On deck today we have Chris Dickens. Chris is one-half of Yvette Avenue Productions; the Creators, Writers, and Executive Producers of Vigilante Project. And now for the interview…

When did you first get into comics as a reader/fan? As a writer/artist/creator?

I first got into comics when my best friend and writing partner Phil Morgenthaler showed me his collection of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics. Up to that point I’d only seen the pizza-loving, cowabunga turtles on TV and film. But when Phil brought out his comics, I was in love!

Why comics? What do you like most about this medium?

Initially my comic love was based on other media. Most of the comics I followed I first knew as films or TV shows. From TMNT I moved on to The Crow. From The Crow I went to Spawn, and after Spawn I started reading Batman. What I liked most was that the comics were so much grittier and more realistic. After reading comics, the films and TV shows felt too soft and squishy. I never looked back.

Say a little about the project(s) you have worked on in the past (if any), and what they were about?

In 2009, we came up with Vigilante Project which we approached as a film first. Our main character is Alvin Gentry. He’s a normal college student with something of a dark past. After his kid sister is kidnapped, raped, and murdered, Alvin becomes obsessed with tracking down the person responsible. With no special training, experience, or resources Alvin takes on what he calls his vigilante project, ultimately risking everything to save another little girl being held by the same man.

The idea of creating my own comics has been rolling around in my head for years. However I’d always assumed that we (Phil and I) would make a movie, and then create a graphic novel based on the movie. Fortunately for us we found an agency that represents both comics and film, and when we sat down with our agent, he suggested that we make the comic first.

What project(s) are you currently working on?

Vigilante Project is rolling along. While we’d love to put out a book every month, we’re aiming for quarterly releases right now. Our team is phenomenal with Chris Campana on pencils, Nik Poliwko doing inks, and Ron Wybraniec supplying the colors, but most of us have day jobs and other responsibilities that demand our attention. So until circumstances change, quarterly will have to do. Vigilante Project is also in development as a cable TV series, so that’s promising.

We also have a side project called Make You a Hero, which is like caricature on steroids. Make You a Hero started with our Kickstarter project where we offered backers an opportunity to create their own characters to appear in an upcoming book. The response was overwhelming! It seemed that just about everyone wanted to be made into a comic book character. Keep in mind that we don’t make a giant headed goofy picture like you get at the fair. Our guys go all out and make you into a full-fledged comic book hero.

Other than that, we’re working on a new graphic novel called Operation: Party Pooper. It’s a story taken directly from our childhood. Phil’s ex-girlfriend was having a birthday party and she and her friends planned to come and toilet paper our houses. So we set up this elaborate counter attack with water balloons, water hoses, and super soakers. We called the plan Operation: Party Pooper and it was awesome! The book is about the events leading up to the big showdown, and then of course the showdown itself. We hope to have it done by the end of the year.

What format(s) do you prefer for telling your stories (e.g., on-going series, mini-series, one-shot, graphic novel, etc.) and why?

I don’t have a preference. I just love storytelling. Vigilante Project is a series, whereas Operation: Party Pooper is a graphic novel. Phil’s working on a novel and of course we have our film and TV aspirations. We just love storytelling and the idea of sharing our visions with the world.

What sources of information and inspiration have helped you along the way?

My faith is a big part of my life and I am inspired through my devotionals and daily Bible reading. Our families and our desires to make them proud are a source of inspiration as well, but more than anything I am driven to do what I love. That is what makes me passionate about creating. I genuinely, truly love doing it.

As far as information, we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the Indie Comic and Art Forum on Facebook. That place has been and continues to be a goldmine for us. We found our artists there, we got a lot of support for Kickstarter there, and the articles and discussions posted are educational and help to get your creative juices flowing.

Say a little about how you’ve been able to communicate your faith through your project(s)? What has that process been like? How has it evolved over the years?

The Lord works in mysterious ways. I found a script coach through Craig’s List and not knowing this woman I went to her office and we talked about Vigilante Project. To my surprise we didn’t start the coaching by talking about the script itself, but instead we talked about the overall concept including who I was and what parts of me and my experiences were in the project.

After talking about our faith she challenged me by asking what my film (and later comic) said about the Lord. At that point in time, it didn’t say much. So after that meeting I took her notes and started to infuse different parts of my life into the story, making it more personal and gripping. It was then that I started to see opportunities to share some of my beliefs.

Nobody wants to be beaten over the head with a Bible when they’re reading comics or watching an action movie, but in discussion with a catholic priest, our hero Alvin is challenged in how he sees the Bible and religion. Whereas he is concerned about the spiritual consequences of his vigilante actions, the priest urges him not to see his faith as a set of rules, but as a relationship with Jesus Christ. I think that it comes off in such a way that the viewer/reader won’t feel preached to, but will (hopefully) take something away from it.

What advice would you give to other Christians who are considering making comics?

I would recommend that they stay true to themselves and their faith, but to still consider the audience. Be clear about who you are trying to reach and what you are trying to accomplish. I believe that you can make an awesome and entertaining work of art with a message, without pandering.

Are there any future projects you are working on, or would like to work on?

As I mentioned before we have Operation: Party Pooper coming up, but we’ve also started hosting events. Phil and I are members of the Orange County Star Wars Society and together with our company Yvette Avenue Productions we’re putting on an event to celebrate the release of Star Wars: Episode One in 3D! It’s really fun and we will probably do events for The Avengers, The Dark Knight Rises, and The Amazing Spider-Man.

What is your take on the current state of Christian or Christian-themed comics? What, if anything, would you like to see more of in the future? What, if anything, would you like to see done differently?

I’d love to see more! I encourage it. A friend of mine at church turned me on to The Action Bible. That is amazing work. I’d like to see more Bible stories like that with dynamic and engaging art.

What is the best way for people to contact you, and to read/purchase your work?

The best way to reach us is through our web sites: Vigilante Project, Make You A Hero, and Yvette Avenue Productions. You can also connect with us on Facebook here and here.

Our books are available print-on-demand from Indy Planet. We released the preview edition a few weeks ago and you can find it there for $3.00. We also sell copies in our online store.

However, for rsquaredcomicz.com readers, we have a digital copy free on our web site. You can access it here and enjoy!

Any last thoughts?

Glory to God who brought us together and who makes all things possible. I am nothing without Him and I can do anything with Him.

And there you have it. Until next time, stay blessed and encouraged!

Hello everyone,

Today we have David McConnehey, founder of Fish Without Feet, a graphic design company that provides a variety of services. Services include logos, t-shirt designs, digital color for comic books, and illustration. Though he has always been good at and loved drawing, he initially chose not to follow his dreams. He was tired of school and ready to make money. He joined the work force, got into debt, and then got married. Once his son came along, his artwork had been reduced to doing small side jobs. In the past few years, however, his life has changed dramatically and as a result he’s been a part of some really great projects.

He was able to change to a job that allows him to get back into the creative flow and be apart of projects like game box designs, magazine designs, comic books and CD covers. These projects have also reignited his passion for Christian comics. Not because there is money in it, but because he wants his children to enjoy comics like he has, and he wants there to be good options out there for them.

Now with the interview….

When did you first get into comics as a reader/fan? As a writer/artist/creator?

As a reader and fan I have been into comics since I was about 9. I remember a buddy had a few of them and I loved wolverine, even before he was famous. He loved Aquaman…yes Aquaman. Getting into those books and having the ability to draw naturally pulled me into creating. Before that I remember watching Spiderman and his Amazing Friends and The Justice League cartoons.

I was creating comic heroes as far back as I can remember. In fact, I still have a letter from Stan “the man” Lee that was sent to me after I wrote him about my “cool” characters as a kid. My artwork has improved over the years and I did a lot of small indie work. In the past few years, though I am still doing indie work, the breaks are getting bigger and more lucrative.

Why comics? What do you like most about this medium?

Everyone dreams of turning their vocation (job) into their avocation (hobby). I grew up loving to draw and loving comics, so putting them together seemed logical. As I have grown, I realize that the industry is hurting and it is hard to break in anyway. So I do both graphic design, which I enjoy, and comic books. I enjoy the medium because it connects me with my childhood, and my kids, and it is full of imagination.

Say a little about the project(s) you have worked on in the past (if any), and what they were about?

I did a few projects for Quest Comics many years ago. They mixed heroes with Christian bands. More recently I did a game box cover and magazine cover for Songbird Productions, who re-releases old game system games. I digitally colored a secular book called SLAM, which is a wrestling/hero book currently online and waiting for production. I am currently finishing up a 3 book series that I will be penciling and digitally coloring called WARS. It is based on a card game series, whose creator has written for Star Wars. I have also had several pin ups and other projects for Crown of Life Studios, Kingdom Comics, Crashland Studios and Salinas Slugger Studios.

What project(s) are you currently working on?

I am currently finishing up the 3 book series I mentioned earlier called WARS.

What format(s) do you prefer for telling your stories (e.g., on-going series, mini-series, one-shot, graphic novel, etc.) and why?

I like one shots. There is something about them that is more appealing than an on-going series. I would rather bring back more one shots than just keep running a story on and on. I guess the best way to describe it is like when they take a 1/2 hour cartoon and try to make it an 1 1/2 major motion picture. It just doesn’t work.

What sources of information and inspiration have helped you along the way?

The internet is a magical place. I utilized it to learn how to digitally color comics. I also picked up a fantastic series called Hi-Fi Color for Comics. On the drawing end of things, I used my favorite artists as a starting point for learning positions and poses. Though photographs are great, when you draw comics there is something SUPER about them that you lose when using a regular human pose as a model. Spider-man is able to move his body in ways that no man can, would, or should. However, I do have a great set of hero-posed pictures by Impact. The series is produced by Scalera and they are called, Comic Artists Photo Reference. They have “Men and Boys”, “People and Poses”, and “Women and Girls.” They each have some great pictures that have real comic book application value.

Say a little about how you’ve been able to communicate your faith through your project(s)? What has that process been like? How has it evolved over the years?

I find that I communicate my faith better through how I choose my work. I have turned down work in the past because it had questionable content. Standing for what you believe is even harder than producing work that has faith in it. When you produce independently you have the freedom and ability to control the content and the message. When you start producing for others and getting paid for it, you have less freedom. You then must battle the need to feed your family and the need to stand for your faith. However, Christian indie comics face their own temptations of adding foul language and inappropriate material to appeal to the masses in order to make more money.

What advice would you give to other Christians who are considering making comics?

Go into it not expecting to make money. I don’t mean that in a bad way, but if money is your goal, you will not get anywhere. Christian comics is much like the Christian faith…it has to be about God. I know people who are making money doing it, but I also know where their hearts are, and they are not doing it for the all mighty dollar. Also, be willing to work for others’ ideas as much as your own.

Are there any future projects you are working on, or would like to work on?

I always have ideas and books of my own I would love to flush out, but I am not a fantastic writer, just an idea man with a pencil, lol. Plus, I have a family to provide for, so the paid work, or work for other people, must come first. I just finished up a CD design for a local business and a logo design for a business in Florida which are paid gigs. I hope to do more comics in the future, but only God knows what that future holds.

What is your take on the current state of Christian or Christian-themed comics? What, if anything, would you like to see more of in the future? What, if anything, would you like to see done differently?

Christian comics today is made up of a great group of people. The problem I see is that many only want to do their own thing, or they expect the artists/writers to work for free. In recent years I have seen a few titles come together under one banner, and that is really what needs to happen if there is to be any success in Christian comics. As long as we are all going our own ways, we will stay independent. It has also helped to see places that list and sell all Christian creators’ pieces, bringing it all together in one place. I know many who also have started pushing and praising other people’s stuff, which adds word of mouth. I think the best part is being a part of the Facebook and forum groups to get connected with one another. It has helped to pool together talent.

What is the best way for people to contact you, and to read/purchase your work?

My contact information is on my website.

As far as purchasing my material, I typically work for others, and try to link their site to my portfolio page so that if people would like to buy them, they can.

Any last thoughts?

As I stated before, keep in mind that this is about God. The second this becomes about you, your project, your money, or anything else, it is no longer worthwhile. The bible says we are here to serve God, and do his will…anything else is futile and worthless.

And that’s a wrap! Until next time, God bless and keep creating!

Whereas yesterday’s recommendation was of my favorite comic to-date, today’s recommendation is of not only one of my favorite comics, but the Christian comic that most resembles the type of stories I want to tell and themes I want to explore through R-Squared Comicz. The more I read, the more inspired I was, and reminded of the power and potential of telling stories about human nature from a Christian worldview. Without further ado, I give you Ragged Capes from New Creation Now:

An anthology like I’ve never seen before, it contains a series of short-stories, with each story exploring a different aspect of humanity as reflected through the life of a super-powered individual. Each aspect of humanity that is explored in the stories is then “stamped” with a scripture at the end of the story, to frame the story within a Christian worldview. With engaging stories and heartfelt, believable characters, this is a must-have for any comic fan, regardless of belief system or world-view.

If you’ve read it before, what do you think? Until next time, take care.

Today we have featured Jake Mackessy who resides in Moscow, Idaho. He attends the University of Idaho, and is currently in his last year, looking forward to pursuing a higher education in law or business. He owns and operates an art agency and production studio called Mercenary Art. He manages about 10 artists and has created multiple comic books series’ including his first in print comic FATSA: Lord of the Dragons, with co-creator and studio artist Babisu Kourtis.

And now for the interview….

When did you first get into comics as a reader/fan? As a writer/artist/creator?

I think my very first comics were purchased for a quarter each in a junk store in Spokane, Washington. I found a stack of old Uncanny X-Men stories, the ones with the Brood and the Starjammers. I was instantly hooked and began picking them up at the local grocery store. This was back when almost every store carried comics. It was in this first choice that I made my childhood allegiance to Marvel comics as I chose the X-Men over some Superman comics. As a teen I read many comics with a particular focus on the stretch of X-related books from Fatal Attractions all the way through Onslaught. I have recently begun reading great new books like DC’s Green Lantern but mostly read independents and Image comics.

About a year ago I began working with comic creators and as one thing led to another, I got more and more involved in the creation process. I began representing comic book artists from across the world and this allowed me connect with many creative people. This creativity must have rubbed off on me as I have teamed up with many of artists to create three series’ of our own.

Why comics? What do you like most about this medium?

I love working with creative people. I find there is a freedom to tell all kinds of stories in all kinds of ways with comics. Aside from one’s own imagination, there is no limit to what you can accomplish.

What project(s) are you currently working on?

I am currently working on three comic book series’ with studio artists. One is a WWII comic that’s definitely going to be geared toward mature readers. I have a great “group” story called FANBOY Comics that’s scheduled for release around June this year. And of course our most successful project to date, FATSA: Lord of the Dragons, an all-ages comic about a group of children and the unlikely adventure they embark upon. The studio is currently working on a half-dozen comic projects for creator owned properties as well as a few independent publishers. Look for Matt Slay to grace the cover of IDW‘s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Leonardo One-Shot as a variant cover artist. Look for many of the studio artists to appear on Cryptozoic sketch card sets as well as some upcoming Upper Deck Marvel card sets.

What format(s) do you prefer for telling your stories (e.g., on-going series, mini-series, one-shot, graphic novel, etc.) and why?

I do not have a preference and can see merits in all of the various formats. For an indy comics creator, the mini-series is a much more manageable venture and a much easier sell to potential publishers than an on-going series. Of course we all want to parlay a mini into an ongoing. I think graphic novel formats are great, and have really changed the way I personally collect and read comics.

What sources of information and inspiration have helped you along the way?

Wow…so many sources. I would have to say it all started when some of my fellow comic collectors let me in on a few secrets of the trade. This led me in to close contact with many comic creators and artists. It was pretty much a snowball effect from there, leading me to begin working with artists and production, and leading me into becoming a creator myself. My own inspirations come from amazing creators such as Churchill, Townsend, Ramos and Bachalo. The new wave of comics and comic art is washing over the industry and amazingly talented people are creating new things all the time.

Are there any future projects you are working on, or would like to work on?

I would love to be a part of working as a creative on some mainstream comics. I think everyone would love to work on what they read as a kid. Most of what I do is coordinate the production of other people’s comics and I would love to work on projects with Marvel or DC. Look for a few more Mercenary Art creator-owned titles to hit before May 2012. And of course please come out and meet with us during our 2012 comic convention tour.

What advice would you give to other Christians who are considering making comics?

Keep your faith in who you are. Acting as a christian will go a long way in this industry. We are a very small crowd and how you represent yourself will show. Be patient and try to learn more about the industry before you jump in. One thing about most comic creators is we are very friendly people and will take hours out of our day to talk about our favorite thing…comics.

What is the best way for people to contact you, and to read/purchase your work?

The best way to contact me and purchase some of our comics or art is by email, mackessy_30@hotmail.com. Shoot me a line and I will respond quickly to your inquiry. Find me on Facebook and a coupe Facebook groups I run, Sketch Cover Fanatics and the FATSA: Lord of the Dragons group.

Any last thoughts?

Thanks Justin for taking the time to speak with me. I look forward to creating more great stuff this year and seeing all the inspiring work other creators put forward in 2012!

And there you have it. Until next time, take care!

Today it is my pleasure to recommend J. Michael Straczynski’s Rising Stars. I think so highly of this comic, that it passed X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills and became my favorite comic to-date. It revolves around a large event that gave some children in a small town unique abilities. It focuses on how these children made sense of their abilities, how the government and others responded to them, and the different paths that they took as they got older. All of these themes are flushed out in the context of a serial killer taking out specials one-by-one, and one special trying to solve the case.

If you’ve read it already, what do you think? Until next time, take care.

Hello everyone,

I pray all is well. A couple of weeks back, someone came across my site and sent me a message. One of the questions he asked me was essentially, “Why am I doing this?” and by “this” he was referring to my decision to make comics that are Christian-themed. He was very supportive and encouraging, as he, too, is a Christian. Given his knowledge of the “landscape” of Christian comics, and how difficult it is to make a living creating them, he sincerely was interested in my reasons for going this route. I’ve included part of my response below:

“….All that to say that the main reasons for doing these comics is because (1) I love everything about comics as a medium and (2) for years I’ve felt like God was telling me to start creating my own comics. With all my heart I believe that there are stories that God wants me to tell (some explicitly Christian stories like the Story of Peter, and others that are not explicitly Christian but are told from a Christian worldview, like Lightweightz and Hydroland: Aftermath).

“As for money, I understand the risks involved, namely that I will not be able to finish any of my projects, let alone make money off of them. But I am trusting God, and through what I’ve seen Him do already since I embarked on this endeavor May of 2009, I’m convinced that everything will work out to His glory. I know at least one person will be reached in some way through what I am doing, and that makes it all worth it.”

As I reflect on his question and my response, I am grateful for him, and in particular for him providing me with the opportunity to remind myself why I’m taking this path. I think it’s healthy to “check-in” with myself periodically, and remember the bigger picture.

If you are creating comics (regardless of genre or content), what’s your reason(s) for walking the path you’re on?

Until next time, take care.

For the 40th interview, we have G. David Cooper. He’s an artist, writer, and a geek. He’s passionate about the Lord, his family and friends, and of course…comic books! He is known by many as “The Sequential Samurai” because of the level of focus and dedication he brings to his art.

David has been drawing for about 33 years, believing that his talent is a gift from God that he has worked hard to perfect. He received some training at the Savannah College of Art and Design where he majored in Illustration. He currently works as a Children’s Pastor and College Ministries Director in Rome, Ga while actively pursuing (and praying for) a full-time career in comic books on the side.

Now for the interview….

When did you first get into comics as a reader/fan? As a writer/artist/creator?

I can’t remember exactly how old I was when I was first introduced to comic books. I do remember some of my first comics being Archie and The Berenstain Bears. Even then, I was fascinated with art and loved to draw. My first clear memory was of a Green Lantern comic book I got when I was about seven. It was the origin of Hal Jordan and I loved it! I knew from that day forward I wanted to draw comic books. It’s all I ever wanted to do.

Why comics? What do you like most about this medium?

I love telling stories with pictures. Honestly, I am way too “ADHD” to be an animator. I would go stir crazy drawing the same image over and over again, only moving a fraction at a time. And I know that there are other, much easier ways to animate, but something about the sequential storyboard just really attracts me. I can imagine the action and fill in the detail inside my own mind. Comic Books fuel a part of my imagination that nothing else can.

Say a little about the project(s) you have worked on in the past (if any), and what they were about?

I have worked on several self-published comic books. Nothing well-known in the states. I was contracted to do a comic book called The Adventures of Outback Jack which actually became quite popular in Africa! I also did a short run series called The Extreme Power Kids, but it tanked pretty quick and I let the series die. I have two major projects that I have invested in over the last few years and I’m hoping to see them become successful in the years to come.

What project(s) are you currently working on?

The most current project I am working on that has all of my focus and attention is a series called Cannonball’s Run. It is a short-run, 12 issue series that follows the life of a couple of young boys and their new found friend, who happens to be an alien turtle. I wanted to do something that would appeal to the younger generation of readers (and some adults) who favor the more manga style art. Although my art style is far from manga, I do try to capture some of the style’s humorous elements and concepts in my work. The story itself has kind of a truth behind the fable, The Tortoise and the Hare. There is a lot more to that story than anyone realizes. I’m talking fate of the universe stuff.

What format(s) do you prefer for telling your stories (e.g., on-going series, mini-series, one-shot, graphic novel, etc.) and why?

I’ve always wanted to do a long running series, but as I’ve gotten older I realized that mini-series’ and even compilations or graphic novels are best for me. I can have the excitement and adventure of a new story with new characters ever so often. It helps me to stay focused. Any story that is too long or too large can be intimidating for someone like me who has the attention span of a gnat. So, short series’ and graphic novels are where I belong.

What sources of information and inspiration have helped you along the way?

It was never enough for me to simply draw a comic book. I wanted to know the business of comics, so I did a lot of homework. My first real resource was the book, Drawing Comics the Marvel Way. That’s where I really began to appreciate the iconic Stan Lee. Later, I read How to Self-Publish Your Own Comic Book. That, plus innumerable online resources taught me tons about the business. I also spent an entire weekend at Wizard World Texas sitting next to Rob Liefeld (Image Comics). I sucked every morsel of information I could out of him. I doubt he will ever forget me! Two years ago, I had the pleasure of spending some time with Keith Davidsen (Marketing Director for Avatar Press, Inc.) who was working at the time as a Brands Manager at Diamond Comic Distributers. He shared a lot of the business advice with me as well. So, all in all, I’d say I am a hodge-podge of information about the comic book business, and now I’m ready to take all that information and make it work for me.

Say a little about how you’ve been able to communicate your faith through your project(s)? What has that process been like? How has it evolved over the years?

Like most Christian comic book artists, I started by trying to draw a recreation of Bible stories in a comic book format. It seemed like the only way you could get a comic book accepted as Christian was if it contained straight Biblical recitation. Fortunately, we have all grown and matured and as a result have a clearer understanding of how to use our gifts to minister to others. Over the years, God has expanded my mind to understand that relating my personal commitment through my art doesn’t require rewriting the Good Book. He has given me a wonderful imagination and the ability to portray it in a way that draws others to Him.

What advice would you give to other Christians who are considering making comics?

Don’t try to be anyone other than who God made you to be. Don’t try to draw like anyone else; don’t try to imitate anyone’s style, or follow in anyone’s shadow. You are uniquely and wonderfully made by God. Be that individual He needs you to be in order to bring Him the most glory.

Are there any future projects you are working on, or would like to work on?

I have a project on hold right now that I plan to pick up again someday. It is a more serious story in a completely different art style than I am currently drawing in. It’s a project I have been toying with for about 10 years and actually got serious with about two years ago. I have 89 completely finished pages, but I’m only about half way through the story. We’ll see if anything comes of it in the future.

What is your take on the current state of Christian or Christian-themed comics? What, if anything, would you like to see more of in the future? What, if anything, would you like to see done differently?

I think that Christian artists are finally figuring out how to draw comic books. For too long, we have always been the “B” quality book makers in an “A” quality world. But, lately, I have seen some impressive stuff come across the internet that gives me hope for the future of Christian comics. I think any use of our imagination that does not contradict the Word of God is pretty much fair game. I’d love to see some more creative thinkers break out of the box and really challenge the world.

What is the best way for people to contact you, and to read/purchase your work?

I’m part of the Brotherhood of Comic Artists! You can see some of my work at Comics Rack. You can also look me up on Facebook.

Any last thoughts?

Be patient, God isn’t finished with me yet.

And there you have it. Until next time, take care and keep creating!

Here’s the second page of Grace’s intro. Art by Przemyslaw R. Dedelis and colors by Lya Cuello.

You can learn more about the project, and Sarah Reinertson (the character in the last pic is based on her) on the website.

Take care and have a good one!

Hello everyone,

Today I wanted to recommend The Action Bible. It’s a graphic illustration of the main stories of the bible, amazingly illustrated by Sergio Cariello. I really love how his art helps bring the people, and their experiences (e.g., trials, triumphs, doubts, fears, etc.) to life, adding another layer of relevance to the bible’s timely message of love, hope, and redemption.

You can learn more about The Action Bible and preview the book on the website. If you’ve read it, what do you think? Until next time, take care.