Nathan James Norman
  • Blog
  • Writer
  • Pastor
  • Bookshelf
  • Links
  • Contact

Nathan James Norman

Husband. Father. Pastor.
Storyteller. Reader. Comic Fan.
Slave of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Orchard Church

Review: Book of Revelation (GN)

1/28/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture

Summary: Based on a 2004 translation by two Greek Orthodox priests, The Book of Revelation is an illustrated interpretation of the entire book of Revelation. This visual narrative tells the story from John’s perspective in exile, on the Island of Patmos.



Review: Unlike many similar Bible comics, The Book of Revelation, features no textual commentary, but only visual commentary. The entire text of Revelation fills this book, and the reader is given images to illustrate the events of the book.

First, let me offer my criticisms. The translation used is odd . . . but that’s generally a good thing. It forces those familiar with the biblical text to consider it freshly. While the translation is generally faithful to the original language, there are a few modern phrases like, “leapt forth” and “rocketing from heaven” that seem out of place for the way the text was translated. In addition to this, some of the artistic interpretations of the original text just seem counter to what I visualize when I read Revelation. The image of Christ the Lamb is a particular example of this.

Beyond these criticisms, I absolutely love this book. The authors help the readers experience Revelation almost as if we were St. John and these visions were being revealed to us as well. One of the brilliant storytelling methods the authors implement is using John as a character in the story. Often, the artists show us John’s reactions to the visions he’s experiencing. We see John’s fearful face in the presence of God. We see his disgust at the murderous depravity of men. We see his shock and horror as the judgments are poured out on the earth. And we see his jubilation as he beholds the new heaven and new earth. Absolutely brilliant! 

The art colors are mostly muted an subdued . . . but when we are given vibrant colors, they grab hold of the senses and communicate powerfully.

I should also pause here to note that I picked this book up in the “children’s section” of a store. This is not a children’s book. It is suitable for teenagers, but the book does not shy away from illustrating the horrors found in the book.

In conclusion, I love this book. Revelation is a highly visual epistle, prophecy, and apocalypse. I cannot imagine reading this book without responding to God with awe, reverence, fear, and joy that one day, the Lord Jesus Christ will return and make all things right.

Rating: 5/5 (I loved it)

Find it here on Amazon.

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    RSS Feed

    Picture

    Categories

    All
    Adoption
    Art
    Axiom
    Beowulf
    Christmas
    Comics
    Drabble
    Flash Fiction
    Foster Care
    Good Friday
    Humor
    Infertility
    Interviews
    Memes
    Music
    Politics
    Practical
    Preaching
    Reviews
    Speculative
    Theology
    Tragedy
    Trinity Watch
    Untold Podcast
    Video
    Writing

    Blog Roll

    Albert Mohler
    Breakpoint
    Christian Humanist
    Christian Geek Central
    Critical Press Media
    David N. Alderman
    Doug Geivett

    Good Book Blog
    Living With Cogan
    Open Biola
    Project Rooftop
    Reasonable Faith
    Running Slowly w/ Kids
    Spirit Blade Underground
    Strangers and Aliens
    The Table Podcast
    This Old Farmhouse

    Archives

    April 2022
    March 2022
    November 2021
    August 2021
    September 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    March 2020
    October 2019
    September 2019
    February 2019
    October 2018
    September 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    February 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012