Christian Comics PioneersTM
Graham Wade (Australia)
Graham was born in 1931 in Junee, New South Wales. While at school he states he did two noteworthy things: Won a national magazine's competition for kids to produce a comic ("As this was during WWII, it was about Japanese spies and Aussie heroes") and more importantly gave his life to Christ during a Scripture lesson ("Churches can teach in public schools in Oz").
His faith is the most significant factor of his life, Graham says.
His first Christian comic was a Jungle Doctor adventure story ("Jungle Doctor meets a lion") done in the 1950's for a monthly children's mission publication. (One strip shown here at right)
After Graham illustrated the first Jungle Doctor fable books, (c.1955) the author, Dr. Paul White, asked him to take some of the stories and turn them into comics (the first comic was "Great Wall"). Twelve Jungle Doctor comics were eventually produced, and originally these were in black and white. Only later, in 1981, were colour overlays prepared when a Hong Kong missionary press was found prepared to print large runs. Over a million of these comic books have been printed and distributed around the world in 106 languages.
Though his work has been widely seen, Graham has retained a low profile internationally as his work has often appeared uncredited. ("I don't think I've ever signed a comic... All the talent one has is a gift from the Lord anyway.")
More information on Graham's Jungle Doctor comics may be found on the CCI Jungle Doctor page. Also Jungle Doctor is available online, in a paperback 
collection, through the Christian Comics Catalog.
In addition to his Jungle Doctor work, both the Bible Society of Australia and the United Bible Societies have commissioned Graham to create comics, too (Some covers shown at left).
Whereas comics were a great interest of Graham's the comparatively small demand in Australia meant he spent most of his career drawing for other purposes, including the design of postage stamps, illustrating books and Bibles for Africa and Papua New Guinea,and "lots of advertising print, displays and exhibitions for Qantas, the Australian Government and major Aussie corporations." 
He produced "Walk through sermons," portable Gospel displays for malls and fairs and "Outreach posters" which appear monthly outside lots of churches across Australian cities "so the same reminder of God's interest in people is repeated time and again." (One shown here at right)
He has also directed films and has been made a member of the Australian Cinema Pioneers.
He founded Pilgrim International, a Christian-based media company, in 1964 and was the chief executive of that company for many years.
Graham was responsible for bringing two very successful COMIX35 Christian Comics Training Courses to Sydney in 1998 and 2006.
Many people in Australia are familiar with his "speed sketches" of Bible readings which were seen for years on commercial TV stations. These "chalk talks" are some of the most energetic and entertaining to be seen anywhere. Graham still does these events at schools and churches, as his schedule permits.
Graham was married for many years to wife Gwennie, who went to be with the Lord in 1991. Together they had three children (Matt is a journalist with the Sydney Morning Herald, Fliss is an Environmental spokesperson and Vick is at Canberra University studying writing) and one granddaughter (Hannah).
Currently Graham lives near Sydney with his wife Ilda (with whom he shares another 5 grandchildren). He says he is "sort-of retired," but notes, "it just is not working... there are just too many fun things to do."
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Other CHRISTIAN COMICS & CARTOONING PIONEERS (Late 1800s -1950s/60s)
Other CHRISTIAN COMICS & CARTOONING PIONEERS (1960s-1990)
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