Manga Majesty: The Revelation of the End Times (Manga Bible #6)

Reviewed by:

G. Connor Salter, Professional Writing alumnus from Taylor University, Upland, IN.

Title:

Manga Majesty: The Revelation of the End Times (Manga Bible #6)

Author:

Ryō Azumi (art and script)

Publisher:

NEXTmanga and Tyndale House Publishers

Publication Date:

September 2019

Format:

Paperback

Length:

144 pages

OVERVIEW

In the mid-2000s, the nonprofit NEXT started a series of manga adaptations of the Bible. The first book, Manga Messiah, appeared in 2007-2008, followed by four prequels and sequels covering major stories from the Bible. Manga Majesty tops off the series by telling the story of the Apostle John experiencing visions which become the book of Revelation. Readers follow John as he sees each vision, with the accompanying Biblical text alongside the illustrations.

Some readers may balk at the idea of telling the Bible in any comic book format (manga or otherwise), especially since in this case the author opens the book with an extrabiblical scene showing Nero and other Roman emperors persecuting Christians. Ultimately though, the changes here are no different than the kind of changes other writers have made for “audio Bibles,” Biblical epics and other mediums. If there’s any problem, the problem isn’t with manga but with the idea of Biblical adaptations at all.

Once readers move past that issue, they will find a pretty good adaptation of Revelation. The artwork is stellar and its Japanese style shakes up audience expectations, helping them get past the stereotypical “men in bathrobes with beards” images they acquired in Sunday School. Some readers may object to one scene which interprets the Prostitute of Babylon as ancient Rome, but this ends up being a minor issue. Every page has a label listing whichever Biblical passage is illustrated, so readers can easily go back to the original text.

An entertaining adaptation of one of the Bible’s most unusual chapters.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5 stars)

4 stars out of 5 stars

Suggested Audience

Manga or anime fans who are interested in Biblical fiction or adaptations of Bible stories.

Christian Impact

This story will present the Book of Revelation to a new audience of readers.