EYE WITNESS: BOOK 1, BOOK 2, & BOOK 3

written and illustrated by Robert James Luedke

published by Head Press Publishing

reviewed by Adam Armstrong

 12.28.08

Holy crap! Well…the crap parts right.

Eye Witness is the retelling of certain parts of the bible in graphic novel format while intertwining a modern day story of discovery and espionage. Book one is about Terry Harper a famed archeologist that finds a first person account of the Passion story. Book two is about the resurrection and the persecution of the apostles by Saul of Tarsus, also Dr. Harper’s recovery after a car bombing. Book three tells the tale of Saul of Tarsus becoming Paul the apostle and Dr. Harper’s escape from those trying to kill him.

I found lots of things wrong with this series. Inserting modern language usage, slang, and poor attempts at humor into biblical stories were constant distractions. Most of the drawings made the apostles, and a few times Jesus, look insane. I doubt that Israel would try to cover up any gospel discovered, even if it ran counter to what was believed; it would make more sense to dismiss the new gospel. A forensic archeologist who specializes in Abrahamic religious history would be fully aware of the stories of Jesus and they would be well educated on most religions in general if that was the focus of their work.

I find that the Graphic Novel, while a great medium for all kinds of storytelling, isn’t the best vehicle for retelling biblical stories.

1 out of 5