From Deseret News archives:

Christian comic books

Slick graphic novels aren't mainstream, but they are attracting an increasing audience

Published: Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007 12:54 a.m. MST
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Baldwin has now converted to Christianity and has launched a new ministry, "Livin It." "Spirit Warriors" is a part of that effort.

The ministry focuses on a bold campaign to encourage young extreme sports enthusiasts to live out their faith.

Livin It uses music, books, graphic novels, nationwide skateboarding demonstrations, skate DVDs and evangelical events to bring the gospel to young athletes.

Baldwin, who has starred in more than 65 films, including "The Usual Suspects" and "The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas," gave his "Warriors" a comic book style and fast-paced action. "Spirit Warriors" follows the antics of six fictional characters who battle against good and evil. One of the heroes does amazing things from a wheelchair; another is blind but can see what others can't.

Baldwin said mainstream graphic novels are a popular new trend among young people, and he believes "Spirit Warriors" has the potential to reach many non-Christians with the gospel.

"The response to this book has been so positive," Baldwin said in a press release.

"If you bring the kids dorkville they don't listen," Baldwin said. "If you bring them really cool, they'll listen ... because all of this is really about sharing the news about a man named Jesus Christ."

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"Arch Angels" is an older type of Christian comic that LifeWay also carries.

Salt Lake's LifeWay store reports that demand for "Spirit Warriors" isn't great, but a few customers are really into it.

Mancuso's Religious Gifts and Books, 1816 S. State in Salt Lake City, also carries a few religious-oriented comic books. There's a comic book of "Pope John Paul II" ($7.95) and of "St. Elizabeth" ($1.95).

Other recent Christian-themed comics include "Acts of the Spirit," "Marked," "Serenity" and the "Guardian" series. There's also "Manga," a popular Japanese-style comic that focuses a lot on relationships and everyday life. However, the stories do include some violence and sex.

• Some graphic novel Christian-slated products are found, for example, in LifeWay's Christian store at 880 E. 2100 South. It also has a store at 4039 Riverdale Road in Ogden. LifeWay is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.

For more information about Livin It ministry and Livin It products visit www.bhpublishinggroup.com.

More details on the "Guardian" comic are available at www.theguardianline.com.



E-mail: lynn@desnews.com

Recent comments

Keep up the good work . GOD BLESS.

Anonymous | Oct. 25, 2008 at 5:31 a.m.

Image
Artwork provided by Lifeway Christian Stores/B\&H Publishing

Christian comic books like "Archangels," as well as other graphic novels with flashy covers are sold in the Lifeway Christian store.

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