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Manga Bible #4
Manga Messiah
Manga (pronounced “mahn-ga”) is the Japanese word for comics. It has become a huge hit with American teens and tweens. Manga has emerged as the most popular comics category and is one of the fastest growing genres in American publishing. Appealing to kids and adults, readers will find this edgy rendition of the Gospel accounts both compelling and highly engaging. This authentic, cutting-edge art style is combined with fast-paced storytelling to deliver biblical truths to an ever-changing culture that is often a challenge to penetrate. This is genuine Japanese manga style, unlike other Christian “manga” books in the marketplace.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
August 14, 2023
The story of Jesus is told in this 'mangaized' form. Quotes from the Bible are cited on each page. Very moving and inspirational with art that is simple yet effective in helping to convey the message of Jesus. A very nice introduction to some of the core concepts of Christianity presented in a unique way.
January 10, 2015
My very first manga. I really liked this! I did not know that manga is fun to read. Or maybe because this is about Yeshua (Jesus). I have read the whole Bible a few years back. Also, read and hear parts if it since I was a little boy since I was born Catholic. But oh my, I really enjoyed looking at the pictures of the characters in this book. All the characters in this book are wide-eyed in innocence and most of them have flawless skin and winsome smiles. Soo cuuute!
For example, in this picture are Thomas the Twin, Andrew the brother of Peter, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot. Who would have imagined these not-so-known, not-well liked, mostly secondary disciples to look this cute that you would like to collect them if they were collectible figures? haha?
Kidding aside, this book, my first of the Bible Manga, is a joy to read. It is a much-needed distraction from reading religion books, including the Bible, that are texts only. It made me remember the minor characters and summarized, very succinctly, the teachings of Christ. It even provided the right emotion to the funny scenes in the bible as mentioned by James Martin in his book that I recently read Between Heaven and Mirth: Why Joy, Humor, and Laughter Are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life (4 stars). An example of this was when Peter refused Jesus to wash His feet. Jesus said that he would not be able to join Him in heaven. So, Peter responded that Jesus that only was his feet but also his head and hands. That was supposed to be funny but in the Roman Catholic church they put a serious meaning to it and even made a very a very sad song that they sing during the Lenten season.
Yesterday, I bought the second book of this series. I promised myself that for 2015 I will not to buy more religion books but I'd like to see what happens next. For me, when it comes to books, New years resolutions are now becoming for January 1st only. I love books and reading so there I go, buying books again!
For example, in this picture are Thomas the Twin, Andrew the brother of Peter, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot. Who would have imagined these not-so-known, not-well liked, mostly secondary disciples to look this cute that you would like to collect them if they were collectible figures? haha?Kidding aside, this book, my first of the Bible Manga, is a joy to read. It is a much-needed distraction from reading religion books, including the Bible, that are texts only. It made me remember the minor characters and summarized, very succinctly, the teachings of Christ. It even provided the right emotion to the funny scenes in the bible as mentioned by James Martin in his book that I recently read Between Heaven and Mirth: Why Joy, Humor, and Laughter Are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life (4 stars). An example of this was when Peter refused Jesus to wash His feet. Jesus said that he would not be able to join Him in heaven. So, Peter responded that Jesus that only was his feet but also his head and hands. That was supposed to be funny but in the Roman Catholic church they put a serious meaning to it and even made a very a very sad song that they sing during the Lenten season.
Yesterday, I bought the second book of this series. I promised myself that for 2015 I will not to buy more religion books but I'd like to see what happens next. For me, when it comes to books, New years resolutions are now becoming for January 1st only. I love books and reading so there I go, buying books again!
April 3, 2015
At first, the phrase at the back cover that said "Do you dare to read His story... even if it may change your life forever?" was just an exaggeration for me, but just reading the first chapters of the manga made me think that I was wrong. It really is a life changer.
I liked how the team summarize the whole life of Jesus in a smart, concise way, especially when it comes to his teachings and parables. I also liked on how the story highlighted the apostles and the places as well. Usually, it was only Peter that I remembered a lot in the Gospel every Sunday, but thanks to this, I further knew each of them (except Thadeus, James the Lesser, and Simon the Zealot) To be honest, it was just then that I found out that Peter has a brother. Another one--of course, being a manga--was the chibi drawings. They were indeed cute and lighted the parts I used to find boring.
On the down side, I found some parts to have fast phasing, especially the Passion and Persecution part--which I believed the most important part. This part also lacked low impact to the reader since beside they already knew that Yeshuah would suffered under persecution (I mean Jesus's story is really famous around the world) the drawing in this part has little suffering portrayed. I also wished they made most of Yeshuah's speeches easily comprehensible. Let's be honest, Jesus's words were really way too deep and I found myself often stopping just to reflect and analyze it.
Nevertheless, the manga itself was overall more understandable and attractive than the Bible. Not that I dislike the Bible but if I would be sharing the story of Jesus to a kid, I would use the Manga as an instrument because it easily grabs the attention of anyone.
I would give Manga Messiah a complete 5 stars since the book really would change anyone's life and left this explainable feeling of joy in my heart.
I liked how the team summarize the whole life of Jesus in a smart, concise way, especially when it comes to his teachings and parables. I also liked on how the story highlighted the apostles and the places as well. Usually, it was only Peter that I remembered a lot in the Gospel every Sunday, but thanks to this, I further knew each of them (except Thadeus, James the Lesser, and Simon the Zealot) To be honest, it was just then that I found out that Peter has a brother. Another one--of course, being a manga--was the chibi drawings. They were indeed cute and lighted the parts I used to find boring.
On the down side, I found some parts to have fast phasing, especially the Passion and Persecution part--which I believed the most important part. This part also lacked low impact to the reader since beside they already knew that Yeshuah would suffered under persecution (I mean Jesus's story is really famous around the world) the drawing in this part has little suffering portrayed. I also wished they made most of Yeshuah's speeches easily comprehensible. Let's be honest, Jesus's words were really way too deep and I found myself often stopping just to reflect and analyze it.
Nevertheless, the manga itself was overall more understandable and attractive than the Bible. Not that I dislike the Bible but if I would be sharing the story of Jesus to a kid, I would use the Manga as an instrument because it easily grabs the attention of anyone.
I would give Manga Messiah a complete 5 stars since the book really would change anyone's life and left this explainable feeling of joy in my heart.
October 7, 2012
It may not be for all tastes but this Manga is a good read. What I found so entertaining is that they took all the tropes from secular manga in terms of facial expressions and put them in one of the greatest stories ever told. I would recommend this to not just hardcore Christians but also people who want to know more about Christ and his story without sitting through a church service or tackling the bible and getting lost in complicated wording!
January 14, 2011
I really glad that the Gospel is written not only in different language but also in different format. Previously I found the comical Full Bible made by Korean. Now I found and joyfully read the 'Manga' one. The character is really handsome and pretty just like Japanese Manga-ers always draw.
Spectacular!!!
Spectacular!!!
December 9, 2021
"Manga Messiah" is proof that there are always fresh ways to retell the story at the heart of the Christian faith.
While seeing the ways that the artists chose to portray the Gospels in the manga format were often rewarding--and sometimes amusing--one of my favorite things about Manga Messiah was when the story emphasized subtle connections that I had never really thought about.
For example, when the tax collector Zacchaeus invites Jesus to his house, someone in the crowd says that Jesus shouldn't go to his house because Zacchaeus is a "greedy, selfish tax collector!"
In the artists' version of this scene, the disciple Matthew (another former tax collector) happens to be standing by when the person says this, and he says "Hey!" with an offended expression on his face.
That moment technically isn't in the text, but it made me smile. It totally could have happened that way! (It's also a way of doubling down on the point that Jesus went out of His way to hang out with people who were hated by the average person)
Excellent work -- I love this and intend to get the earlier volumes in the series!
While seeing the ways that the artists chose to portray the Gospels in the manga format were often rewarding--and sometimes amusing--one of my favorite things about Manga Messiah was when the story emphasized subtle connections that I had never really thought about.
For example, when the tax collector Zacchaeus invites Jesus to his house, someone in the crowd says that Jesus shouldn't go to his house because Zacchaeus is a "greedy, selfish tax collector!"
In the artists' version of this scene, the disciple Matthew (another former tax collector) happens to be standing by when the person says this, and he says "Hey!" with an offended expression on his face.
That moment technically isn't in the text, but it made me smile. It totally could have happened that way! (It's also a way of doubling down on the point that Jesus went out of His way to hang out with people who were hated by the average person)
Excellent work -- I love this and intend to get the earlier volumes in the series!
April 12, 2014
In all honesty, this is one of the best rendition Graphic-Manga-Novel series that depicts the life of Jesus apart from "The Picture Bible" that I once grew up with. With countless restrictions from where I come from, I'm really surprised that this book has managed to penetrate into our local Christian community.
After reading, I've done a little research myself on how this Manga project came about. I am really impressed of how much effort was taken through art, bubble conversations, and also on biblical accuracy. It's been a great pleasure to remind myself how much Jesus has went through for us. I love how every page there is a quote on scipture verses where and which book of the bible has been taken to illustrate by conveying His message.
Reaching out to peoeple who doesn't know His journey, I would say that this would be one of the best evangelical books to reach out to many who needs to know the Truth and Love that Jesus is still showing us until today. Let us all serve a greater friend, master, father and king by fulfilling His great commission.
After reading, I've done a little research myself on how this Manga project came about. I am really impressed of how much effort was taken through art, bubble conversations, and also on biblical accuracy. It's been a great pleasure to remind myself how much Jesus has went through for us. I love how every page there is a quote on scipture verses where and which book of the bible has been taken to illustrate by conveying His message.
Reaching out to peoeple who doesn't know His journey, I would say that this would be one of the best evangelical books to reach out to many who needs to know the Truth and Love that Jesus is still showing us until today. Let us all serve a greater friend, master, father and king by fulfilling His great commission.
December 31, 2010
Reminds me of the Flying House and Super Book anime.
A great effort in converting Christ's story to manga. Using the names Yeshuah, Miryam, Yosef, etc instead of the usual english equivalent we see how the author wanted to make an account that is as correct as possible. We can still find inconsistencies but above that we see a work that is made with a heart of love, ministry and dedication > things that are essential to evangelism. I like it how the author braved into saying "do you dare to read his story... even if it may change your life forever?' since His story was never meant to entertain us or be just another story. As CS Lewis puts it, "If you are thinking of becoming a Christian, I warn you, you are embarking on something which is going to take the whole of you, brains and all."
A must have for manga collectors and Christians who understand that anime/manga is not evil nor good but is simply another neutral tool.
A great effort in converting Christ's story to manga. Using the names Yeshuah, Miryam, Yosef, etc instead of the usual english equivalent we see how the author wanted to make an account that is as correct as possible. We can still find inconsistencies but above that we see a work that is made with a heart of love, ministry and dedication > things that are essential to evangelism. I like it how the author braved into saying "do you dare to read his story... even if it may change your life forever?' since His story was never meant to entertain us or be just another story. As CS Lewis puts it, "If you are thinking of becoming a Christian, I warn you, you are embarking on something which is going to take the whole of you, brains and all."
A must have for manga collectors and Christians who understand that anime/manga is not evil nor good but is simply another neutral tool.
May 12, 2008
I really enjoyed this manga. It caught my eye at Books A Million the other day, and me being my manga self, picked up a copy.
The art was really interesting, a tad different than what I'm used to. But it was better than I thought it would be.
It was an overall great manga. I think they followed the biblical story line pretty well. Though they use Jesus's jewish name, so that might throw you off at first. It did me, 'till I realized it. I was confused about it for a little bit.
The art was really interesting, a tad different than what I'm used to. But it was better than I thought it would be.
It was an overall great manga. I think they followed the biblical story line pretty well. Though they use Jesus's jewish name, so that might throw you off at first. It did me, 'till I realized it. I was confused about it for a little bit.
February 17, 2016
This one was very good. I loved the art, and the story was easy to read. It presented Jesus' story well with all the Gospel stories and timeline fitted together nicely. I loved how in the back of the book it has a map of Israel and a list of characters for you to get to know them more. This book is one I have given as a gift many times.
May 16, 2012
Manga Messiah revolutionized the way children can read and actually know what the Bible says. The fully-illustrated graphics make the whole reading idea fun and exciting. Though, it is still about Jesus Christ's life, so we should consider this book really sacred and something to care about.
May 16, 2012
This book completely understands and pictures out what would Jesus do, or doesn't do. The expression on Jesus' face and even the way he act. Set in a Manga version of our Gospel books, and materializes those events that takes place beyond we can see.
April 11, 2014
"Flagship" of the NEXTmanga series, one of the most-shared books about Jesus is published in over 25 languages. Explains to others why Christians are the "Easter people" and really helps give an understanding of how Jesus is both God and man. One of my favorites!
September 8, 2012
Really brought the bible to life.
July 21, 2013
It's probably one of the easiest ways to describe Jesus' life and help some kids understand it more than actually reading the bible. (The first time I read it, I couldn't help myself so I cried.)
Read
July 24, 2013The best comic book on Jesus Christ by far!
November 6, 2013
I cried all the way till the end.
December 31, 2014
Remarkable illustrations and writings from the New Testament. Love the expressions on the characters faces!
January 2, 2016
Soooo cool to see this in manga
August 17, 2016
I love when the Bible can come alive like this and be understood in a form appropriate for a specific population.
March 30, 2016
a great way of showing Jesus' life
March 25, 2009
I personally enjoy animes so when someone gave me this as a gift, I was really happy! It's a good start in knowing who Jesus is(for kids who don't read books without pictures).
Many of the people who saw me reading it said it was not proper for a Bible story to be in manga form. They said it was like making fun of Jesus. Well, I say, it's a work of art! Hidenori is good at making mangas so God used him and his abilities to spread the Word in a differently and no one should despise their fellow Christian for spreading the Word in an unusual way.
It's like a good refreshment to the ancient story.
Many of the people who saw me reading it said it was not proper for a Bible story to be in manga form. They said it was like making fun of Jesus. Well, I say, it's a work of art! Hidenori is good at making mangas so God used him and his abilities to spread the Word in a differently and no one should despise their fellow Christian for spreading the Word in an unusual way.
It's like a good refreshment to the ancient story.
March 7, 2016
This graphic novel in the popular Japanese Manga style sticks fairly closely to the Biblical account. The strongly-drawn illustrations will attract young readers and those who struggle to read English. I especially liked the unorthodox visions of angels that appear with a "Whooosh" as opposed to "Shazam!". Jesus is strongly masculine even if he isn't particularly Middle Eastern. (He is more a wide-eyed Japanese interpretation of anyone non-East Asian.) See www.nextmanga.com for other language availability.
December 3, 2010
i loved it especially because it is abt jesus
July 27, 2011
This is the only manga i know that tells a TRUE story of our Lord & Saviour, the Messiah. PTL!
December 1, 2014
This manga reminds me of the animé The Flying House (broadcasted by CBN- Christian Broadcasting Network) which I enjoyed watching when I was a kid.
May 24, 2014
This book is amazing, the telling of the greatest story ever in a new and fresh method. I would definitely recommend manga fans to read it!
December 11, 2015
A great production. Definitely feels like you're actually reading a modern manga. It also stays pretty true to the actual story. I enjoyed it immensely.
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March 29, 20205 stars.
April 24, 2018
I haven’t had this much fun reading the Bible since I was a kid! This is fabulous! I want to read the others!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews