The Bible is arguably the most important book ever published in the western world. Whether it is the Old Testament comprising the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament comprising the Christian Bible, or both collaboratively, The Bible has become a landmark of world literature. The following authors and artists have exercised their talents to give the age-old biblical form a more modern look.
Modern Bible in Cartoon
In 2007, Doubleday published a preview version of The Manga Bible. Due to its unexpected success, this graphic novel version of The Bible was released in full form a year later in 2008. The graphic art in the novel was produced by comic book artist, Suki. Bright reds and oranges background warrior-like biblical figures, giving The Manga Bible a look that is exciting and cool for readers.
The biblical tales are told in typical Manga style, using flashbacks within the story telling and aggressive character confrontations where the literature allows for it. Throughout the book, "want-to-know-more" tags are included, providing readers with more specific chapter and verse references to use if they should so choose.
The Bible - A Magazine
Former Swedish advertising executive, Dag Soderberg, created a 450-page magazine complete with glossy photos, entitled The Book (2007). The Book is a full and unedited Swedish version of the Old Testament. Soderberg is quoted as, "want [ing] it to be well spread, to create a buzz." Whether one is religious or not, Soderberg feels that The Bible has formed society's history and heritage, and created the foundation for moral conduct.
In 2008, the sequel, Bible Illuminated: The Book: New Testament, was published. Once again, Soderberg lays out the literature in the format of a high-end magazine complete with full-color, glossy, provocative and contemporary photographs. The goal of both publications is not one from a religious stand-point, but rather to engage readers in emotional and intellectual conversation.
The Bible in LEGO
With more than 3,600 LEGO illustrations and 300 plus Bible stories, Brick Testament (2003), is the largest compilation of illustrated Bible stories in the world. Author, Brendan Powell Smith, created the first book in the series, Brick Testament: Stories from the Book of Genesis, by including ten well-known Bible stories in a never-before-seen manner. The stories are combined with references to traditional scripture, and, most importantly, full color photographs of meticulously built LEGO models.
Since 2003, Smith has embarked on an artistic journey, producing a Brick Testament for each of the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments. Other unique titles include: The Brick Testament: The Ten Commandments (2004) and The Brick Testament: The Story of Christmas (2004), among many others.
Modernized Bibles
In attempts to make one of the oldest and arguably, the most influential piece of western literature a more enjoyable read to the common reader, artists and authors are using their talents to create modernized versions of The Bible. Whether in graphic novel, magazine, or fully illustrated child-like story form, there is sure to be a version of The Bible that appeals to the religious and non-religious alike.
Sources:
Camster, M. "Ultra Modern Bible in Cartoon." Trendhunter.com. 8 Jan 2008. Accessed 4 Nov 2010.
G, Lauren. "Brick Testament." Trendhunter.com. 3 Aug 2008. Accessed 4 Nov 2010.
thischick. "Modern Bible." Trendhunter.com. 8 May 2007. Accessed 4 Nov 2010.
Brandy Robertson - Brandy Robertson writes on a wide range of subjects including literature, religion, film and popular culture.
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