The Third Day ~ New Graphic Novel Review by the Tiede Boys

Know anyone who is a graphic novel / comic book fan ?  We have a couple of them in my house.  My guys love to pick up a good graphic novel or comic book when they can.  They were delighted when we had the chance to review The Third Day, a new graphic novel style book from The Good Book Company.  This book is different from other graphic novels in that the authors took direct Scripture from the Gospel of Luke 22-24 (Holman). We know the scenes depicted best as the Last Supper, the Betrayal, the Crucifixion of Jesus, and the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus.  Yes, the events of Holy Week in a book reviewed during Holy Week!  Imagine that!

Since they are such graphic novel fans, the Tiede boys were happy to help with the review!

The Bottom Line

Caleb- Age 11

I thought this book was pretty good.  I especially liked the scenes which showed the crucifixion. I liked how close these scenes were to the Bible. I like graphic novels because there are fewer words and expressive pictures.  Usually graphic novels have bright colors, but these illustrations feel like they are more realistic colors that match the mood and the time period. I think the illustrations were really well done.  Most graphic novels have a lot of dialogue and this one doesn’t. I missed that a little.

Ben- Age 13

I think it was really neat that the book uses the exact words from the Bible. Some people who might not be willing to read the Bible, may be willing to read the gospel story in this format. That makes this a great book! In my opinion, the crucifixion wasn’t as realistic as it should have been. The illustrators showed more blood during the part when the soldier’s ear was cut off. In contrast, Jesus’s crucifixion didn’t show any wounds or blood.  I think it misrepresents what Jesus went through for our sins. He suffered, but we don’t get that from the illustrations.

The Final Verdict!

The book is wonderfully illustrated and so captures the emotion behind the scenes  and passion of the week. I love the idea of this series.  I think that there is a definite group of teens and even younger or older kids (aka adults) who will be intrigued by this series.  The tough part of this project is getting it all to come together–the visual with the actual Word of God.  It must not have been an easy feat!  I think that there are areas it really shines.  There are other areas it was harder to get the same feel as what a regular reader of a graphic novel expects. In all, I  think this was worth reading and checking out.  I hope that they have success in this project and that additional title will be released.

Book Description

“The Third Day” is the first in a range of short graphic-novel-style books faithfully illustrating the unadorned text of the gospel of Luke. It has a gritty, contemporary feel to it that is far removed from the clean, bright, graphic versions of the Bible already available for younger children. This resource will introduce the biblical account of Easter to teens and young adults who enjoy reading illustrated graphic media.

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: The Good Book Company (February 15, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1909919551
• ISBN-13: 978-1909919556
• Product Dimensions:  10 x 6.6 x 0.2 inches
• Retail Price: $6.99
• Available at:
• Amazon
• The Good Book Company

 

 

Author

Alex Webb-Peploe is an illustrator and web designer. He lives in Cheltenham, England with Hilary and his young son Caleb.

 

Notice: I received a complimentary e-book for an honest review of this title through Shaun Tabatt at  Cross-Focused Reviews and The Good Book Company