Posted by Donald Ensign on December 4, 2007 at 8:05am
The Enchanter, (The Crusaders, Vol 18, 2007), Chick Publications, Jack T. Chick (w), Fred Johnson (a), 32 pp. Full Color comic book size. $3.50
Jack T. Chick is a genuine phenomenon in Christian comics. He is a polarizing figure whose work has spawned analytical studies and critical web sites both pro and con. Chick's comics leave little middle ground- you either love or hate his work. While his small black and white tracts are uncompromising in presenting the Christian gospel, it is his full-sized color comic book series, The Crusaders, that has generated the most controversy. Perhaps the web of conspiracy theories presented in these comics is the issue that sparks the most hated discussion. Whatever the issue, a new Crusaders comic is a major publishing event seeing that the last one came out almost two decades ago.
The Enchanter is a biography of Joseph Smith Jr. (1805-1844), the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints (Mormons). The story begins with a modern day vignette of a women living in Utah whose husband (an ex-Mormon) is found dead in their house. The authorities pronounce it suicide but the wife suspects murder. She calls Jim Carter and Tim Clark (The Crusaders) to help, as she is frightened by the seemingly menacing behavior of strangers toward her. Fearing for her safety she takes a flight out of state with funds provided by the Crusaders. This incident causes Jim and Tim to investigate the history of Mormonism. They contact ex-Mormon David Franks who gives them a detailed account of the beginnings of this heterodox religion. Franks account starts with the birth of Joseph Smith Jr. and follows him as he dabbles in folk occultism as a youngster, his first marriage to Emma Hale, the discovery of the illusory golden plates (supposedly the source of the Book of Mormon), several of his plural marriages, his links to the Masonic Lodge, the development of the Mormon church, and the organizing of his army, 'The Danities' Franks' account, shows Smith as a unbalanced power hungry charlatan with great personal charisma which eventually leads to his arrest in Carthage, Missouri and subsequent murder by a rampaging mob.
For those who have studied the history of Mormonism (from either non-LDS sources or even Mormon records) most of this is fairly familiar material. Perhaps the most interesting thing is the restraint Chick shows in some controversial areas. For instance, in 1977, a book titled 'Who Really Wrote the Book of Mormon?' was published (with a new and greatly expanded edition following in 2005 with more evidence, making an even stronger case for this theory exhibiting strong evidence that Smith plagiarized much of the Book of Mormon from a stolen manuscript by a man named Solomon Spalding. However, The Enchanter makes only one oblique reference (p. 17) to other sources for the Book of Mormon. Another incident surrounds the controversy of Smith's fatal escape attempt from the Carthage jail. Some accounts have him armed with a smuggled pistol defending himself against his attackers. Chick instead has an unarmed Smith being executed by apparently angry Masons.
Artist Fred Johnson does a very credible job with the material. Johnson is an excellent draftsman and it is surprising how little his work has changed (some may feel that his work has improved from his earlier efforts) over the past three decades. His work is still retains a pristine tightness and precise quality and for an essentially talking heads comic it communicates very well.
Chick's overarching conspiracy theory is revealed early on (p. 8, 18-19) as a Satanic plot to quell the revivals of the early 19th Century by sowing the seeds of heretical cults like Mormonism and Christian Science, as well as virulent ideologies like Communism, Nazism, Masonry, evolution as well as resurgent non-Christian world religions like Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. And, of course (as they have been a primary target of Chick's attacks in the past), the Roman Catholic church and the Jesuits are mentioned in this mix. The Bible does teach Christians how to battle spiritual forces, though one can debate with some of the exact details that Chick presents. www.chick.com Read more…
Posted by Donald Ensign on November 27, 2007 at 8:41am
American Born Chinese,2006, First Second, Gene Luch Yang (writer, artist), full color, 233 pp., $17.95. This is a collection of web comics.
This book combines three stories that intersect by the end of the book. The first is the adventures of the magical Monkey King, an ancient Chinese folk deity and Kung Fu master who achieves the four major disciplines of invulnerability. This leads him to a meeting with his creator, Tze-yo-Tzuh. Tze-Yo-Tzuh says of himself:
"I was, I Am, and I shall forever be. I have searched your soul, little monkey. I know your most hidden thoughts. I know when you sit and when you stand, when you journey and when you rest. Even before a word is upon our tongue, I have known it. My eyes have seen all your days." (p 80)
Of course this and other such sayings sound suspiciously like the God of the Judeo-Christian scriptures speaking from various Bible passages, including Psalms 139. The second story deals with the trials of the young Taiwanese boy Jin Wang who came to America with his immigrant parents. Jin's story is one of trying to make a place for himself in an alien culture. The third story concerns Danny (an Anglo appearing high school student) whose main trial in life is an annual visit of his extremely stereotypical and socially embarrassing Chinese cousin Chin-kee. The interactions between Danny, his friends and Chin-kee make for some hilarious situations. As mentioned previously all three of these seemingly divergent tales come together at the conclusion of the story.
Gene Yang's art is simple and effective storytelling with the flat, bright coloring by Lark Pien complimenting Yang's linework perfectly. This tale is more than a Asian boy trying to adjust to American culture. This is an amusing story that can teach lessons about prejudice, teenage romance, fitting in and tolerance. This is an excellent graphic novel and the well-deserved of the Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature.
Posted by Donald Ensign on November 20, 2007 at 6:43pm
Welcome To Holsom#1-24 (2005-2007). Gospel Publishing House, Craig W. Schutt (w), Steven Butler (p 1-6, 8-12, 14, 16, 18, 20-24), Sonny Carder (p 7), Gordon Purcell (p 13, 15, 17, 19), Jeff Albrecht (i 1-5, 7-15, 17-20, 22), Al Milgrom (i 6, 16, 21, 24), Dan Davis (i 5, 23) $3.75 (for packets of three consecutive issues), 12 pp.
This series centers around the lives and adventures of a group of tweens and young teens in a small middle-American town named Holsom. The story begins with the discovery of an abandoned laboratory under a barn by four young people - Lucy (an adopted Asian girl), Shelby (a strong Christian), Mouse (a near-genius African-American boy) and Jorge (a Latino bad boy). This laboratory was owned by Horatio Holsom, an eccentric scientist who the town was named after, and who, in the late 1950s, secretly created giant robots. The children attempt to keep the lab a secret (along with a reactivated giant robot, Rover), but it eventually becomes known, attracting the attention of the wealthy, unscrupeous and power-hungry businessman JD Raye and his attorney, Miss Vile (a cross between Phylis Diller and Cruella DeVille). The cast expands to include many others, such as Jordan, the local pastor's pretty daughter, Noah, a good-hearted jock, Tabitha, a social outcast goth girl, Otto "Chopax" Farless, a hermit obsessed with UFOs and strange phenomena.
This series was developed as an aid in teaching young people basic decision making skills on ethical questions from a Biblical perspective. The issues are offered in packets of three issues each (i.e, #1-3; #4-6, ). These are intended for give-aways to children attending Sunday School. Most issues feature a plot summary of what has happened previously, a back-page word puzzle, and discussion questions about the behavior of the characters in each issue's story. The didactic element is developed subtly within the stories as the children are confronted with moral and spiritual dilemmas - and while the kids often make the right decision, sometimes they don't. Whichever the case, the consequences flow naturally from those decisions. The Christian characters are not presented as perfectly flawless paragons but rather exhibit poor attitudes and commit sins like anyone else. However, they do grow through their mistakes and become more mature and 'real' in the process.
This series is part Archie, part 1950s sci-fi, part Andy Griffith Show, part Disney classic animated movies with a solid Christian foundation carefully laid into the mix. The story works because the moral and spiritual teaching seems natural and not forced. Steven Butler, the main penciller, takes a cartoony approach to the characters that works well with the material, and one could easily see this story translated into an animated cartoon series. Interesting tidbits are thrown in for observant comics fans, like Al Milgrom's homage to Wally Wood in inking issue #6. Here's hoping that Welcome to Holsom is a great success and that there will be many return visits to this quintessential American-as-apple-pie small town.
Posted by Donald Ensign on November 13, 2007 at 6:49am
Black, The Birth of Evil,(Book 1 The Circle Trilogy) Ted Dekker (writer), Ig Barros, Eduardo Pansica, Ricardo Ratton (artists), Published by Circle Media/Westbow (a division of Thomas Nelson), 2007, 131 pp., $14.99 each.
This book is the first part of three graphic novels composing the Circle Trilogy by Christian novelist Ted Dekker. All three original Circle Trilogy prose novels were published in 2004, and writers Matt Hansen (Black and Red), Bob Strachen (Black), J. S. Earls (White) and Mike S. Miller (White) have adapted them to graphic novel format.
The trilogy follows a young man named Thomas Hunter who, after he fends off an attack by a mysterious assailant on a dark Denver street, finds himself transported to a fantasy world when he falls asleep. This world is divided by a river into two regions - the abysmal Black Forest and the beautiful Green Forest. The evil and cunning black bat-like Shataiki dominate the Black Forest, while intelligent and good white bats dwell in the Green Forest along with a human population. Both worlds seem all too real to Hunter, with the fantasy world appearing to be the future of the modern world, and Thomas falls into a pattern of waking in one when he falls asleep in the other. The story switches back and forth frequently from the modern world to the dream world, and both worlds quickly come to crucial moments in their respective histories - a viral pandemic with the potential for ending billions of lives threatens the modern world, while the fantasy world exists in an uneasy balance between the two forests that could collapse if compromised. In the dream world Thomas meets the lovely Rachelle and her father Tanis, both of whom will play pivotal roles in the unfolding drama, and in the other world he kidnaps Monique de Raison, designer of the vaccine that could mutate into the deadly virus, in an effort to stop its production. Readers should be aware that this is a trilogy in the spirit of J.R.R. Tolkien, with one story spread across three volumes, and these are not stand-alone stories.
The story is very fast paced with many twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. It is easy to recognize that these are prose novels adapted to comics format with much expository dialogue included. For the most part the frequent talking heads work and add a needed counterpoint to the action sequences. This is certainly a strength to the extended graphic novel approach. The artists from Big Jack Studios do a very credible job with this volume; Big Jack Studios artists are also responsible for volume two (Red), while volume 3 (White) is handled by Mike S. Miller, the cover artist for all three volumes.
Posted by Donald Ensign on November 7, 2007 at 6:08pm
Kingdoms: A Biblical Epic(Volume 1-The Coming Storm), (Volume 2, Scions of Josiah), 2007, Zondervan., Ben Avery (writer), Matt Broome Miller (artist), Harold Edge (artist)160 pp., $9.99 each
This is actually a cool concept--retelling the story of the later kings of Judah, with prophets and all, AND as a literary device, retelling the stories of the judges and earlier kings as well. There are many elements taken directly from scripture, just enough license to make the stories three-dimensional. My problem was keeping the story chronologically linear. A list of the judges and kings along with the accompanying prophets would have helped greatly in keeping the separate stories in their place, and both issue one and two had blank pages at the end. Maybe I can make my own list there, but one provided would have helped in the initial appreciation of the book.
Another problem I had was with the art. I'm not familiar with Matt Brome's style, but he has worked with both Marvel and DC, so I found it odd that some of the facial drawings were asymmetrical, it was sometimes difficult to tell characters apart and, strangely, most times his drawings of people holding things (spears, swords...things with obvious bulk) looked like objects drawn down on top of closed fists instead of hands holding the items. Open hands look overly cartoony. I can only imagine the pace of having these books drawn, so perhaps it was the rush of getting the book done on time that led to these flaws, but the other 5 books in the ZGN line did not have observably poor art, although some were at a looser style than the artist usually produces (like Sergio Cariello's Son of Samson, which appears more sketchy and cartoony at points, but worked well with the story and concept). From what I have seen of Broome's art, this is not up to his usual quality, unless he is going for a drastically different style than usual.
Anyone who wants to pay close attention to the diverse characters and who enjoy period adventures (Lord of the Rings, Braveheart) should appreciate this book for the behind-the-scenes machinations and warfare as well as the overarching story of the fictional royal advisor Iddo trying to hold the nation and his family together through this difficult time in Israel's history. The story, although dwelling on issues of God's presence, providence and power, is not preachy at all, relying on matter-of-fact issues that are covered in scripture, and do not even attempt to convince the reader that this really happened, merely stating it as fact. Since this is a series of stories taking place long before Christ was born, there is no evangelistic material here, outside of any foreshadowing that exists in the stories themselves.
THe art shifts a bit in issue two, with Harold Edge taking over the major art chores and Broome assisting. I'm not sure the reason for the redistribution is, but Edge's work moves closer to the cartoony than seems good for this title, which would benefit from a more technically accurate art style to lend weight to the story and more individually to the characters themselves. Writer Ben Avery (Hedge Knight, Lullaby) does a great job presenting the various stories (which cover centuries) and weaving them into a coherent narrative, but, as stated before, a timeline would have assisted greatly in piecing the biblical puzzle together, and this coming from someone who knows a bit about the Bible. I can only wonder how someone unfamiliar with the Core Text will understand it.
Posted by Donald Ensign on October 30, 2007 at 7:12pm
The Original T.E.A.Vol 2. # 1& 2 (2007), Vol 2, #3 (2006), Pop Comics, Henry Chmielefski (writer, colorist #1-3), Frank Humphris (artist #1 &2), Veli Loponen (artist #3), Mike Melton (colorist, #3), Full color
The Original T.E.A. (Teen Enforcement Agency) has a very long history. Henry Chmielsfski started his TEA characters back in the early 1970s as a fan project. Henry joined the Christian Comics Apa, Alpha-Omega in 1989 and revived the TEA and began rewriting and drawing their adventures. Henry dropped out of Alpha-Omega in 1992, but returned in 1998 again showcasing the adventures of T.E.A. In 2004 Henry teamed up with British artist Frank Humphris to produce two issues of the Original TEA for Brian Bradley's Kingdom Comics. While Humphris supplied the pencils and inks and Chmielsfski provided colors and letters. These two issues, combined in one volume (2007), were reprinted with added pages and many changes under Chmielefski's own Pop Comics imprint. Issue number three (2006) starts a new three part series centering on the SpaceLad character with Finnish artist, Veli Loponen, doing the pencils and inks.
The Original TEA is youthful super hero group cut from the same cloth as the X-Men, Legion of Super Heroes and the Teen Titans. The group consists of Captain Ash, Speeder, Brain Boy, Occult Mistress, Starr, and T-Lad. They are a special metahuman CIA task force created to deal with extraordinary threats. In the combined issue #1-2 they face and defeat a terrorist threat in southeast England. Perhaps as interesting as the main storyline is a subplot involving Occult Mistress who is possessed by familiar spirits. This tells of her struggle against these demons which leads to her embrace Christian faith at the end of the story. This plot thread caused quite a stir in Alpha-Omega when Chmielefski first introduced it in the early 1990s. The strongest aspects of Humphris artwork are his excellent facial drawings and the architectural backgrounds. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair makes a guest appearance in this issue (as he does in #3) and Humphris does a good job portraying the world leader. The story in #1&2 takes place in Eastbourne, East Sussex, England (the artist's hometown) and Humphris makes excellent use of reference to produce very nice location shots. Humphris is probably less successful in dealing with the overcrowded fight scenes. Veli Loponen (#3) uses a style heavily influenced by John Bryne and Jack Kirby to produce a conventional super hero look for the book. The story takes place in Loponen's hometown of Tampere, Finland where alien flying saucers threaten to destroy the city. Loponen concentrates on the individual exploits of SpaceLad and does a commendable job with the visuals. The story ended with a cliffhanger but we don't know when issue #2 is coming out.
The problem with fan based super hero group comics is that the creator (s) has so much backstory for each character that can't be told in any issue. Why should I as the reader care about these characters? When the Teen Titans were introduced in the mid-1960s each character has a fairly extensive publishing history open to the comic book reader. The X-Men were produced on a monthly basis, as was the Legion of Super Heroes, so we not only saw the heroes battling the villain of the month but also included were characterization tidbits about their history and relationships. Chmielefski's task is an arduous one to make us care about what happens to these characters (from his youthful fan days) that are published infrequently. He is moving in that direction with the Occult Mistress subplot and the concentration on SpaceLad. The question-can he make the characters (and the stories) so compelling that will bring the readers back after several month intervals?
Posted by Donald Ensign on October 23, 2007 at 8:19am
TimeFlyz,Vol 1 & 2, Ben Avery (writer), Adi Darda Gaudiamo (artist), Published by Zondervan, 2007, 160 pp., $9.99 each.
This is a cute little series that I had trouble getting into, maybe because the protagonist is a ten-year old girl, and I have very little in common with ten-year-old girls, for some reason. The concept is kinda cool, with cybernetic time-traveling flies and a neat little mystery of a plot that has really got me thinking. Adi Darda's art is a great fit for this book, and the flies each have their own look, although similar enough to cause confusion until they all get sorted out, which happens pretty quickly. The plot, however, might be difficult for the target audience to follow, as it delves into history, physics, and time paradoxes, among other things, but could be a fun ride for kids who don't take all that too seriously.
Posted by Donald Ensign on October 16, 2007 at 7:31pm
Good & Evil, by Michael Pearl (writer) and Danny Bulanadi (artist), No Greater Joy Ministries, Inc., 322 pp., $12.95
Michael Pearl is a man with a mission. He and his wife Debi are former foreign missionaries. He de- scribes the dilemma facing many missionaries who bring the gospel to people in other lands. Often the gospel is readily accepted, but it produces little actual change in the lives of those who hear it. Jesus just becomes one more god to place on the shelf with a multitude of other so-called deities.
Pearl believes the primarily reason for this is that the gospel has not been taught in a sufficient enough way to ground the hearer in a true Biblical world view. In our need to make the gospel as simple as possible we have shorn or cut it off it of its complete Biblical context. Often the hearers have accepted the gospel message but still cling to their old pagan briefs and life views.
Pearl's solution is to produce a chronological graphic story (comic book) Bible starting from the begin- ning in Genesis and going through the New Testa- ment epistles and to the Reformation and beyond. He believes that by establishing redemptive themes from the very beginning of creation than the readers will be convinced of the truth of the Bible and Christ's aton- ing sacrifice. With the resulting clearer understanding of the Christian message they will then turn from their sinful ways and truly become born again followed by a notable change in lifestyle.
Pearl's approach and theology sits squarely within the evangelical mainstream (though some may differ with certain of Pearlʼs interpretations). The copy reads like a sermon or commentary on the Biblical themes of sacrifice, redemption and salvation intertwined with the stories that he mines from the Biblical text. Pearl is not exhaustive, but selective in the stories that he chooses to back up the themes he sees in scripture. This is what separates this Bible adaptation from many others. We donʼt have the stories of Joseph, Gideon, Samson, David and Goliath, Daniel in the Lionʼs Den and others are missing. He believes that this selec- tive approach combined with the comic book format will be very effective in communicating the gospel to needy souls.
Christian and comic book veteran artist, Danny Bula- nadi does a masterful job by producing highly illustra- tive continuity artwork. For those who need the broad redemptive history as presented in the Bible this can be a great resource which iss being translated into 12 languages.
Posted by Donald Ensign on October 15, 2007 at 5:30pm
Son of Samson, (And the judge of God, Volume 1), (And the Daughter of Dagon Volume 2), Published by Zondervan, 2007, 160 pp., $9.99 each.
In a word, fun! Branan is the titular son, and he's on a quest. Just hours after Samson's death Branan is told that Samson was actually his father. This is the impetus for his journey, as he attempts to find the places and people that his father touched (sometimes quite literally!} during his time as judge of Israel. Sergio Cariello (Iron Ghost, Lone Ranger) opts for a looser art style than we've seen from him, and it works here, giving some characters that almost cartoony form and face and slightly comedic appearance. The stories showcase Branan's strength, of course, but also his brain, and how his faith informs his decisions. Issue two introduces (at least) to characters who should make repeat appearances, if not form a company around Branan, and we also find out that there are some issues from Samson's past that young Branan just might have to deal with before the series runs its course. Sort of like Conan, without all the brooding and with more direction towards a positive goal. And less 'lamentation of the women'.
Posted by Donald Ensign on October 3, 2007 at 7:00pm
Guardian Heroes #00(May 2006). Alias Comics/Astounding Studios, Kevin Grevioux (writer), Leonel Castellani (penciler), Eduardo Lemos (inker), $3.50, 24 pp.
Kevin Grevioux, actor and screen writer produced several comics (The Hammer Kid, Valkyries, The Vindicators, Alivs Rex) under his Astounding Studios imprint and published them through Alias before the publisher left the direct sales market last year. These books appeared as Alias was winding down and never had an opportunity to gain any real traction in the marketplace or even produce second issues.
The Guardian Heroes is a highly professionally produced pack- age aimed at a pre-teen audience. The series concept is simple and compelling. Grevioux establishes a Biblical worldview by starting his story quoting from Genesis chapter one. He then presents Biblical characters (Moses, Joshua, Samson, David, etc) as “Heroes of Light” who combat the “denizens of the dark.” In modern times we have “other heroes who fight for truth and justice” like Donar, Imperion, Zhara, Kilowatt, Bolt and Komrade Kazan. A Satan like character named Deadzluv (leader of The Fallen) recruits a crowd of super villains to began his battle to destroy mankind through its children. However a large group su- per heroes are recruited by an angel from the “Ancient of Days”. The angel declares, “All of your shall be assigned one of these gifted children to mentor and protect from the Fallen and their super-villainous minions.” This issue sets the stage and ends with the initial battle for the lives and souls of these gifted children. Grevioux does an excellent job of writing for a young audience and penciler Leonel Castellani uses a high quality animation-like style infusing the art with graphic electricity. Though Grevioux has taken on writing assignments at Marvel I hope he finds a new home for the Guardian Heroes. This is an excellent series that deserves a good long run.
(Review by Don Ensign)
Warning: The Astounding Studios Forum has been hacked and porn ads are contained in it.
Posted by Donald Ensign on September 18, 2007 at 6:25pm
Here is the first in a series of weekly reviews of current Christian comics by Steve MacDonald and myself.
The Amazing Gospel, Published by Crosswind Comics, A Ministry of Crosswind Comics, PO Box 1118, Independence, MO 64051
This is simply one of the very best recent Bible adaptation comics to be published. The Amazing Gospel is an excellent adaptation of the life of Christ as presented in the Gospel of Luke and it is also very good comics. Writer Daniel Schwabauer deftly and faithfully weaves the story and carefully selects Biblical accounts for maximum impact.
Gabriel Valleʼs pencils compliments Schwabauerʼs script perfectly. Valleʼs facial studies are warm and very human and he also excels in figure work with appropriate backgrounds. The Jesus portrayed here is very human but this is also the divine miracle worker and crucified and risen Son of God. The panel/page layout shows a lot of visual variety, smooth transitions from scene to scene, excellent composition and an superb sense of drama. The colorists Joel Chua and Carrol Schwabauer do a masterful job in using computerized comic book color for full effect. Many secular comics have a tendency to make the color too dark so the effect is to produce a dingy and depressive atmosphere. Chua and Schwabauer know when to alternate the color scheme for bright daytime scenes, night scenes and times of high drama. This comic stands as a primer for top notch contemporary graphic story telling.
This full size, 48 page comic book ends with an evangelistic invitation and prayer. This is a great presentation of the life of Christ which challenges its readers to make a decision to receive Christ as Savior and Lord. This comic is being translated into other language andprayerfully will be a great tool for presenting the saving message of our Lord to those around us and also to those half way around the world.
Posted by Donald Ensign on September 15, 2007 at 5:27pm
Several years ago I was talking with Ralph Miley about the subject of Christian Comics books. He made a simple but profound statement that has stuck with me. He mentioned a reason that Christian comics has not developed into a continuing publishing industry (similar to the secular industry) is that Christian comics do not have a fan base.The fan base has sustained the secular comics industry for several decades. That doesn't mean that there aren't people dropping out of collecting comics or that new people aren't becoming comic fans and collectors. That is true on both counts. However it seems as if there has been a fairly stable fan base to perpetuate the comics industry. From the late 1930s to say 1970 comic books were a general audience form of popular culture. After that with the raise of the direct sales/comic shop movement and the decline in distribution in grocery stories, drug stores and other general outlets comic book companies began catering to their perceived fan base. In more recent years we have seen the raise of graphic novels, collections, and manga, with sections dedicated to these forms in chain book stores and public libraries. The secular comics industry has a devoted readership—a core fan base.My admonition is that we who are Christian comics writers and artists should also be readers and fans of the comics produced others in our own movement. This should give us special joy to see and read and support the efforts of others in our movement. We need to be the nucleus of a growing Christian Comics readership and fan base. We need to support the efforts of others who believe they are called by God to produce comics that will glory Him.Some may have have reasons why they can't. One, lack of interest in other people's work. Answer: Pray that God will give you an interest. Two, don't have the money. Answer: Consider allocating part of your comics buying budget for Christian Comics. Consider dropping some secular comics from your buying list. Three: I don't have the time—Answer: Make time. Fourth: I don't know where to get Christian Comics. Answer: Over the next several months Steve MacDonald and I will be reviewing a number of recent Christian Comics and we will give contact information on how to get them (this will be networks on the CCAS portals in ComicSpace, MySpace and Shout Life. Our goal for doing this is threefold. One is to create a "buzz" or general interest in Christian comics. Two, to promote CCAS. Three, to publicize the Guide for Christian Comics.True in Advertising: DinoDon, do you buy and read Christian comics? Yes, I have purchased and read many comics that have been produced by professing Christians with Biblical based themes. Some of them are of high professional quality. Please give what i written serious consideration and prayer.
Read more…
Posted by Donald Ensign on September 14, 2007 at 4:02pm
First a disclaimer: I don't have any problem with anyone using the CCAS Social Network website to display their artwork or photos or promote their business.Several weeks ago I began getting bunches of e-mails in my inbox that said something like "you need to approve a photo (or video)" for placement on the CCAS Social network website. I had been appointed a gatekeeper for what is placed (artwork, photos, video clips) on the CCAS Social network website.For the most part I've approved almost all of the photos (the program doesn't distinguish between drawings and actual photographs). The very few I've not approved have been women in costumes revealing more than ample cleavage. The videos that I've disapproved are lengthy, extremely violent martial art fight scenes. Since this is a Christian Site the messages we should be communicating need to be edifying. The cleavage art communicates sexual availability (modestly is definitely a Christian virtue that needs to be re-emphasized). The violent videos I traced back to YouTube so they are getting plenty of internet exposure and it is not necessary for the CCAS Social network to add to that exposure.I don't believe that the art displayed on the CCAS network has to be "religiously themed" to be included but it should overtly offensive either. For example if you wanted to show some of your landscape or portrait paintings or drawings or family photos (or videos) I don't have problem with that. However when something is so clearly commercial and has not real connection to Christian faith it will probably get deleted— at least on my watch.
Read more…
Posted by Donald Ensign on August 22, 2007 at 6:45pm
For those of you who have been praying for Harry Miller I received a letter from him today Posted Marked 20 Aug 2007
Here are a few excerpts.
Dear Don,
“I already called Felix after I got home to let her know I’m “still alive.”
“Besides meeting all the wonderful people and staff during my month in rehab, I was surprised to receive a card from Diane Dudoit-Raiche, the director of the national Catholic Educational Association (She’s from my hometown, Lake Charles, La., and the NCEA will get my Christian comic book collection). Anyway Diane arranged for a Mass to be said at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France, as well as the related shrine in Belleville, Ill. for my healing. Interestingly, I regained the ability to move my right leg which I lost use of over 25 years ago when I broke my neck in May of 1980.”
“Besides getting a card and drawing from Felix, I also got good wishes and prayers from John Pierce, you, Chris & Erica Well, Kevin Yong, Robert Marsh, Don Kelly and friends at Holy Spirit Catholic Church without whose help and praise I could never had made it this far.”
God’s blessings on you and AO
Harry M.
Don: Harry was one of the charter members to Alpha-Omega and was on the CCAS Board for a number of years. Read more…
The 2007 Guide to Christian Comics is now available.
+ Christian Comic Arts Society Publication + Compiled by Don Ensign + 4th Annual Edition + 36 Pages + Sections incude: + Christian Comics(Print) 5 pages + Christian Comics (Web) 15 Pages (over 150 listings) + Groups, Ministries, Publishers, etc. 4 Pages + Milestones 3 Pages +plus Publicity and Work by Christian Comics Creatorsl + Short of analysis of 2007 Christian Comics Scene . + Over 40 sample illustrations
$ 2.50 (plus $1.50 p & h). Donald Ensign 250-A S Paseo Cerro Green Valley, AZ 85614 (Yes, I have PayPal) densign8@dakotacom.net
Available at CCAS table at Comic Con International: San Diego and the Tampa Bay Comic Con (Geoff Brenneman's Table)
Read more…
For the past 4 years new I've been producing a digest booklet called the Guide to Christian Comics. It is an annual publication that surveys what has been happening over the past year in the Christian Comics movement. It has extensive listings of print comics and web sites and tons of information and news.
I am putting the finishing touches on the 2007 edition. It will be going to the printer in a couple of days. It will make it's debut at the 2007 San Diego Comic Convention at the CCAS table (see location elsewhere on this site).
If you can't make the Con and are interested in a copy send me an e-mail and I get you order information.
God willing I will start a weekly review column here about some of the terrific comics that are being produced by Chrisians and comics that reflect Christian values and worldview. Thi column will start in September.
On April 20 (next Friday) my church, the Evangelical Free Church in Green Valley is having a Ministry Fair. The Fair is from 6:00- 8:00 PM. Green Valley is just south of Tucson, AZ.
This Ministry Fair's purpose is to tell others in the church what church members and attenders are doing ministry wise that is not directly connected to regular church activities.
I have signed up as an exhibitor and will be presenting the work of CCAS.
I plan on displaying comic art and publications and sharing about the convention ministry. Appreciate your prayers as this is basically a retiree church. Seeing comics as a ministry might stretch or blow some minds and perconceptions.
Contras to Geoff for this great Social Network Site.
I see they cut off the top of my head in the mug shot. The phot is a formal one from several months ago. It is an Olan Mills portrait shot. I hope we can make this an active site.
