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Awards for French Language Christian Comics
It has just been announced that the 2007 International Prize for French Language Christian Comics (Le prix international de la bande dessinée chrétienne francophone) has been awarded to Alain Auderset of Switzerland for his comic album Robi. The jury met together in Paris this past Wednesday and chose the winner after four ballots. The prize will be presented Thursday 15 January at the world-famous Angoulême Comics Festival (Festival International de la Bande Dessinée) in France. The jury also awarded a "special mention" prize for L'Apocalypse de Jean, the French edition of Canadian Leo Bak's critically acclaimed Revelation: The Comic Book. The graphic novel, published by Husky Production in Peyrus, France, was commended for its adaptation of difficult apocalyptic literature into an "enriching" comic strip format. Husky publisher Gino Balocco will attend the 2007 Angoulême festival to accept the prize for L'Apocalypse de Jean. [SOURCE: Husky Productions, 15 December 2006] |
More on the Paraman comic
Nearly 5000 Paraman comic book tracts in Spanish were shipped to churches in Honduras and Argentina recently. Eric Jansen, the tract's creator, reports: "They wanted twice that -- but we were running out for this year!." They also requested nearly 5000 copies of Jansen's The Christ of Prophecy comic booklet. Jansen says he has lost count but figures that over 100,000 copies of both comics have been distributed worldwide. [SOURCE: Eric Jansen, 13 December 2006] |
Updated Superbook in the Works
Christian Broadcasting Network's Asia Anime Group is working with animators in the USA and Asia on a "re-imagined" version of the popular Christian cartoon series Superbook. The original Superbook was created 25 years ago by CBN and a secular Japanese studio. The new production is being handled by former animators from Walt Disney, Nick, Dreamworks, and Warner Bros Animation Studio and most of them are Christians reportedly. [SOURCES: The Infuze and Superbook web sites, December 2006] |
An Inspirational Symbol to Hong Kong Children
A popular cartoon character in Hong Kong, "Matchman" is a little match who fears both fire and water and has no confidence. He finds encouragement in the words "Be Strong!" (from Joshua 1:9) as he presses on toward his dream of becoming a fireman. Market testing has revealed that "Matchman" is an inspirational character for children in Hong Kong. The character itself was inspired, in part, by the words of Mrs. So Yan Pui, the founder of Breakthrough: "Instead of cursing the darkness, one should ignite oneself." So far 3 Matchman comic books with a combined circulation of approximately 60,000 copies have been published by the Breakthrough ministry. The creator and writer is Mr. Edwin Wong. [SOURCE: Breakthrough Marketing Department, 11 December 2006] |
Grassroots Support for "VeggieTales"
Two months ago NBC decided that the hugely popular cartoon "VeggieTales" would be stripped of all references to God and the Bible before airing on their morning block of Saturday cartoons. Grassfire.org members and other outraged Christians sent tens of thousands of angry emails to NBC executives urging them to "stop censoring God out of VeggieTales." The Veggies' creater, Phil Vischer, noted he had heard a rumor that NBC received nearly 600,000 emails critical of their censorship of the cartoons. Reportedly NBC has decided to leave the original content in four or five episodes. Steve Elliott, President of Grassfire.org, is urging members to either call (818-840-6046 or 818-840-6022) or email Kevin Reilly, Entertainment President at NBC, to say "thank you for choosing to leave God in VeggieTales." [SOURCE: Grassfire.org Alliance newsletter, 8 December 2006] |
Christian Comics Offered as "Stocking Stuffers"
Evangelist Tim Todd, President of Revival Fires International, is offering copies of The Truth for Youth Bible at deeply discounted prices for Christmas. Todd says, "Christmas is a great time of year to give The Truth for Youth Bible to teenagers as a stocking stuffer. What better gift can a young person receive than the Word of God designed in an easy to understand format?" Todd's TTFY Bible contains the entire New Testament in the God's Word translation, along with 100 pages of comic stories dealing with issues young people are confronted with every day. It has been endorsed by many prominent spiritual leaders including Billy Graham, Bill Bright, and Pat Boone, as well as thousands of young people who have been saved as a result of receiving The Truth for Youth Bible. [SOURCE: Revival Fires International, 8 December 2006] |
Freedom In Christ Artist Edition Conference
Internationally known author and pastor Dr. Neil Anderson will be featured at "a unique spiritual formation conference especially for artists" presented on 11-13 January 2007 in Nashville, Tennessee USA by Artists in Christian Testimony International. ACT writes: "Artists these days face unusual challenges to their faith. Rejections, isolation, discouragement -- all things that bring wounds and hurts and drive wedges between us and God. At this conference artists will discover biblical teaching that will lead to resolving personal and spiritual conflicts and remove barriers to intimacy with God." Dr. Anderson is the author of best-selling books such as Victory Over the Darkness and Bondage Breaker. [SOURCE: ACT Intl Newsletter, 5 December 2006] |
Pray for New Christian Comics in India
Publisher George Koshy of Kerala has produced three new 8-page Christian comics for children and has another 5 "in the pipeline" for his company Little Me Publishing. So far 20,000 copies of these comics have been printed. Before founding Little Me in 2002, Koshy had been involved in secular children's publishing, worked for Gospel Literature Service, published a comic magazine for children for 9 years, and was able to "spend a lot of time with Uncle Pai, editor of Tinkle, the largest selling comic magazine in India." He decided during that time "to use the effectiveness of comix for the glory of our Lord." Koshy is the author of 7 books and 120 songs for children, and he conducts a weekly TV programme for children on an Indian secular channel. Koshy's artist, Shaji Mathew, is a professional cartoonist who has created characters in secular comics which have been well received. Koshy reports that they are "seriously thinking and praying about a 16-page comic magazine (and) would appreciate prayers." [SOURCE: Little Me Publishing, 25 November 2006] |
Christian Comics Creators Gather in Brazil
Enrique Campdepadrós of Khato Studio in Argentina (producers of the internationally known Angeles graphic novels) and Brazilian Clóvis Shimabukuro from Cartoon Pro Studio joined Nate Butler of COMIX35 at the LittWorld 2006 conference in Brazil last week. They enjoyed fellowship, discussed comics projects, and met with many of the other 180+ Christian writers, editors, and publishers from 37 countries who were in attendance. [SOURCE: COMIX35, 21 November 2006] |
Big Idea launches weekly “VeggieTales” radio show
Bob, Larry, and the rest of their “Veggie” friends can now be heard on the first-ever official VeggieTales Radio Show, a 14-part radio series created from “VeggieTales” videos. Radio stations will have the opportunity to play some of their favorite shows beginning today with Gideon: Tuba Warrior. Titles in the programming lineup include Dave and the Giant Pickle, The Ballad of Little Joe, Esther: The Girl Who Became Queen, Josh and the Big Wall, and The Incredible Singing Christmas Tree. Other episodes are scheduled to follow. [SOURCE: CBA/Aspiring Retail Industry Brief, 20 November 2006] |
Zonderkidz's Z-Graphic Novels - UPDATE
In August 2007, Zonderkidz will introduce 12 graphic novels with both biblically-based stories and contemporary fiction content. One of the new titles will be Son of Samson, illustrated by Sergio Cariello, winner of the 2005 International Christian Comics Competition. Zonderkidz, the children's imprint of Zondervan, will continue to release two books in each series every spring and fall, for a total of four books per series each year. [SOURCE: Community Comics PR and the Zonderkidz web site, 20 November 2006] |
Christian Animations Are Free to Download
All entries to COMIX35's "Animations for Web & Mobile Devices Competition" have been placed on the ROXTOONZ web site. These short animations have been submitted from AUSTRALIA, the PHILIPPINES, CANADA, and USA. They may be downloaded for free for the next 3 months and passed on to others. Visitors to the site can also vote for their favorites to help determine the winner of the competition. Every week one voter will win a free 2-song CD from the Australian Christian band, Intone. [SOURCE: COMIX35, 8 November 2006]
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Super Outreach to Children on 31 October
Up to 4,000 copies of the "Paraman" Christian comic book tract were distributed to kids in the Los Angeles USA area this Halloween. Eric Jansen, the creator of the tract, had passed out hundreds of copies in previous years by himself and had seen how effective it seemed to be for Halloween. He coordinated this year's larger giveaway via email and through contacts at 2 local churches. A number of families responded, agreeing to hand out copies at their doors. Jansen noted, "The most potentially evil, pagan day of the year... (and) people who normally might be too afraid or embarrassed to witness to strangers end up sharing the Gospel with dozens or even hundreds of children! What Satan meant for bad, God turned to good as He often does!" Jansen works for a publisher which prints his "Paraman" tract in English and Spanish. [SOURCES: Eric Jansen and the Christian Comic Arts Society web site, 2 November 2006] |
New Chick Tracts Released
Chick Publications, based in Southern California USA, has come out with 4 new cartoon tracts just since September. The latest, entitled "The Unwelcome Guest," was released on November 1st and is available in both English and Spanish. Christian Comics Pioneer Jack Chick has been producing evangelistic tracts since the early 1960s. [SOURCE: Chick Publications newsletter, 2 November 2006] |
Christian Comic Artists at Supanova
The Australian Christian Comics Community (OZCCCOM) turned out in force for the 2006 Supanova Pop Culture Expo in Sydney this past weekend. In attendance were professional comic artists and animators Dean Rankine, Matt Baker, René Pfitzner, and many other Aussie creators. Booth space for comic sales was provided by Daniel Zachariou, the Supanova Event Director. OZCCCOM continued their heroic efforts to raise earthquake relief for Indonesian Christian cartoonist Toto Winarno through sales of their anthology Pulp Crucifiction at the Expo. In addition to Rankine, Baker, and Pfitzner, this brand-new comic includes the work of Oz cartooning pros such as Titane and Christian Comics Pioneer Graham Wade. [SOURCE: The Australian Christian Cartoonists Community, 30 October 2006] |
A Bible Illustration Project in the UK
Cartoonist Graham Kennedy has been illustrating the whole Bible for the past five years and reports he is about half way finished. Kennedy worked for the famous secular comics publisher D.C. Thomson in the UK, starting in 1976 when he was 17 years old. (D.C. Thomson was also where Christian Comics Pioneer Dudley D. Watkins was employed for many years.) Some of Kennedy's Bible illustrations are now available on The Bible Picture Web Site. He is also working on a Bible illustration Blog for Bible illustrators. [SOURCE: Graham Kennedy, October 2006] |
Serenity Creator on International TV Show
Buzz Dixon will be appearing on the Wednesday 15 November edition of The Harvest Show. He'll be discussing the explosive growth in popularity of inspirational manga and graphic novels among young people world-wide. In addition to the original Serenity series, Dixon's Realbuzz Studios produces Goofyfoot Gurl, Hits & Misses, and Life! Camera! Action! Starring Serenity. The Harvest Show is an internationally syndicated, live, one-hour daily talk show accessible to more than 6 billion people worldwide through a network of affiliates. The program airs at 9AM EST in the US and is replayed at 10PM and 2AM. Check local listings for times in your area. [SOURCE: Glass Road PR, 21 October 2006] |
The Heavenly Man Graphic Version
The new 128-page comic book style adaptation of YUN: The Illustrated Story of the Heavenly Man is being released officially today by Monarch Books in the UK. It is based on the best-seller by Paul Hattaway about Chinese Christian evangelist Brother Yun. The original title has been a publishing phenomenon selling 350,000 copies in the Monarch edition alone. Another 200,000 copies have been published in Korean and the title has been translated into 30 other languages to date. The new paperback graphic novel is illustrated by Filipino artists Rico Rival and Joel Chua. Rival is a respected comics veteran who has worked for Atlas Comics in the Philippines and Marvel Comics in the US. In addition to YUN, Monarch is also the publisher of White Devil: The Life and Legend of Hudson Taylor and Conventional Wisdom. [SOURCES: Monarch web site and the Edge Group UK, 19 October 2006] |
Using Cartoons & Comics for Halloween Evangelism
A number of comic booklets and tracts are available for use in Christian outreach efforts this year. The Truth For Youth Ministry is offering the full-color Hairy Polarity and the Sinister Sorcery Satire comic book on the dangers of sorcery and witchcraft. Powermark Comics has Masquerade, a full-color comic book with a clear Gospel presentation for trick-or-treaters. In addition to a list of recommended tracts, Chick Publications has a page of Creative Halloween Tract Usage Ideas on their website. The Megazeen has posted free black & white Halloween "mini-comics" in PDF format that can be downloaded, printed, and given away. The American Tract Society (ATS) has a "Halloween Rescue Kit" that includes cartoon tracts, candy, and stickers. ATS says that Christians across the United States and Canada order nearly 3 million Halloween outreach items each year in the weeks leading up to 31 October. ATS marketing director Mark Brown reports that Christians "have really picked up on the Halloween tract outreach as a way to share the gospel on their own doorstep." [SOURCES: The Truth for Youth, Chick Publications, ATS, Powermark and Megazeen websites, 18 October 2006] |
A Rare Opportunity for US Magazine Publishers
A course on The Business of Magazine Publishing will be hosted by Magazine Training International in Los Angeles USA from 29 May - 1 June 2007. The instructors will be Kent Wilson of NavPress and Tim Gilmour of Group Publishing. MTI's courses are usually held in Eastern Europe and Asia, and only staff members and volunteers of Christian magazines may attend, so this is an unusual chance for US Christian comic book publishers to sit in on one of these exceptional training events. The course will be taught in English, with simultaneous interpretation in Spanish available. Also, the conference will be filmed live for production as a package of five DVDs to be made available around the world in English with subtitles in a variety of languages. [SOURCE: Magazine Training International PR mailing and web site, 6 October 2006] |
Alias Comics Goes All-Christian
Alias Enterprises have announced that they are going exclusively Christian with their comic book line. Until now, Alias has straddled the line between both mainstream and Christian releases, but now Alias plans to go "all Christian, all the time." Alias' greatest successes have come from the Christian marketplace, according to co-founder Mike S. Miller. Alias will continue to publish Daniel, David: The Shepherd's Song, David's Mighty Men, Opposite Forces, Armor Quest, as well as new titles in the planning and development stages. [SOURCES: InFuze and Alias web sites, 5 October 2006] |
International Christian Publishing Conference - UPDATE
The Brigada and Notas Breves online newsletters have promoted COMIX35's proposed gathering of Christian cartoonists and comics artists from Central and South America at this year's combined Letra Viva Consulta and LITT-WORLD 2006 conference. The event will be held near Sao Paulo, Brazil from 12 to 17 November. Cartoon Pro Studio's Clóvis Shimabukuro and Nate Butler of COMIX35 have both confirmed their attendance. Late registrations are still being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Go here for information in Spanish on LITT-WORLD 2006, or here for information in Portuguese, or here to register for LITT-WORLD 2006. [SOURCE: COMIX35, 4 October 2006] |
Christian Comics that ANYONE Can Afford
Australian pro cartoonist Dean Rankine has implemented a new payment system for the use of his faith-based comics in print publications. Christian publishers, Church groups and community organizations may now use his comics and only pay what they can afford. Dean explains, "God has always supplied my needs, and I can't see him stopping any time soon. So, keeping that in mind (and in an attempt to live more by faith) I'm having a bash at this!" Interested publishers can choose comics at the HOLY COW! Christian Comic website and contact Dean (address is in his profile at bottom of that page) to let him know their choices and how much they can pay. Publishers will receive high res versions by email or on CD-Rom by post along with an invoice for the amount they have specified. [SOURCE: Dean Rankine, 2 October 2006] |
SADHU SUNDAR SINGH graphic novel - UPDATE
The SINGH graphic novel can now be ordered from anywhere in the world using PayPal on the Calvary Comics website. (Foreign orders should write to verify postal amounts before purchasing.) In addition, SINGH author/artist Alec Stevens has just been interviewed on the Undercurrent Comics website. [SOURCE: Calvary Comics, October 2006] |
A Merging of Manga-ka
Several Christian manga web sites are joining together to form The Project. Their official mission statement is: "The Project hosts online manga-styled comics geared toward the Christian audience and strives to provide relevant links to other Christian comics, reviews, forums and more." [SOURCE: Hu-Ann Mulia, 2 October 2006]
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New Manga Bible Graphic Novel Has Arrived - UPDATE
The initial press-run of MANGA MESSIAH, the first book in a new Manga Bible series from NEXT, has been completed. 50,000 books are ready for distribution in the Philippines, with another 50,000 to be delivered later. The MANGA MESSIAH graphic novel is 288 pages in full color and was produced by a professional editorial team in Japan. A second edition in this Manga Bible series is currently in production. [SOURCE: NEXT, 26 September 2006]
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Conventional Wisdom Spreads to Other Countries
Swiss cartoonist Alain Auderset's critically acclaimed cartoon book Conventional Wisdom is now available in England, Australia, South Africa, and Singapore. In December it will be in the USA as well. The book received an international "special mention" prize for French-language comics at this year's festival in Angouleme, the largest comics event in Europe. Conventional Wisdom is published in English by Monarch, which is also releasing the new graphic novels Yun: The Illustrated Story of the Heavenly Man and White Devil. [SOURCE: Alain Auderset, 25 September 2006]
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Goofyfoot Gurl Surfs Manga Wave - UPDATE
Barbour Publishing and Realbuzz Studios, the producers of the hit series Serenity, will be rolling out their newest line of graphic novels, Goofyfoot Gurl, in February 2007. The books are aimed at a tween and teenage girl market. The Serenity series recently made the Christian Booksellers Association's Best Seller list. [SOURCE: Glass Road Public Relations, 20 September 2006]
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Michael Reagan Recommends Hairy Polarity Comic Book
The eldest son of late US President Ronald Reagan has issued the following endorsement of the comic book Hairy Polarity and the Sinister Sorcery Satire published by Tim Todd and Revival Fires International/The Truth For Youth Ministry in West Monroe, Louisiana USA: "I highly commend Tim Todd for designing Hairy Polarity and the Sinister Sorcery Satire. The spectacular comic dealing with the dangers of sorcery and witchcraft is making an eternal impact in the lives of young people. Without reservation, I highly recommend it for every youth in America!" Todd is currently offering the Hairy Polarity comic at a discounted cost in time for evangelism this halloween. Seven pages of the Hairy Polarity comic are available for viewing online. [SOURCE: Revival Fires International news release, 12 September 2006] |
Finland's First Indigenous Christian Comic
Kompastuskivi ("Stumble stone") is a new, bi-monthly Christian comic book and the first of it's kind in Finland. The editors are Veli Loponen and Johannes Mäkinen, who also contribute as artists. Submissions are welcome from outside Finland but there is no payment being made for work at this time. Click here for Kompastuskivi contact information. The editors plan to print interviews, articles and news in future issues. Loponen states, "The main focus is to introduce Christian comics and tell about Jesus to people through comics." [SOURCE: Veli Loponen, 11 September 2006]
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Innovative Comic Strip Song Book
Christian Comics Pioneer Bob Bond has created The Illustrated Christmas Story, from a concept by Ed Chatelier, which relates the birth of Jesus Christ with comics-style artwork and 21 classic carols, arranged for piano and voice. The publisher, Wise Publications in England, says the book is "the ideal way to present The Nativity to young children who will love to look, listen and sing along ... bringing the Christmas story to life, again and again." The Illustrated Christmas Story may be ordered online. [SOURCE: The Edge Group UK, 5 September 2006]
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More Christian Manga Available Soon
The long-awaited, manga-style graphic novel Shelter of Wings by Lisa Hutchinson is in its final stages of production and will be available 15 November. Shelter of Wings tells the story of Jenna, a young girl who abandons her faith after the death of her mother, and of the spiritual forces trying to destroy her and protect her. The publisher, Brethren Entertainment, is offering a FREE 18 inch by 24 inch color poster, similar to the artwork shown here, with every pre-order of the book at the Brethren Entertainment web site. [SOURCE: Brethren Entertainment web site, 4 September 2006]
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Graphic Novel Now Available in French
Leo Bak's critically acclaimed Revelation: The Comic Book series, originally published in 1996 by his Draw Near Art Studios in Canada, has now been released in France as a 204-page graphic album entitled L'Apocalypse de Jean. The new publisher is Husky Productions, which released the Christian comic albums (bande dessinée chrétien) Les épées de Philistie: David et Goliath and Frère Jack: Noé Noé matelot in 2001. [SOURCE: Leo Bak, September 2006]
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New King's Kidz of All Kinds
The September Kidz of the King comic book, "The Promise," is now available from Reggie and Dionne Byers of Sheepdog Studios in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA. The story deals with divorce and a villian named Despair. Reggie and Dionne have another new episode in production, which will be issue #12 of the Kidz series published by UMI (Urban Ministries Inc). Also, on Saturday 2 September at 5:18 AM, Dionne gave birth to a baby girl, the couple's second daughter. More news may be found at the Kidz of the King web site. [SOURCE: Reggie Byers, 2 September 2006]
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Christian Comics Pioneers Still Active
The Cyril and Methodius graphic album, written and illustrated by missionaries Jerry & Faith McCollough, has just been published in the Bulgarian language and is being distributed throughout that nation. It has also been translated into Russian and Ukranian, and a printer has been located in Ukraine who can produce and distribute both translations in the heart of the former Soviet Union. Jerry is also proceeding with final art on a Jan Hus/Jan Ziska graphic album for the Czech Republic, and Faith is doing prepress on the Bible comic David. Jerry and Faith have been producing Christian comic books and graphic albums since 1988. [SOURCE: Jerry & Faith McCollough, September 2006]
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Super-hero Comic is Back
"Johnny Grav and the Visioneer," a children's super-hero comic that ran in Focus on the Family's CLUBHOUSE magazine several years ago, is now online here. These comics were illustrated by Dennis Jensen, an industry professional who had worked for a Marvel and DC Comics before he received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. [SOURCE: Alec Stevens, 24 August 2006]
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New Christian Sunday Comic Strip - UPDATE
Cartoonist Kevin Frank's new comic strip, "Heaven's Love Thrift Shop," which now runs every Sunday in newspapers across North America, has been featured in the New York Times. See the complete article here (registration may be required). [SOURCE: The New York Times web site, 27 August 2006]
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New Manga Bible Graphic Novel Has Arrived
NEXT has announced MANGA MESSIAH, the first book in their new Manga Bible series. MANGA MESSIAH is written and illustrated by professional manga-ka in Japan. 100,000 books are being printed in Japan currenty for distribution in the Philippines. Plans are in development for a web site on this new manga series at MangaBible.com. [SOURCE: NEXT, 21 August 2006]
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International Christian Publishing Conference
COMIX35 is calling all Christian cartoonists and comics artists from Central and South America to gather at this year's combined Letra Viva Consulta and LITT-WORLD 2006 conference near Sao Paulo, Brazil from 12 to 17 November. In addition to the opportunity for fellowship and discussion with other Christian comics producers, and to hear practical and inspirational talks by the LITT-WORLD speakers, attending artists will also meet many Christian writers, editors, and publishers. Enrique Campdepadrós of Khato Studio in Argentina (producers of the internationally known Angeles graphic novels) says he plans to be there, as does Clóvis Shimabukuro from Cartoon Pro Studio in Brasil. Go here for information in Spanish on the LITT-WORLD 2006 event, or here for information in Portuguese, or click here to register. [SOURCE: COMIX35, 18 August 2006]
Free Christian Comics
Australian cartoonist Dean Rankine has some of his Christian comics on the new WOWIO website where they can be downloaded without charge. Currently available are 'Open Your Heart When They Hate Your Guts' and the 'God's Love is Like a Conjoined Twin' mini-comic. Downloading these comics actually supports Dean financially without costing the reader a thing, but it does require registration at the WOWIO website. [SOURCE: Dean Rankine, 18 August 2006] |
Islam Tract from Jack Chick
Chick Publications has released a new cartoon tract entitled Men of Peace? Jack Chick has written a letter about this tract which may be read here. [SOURCE: Chick Publications web site and Battlecry newsletter, August 2006] |
New Look, New Articles on CCAS Site
The Christian Comic Arts Society has updated their website. [SOURCE: Eric Jansen, 16 August 2006]
Zonderkidz to Jump on Christian Manga Bandwagon
Zonderkidz, the children's imprint of Zondervan, will enter the ever-growing Christian Graphic Novel genre by releasing a line of manga-style comics in August 2007. Other publishers of Christian manga include Shinsei Senkyodan (New Life League) in Japan, which began producing their E-Comix manga series in 2001, and Barbour, publisher of the hit series SERENITY. [SOURCE: Christian Retailing web site, 10 August 2006]
AFR's Truth for Youth Project - Part 3
Tim Todd reports that American Family Radio and Revival Fires International have given away 45,000 copies of THE TRUTH FOR YOUTH Bible this week. "We are getting masses of email orders, and we will surpass 55,000 by Monday at the pace we are going," he adds. Tim's TTFY Bible contains over 80 pages of full-color comics. One teenager per U.S. household is eligible to receive a free copy if they will commit to give it to an unsaved friend at school. [SOURCE: Tim Todd, 10 August 2006] |
New "Filipino Komiks"-style Bible
After seven years in production, No Greater Joy Ministries of Pleasantville, TN USA has finished their 312-page, black and white "Illustrated Bible Story" comic/graphic novel, written by Michael Pearl and illustrated by industry veteran Danny Bulanadi in the style of his mentor, the late Nestor Redondo. The ministry hopes to have the book printed soon in English and is translating it into a number of Southeast Asian languages. More information on this book here. [SOURCE: Alec Stevens,10 August 2006]
Free Comic from StudioWell - Part 2
Due to "overwhelming demand," US novelist Chris Well has extended his offer of a free comic plus a collection of his stories, lists, scripts, and rejected pitches to major secular comics publishers. Anyone who purchases his latest novel from Amazon.com between today and Monday, August 14 is eligible. The free comic "Que Es Amore?" is illustrated by Erica Well, producer of "The Miller Sisters" comic strip. More details on the give-away here. [SOURCE: Chris Well, 10 August 2006]
Christian Comics Creator Keeps Busy
US Artist Steven Butler is now illustrating a comic series called Welcome To Holsom that he describes as "sort of like Andy Griffith meets Jonny Quest meets The Iron Giant." Steven is still drawing the Powermark comic series, but he only has one issue left (#24) before he'll be done. He also draws "all-ages" secular comics such as Sonic for Archie and stories for Disney Adventures Magazine. Steven adds that he's thankful to the Lord that he can still draw comics full-time and provide a living for his family in today's market. [SOURCE: Steven Butler, 8 August 2006]
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More Guardian Line News
Diamond Comic Distributors has picked up the Guardian Line of Christian comics, the new series created through a partnership of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.), the "largest African-American media firm specializing in positive content," and comics creator Michael Davis. A revealing 2-part interview with Davis has been posted at the ICv2 web site. [SOURCE: InFuze web site, 2 & 9 August 2006]
AFR's Truth for Youth Project - Part 2
American Family Radio and Revival Fires International are giving away 60,000 copies of THE TRUTH FOR YOUTH Bible this week only (7-11 August). This Bible contains over 80 pages of full-color comics. One teenager per U.S. household is eligible, and each teen must commit to give the copy to an unsaved friend at school. To date, over one million copies of TTFY Bible have been given away. American Family Radio is on 215 stations with 10.5 million listeners. [SOURCE: Revival Fires International, August 2006] |
New Advertising Vehicle for Christian Products
SHOWCASE! is designed by FrontGate Media to help smaller and start-up Christian-owned companies reach larger numbers of Christian consumers. Three of the advertising spaces in the first SHOWCASE! feature Christian comics and graphic novels: the SERENITY and SHELTER OF WINGS manga and the "Guardian Line" of comics. More information on SHOWCASE! may be found here. [SOURCE: FrontGate Media, August 2006]
Big Orders, Big Trials for Small Publisher
Alec Stevens has been receiving orders for 200 to 300 copies at a time of his self-published SADHU SUNDAR SINGH graphic novel from churches and other groups. ... and the spiritual warfare in his life has heated up at the same time. Please pray for protection for Alec Stevens. A review of SINGH appears on the Christian Comics Arts Society web site. Other publications and web sites that are reviewing the book or interviewing Alec Stevens include Undercurrent Comics, Steve MacDonald's "Christian-Created Comics" site, InFuze, and The Daily Times-Call newspaper in Colorado USA. You can order the SINGH graphic novel here. [SOURCE: Calvary Comics, August 2006] |
A Challenge to Artistic Christians
"Did you know YOU hold the potential of being the vanguard ministers of Christ’s ministry force in the 21st Century?" asks Byron Spradlin, President of A.C.T. (Artists in Christian Testimony) International. "Most artistic Christians don't realize this. But it's true," he adds. Spradlin challenges Christians to "explore new ways to take the public venues of your community for Christ through your artistic skills!" Read his whole article here. [SOURCE: Ethnic Worship & Arts Focus newsletter, July 2006 edition, and A.C.T. International's web site]
Cartoonist from Downunder - Part 2
Christian cartoonist Phil Watson is safely back home in Australia after his recent trip to Minneapolis, Minnesota USA where he signed autographs, drew cartoons, taught cartoon drawing, golfed, painted murals, and appeared in a parade. Phil has posted photos of his trip on this web page. [SOURCE: Australian Christian Cartoonists Community's Journal web site, 3 August 2006] |
Free Comic from StudioWell
"Que Es Amore?" a brand-new comic written by US novelist Chris Well and illustrated by his wife Erica Well, is available exclusively in a collection of the author's stories, lists, scripts, and rejected pitches to DC, Marvel and Archie. It will be available free to anyone who purchases Chris Well's latest novel from Amazon.com on Wednesday 9 August 2006. More details here. [The StudioWell Media web site, 31 July 2006]
New Christian Sunday Comic Strip
Cartoonist Kevin Frank's new comic strip, "Heaven's Love Thrift Shop," which will begin its Sundays-only run in North American newspapers this coming Sunday, is featured in the Deseret Morning News. See the complete article here. [The Deseret Morning News web site, 28 July 2006]
Serenity manga continues its climb
A new review says "the Serenity series is swiftly becoming a big hit, outselling other current [US] manga bestsellers by almost three times. Apparently, it's achieving crossover appeal, as well, selling beyond the traditional Christian bookstores. That's encouraging, as it shows what Christians can do with various forms of media when they focus on putting out a quality product." Read the rest here. [Christian Fiction Review, July 2006]
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Longest-running US Christian Superhero comic
Novelist Chris Well has interviewed cartoonist Kurt Kolka, creator of the Christian comic Cardinal Adventures. Issue #16 of the title is coming out soon and features Erica Well's "The Miller Sisters" strip. See the complete interview here. [Chris Well: Learning Curve web site, 27 July 2006]
Comics featured in new magazine
The new US publication Bubblemag is featuring "David, the Shepherd's Song" as a comic feature on their web site. Bubblemag's content is meant to "encourage young disciples of Jesus," between the ages of 13 and 20, "to passionately pursue their God-given dreams using their God-given talents, to bring glory to Jesus Christ." [The Bubblemag web site, July 2006] |
Use of OM comic continues to spread
Operation Mobilisation's highly effective Christian comic book Dorie the Girl Nobody Loved has just been translated into Yakut and is being distributed in Yakutsk, the capital of the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic in eastern Siberia. [The Mini MG newsletter, 27 July 2006]
New Graphic Novel
White Devil: The Life and Legend of Hudson Taylor has been translated from Chinese and will be published in England by Monarch and OMF. This 156-page, manga-style paperback biography tells the story of the famous missionary Hudson Taylor in a new light. Plans are also in the works to produce a short flash anime (animation) based on the book. [OMF promotional information, July 2006] |
More San Diego Comic-Con News
PDF press release from Springboard Entertainment, FrontGate Media, and Christian Comic Arts Society:
----- CHRISTIANS TO INCREASE PRESENCE AT COMIC-CON - 18 July 2006
AFR's Truth for Youth Project
American Family Radio and Revival Fires International will be giving away 60,000 copies of THE TRUTH FOR YOUTH Bible, which contains over 80 pages of full-color comics, from 7-11 August 2006. One teenager per U.S. household is eligible, and each teen must commit to give the copy to an unsaved friend at school. To date, over one million copies of THE TRUTH FOR YOUTH Bible have been given away. American Family Radio is on 215 stations with 10.5 million listeners. [Revival Fires's press release, 18 July 2006] |
San Diego Comic-Con News
The Christian Comic Arts Society will hold a session 23 July at Comic Con International in San Diego, California USA to share ideas, industry news, and information on upcoming publishing projects. The meeting will include a panel discussion on the role of Christianity in the arts, as seen in various Christian comics. A Q & A time will follow. Panelists will include Robert James Luedke, creator of the "Eye Witness" trilogy. [CBA's Aspiring Retail Enews, 17 July 2006]
New Guardian Line Comics Series
UMI (Urban Ministries Inc.), one of the largest independent African-American media firms, has announced a new comic book series, "The Guardian Line," with creator Michael Davis. "The black church is the most powerful entity in black America," Davis said. "If you can create something that resonates in the black church, you can reach the majority of African-Americans. You can create positive change." "The Guardian Line" is scheduled to release in Sept. 2006. The first series released, targeting the tween segment, will be Joe and Max, based on Davis' experiences in elementary school. The comics will then be released bimonthly, for a total of six issues of each series per year. [Christian Retailing's online newsletter, 17 July 2006] |
International Christian Retail Show 2006
Photos from the ICRS (formerly CBA) in Denver, Colorado USA:
----- New Project Spotlight - July 2006
Cartoonist from Downunder
Australian Christian cartoonist Phil Watson will be at Shark Fest X, held in the Underwater Adventures Aquarium ("the World's Largest Shark Exhibit") in Minneapolis, Minnesota USA. Phil will be drawing caricatures, conducting cartooning classes, and creating a giant mural 20-22 July 2006. Phil will also appear in the Minneapolis Aquatennial Torchlight Parade on Wednesday 19 July. More information on this web page. [Underwater Adventures Aquarium web site, July 2006] |
Christian Comics? It's No Laughing Matter!
Online article about Christian comics, with photos from Ukraine, Mexico, and Japan:
----- Lausanne World Pulse - July 2006
This year at the CBA International Christian Retail Show (9-13 July 2006) in Denver, Colorado USA, Christian comics publisher Robert Luedke will be at the STL/Faithworks booth (#1836) on Monday 10 July from 11am to noon and at their "personality party" from 5:30 to 7:30pm. His graphic novel Eye Witness: Acts of The Spirit has received worldwide radio coverage on USA RADIO NETWORK which covers over 1000 stations in 119 countries and armed forces radio. [Head Press Publishing press release, July 2006]
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MAY-JUNE 2006 and earlier
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Wacky World Studio’s Bruce Barry, creator of “The Roach Approach” series, is finishing the first theatrical cartoon short for 20th Century Fox. The CGI-animation short will be premiering this fall with Fox's theatrical family releases - a first for a Christian cartoon series. The next “Roach Approach” DVD about Samson, Hairy Situation, releases 17 October. [Enews from CBA, 19 June 2006]
International Christians in Visual Media (ICVM) Catalyst Conference will be held 12-15 July 2006 at the Doubletree Hotel in Denver, Colorado USA. For more information contact Artists in Christian Testimony International, tel: +615-376-7861, web: www.actinternational.org [ETHNIC WORSHIP & ARTS FOCUS newsletter, May/June 2006]
Big Idea and Universal Pictures have announced the worldwide release of an all-new animated “VeggieTales” feature film, The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything, in early 2008. The film, based on Big Idea’s successful “VeggieTales” franchise, will be directed by Mike Nawrocki; the script written by Phil Vischer, who will also serve as executive producer through his production company, Jellyfish Labs. It's “VeggieTales” second feature film, following the 2002 theatrical release of Jonah—A VeggieTales Movie. [Enews from CBA, 5 June 2006]
Alias Comics made a big splash at the San Diego Comic Con in Summer 2005 and looks forward to the upcoming 2006 Con in July. At the [US]’s largest Comic convention the company presented a six-booth space where dozens of Alias artists and creators convened to sign books and art for the 75,000 fans in attendance. Alias has an exclusive distribution agreement with Diamond Comics for distribution of its titles into the comic book and bookstore markets and a separate distribution arrangement into the CBA stores for its Cross Culture imprint, under which it simultaneously publishes its Christian titles. This gives Alias Comics’ Christian Comics line full penetration into both CBA and ABA stores. Alias Comics has already garnered strong industry support from leading outlets such as AP News, Christian Retailing and Infuze Magazine. [Christian Comic Arts Society web site, June 2006]
Online articles related to the Australian Christian Comics Training Seminar in May 2006:
-----Salvation Army WARCRY - 24 June 2006
-----Sydney Morning Herald - 29 May 2006
-----Sight Magazine - 28 April, 2006
-----Sydney Anglicans - 12 March 2006
Operation Mobilisation's Greater Europe team continues to produce Christian literature that is distributed in different parts of Eastern Europe. One of the most successful publications has been the Dorie comic [full title: 'Dorie the Girl Nobody Loved']. A recent letter from a missionary in Bucharest, Romania was encouraging. She wrote, 'A small group of Christians were allowed to hold a church service in the prison in Codlea. Only 50 of the 1400 prisoners were allowed to attend, as that was all the seating available in the chapel. The group could sing and preach openly, and were thrilled to see half of the prisoners pray to receive Christ as Saviour. At the end they gave each one a Dorie comic. A later visit to the cells showed over 30 men sharing a room, but they were excited to see the men huddled together reading the comics!' [Operation Mobilisation HeadLines ROMANIA 5 January 2004]
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