Personally, I think using anime/manga as a vehicle to tell Biblical stories is a smart idea, regardless of where you stand on religion.
Features of Manga Messiah that provide context of the four gospels include illustrated character profiles and family trees of key Biblical characters, as well as maps of Galilee, Samaria and Judea.
Manga Messiah contrasts with secular manga and also stands out in the Christian marketplace. Unlike general market manga, which may reveal a Shintoist influence or contain erotic elements, Manga Messiah offers positive content with accurate Biblical messages. And unlike the “manga-style” art offered in other books in the Christian market, Manga Messiah features art made by some of Japan’s most popular manga artists.
Anime News Network has some more information, as well as a glimpse of the cover.
It’s interesting that they mention the more edgy elements of general market manga, considering that the Bible actually has its share of material you wouldn’t typically discuss in polite company. This got me to thinking: what if they picked someone like Oh! Great to do the manga version of the Old Testament? Or what if Gonzo was put in charge of the anime version?
And, oh btw,
| Spoiler Inside | Show |
|---|---|
This post was written by...
Kabitzin – who has written 1970 posts on Sea Slugs! Anime Blog.
One of the founders of Sea Slugs, I handle most of the blog admin tasks while wearing my I AM BOSS shirt. I like my action series well choreographed, and my romance series extra trashy. I also have a soft spot for puns.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
You left out the other, more important bit.
“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.”
Penetrate? Adult world-filter. End of story.
SCREW YOU I WAS ONLY AT GENESIS
I kid, I kid.
So why did they nail him to a cross?
*looks at spoilers* *checks name* *cries quietly in corner*
You know, I completely forgot I had Kamichu in my hard drive! Thanks!
The Gonzo version would basically only have Sodom and Gommorah animated in Speed Grapher style.
Moses, animated by Gainax.
Moses: “Leave me alone! Get some other sod to do your dirty work!”
God: “No Moses, it has to be you. I command it.”
Moses: “*whines* Why torment me so?”
The story of Moses is my favourite. Here we have a representative of God who is ill-tempered, cranky, abusive, crude, reluctant, etc… and still kicks ass via Biblical plagues and mass murder of first-borns. Bonus points for being one of the sole few with balls big enough to argue with God in a crass manner.
Moses: “It wasn’t me! God did it!”
You could probably make a Shounen/comedy series out of it. ^^;
Cheers.
Hehe, all good suggestions. I am reminded of Stripey’s Heaven and Hell list.