Holy Graphic Novel! Following the surprising success of a preview version last year, Doubleday has created a sensation with its daring makeover of the most important book ever published – the Bible in graphic novel format. The Manga Bible features the art of acclaimed comic book artist Siku, whose work has graced the pages of Marvel and 2000AD.
The updated language and breakneck pace take readers through the thousands of years of history in the style typical of manga literature, from the use of flashback at the start (Moses as storyteller to the children of Israel, with the desert as backdrop) to the confrontation of Christ and Satan (set in Gotham itself, New York City).
It was only a matter of time – and I'm surprised this epic work of wars and calamities, super heroic figures, doomed lovers, and bearded prophets hasn't been manga-fied much sooner. No less than Dr. Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, is a fan.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Manga Bible Craze
- The recent success of the graphic novel format for the Bible in Manga is leading to increased demand for more graphic-novel style interpretations of classic texts.
- Graphic Novels for Classics
- The trend of turning classic text into graphic novels is gaining popularity and being used to encourage readership.
- Modern Reimaginings
- Traditional works are being modernized and reimagined through the use of modern formats and language, such as Manga and graphic novels.
Sectors Adopting This
- Publishing
- Publishing houses and book companies can capitalize on the trend of graphic novels by producing and promoting Bible and other literary works in this format.
- Religious Organizations
- Religious organizations can use graphic novels, such as the Manga Bible, to make religious texts more relatable and engaging to a wider audience.
- Education
- Educational institutions can incorporate graphic novels and Manga into their curriculum to make reading and understanding classic literature more appealing to students.
