights for the Portuguese, Khmer, Korean, and Arabic languages, with Dutch coming up soon, followed by French, Russian, Polish and Vietnamese. The second book in the series, Manga Metamorphosis (shown at left), will be printed in Japanese later this month. These books from NEXT remain the only "Manga Bible" series on the market today that are actually written and illustrated by professional Japanese manga-ka who are Christians. [SOURCE: NEXT, 3 April 2008]
-- MARCH 2008
Christians Compete in Secular Russian Festival
Two Christian comics creators are represented in this year's ComMissia-2008 Comics Festival. Igor Kolgarev from Moscow, Russia has entered his comic "World Before the Flood" and Alla Alexeeva from Kishinev, Moldova has contributed "What Measure" to the festival. Visitors to the site can register and vote for their favorite comics. Non-Russian speakers can use the Alta Vista Babel Fish translator to assist them in reading the Russian text in their own language. [SOURCE: Igor Kolgarev, 22 March 2008]
Crucifixion Art by Christian Comics Pioneer Found
A 50-year-old ink and watercolor picture of Christ’s Crucifixion by cartoonist Dudley D Watkins has been discovered at a private house in Scotland. It was given by Watkins in 1951 to Mrs. Jean Kinnell, the daughter-in-law of a lay preacher with the Church of Christ in Cowdenbeath. "Dudley and his wife often attended his services, and after church we would sit around the kitchen table discussing the Bible," said Mrs. Kinnell. "One day he handed me a roll of cardboard and said ‘That’s for you, Jean’. The painting was in it." Watkins was involved with the Dundee For Christ organisation and was president of the Dundee United Evangelistic Association and Tent Mission. His creation of popular comic strips such as "The Broons" and "Oor Wullie" for Dundee-based publisher D.C. Thomson led to commercial success and a special place of affection in the Scottish psyche, but many found it difficult to deal with his Christian commitment, which extended in the 1950s and 1960s to the creation of evangelical comic strips and an ambition to adapt the Bible into illustrated format. [SOURCE: Ian Ansdell, publisher of Scottish Christian.com, 20 March 2008]
Comic Brings "New Twist to Old Testament" - UPDATE
The new Mecha Manga Bible Heroes comic from JMG Comics will be distributed to secular comics shops by Haven Distributors. The first 32-page, full-color issue ships in May. "When we announced the series in February, hits to our website increased an astonishing 10,000%," said Managing Editor Paul Castiglia. "Not only did we receive nation-wide coverage [in the US], but the news reached across the globe to Europe, Latin America, South Africa and Eastern Europe… and is still going." To help comic shops promote the series, JMG will provide free wall posters and fliers upon request as well as a customized "ashcan" version at a reduced cost. The Christian bookstore market will still be handled by Anchor Distribution . [SOURCE: JMG Studios, 18 March 2008]
Latest from Chick Publications
The new March/April issue of the Battle Cry newsletter from Jack Chick's ministry is now available online. Information is included on the effectiveness of giving cartoon tracts to prisoners and tract passing tips from Chick Tract readers. Chick's newest cartoon tract is entitled Fatal Decision , a parable about rejecting Jesus as illustrated through the story of a doctor and his dying patient who doesn't trust him. Chick has sold over 500 million tracts worldwide for 43 years. Tracts are available in nearly 100 languages. [SOURCE: Chick Publications, 17 March 2008]
More on The Amazing Gospel
Crosswind Comics in Kansas USA reports they have now printed two editions of The Amazing Gospel in English, plus versions in Spanish, Haitian Creole, German, and French. 12,000 copies in Nepali have been shipped to South Asia. The English-language comic is being used to spread the Gospel among a large and unreached people group in Sudan. "I'm told the use of English in Sudan is preferred," says Crosswind founder Daniel Schwabauer. "And I have been told that local young men who read English have been charged with taking the comic book to every village in the tribe and reading it to every person." The Amazing Gospel is a 48-page, full-color comic book based on the Gospel of Luke. [SOURCE: Crosswind Comics, 3 March 2008]
-- FEBRUARY 2008
Manga in Uganda - UPDATE
NEXT reports that the first 40,000 copies of Manga Messiah have been printed for distribution to school children in Uganda. 800,000 books total will be delivered by the end of next year. Books are a scarce commodity in Uganda, where 85% of the population earns less than the equivalent of US$1.00 a day and a Bible costs US$8.00. State officials in Uganda have expressed excitement over the educational and spiritual value these books could bring to the youth of Uganda. Also, the long-awaited Japanese version of Manga Messiah is now available for purchase in Japan. Although the book was originally created by Japanese Christians who are manga professionals, the book was printed first in English. Editions are being prepared for publication in Chinese, Russian, Tagalog, Spanish and Portuguese as well. [SOURCE: NEXT,15 February 2008]
More Manga Bible Publicity
Several new articles have come out this week, one in the International Herald Tribune , another in the New York Daily News , and another through Religion News Service , all about the Manga Bible produced by British-born Nigerian illustrator Bayo Akinsiku (known as "Siku") and his brother, writer Akin Akinsiku. In one article Siku, who has drawn "Judge Dredd" for 2000AD in the UK, reports that "part of the reason he joined the project is because he believes it's a valid way of communicating to a new generation." Siku's Manga Bible is one of several in the current marketplace including NEXT 's Manga Messiah , the Zonderkidz Manga Bible series , and Tyndale's Manga Bible . All these books are available through the Christian Comics Catalog . [SOURCES: Religion News Service, other web sites 11 February 2008]
Comic Brings "New Twist to Old Testament"
JMG Comics has just announced the upcoming release of its first series, Mecha Manga Bible Heroes . The comics will contain classic Bible heroes drawn in a manga style and featuring "mecha" (robots), a mainstay of manga. "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," says co-writer Tom Hall. The first 32-page, full-color issue, shipping in May, features the story of David and Goliath. "Our creative team consists of Christians who approach the material with a Christian worldview, and we’ve strived to make this the coolest comic book your Sunday School teacher ever confiscated!" adds Managing Editor Paul Castiglia, a comic book veteran who has worked for Archie and other publishers. Anchor is the exclusive distributor for the initial launch and will handle distribution for comic shops, Christian bookstores, libraries, churches, schools and other retailers. [SOURCE: JMG Studios, 5 February 2008]
-- JANUARY 2008
Cartoon Tracts Available Through ATS
American Tract Society (ATS)'s Spring 2008 Catalog offers a variety of cartoon and comics-style tracts for children and teens, including these titles listed in their "Clearance Sale" section on page 22: An Eternal Instant Message, True Love (shown at right), Why Wait for the Wedding? and Science 101. There is a Living Water cartoon tract written and illustrated by Greg Laurie and also a "kid-friendly cartoon booklet geared towards elementary age children" entitled Welcome to Heaven . In addition, ATS offers a number of cartoon tracts in Spanish including Chico Raton y Tomas La Tortuga Preguntona En El Regalo, La Luz, and ¿Y...Entonces qué? The ATS website lists 18 cartoon tracts that are currently available, plus a Cartoon Variety Pack containing 60 cartoon tracts. ATS is based in Garland, Texas USA. [SOURCE: ATS catalog and website, January 2008]
The Godman Impacts India
Response to Book of Hope's 1-hour CGI animation story of Jesus Christ, The GodMan , has been tremendous in India. Book of Hope's Founder, Bob Hoskins, reports: "So far, we’ve had over 3,405,000 people that have watched the movie, and we’ve had literally hundreds of thousands of people who have accepted Christ." He says those numbers represent only people who watched in Christians’ homes. Jeff Holder of FlyOver Projects wrote and produced the original version of The GodMan and has produced five additional versions of the movie for Africa, Latin America, Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the one in India. Each version has a new live-action story that wraps around the animation. A version for China is in the works. [SOURCES: Mission Network News via the Gospel.com blog and the Flyover Projects web site, 21 January 2008]
New Comics Are Bestsellers Downunder
Christian Comics Pioneer Graham Wade 's 3 new comics from CEP/ Anglican Youthworks in Australia are selling beyond expectations. Christmas: God's Gift ... the Saviour tells about the birth of Jesus, based on Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2. Who Is This Man? relates stories from the Gospel of Mark, ending with the answer to the title question - Jesus, God's son, Messiah and Saviour. Easter: He Is Alive presents the death and resurrection of Jesus. These small, inexpensive comics are "ideal as gifts and giveaways for Sunday schools, kids' clubs, and beach mission programs for children aged 7-11." Originally only 1000 copies were printed of each title, but sales have climbed to 15,000 and are still growing. [SOURCES: Graham Wade, the Youthworks and Koorong websites, 21 January 2008]
Annual Focus on Web Outreach
This year's Internet Evangelism Day (IE Day) will be 27 April 2008. The IE Day website provides downloadable resources with suggestions and background material to help any group create its own IE Day program anywhere in the world. "Internet Evangelism Day is a broad-based interdenominational and trustworthy emphasis focused on encouraging churches and ministries to use the Internet for evangelism," says Dr. Sterling Huston, Chair of the Internet Evangelism Coalition which initiated IE Day. Executive member organizations of the Coalition include American Tract Society, Billy Graham Center, Campus Crusade for Christ, and Gospelcom. [SOURCE: The Internet Evangelism Day Team, 17 January 2008]
Free Fish Now Available
Community Comics has placed Jesse Hamm's 7 Sec onds and a Dead Fish , on the WOWIO website where it can be downloaded without charge. "7 Seconds and a Dead Fish tells the story of a young man as he tenaciously clings to his faith when the religious system he has been brought up in has turned its message to merely speak to the tenets of the government," reports Bud Rogers of Community Comics. "Jesse's excellent black and white artwork captures the bleak landscape and atmosphere of the story, while his expressive style imbues the protagonist with strength and hope. It's a small press classic that exemplifies intelligent inspirational comics." Downloading these comics supports both Community Comics and Jesse Hamm financially, without cost to the reader, but it does require registration at the WOWIO website. [SOURCE: Bud Rogers/Community Comics, 17 January 2008]
Pirates in Top 10 at Box Office
Big Idea’s The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie hit 1,337 theaters nationwide Friday. It earned $4.42 million opening weekend, placing it in the top 10 movies at the box office. In summer 2006, Universal Studios agreed to fund the new VeggieTales movie, which stars Larry the Cucumber, Mr. Lunt, and Pa Grape as three wannabe heroes. Universal is promoting Pirates heavily, which includes spots on network television and ads on billboards. [SOURCE: CBA Retailers+Resources Industry Brief, 14 January 2008]
Competition Comic Clicks in Colombia
Eternidad , the prize-winning comic book in the Concurso de Historietas Cristianas en Español (Spanish Christian Comic Competition), was well received at the annual Letra Viva Consulta in Bogotá, Colombia. The comic is written and illustrated by Iván Emilio Tapia Camargo of Mexico. The competition sponsors and organizers were COMIX35 , Milamex/Revista Prisma , and Letra Viva . A Letra Viva representative said "People were very positive about the comic ... Everyone says how great the medium is, and that it meets a real need..." and they want to know more about how to best produce and distribute them. Several hundred copies of Eternidad will also be available at the Letra Viva booth during EXPOLIT in Miami USA . [SOURCE: COMIX35, January 2008]