Anyone interested in discussing ideas for a Christian comic. My thinking is to use stories from the Bible but place them into a sci-fi context (a Star Wars style universe) A good example would be David and Goliath set in a setting of a battle in space (i.e. the battle of Yavin)
Suggestions and feedback is welcomed!
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Matthew 18:6-7
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
Mark 9:42
42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.
Luke 17:2
2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
As you may see in the thread I started about Immortal Joe, I personally like the idea of digging into biblical stories and drawing something new out. I think the main thing is presenting a story that people can dig into.
Hey... just realized the like for the Lost Dogs song "Breathe Deep" was wrong.
Here's the right one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oA_Rb10IJHc
Great song.
How about concrete ideas? We are all aware of the situation of Christian comics (not passing judgment) so I would like to ask for concrete examples of "thinking outside the box"
What kind of stories do you have in mind? There is a vast pool of creativity that we can drink from and pass the cup so that all of us might add to each others ideas.
Awaiting your replies !!!!
Awesome thread!
Not only edifying in concept but in examples posted by contributors that I've never heard of. (Particularly rockin' number at the NYC Church: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BcJQa71rYs )
Bible Parable- stories were drawn from the experiences of the people of that time to explain the unexplainable God. Spirit-breathed, stamped with the personality of that writer (or several writers per book) the bible covers such wide ground in human adventures and dilemmas, it would be hard(impossible?) to express something of God that hasn't been said in some way in scripture. I'm sure there's plenty of talented retold bible stories left to tell, and I look forward to hearing them.
However, a bit of advice that has been said so many times I wouldn't know who to credit it to(my apologies) goes something like :
Write/draw great expressions of great themes and you can't miss God.
Some might take issue with this advice because the resulting expression might be "wrong." But time and time again, I've seen the follow-up discussion glorify our mighty Savior. Tell a great story of with ethical dilemma and moral courage, keep your spirit in prayer and guided by scripture; what a beautiful way to work!
I'll check them out, Steve! I like (and play) a wide variety of music, stylistically speaking, but you asked about contemporary Gospel music in particular, and these are some of the best in that genre.
Likewise - to get back to the thread's original intent - I like many genres in comics, including Christian comics. To do only Bible adaptations would be as restrictive as doing only super-hero titles (which is pretty much what DC and Marvel are). Humor, romance, adventure...there are a few examples of these other genres in Christian comics in the recent past. Super-heroes, fantasy, and sci-fi are more commonplace than you may realize. Have you ever seen a Christian western comic? The closest I can think of dealt with native Americans in Dan Red Eagle by Bruce Bezaire about 20 years ago which had a few 'cowboy' elements in it. Aimed at children, it was rather well done.
Shalom,
Alec
Alec,
I listened to quite a few of those links, and it seems we are cut from very different musical cloths! :-)
I'm sure it's top notch stuff, but it just isn't my thing.
Here is a taste of my thing-
The Crucified: "Mindbender"
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRDBxFhxRfU)
...I think I was actually at this show many years ago at the late, great Cornerstone Festival in Illinois. This song completely gives me the chills. AWESOME! (The lyrics are there if you care to read.)
Lost Dogs: "Breathe Deep"
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of4c6zpIMGw)
One of my favorite Christian songs EVER! Very Dylan-esque.
Nobody Special: "People Who"
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of4c6zpIMGw)
...When I first heard Nobody Special it was a complete blessing from God. Christian music just for me!!! Woo-HOO!
The Crossing: "Ecstasy"
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88EKCj9zjQs)
I love Celtic music! Celtic Christian music? Even better!
Six Feet Deep: "Homeless"
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yf-7x8ZwgUw)
Another song that gives me the tingles! The lyrics speak directly to my heart.
Michael Knott: "Tonight"
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3RyavAjdpE)
From his amazing album "Fluid". I love Mike Knott... he's always willing to take a chance.
So... that's a taste of the music that lights me up. Oh, of course there are others styles like country, jazz, salsa, etc.- too many to post samples of, really- but this gives you an idea.
I understand what Steve is saying, and agree to an extent. However, God's messages are already coming through secular storytelling and have been for a long time. Most people are just too blind to see it. When I was a children's minister I used secular comic books to connect kids with the bible. You'll see churches today even having movie nights of secular films and talking about the messages within.
I'm with Steve in that I wish there were more creative Christian comics out there, and hope to produce one someday. I also see where the other ones have their place, but sales aren't an indicator of whether they are reaching as many people as they can. We know there's a huge Christian consumer market out there. Anyway, the retelling to me isn't about whether it's quality or not, but rather that it's like another reboot or remake of movie that was already good. Be creative.
Walter Hawkins' Love Alive III is a classic of the early '80s. Here's "Is There Any Way?" from that album:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAmWXq72p1Y
Keith,
I know P.O.D. I have their stuff! In fact, I saw them YEARS ago before they hit it big out at Cornerstone Festival in Bushnell, Illinois. Man... that was over 13 years ago. The had a great heart for the kids, and offered to pray for each and every one individually.
They did, too. They stayed at their table into the night praying for each kid.
And you're right, God can use anything for His glory!
Check out Mike Knott, though. His stuff is interesting. His album "Drive" is great.
Alec,
Admittedly, aside from Mahalia Jackson, and a little of the Blind Boys of Alabama I don't know much about gospel music.
So, tell me... if you could pick one gospel album that serves as an introduction to modern Gospel music, what would it be? School me!
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