This is a clever mini that's about points of view and description. Taking key portions of the Old Testament, Smith quotes extensively from Stephen's Defense in the Book of Acts, then quotes the original scripture, then provides an illustration--all in just 9 pages. It's a clever comic that's both a straightforward depiction of an event, and a commentary as an interpretation of an interpretation of an event that may or may not have happened--but has enormous importance. Joann Sfar's Rabbi character in THE RABBI'S CAT described Judaism as different from Western (Hegelian) thought, which is thesis, antithesis, synthesis. The history of Jewish thought, he explained, is thesis, antithesis, antithesis, antithesis, and so on. This mini is another step in the argument, providing a visual interpretation of the events that is action-oriented on nearly every page. An angel dramatically swoops in to prevent Abraham from sacrificing Isaac; Moses gets a magic glowing staff from god that cures snake bites; various epic battles are fought. Smith gets across the quite visceral experience of reading the Old Testament, a tact that is quite different from the purposes of either Stephen or the original Torah. It's quite a clever little project.
Thanks Rob. I was excited to see him mention Joann Sfar in the review. Sfar is one of my absolute favorite people making comics today. Rob also talks about my pal Josh Latta's new book which seems to be racking up the positive reviews. I'll review Josh's stuff at file under other soon. (I promise. Really.) I thoroughly recommend you lovers of things worth loving to visit Sequart. It is a great comics resource. Don't forget that you can still buy the Small Bible here.
Your best pal ever,
Shannon Smith
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