This Week's Bible Comic: Matthew 13:31-33

Here are updated versions of the parable of the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32) and the parable of the yeast (Matthew 13:33). Both stories illustrate that seemingly small things and small actions can have a large impact in God's domain. A pdf file of the comic translation is available on my website: www.earnestillustrations.com

Bible Comics for the Season

This week marks the beginning of a series of bible comics based on the gospel lessons in the lectionary (Revised Common Lectionary). It features Revised versions of the parables I drew three years ago, along with new materials. The pdf's are available on my website: www.earnestillustrations.com . They will be added weekly, in preparation for the coming Sunday's lessons. This last week we featured the parable of the sower.

This week, we will be looking at the parable of the good seed and the weeds, from Matthew 13

Nicodemus, John 3:1-17, Bible Comic Translation

Dear friends,

the following is a favorite passage of mine, the encounter between Nicodemus and Jesus at night. The willingness of both Jesus and Nicodemus to open up, to ask questions, and share deep truths reminds me of the kind of conversations had over a campfire. While there is no direct mention of a fire in the gospel text, it is very much in the theme of darkness and light that runs so strongly in John's gospel.

As with other bible comic translations, please feel free to use this for meditation or ministry, to share with friends or people you hope to reach out to in the name and love of Christ. I wish you blessings in the season of Lent.

Earnest Graham

Bible Comic: Matthew 4:1-11, The Temptations

Just in time for the season of Lent, a comic translation of Jesus' temptations in the wilderness.

This bible comic translation is available for use in ministry, and to help share the good news in this new medium. This translation was commissioned by Ms. Marcy Thomas, and it is given to the glory of God, and in thanksgiving for St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Chesterfield Virginia, USA.

Thank you Marcy!

John 6:41-51 A Lenten Devotion

Here is a comic translation for an upcoming Lenten Devotional for St. Martin's Church. It features the story of Jesus declaring that he is the bread of Life. The scene reminds me of how easy it is to dismiss a person because we think we know them. The 'murmerers' in the story assume they know Jesus because they know (or know of) his parents. This is contrast with Jesus who is revealing the nature of his true Father, and the reason Jesus has come into the world.

Sponsor a Bible Translation

An invitation for churches, organizations or individuals who want to share the good news in a fresh new way--- sponsor a Bible Comic Translation.

I am currently working on comic translations of the Gospel lessons for the season of Lent, which will be March 13- April 10, 2011. The passages include:

• Matthew 4:1-11 Following his baptism, Jesus is tempted by Satan in the wilderness.
• John 3:1-17 A Pharisee named Nicodemus seeks Jesus at night.
• John 4:5-42 Jesus encounters a Samaritan Woman at the well.
• John 9:1-41 Jesus heals a man who has been blind since birth.
• John 11:1-45 Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead.
  

Each comic translation will consist of 4 comic pages. They will be made available in PDF format which can be downloaded for free from the Earnest Illustrations website http://www.earnestillustrations.com/.

How much does it cost to sponsor a comic translation? The cost is $500 per bible passage.

What will you receive? As a sponsor, you will receive:

• A dedication in the comic translation. The dedication can be on behalof of you, your church or organization, or in memory of a loved one. You will also be listed as a sponsor on the web page where the passage is downloaded. This may also include a link to your website, if you have one.
• 10 printed color copies of the translation.
• A CD with digital file of the translation, as well as other bible comic translations.
• 1 page of original artwork from the translation
• The benefit of knowing that the Good News of God’s word is being shared in a fresh new way with people around the world. They are being used by churches in worship, Sunday School classes, Small Group Bible Studies, and by people and families.

How do you sign up to be a Sponsor? Contact Earnest Graham by e-mail at earleygraham@aol.com . You can choose a specific passage from the list above. They will be available on a first-come first serve basis. Or you can simply say you want to sponsor a passage. (they are all good!)

Please sign up by February 25th to sponsor a passage for Lent.

Blessings to you all in this New Year!

Earnest

James 5:13-20

These are the final pages of the comic translation of James!

It has been a project one and a half years in the making, spanning two thousand years of Christian history, a true labor of love.

The project has challenged me to look deeper into my heart and my faith and seek to follow Christ in word and deed. Jame's message is not an easy one, but it resonates with a truth that is needed in our day, as it has always been needed.

The project has also given me the opportunity to venture into new territory for comic translation of the bible. I believe there is so much potential in this field, and we have only scratched it.

I would greatly appreciate any feedback you have on James. Please feel free to comment here, or send me an e-mail at earleygraham@aol.com.

James 5:12

Comic translation of James 5:12

How to Create a Bible Comic Part VII: Lettering

Here is the final stage of the Comic translation of Luke 2:41-52. The letters have been added to the color artwork using Adobe In Design.

How to Create a Bible Comic Part VIb.:Coloring

How to Create a Bible Comic Part VIa: Coloring

How to Create a Bible Comic Part V: Inking

Inking is the step when you make the drawing ready for publication. In traditional printing media, black and white ink reproduces easier and clearer. The inks on these pages were drawn directly on the penciled pages. It is also possible to scan them in and digitally ink the pages.

How to Create a Bible Comic Part IV: Penciling

The next step in creating the comic is to refine the details of the drawing. This is often called penciling, because you use a pencil- or other non permanenant way of drawing that allows you to make changes. Using the Layout as a rough guide, it is now time to fill in the details of characters and settings. This is a place to work out the perspective of the drawing.

How to Create a Bible Comic Part III- Layout

Now that the story is established, it is time to lay out the page and begin telling the story visually. Before going into the drawing in detail, it is very helpful to start with small, loose sketches, often called thumbnail sketches. Thumbnails sketches are used to compose the images (composition), to work out the movement from panel to panel (sequence), the camera angle, the perspective, basic facial expressions and gestures. You can also use the thumbnail to show lights and darks (tone), colors, and where word balloons will be. Planning at this stage, when it is fast and loose, saves a lot of time and trouble down the road.

These are my thumbnail sketches for Luke 2:41-52 (Jesus as a boy, at the temple). The sketches helped me to visualize the story, and how things would flow. Because it is small, it helps me to simplify images, and clarify parts of the story.

References: James Gurney's book "Imaginative Realism" has a good section on thumbnail sketches. (The whole book is a treasure trove of insight into illustration of every kind. I highly recommend it!)

Comic translation of James 5:7-11

Comic Translation of James 5:1-6

This scene depicts the words of James in 5:1-6 in the setting of 19th century Mexico. The greed and corruption of many landowners, and their oppression of workers seemed like a fitting picture for this passage in James.

Comic Translation of James 4:13-17