31st October, 2008

KRIS BATHER

Hand of Morningstar and Timeflyz

"Parents, next time you're picking up a Christian book or CD you might want to check out the Zondervan Graphic Novels. Either your kids will be more intrigued and curious about the Bible, or they'll become avid comic book readers. Either way, you're on to a winner."

Kids love comics. However comics don't always love kids. Enamoured though they may be by the likes of Batman and Iron Man, their big screen adventures aren't necessarily kid-friendly material. Nor are their comics. All this can make parents wisely cautious when it comes to buying stuff that will entertain their children without making them grow up too quickly.

That's where Zondervan come in. They're not alone in publishing comics tailored for both children and adults, but they are certainly doing a great job in creating a wealth of unique tales that parents need not be concerned about.

One of the world's largest Christian publishers, Zondervan moved into comics publishing last year. It was a wise move, and considering their continual output, I can only assume it was a successful one too. With their Z Graphic Novels imprint crafting such diverse tales as Tomo and Son of Samson plus the well-received Manga Bible, all with world-class creators, there is now something for the young 'ens following their parents on their next trip to the Christian bookstore. Each of the titles consists of a series of books released a few months apart, and is in the popular manga digest format with black and white art, which means they are relatively inexpensive.

Hand of the Morningstar would have to be my favourite book in the line and was surprising enough to capture the attention of this 20 year comic reading fan. Written by Brett Burner and Mike Miller, with striking art by Miller, Morningstar follows the adventures of a team of superheroes. The first two volumes (Advent and Resurrection) introduce readers to these five new heroes who serve an unknown master. Each of the characters (Titan, Avatar, Kami, Kwan Yin and Shango) are different enough in appearance, personality and powers for every reader to have a fave. They consider themselves to be the five fingers of their leader Morningstar, thus their group name. The story in these two volumes (of a current total of five) is riveting, with more twists than a hurricane, and Miller's art has just as much punch as the numerous action scenes. With its themes of faith and redemption, it doesn't shy away from combining superheroics with faith affirming messages and would be a great gift to comic book fans in any youth group.

Timeflyz is another series in the line and is targeted more for kids than Morningstar is. It seems like a classic Saturday morning cartoon put to paper. And that's a good thing. The younger audience will certainly appreciate the cast of characters and the humour that comes from their different personalities. The Flies are five cyborg flies that visit average young girl Laurel Templeton and take her on some far from average missions in order to save her kidnapped scientist father, and the world, from the evil spider Darchon, who possesses all the powers that the Flies have individually. The first volume, Pyramid Peril, is written by Ben Avery (who also writes Zondervan's Kingdoms: A Biblical Epic) and pencilled by Indonesian artist Adi Darda Gaudiamo, and is told from Laurel's point of view as she meets all the flies, gains her own suit and whisks through time visiting Egyptian slaves. The second volume, Turtle Trouble has Laurel and the tiny hi-tech soldiers going forward in time to the days of the American Revolution, where they meet Benjamin Franklin and other historical figures, plus do battle with a cyborg turtle. Timeflyz is almost as fast paced as Morningstar, but takes itself less seriously and would appeal more to younger readers. It would also be a great tool for adventurous Sunday School teachers, with its emphasis on history, Biblical references and the importance of family and friendship.

Parents, next time you're picking up a Christian book or CD you might want to check out the Zondervan Graphic Novels. Either your kids will be more intrigued and curious about the Bible, or they'll become avid comic book readers. Either way, you're on to a winner.

If you’re curious, you can check out Zondervan’s dedicated website which has more than enough previews and info to get you up to speed.

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