Unabridged, historically accurate graphic novel of the Bible with a high view of scripture. This page contains a blog of the features and discoveries that have been made through the work and research of this project.
Normally I create about a page a day, (that's drawing, inking and lettering). However, I started this page last Thursday and I've just finished it now (Wednesday). I created this little video about the making of the page and some facts about the image while I was making it. Now it waits to haunt the nightmares of the colourists.
I have realised I've forgotten to post Feb and March's newsletters on the blog. You can view them with these links:
FEB : https://mailchi.mp/8e372d713461/february-newsletter?e=276ff80ddf
MAR: https://mailchi.mp/c26682958a12/march-newsletter-snow-slow-and-go-go-go?e=ddb119009d
Here are some images and updates from us...
((Note: If the images are not visible in this email, look for "display images below" at the top of the email.))
Here is a little peek at a page from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 1:32-34
At the top, we have Peter's house which was drawn from the floorplan of the real site discovered with archaeology.
If you'd like to see more pages of Mark now, you can do so by becoming a patron
https://www.patreon.com/WordforWordBibleComic
Doing my research I found this interesting video about how Jesus may have viewed the Mishnah. It's a balanced presentation by a Canadian Messianic Jew and Hebrew teacher Izzy. His views don't necessarily match those of ourselves but I found it very informative...oh yeah, it has slightly annoying inserted memes in this one but if you like this video his others don't have those.
To get more connected with our research and discussion come and join the FB group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/wordforwordbiblecomiccommunity
When I read comics or watch a movie or TV series, I write a little social media post with my thoughts. With so much great stuff coming out soon (Avengers Infinity War, Westworld, Runaways, Han Solo Movie, Ready Player One etc), I thought I'd flag it so you can come and geek out about it with me. Use these links to connect!
I'm getting closer to the end of drawing the pages now. I'm about to draw page 131 and Jesus will be getting handed over to Pilate. Our colourists are going full throttle now too to ensure we get it all finished before the summer holidays begin, and that's when they'll go out to the Kickstarter backers. The official launch and release will be in September.
Please pray that we continue to be productive and get this book finished in time. Also, for the ongoing financial provision for the work as we have been blessed so many times by the Lord from your prayers.
Please pray that the Gospel of Mark will get a lot of media attention at its launch and that many people will ultimately read the Good News for the first time through these graphic novels.
Buy your copy of the Word for Word Bible Comic...
Happy New Year! Here are some image and updates from us...
Here is a little peek at a page from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 1:13b
I've just drawn a picture of Jesus as he will be in Revelation 19 riding a white horse coming with his angels and I'm really keen to show you that one, but I'm going to hold off until it is coloured.
If you'd like to get to see the new full-colour pages of Mark like this as they are completed you can do so by becoming a patron of this project and giving a small donation of $1 a month or more. You can even get video blogs that are about 30-60 minutes long every two weeks with information about the historical research and the artist development of the comic.
Please go to Patreon to find out more and get involved!
https://www.patreon.com/WordforWordBibleComic
If you were one of our very special Kickstarter backers for the Gospel of Mark, then keep an eye out for the PDF instalment two, which will be out in the next two weeks. It's more than 20 complete pages the gospel or Mark!
(Note: Be sure to check your Kickstarter profile has your current email address. Digital rewards for all pledges of £15 or more)
Size Comparison
The first 1000 copies of Judges are now starting to run very low. We will be reprinting them, of course, but if you'd like to get the original larger format copy before they disappear please get your orders in straight away! We've got about 7 copies here and there are a few at the distributor's warehouse.
We also have about 40 of the special Collector's editions (these are numbered as one of the first 100 prints, they are signed and have a unique hand-drawn a sketch on the inside cover).
So if you are a collector or you think this comic will be as big a Harry Potter one day, here's your chance to get one of the limited first editions.
We have passed the halfway point with regards to creating the uncoloured pages! Phew! We are currently on target to finish by July, ready for the summer events and sending out the book to Kickstarter backers! The official launch will be in September too.
Please pray that we continue to be productive and get this book finished in time and that some opportunities that are still in the air come through. Please pray that the Gospel of Mark will get a lot of media attention at its launch and that many people will ultimately read the Good News for the first time through these graphic novels.
#bgbg2
We are steadily doing more and more pages. We have had several minors setbacks like my wife's broken foot, a funeral and then several bouts of illness from various members of the family. Hopefully, things will calm down now and we can start catching up.
Here's how far we are along so far.
Tomorrow I'm off to CRE for the day as a punter, many of you may also be there too, so give me an email if you have a stall or you wanna say hi. Our book will be there on display at the CLC stand too so if you're there with a friend be sure to drag them over an get some.
creonline.co.uk
We are beginning to run low on the first edition of the Judges books. I have about 80 here and there are some waiting for distribution, so if you'd like to get hold of these original, larger size, numbered first editions please get those orders in asap!
Shop link : https://wordforwordbiblecomic.squarespace.com/buy/
We are preparing the second edition for print now. It will be the smaller size that Joshua and Ruth are, and we will be adjusting the font to allow for the smaller format.
A great gift for family and friends that you are keen to get more into the Bible! We look forward to sending them out to you and if you live far from the UK you may need to get these orders in soon to ensure they'll get there on time.
Exciting, right! We have decided to move away from those plastic bubblewrap jiffy bags to a more robust and environmentally friendly option of cardboard. For single books we have the reinforced envelop and for more these great all-card wallets.
If you are a praying person please help us pray that we can secure a recent opportunity to arrange USA shop distribution through a large US Christian distributor. I am really confident that this would mean a real boost for the company.
Please also pray for our continued health and productivity between now and the end of the Mark project so we can be ready for the summer events next year.
More and more of you are getting involved and supporting the Patreon! Thank you! I create videos explaining the pages in depth, including the research, artist choices, character design and more. So aside from supporting our work, you can learn more about the Bible and it's setting and see the pages of Mark as they are finished.
Example video
Go to :
https://www.patreon.com/WordforWordBibleComic
The launch has gone really well, bolstered by being featured in Christianity magazine, and our presence at the recent Christian Resources Together event.
What would be really helpful is to see some extra reviews on Amazon to helps improve the visibility of the book in searches and confidence of other people to buy!
Here are the links...
The Book and Kindle Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Book-Joshua-Bible-English-translation/dp/0995603529
The Book and Kindle Amazon USA-https://www.amazon.com/Book-Joshua-Bible-English-translation/dp/0995603529
ComiXology- http://bit.ly/2eHp90M
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35993102-the-book-of-joshua
My Plan for when Jesus tells a parable in the comic was to place them in different settings for the interest of the reader, to help understanding, a fresh way to see it and as a break from the 1st century. But is it a good idea?...
As parables are just 'stories' to illustrate a point, not memories, I thought it would be fun to change the setting. (Seen below). Here are some pros and cons:
PROs:
◦ Old familiar parables in a new light.
◦ More variety and thus more interesting.
◦ Break away from the 1st century.
◦ Help understanding- sometimes a modern setting helps modern reader understand the point.
◦ A hint that Jesus' examples are not limited to his human experience.
◦ A wider variety of places and ethnic people groups can be used.
CONs:
◦ Too Jarring and Incongruous.
◦ Uneducated people might get confused.
◦ Not the right feel for the "historically accurate" project.
◦ Some people may really hate it/think it's silly.
CONSIDERATIONS:
◦ The parables are clearly differentiated from the story with this pink colour scheme. (see Below)
◦ A foreword in the introduction to the book could be used so people expect it.
◦ The new setting would always support all the points of the original stories.
◦ Though the events are not in the same time period they will themselves be internally historically accurate.
EXAMPLES:
◦ Good Samaritan: Modern day Palestine
◦ Faithful Servant: Victorian (upstairs downstairs)
◦ Sower: Modern day farmer and interpretation
◦ Rob strong man's house: Swashbuckler/pirate(below)
◦ Wicked Tenants: Medieval- noble son has father's heraldry.
◦ Prodigal Son: Heiji Japan (below)
Today, we are launching the Book of Joshua officially in print and digital formats. The book is now available to buy from our website, available on Amazon, in Christian book shops and the digital version will be available through Kindle and Comixology (Comixology on the 6th).
Since the last update, we've had some big blessings and a big set back, see below.
Promo Video- Please share!
Video Link for Sharing : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyZdJC6fN8w
Please share this video far and wide!
How to Support the Launch
I really need your help getting the word out about this launch.
Review on Amazon and Kindle: This one is so important! If you've already read our Book of Joshua that you bought face-to-face or got through Kickstarter then please go to the Amazon/Kindle listing and write a little review (ideally a good one). Having lots of customer reviews helps improve the visibility of the book in searches and confidence of other people to buy!
Here are the links...
Facebook/G+/Twitter etc: Please post about it, share the video, come and Like, Comment on and Share/RT our posts wherever you can find them on FB, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, Linkedin, YouTube, Tumblr you name it. Especially on the launch day (today) and over this weekend.
Here are the links if you are not following them already, you can even like and comment on some older posts to help them get seen too.
Received your Joshua preorder?: Please post about it :)
Please Pray :Please pray that this third book will take off, that new people will want to report and blog about it and include them in their radio shows. Please pray we sell lots of copies to help provide funds for the project and make it a success and so that more people will start to read the Bible.
On Monday this week, my wife broke her foot! Not skydiving or rally-racing but putting the laundry out. She will be off her feet for 4-8 WEEKS! This has meant I've needed to stop work during the day and look after the kids who are on their school holiday to do all her many chores, which is totally not tiring, honest
Our church has rallied around though and we have a people bringing meals on a rota for the next two weeks and a few people who have taken the boys out so I can do some work. Thankfully, the eldest boy is back at school this Tuesday and the younger is going to start school on the next Monday so they will be at school most of the time which will help.
If you are a praying person, please pray for a miraculous recovery. A few years ago, Sian broke her wrist falling off her bike and someone at church prayed for healing and at the review, with the Consultant, a week later told her it was not broken and as he couldn't explain it, he insisted there must have been a misdiagnosis or something. So, please pray.
Last weekend we attended our Regional Church gathering called Together at Westpoint, in Devon UK. A hundred or so of you signed up for this mailing list at the time so a big welcome to you!
The stall did pretty well selling the books, and I ran a workshop about The Art of Creating Comics. I have a recording and I will be posting it in sections on our YouTube channel.
I addition to that we were very blessed by God prompting people to give us financial gifts to support the project and/or us as a family, each one hundreds of pounds. We take this as a real encouragement and thank God for his provision.
Patreon off to a great start. Come and join us!
Our Patreon page was launched two weeks ago, and there are 11 patrons, together donating over $40/month to help keep us going.
If "Patreon" is new to you, put simply it's a way to donate $1/month (or more) to an artist to allow them to continue making art. In exchange, you get rewards!
In this case, you can see the pages of the Gospel of Mark as they are completed which will be up to a year before they are in print! And at a high tier, a "behind the scenes" video every two weeks about those pages, the historical research, bible insights and process. (Example at bottom of the pages)
Check out the page! See the video! Find out about the other rewards and more here...
https://www.patreon.com/WordforWordBibleComic
Please consider being a patron and share the link with your friends!
Today we have launched the Patreon!
If "Patreon" is new to you, put simply it's a way to donate $1/month (or more) to an artist to allow them to continue making art. In exchange, you get rewards!
In this case, you can see the pages of the Gospel of Mark as they are completed which will be up to a year before they are in print! And at a high tier, a "behind the scenes" video every two weeks about those pages, the historical research, bible insights and process. (Example at bottom of the pages)
Check out the page! See the video! Find out about the other rewards and more here...
https://www.patreon.com/WordforWordBibleComic
Please consider being a patron and share the link with your friends!
Progress
We are starting the ball rolling on creating pages for the Book of Mark now. As ever, getting the ball rolling often feels slow to start, every new place researched, every new character needing character design and with such "minor" characters of the Bible as Peter the Apostle, the Devil and Jesus one needs to be careful to depict them right.
It will be the summer "holidays" in a few days, which will mean the kid not being at school and under our foot. The plan is that I will still be working the same amount but this is alway a challenge.
Joshua Launch and Pre-Order Now!
The date is fixed to the first of September! I have a few places lined up to promote it. One that I'm really excited about is Christianity Magazine August issue. It is going to be an interview rather just a review and it was going to be a page and now as they had some room they are expanding it to three pages! Such a blessing!
If you have any contacts with magazines, radio stations or podcasts that I should be asking, please let me know.
You can pre-order Joshua NOW on our website! This means you pay now and we will send it to get to you on September the 1st.
(If you buy a Joshua bundle the whole set will be sent together at that time.)
https://wordforwordbiblecomic.squarespace.com/buy
This Month's Blessings
We are constantly relying on the Lord for the funding of this project, this month we were donated £1,000 by someone in our local church who wanted to support us and £300 by someone who found us online and wanted to donate. We are super grateful for the generous spirit of these wonderful people but also to God for putting this project on their heart.
Also, we attended a Christian Men's conference called "The Gathering" in a field near Swindon. We did really well and again got some more funds to keep this crazy project rolling.
A friend through Christian Comic Art Society and backer Luis contacted me and offered to have a copy of each of our books and our leaflets on their stand and the CCAS stand at...only the bloomin' San Deigo Comic Con International starting this Thursday!
Patreon
We are excited to be launching our very own Patreon next month! It will give you the opportunity to become even more involved with the work, still more up to date with the newly created pages and of course financially support the work. If you've already supported as a Kickstarter backer who has given a big pledge or donation in advance this is probably not for you, but for everyone else it's a small monthly subscription of $1 or so that gives you special benefits.
You will get to see the pages as they are completed each month, about 10 or so, and you can comment on them and be among the first people to see them. This means you can also suggest changes if necessary and point out of anything is confusing or could be misinterpreted. If we get several Patrons and they are keen we might even do a monthly "Google Hangout" thing.
Running a Patreon takes a little effort with uploading pictures and answering comments and questions so I'll need several Patrons to make it worth while, so if you can spare a dollar or more a month we'd be super grateful.
The next newsletter will come out when it launches.
The New Facebook Group
The new "Word for Word Bible Comic: Research, discussion and community" group is proving very useful, with many people enjoying finding out all about the historical research but also discussing the Bible and helping me to research things where I have hit a brick wall.
If you haven't already joined please do so...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/wordforwordbiblecomiccommunity/
Prayer Requests
Please continue to pray for the comic to get out there more and more, that it does well at the San Diego Comin Con, and many people read the article in Premier. Please pray this book launch goes well and we sell lots of copies. As ever please pray for the financial provision and good health of the team and family and for us to have a stress free summer "holiday".
