Radical Jesus: A Graphic History of Faith is a graphic novel edited by Paul Buhle and illustrated by Sabrina Jones, Gary Dumm, and Nick Thorkelson.
Background
editBuhle was a part of the Congregational church until the age of 15 when he started going to a Christian Youth Fellowship. He later left the church and became interested in liberation theology. His experiences with religion inspired him to write the book.[1] The book was published the same year as the 2013 papal conclave when Pope Francis was elected to the position and began expressing concerns about capitalism.[2] The book's intended audience is anyone between the age of 15 and 30 who may not have much of a religious background.[3]
Plot
editThe book is split into three sections. The first is called "Radical Gospel" and is illustrated by Jones.[4] The section is set during the Gospels, but contrasts Jesus and his disciples with people in modern day attire.[5] The second covers the events from the 14th to 19th centuries and is illustrated by Dumm. For instance, the section includes stories of the 14th lollards and a peace treaty between the Quakers and Lenape people.[6][7] The final section is illustrated by Thorkelson and is set in modern times.[8]
Reception
editJim Cullen wrote in the History News Network that the book "is a rich and striking social document".[9] Drew G. I. Hart commented in The Christian Century that the transition between art styles from black and white to color works well and compliments the writing.[10] Neil Derksen criticised the book in the Library Journal saying that the book had a "lack of cohesion, both narratively and artistically".[11] Dissent Magazine compared and contrasted the book to Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth and Killing Jesus: A History.[12]
References
edit- ^ Thatcher, Leslie (March 9, 2014). "Paul Buhle on His "Big and Useful" New Collaboration, "Radical Jesus"". Truthout. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
- ^ Nichols, John (December 25, 2013). "A radical, a rebel, a prince of peace". The Capital Times. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
- ^ "Radical Jesus conveys social message of Christ" (PDF). Canadian Mennonite. September 15, 2014. pp. 32–34. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 17, 2022. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
- ^ Sutter, Ben (March 6, 2014). "Coloring the Story". Sojourners. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
- ^ Mozzocco, J. Caleb (November 27, 2013). "'Radical Jesus' chronicles the legacy of the liberal rabble-rouser". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
- ^ Rempel, Elsie (2013). "Book Review: Radical Jesus: A Graphic History of Faith". Natural Links. Mennonite Camping Association. p. 1. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024 – via Scribd.
- ^ Berlin, Sarah (March 14, 2014). "Radical Justice and Radical Jesus, Coming to a Comic Book Store Near You". In These Times. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
- ^ Smith, C. Christopher (January 14, 2014). "Brief Reviews: Radical Jesus and Dallas Willard Dictionary". The Englewood Review of Books. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
- ^ Cullen, Jim (November 25, 2013). "Review of Paul Buhle's "Radical Jesus: A Graphic History of Faith"". History News Network. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
- ^ Hart, Drew G. I. (November 18, 2014). "A book review of Radical Jesus: A Graphic History of Faith". The Christian Century. Archived from the original on August 22, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
- ^ Derksen, Neil (January 3, 2014). "Radical Jesus: A Graphic History of Faith". LibraryJournal. Archived from the original on August 8, 2024. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
- ^ Phillips, Maxine (April 18, 2014). "One Death, Myriad Resurrections: In Search of the Historical Jesus". Dissent Magazine. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.