COMIC STRIP / BOOKS / GRAPHIC NOVELS
CALVARY COMICS RELEASES 80-PAGE 'HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST' EDITION
Calvary Comics publisher Alec Stevens, left. Pages from his story "Gadarene," center. Cover of "Hosanna in the Highest," right.
▶ BY KEVIN SCOTT COLLIER
Calvary Comics publisher Alec Stevens has announced the release of an 80-page anthology, Hosanna in the Highest, featuring stories from the Bible, history, and modern day testimonies. The book’s content critically praised as “carefully researched, richly edifying, and inspirational.”
“Hosanna in the Highest, as with my other books, is designed to show that Jesus Christ is Lord of all nations,” Alec Stevens told CM. “The featured stories take place in different locations, cultures, and eras, but when the light of the Gospel penetrates the darkness hearts are changed, lives are transformed, and God receives due glory.”
The content of the book includes: The Gadarene (from Luke's Gospel) by Alec Stevens, Dr. Marcus Whitman by Edwin B. Wallace, Kawla Kuma: Man of the Mizo Hills by Harold Johns, Great is Thy Faithfulness (the story behind the hymn) by Alec Stevens, and Arthur Lock: the 'Mayor' of Capital Avenue by Charles L. Ramsay.
“The Gadarene takes place in northern Israel and shows one man with a deep inward problem (being possessed of a legion of demons) and a number of men with a great outward problem—they are herding swine which in that region was anything but kosher,” Stevens explained. “When Jesus comes upon the scene both problems are effectively tied together and thrown off a cliff, as it were.”
The book also includes The Widow's Prophecy, by Alec Stevens, an account of Scandinavian evangelist Emanuel Minos and a powerful warning of God's impending judgment upon the nations, and the blessed hope found only in Christ.
Hosanna in the Highest includes many fine single page illustrations by U. S. Abell, Jack Hamm, John G. Lambrides, E. J. Pace, Henry Ossawa Tanner, and Edwin B. Wallace, all men of like precious faith in Jesus Christ.
“The single illustrations interspersed throughout Hosanna in the Highest share pithy scriptural truths rather than narrative events,” Steven conveyed, “but thematically these are consistent with the stories in forming a larger, cohesive statement.”
Stevens began his career as an illustrator for the New York Times Book Review, the New Yorker magazine, Reader's Digest Corp., AT&T and United Features Syndicate. Subsequently, he was employed by many mainstream, big name comic book publishers, and since 1992 he has served as an instructor at the (Joe) Kubert School in Dover, New Jersey. Stevens, a dedicated Christian since 1989, founded the Calvary Comics imprint in April, 2000.
For more information about Hosanna in the Highest, visit the Calvary Comics site. The book is available for purchase from the publisher. 8/7/19
Calvary Comics publisher Alec Stevens has announced the release of an 80-page anthology, Hosanna in the Highest, featuring stories from the Bible, history, and modern day testimonies. The book’s content critically praised as “carefully researched, richly edifying, and inspirational.”
“Hosanna in the Highest, as with my other books, is designed to show that Jesus Christ is Lord of all nations,” Alec Stevens told CM. “The featured stories take place in different locations, cultures, and eras, but when the light of the Gospel penetrates the darkness hearts are changed, lives are transformed, and God receives due glory.”
The content of the book includes: The Gadarene (from Luke's Gospel) by Alec Stevens, Dr. Marcus Whitman by Edwin B. Wallace, Kawla Kuma: Man of the Mizo Hills by Harold Johns, Great is Thy Faithfulness (the story behind the hymn) by Alec Stevens, and Arthur Lock: the 'Mayor' of Capital Avenue by Charles L. Ramsay.
“The Gadarene takes place in northern Israel and shows one man with a deep inward problem (being possessed of a legion of demons) and a number of men with a great outward problem—they are herding swine which in that region was anything but kosher,” Stevens explained. “When Jesus comes upon the scene both problems are effectively tied together and thrown off a cliff, as it were.”
The book also includes The Widow's Prophecy, by Alec Stevens, an account of Scandinavian evangelist Emanuel Minos and a powerful warning of God's impending judgment upon the nations, and the blessed hope found only in Christ.
Hosanna in the Highest includes many fine single page illustrations by U. S. Abell, Jack Hamm, John G. Lambrides, E. J. Pace, Henry Ossawa Tanner, and Edwin B. Wallace, all men of like precious faith in Jesus Christ.
“The single illustrations interspersed throughout Hosanna in the Highest share pithy scriptural truths rather than narrative events,” Steven conveyed, “but thematically these are consistent with the stories in forming a larger, cohesive statement.”
Stevens began his career as an illustrator for the New York Times Book Review, the New Yorker magazine, Reader's Digest Corp., AT&T and United Features Syndicate. Subsequently, he was employed by many mainstream, big name comic book publishers, and since 1992 he has served as an instructor at the (Joe) Kubert School in Dover, New Jersey. Stevens, a dedicated Christian since 1989, founded the Calvary Comics imprint in April, 2000.
For more information about Hosanna in the Highest, visit the Calvary Comics site. The book is available for purchase from the publisher. 8/7/19
CROSS SECTION RELEASES FIRST ISSUE OF 'RISE'
Cover of Rise #1 from Cross Section Comics.
Cross Section Comics’ debut issue of their new series, Rise #1, ships out 8/19. Cross Section Comics founder, David D. Miller, will be at this year’s Michigan Comic Con from August 16 through 18.
Rise is the fourth comic title for the company. “What God has allowed Cross Section Comics to do in one year is definitely worth a WOW, Praise God, and an ‘Amen,’” Miller posted. Christian Flagg was the first title released on May 28, 2018 under the Cross Section Comics imprint. Other titles are Alabaster #1 and Shields of Faith #1. BIOLA U. BUILDING CHRISTIAN COMICS COLLECTION
A few of the comics in the Biola collection.
The Biola University Library puts a lot of faith in its comics collection. Since 2015 the library has been engaged in developing a Christian Comics Collection. The idea was spearheaded by Dr. Fred Sanders, Professor at Biola, qne author of Dr. Doctrine's Christian Comix.
Sanders approached the Library with the notion that the University establish a significant archive of Christian comics. Since its launch the collection has indexed works by Christian creators and publishers, as well as mainstream comics that have Christian content. This collection was seeded with the Christian comics from the collection of Don Ensign, founder of The Christian Comic Arts Society founder. It also was started with an international collection from COMIX35. Recent additions to the collection includes hundreds of original art pieces by Christian comics pioneer E.J. Pace, originals by Mexico's Carlos Sandoval, and nearly a thousand issues of the Sunday PIX. The Comics Collection is stored in Biola University’s archives to ensure preservation. Those wishing to access the Comics Collection, please fill out the form on the Archives and Special Collections Page. View the E. J. Pace images available on Biola’s Digital Commons. CHRISTIAN FORUMS PRESENTED AT COMIC-CON 2019
From left, Christian comics presenters Kyle Keene, Scott Mercano, Travis Hanson, B Dave Walters, Goldie Chan and Hector Miray. Originally published July 17, 2019.
▶ BY KEVIN SCOTT COLLIER
Christians are descending upon Comic-Con International: San Diego on July 19 for a weekend of events addressing faith in comic books. The San Diego convention is expected to attract 125,000 visitors per day. The Christian comics forums and presentations are hosted in partnership by The Christian Comic Arts Society (CCAS) and Rooted Chronicles. Three events are scheduled as part of the official Comic-Con programming to be located in the Small Press area (#P-08). The weekend kicks off with the 12th annual Christian Comic Arts Society Mixer on Friday July 19, 2019, from 8:30pm – 10:00pm, Room 26AB. This 12th annual mixer of the CCAS presents Christian professionals in the comic book entertainment and education fields. The panelists, Joe Queen, Hector Miray, Scott A. Shuford, Eric Jansen, Mario DeMatteo and Luis Serrano, will discuss their faith and interact with the attendees. On Saturday, July 20, from 7:00pm – 8:00pm, in Room 4, the topic is Spiritual Themes in Comics. The forum, moderated by Kyle Keene, addresses spiritual themes in comics, television, and movies. The panelists, Scott Mercano, Travis Hanson, B. Dave Walters, Hector Miray and Goldy Chan, explore how spirituality influences the entertainment industry and in turn impacts the culture’s perception of spiritual influences. This is the 23rd year of the Spiritual Themes in Comics panel. On Sunday July 21, 2019 from 10:00am – 11:00am, the 22nd annual Open Meeting of the CCAS takes place. Moderated by Kyle Keene, Christian professionals in the entertainment and education fields discuss their faith and how it influences them in their professions, their decisions, and the creative process. Panelists include Sergio Cariello, Carmi Greene, Hector Miray, Luis Serrano, Joe Queen, and Mario DeMatteo. “Every year, Comic-Con International is a great time of fellowship and outreach centered around our love of all things comics related,” Scott A. Shuford, CCAS Board Member & CEO of FrontGate Media, told CM. “The Christian Comic Arts Society will give out thousands of Bibles and tracts through our three events and in our booth, but more importantly, we'll spend quality time with other pros and fans.” Event panelist Hector Miray, pastor of Vertical Church, which operates three locations in North Carolina, sees a changing comics industry that remains important as a tool to minister the Gospel. “The comics industry may be changing, but it's still vital,” Rev. Miray told CM. “It's the groundwork and ground breaking of the stories that shift and entertain our culture.” Rev. Miray, who is the author of the popular Faith & Fandom book series, explained the talented Christian community today has a lot to offer, but faith shouldn't be forced on people. “It should also not be ignored [either], like not acknowledging it makes it go away,” he said. “The faith elements of mainstream comics like Batman, Domino, Firefly, Daredevil, etc. have made these stories more rich, vivid and beautiful. If you remove all elements and representation of faith in these stories, you are robbing the richness of the stories, as well as the reader.” Event panelist Kyle Keene recalls a time when select Christians had issues with comics crossovers, thus appreciates the fellowship aspect of the event. “It’s good to see Christians engaging with comics and popular culture in such positive ways. There has been a lot of negative, reactionary responses from some Christians over the years,” Keene said. “I think fear-based responses like that do little to share the heart of what this religion is really about. I’d rather see creators and fans celebrating shared joy.” Like Rev. Miray, Keene cites Daredevil as a comic book that presents faith in action. “I like seeing a character like Daredevil, whose religion moves him to protect those in need,” he said. “This sort of example in and out of comics can only serve to build bridges and bring shares understanding.” Event panelist Mario DeMatteo stated he is “stoked” to be a contributing factor in the Christian comic industry as he’s heard from families who have expressed to him their frustration with the lack of high quality wholesome content available. DeMatteo is the creator and co-writer of Paul, the Apostle: Graphic Story Bible, released last September by Broadstreet Publishing Group LLC. “There is a huge hunger for high quality Christian comics and graphic novels, especially for the middle grade market,” DeMatteo said. “The growing love for graphic novels is definitely spreading into Christian households across the country. It is an important industry to serve. If we as Christians can strive for excellence in storytelling and art, I am confidant the major publishers in the Christian market will embrace our projects." CCAS will be featuring book signings and giveaways throughout the weekend at their booth, #P-08. For more information on the Comic-Con International: San Diego, go to the Comic-Con homepage. |
'SAINT' NUMBER TWO ISSUE NEARING PUBLICATION
Risen Vision team, left to right, Joshua Washington, David Johnson and Za'Kariya Payton.
Risen Vision comics publisher and founder, Daniel Johnson, recently announced the second issue of their Saint series will be published and available soon. The first issue of Saint received high praise and critical acclaim in Christian comics circles and mainstream media.
“Saint is about a young man who is on a down side in life after losing his mother,” David Johnson told CM. “He is looking for a career, but God reveals to him his calling and purpose in life, and it is greater and more unexpected than anything he could have ever imagined.” Founded in 2017, Risen Vision’s highly creative team includes second in command, Joshua Washington, and Za'Kariya Payton, who serves as lead administrator and promoter. Risen Vision’s slogan, “Sharing our vision with the world while giving God the glory,” is more akin to a spiritual anthem. “That’s because we feel that representing Jesus, and telling compelling and encouraging stories through comic books, is different and can encourage someone in the real world, all while maintaining the fun and action of a regular comic book,” Johnson explained. Risen Vision comics publishing can be found on platforms Facebook and Instagram. The first issue of Saint is available from Amazon and Risen Vision comics. AL NICKERSON'S GRAPHIC NOVEL SET FOR RELEASE
Messianic Comics founder Al Nickerson with art prints from 'The Sword of Eden,' left and right, and a page from the book, center.
▶ BY KEVIN SCOTT COLLIER
After 35 years as a professional comic book artist, Al Nickerson is on the cusp of releasing one of the most ambitious and influential works of his career. The Sword of Eden, a 220-page, faith-based, black and white graphic novel is slated to be available for public sale in early September, 2019. The trade paperback will carry a cover price of $19.99. Nickerson’s resume in mainstream comics reads like a graphic history lesson. In his career he’s inked such series as Elfquest: Blood of Ten Chiefs, Spider-Man Mysteries, and Justice League Adventures, to name a few. At Archie Comics, he inked the Riverdale gang in various titles, as well as the syndicated Archie comic strip, and the iconic Sonic the Hedgehog comic book series. Moving comics were also on his plate, including working as an animator and designer for the likes of Sesame Street, MTV, Nickelodeon and Marvel Entertainment. Nickerson was co-creator, and co-producer, of the award-winning animated short Joey and the Dinosaur: Neighborly Greetings. Several years ago, the notion of self-publishing hit Nickerson, as the field of independents grew a welcoming public consumer base. Self-publishing offered him the opportunity to create a platform of exclusively-owned, comic book properties. It resulted in the Messianic Comics line. “It’s been a slow process…until the past year, or so,” Nickerson explained. “With some of my college buddies, we self-published a comic titled The Arggh!!! Chronicles 2000 Edition. We did some web-comics based on that book, as well.” Around 2007, Nickerson self-published a collection of Nihilist-Man/Nemish-Man stories, published under the title Nihilist-Man and His Amazing Friends. “That was a team-up comic, which also included the characters and artwork of other comic book creators, as well,” he said. More recently, the writer and artist has been focusing on projects with a higher calling. “I’m trying to get more Christian content into comics,” Nickerson said, which is a challenge. He explained that The Sword of Eden will be limited, concerning distribution. “It will not be in comic book stores, sadly,” he said. “I am trying to get The Sword of Eden into the hands of the church, through any willing church book distribution. Also, I’ll be self-distributing the graphic novel, where readers can purchase the book through PayPal, or snail-mail me some dough.” The genesis of Sword began when Nickerson was still drawing for DC and Archie Comics. “Back then, in my spare time, I would just sketch things out, or write some ideas down in a notebook,” he explained. “Comics, Sequential Art, is a powerful, literary art form. It has the potential to tell important stories and ideas. It’s a wonderful medium in which to share the Gospel. Also, The Sword of Eden allows me the opportunity to create Christian comics, that Christian readers can enjoy, without feeling insulted, or feel as if they are compromising God’s principles.” The novel introduces character Rebecca Stern, as she begins her career as a superhero. "What will happen when our young heroine joins forces with Nemish-Man, Kid-Cockroach, and Professor Jack in retrieving the Sword of Eden?” Nickerson wrote, teasing the series. “It is the legendary sword used by angels to keep Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden.” The adventures in the novel are rife with evil adversaries where the heroes do battle against demons and zombies. Don’t rule out a bunch of ninja, and other super-villains, as well. “How will these superheroes cope when they must combat mythological villains such as Count Orlok or the Green Knight?” Nickerson asks. “If that ain’t enough, will our heroes be capable of locating Noah’s Ark?” That would be a huge biblical discovery, no doubt. Two signed and numbered prints from The Sword of Eden were available at the San Diego Comic-Con as part of its Christian forum events. “I’ll be attending the P.J. Fan Fest,” he noted. “I’ll have a table and selling copies of The Sword of Eden, as well as having copies of the two new limited edition prints.” More information about the graphic novel can be discovered at The Sword of Eden Homepage, as well as Nickerson’s other Christian comic book releases. Read an interview with Al Nickerson via R-Squared Comicz. When not filling comic book panels with imagination, Nickerson can be found at the State University of New York, where he works as a professor, teaching Sequential Art: Comics Illustration. 7/20/19 ALPHA OMEGA COMIC CON TO BE HELD ON SEPT. 21ST
Alpha Omega Con 2019 event graphic.
▶ BY KEVIN SCOTT COLLIER
The Alpha Omega Con, the first and longest running Christian/family themed comic book and pop culture convention, will open to the public Saturday, September 21st. The annual event will take place at The First Baptist Church of Downey, 8833 2nd Street, Downey, California. The celebration and exhibition, which runs from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, will feature many creative talents involved in the Christian comics and faith-based, sci-fi/fantasy entertainment industry. Advance tickets are available for $5.00, or $10.00 at the door the day of the event. “It is by the grace of our Lord that the Christian Comic Arts Society has been able to host this event for the past five years, making it the longest running Christian-themed comic book convention in the United States, since 2014,” a statement announced on the Alpha Omega Con homepage. For more information email info@christiancomicarts.com. TRUTH FOR YOUTH BIBLE 'COMIC BOOK' GIVEAWAY▶ BY CREATIVE MOTION
The National Truth for Youth Bible Week on American Family Radio will kick off on August 12 and runs through the 16th. Evangelist Tim Todd of Revival Fires International, located in West Monroe, Louisiana, partners with AFR annually for the event, which gives away a Truth For Youth Bible that is a 100-page full-color comic book. “Comics are an excellent communication tool,” Todd said. “Young people already read them, and the high quality Truth for Youth comics are designed to appeal to teens. Comics are a natural for bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to young people an they are the world's most widely read form of popular literature. Prior to giving his life to the Lord, Nate Butler, our Truth for Youth cartoonist/artist produced artwork for such clients as DC Comics, Archie Comics, Marvel Comics and has worked on many internationally known characters.” Check for local American Family Radio affiliate to listen in and participate. Revival Fires International gives away thousands of these illustrated bibles free to youth in high schools. The purpose is to put God’s word into their hands so they can pass them along to a friend in school. The entire effort is being supported by donations. The goal is to get the books into the hands of our youth in the hopes our nation will turn around and "seek first the kingdom." Over the years, due to the annual event, young people by the thousands have received Christ after a friend gave them a Bible from Truth for Youth. |
