The Truth Is Out There: Brendan & Erc in Exile, Volume 1

by Amadeus

Brendan and Erc are just your average interplanetary mailmen trying to find their way in the galaxy. But one day, while piloting cargo through the far reaches of space, they suddenly find themselves on a journey they didn't expect: a journey to the truth. A totally new kind of resource for Catholic apologetics and evangelization, The Truth Is Out There combines the visual excitement and quirky humor of graphic novels with solid popular philosophy and theology. The result is a book in which everyone from teens to adults can find accessible answers to questions about God, the soul, true happiness, and much more and have fun doing it!

And because Brendan and Erc start their journey at the very beginning, readers don't have to be Catholic, or possess any kind of faith, to appreciate the thoughtful ideas and arguments they'll encounter. If you just have an open mind (and a sense of adventure) you will come away from these pages with a clearer sense of life's purpose, and a better understanding of the reasons for believing in God, Jesus, and the Church. And if you're already a believer, The Truth Is Out There will deepen your knowledge of the Faith and sharpen your skills at defending it.

Genres: Comics, Religion

120 pages, Paperback

First published May 30, 2013

Reviews

[Nikki in Niagara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I don't know where to begin. This was truly way more than I had expected! I think it is interesting to note that this is written & illustrated by a contemplative Monk using a "pen name" and from the whole tone of the book I would guess that he is a relatively young man. So let's start on the basic entertainment level. The artwork is fantastic! Done in a manga style with exaggerated facial expressions and the occasional chibi, mostly in black & white but with several full colour sequences which are outstanding. Extremely humorous which brought a smile to my face frequently, especially in the portrayal of the skeptic party-loving Erc. The book has a good story and plot as a framework. Set in space these two friends are interplanetary mail carriers who eventually are thrown into prison when they are framed for transporting illegal drugs. Brendan and Erc are amazing characters! They have two very distinct and different personalities and they look very different from each other but they are friends and equals conversing intelligently with each other while maintaining completely opposite philosophies of life. And this is where the meat and purpose of the book comes into play.

Inside this original graphic novel is an amazingly intense and deep theological discussion suitable for teens and new adults. Brendan is a questioning fellow and starts the age old conversation of why we are here? what is the meaning of life? They meet a few people along the way who explain about reason, the soul and eventually God. I was literally blown away with the depth and rationality of these discussions of the Christian faith from a Catholic perspective. Each discussion would include the one explaining with the answers being challenged with hard, serious, skeptical questions. One progresses through the book examining why we are here, what is a soul, is there life after death, who is God, what is a Christian, why should one become a Christian, what need is there for Church and why choose Catholicism. Truly, truly brilliant discussion!

As for age level, I think that for young teens the material will be somewhat heavy and deep. However, there is a study guide available and if lead in a group setting this would be more ideal. Older teens and adults will themselves find the material challenging. Highly recommended for group study, youth groups, Catholic classroom, RCIA classes and homeschool.

[Leslea Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such an unexpected surprise. I had no idea what to expect from an apologetic comic book. What does that even mean? But this is a gem for those teens, or even adults, who like philosophical debates. Brendan and Erc in Exile, written by a self-described contemplative priest, is unique and a clever way to share some truths of the faith.
Brendan and Erc are interplanetary mailmen. These co-workers begin a journey of philosophical and theological questions about the meaning of life. The different people these friends encounter as they travel through the galaxy, help them to uncover truths of the faith.
This is such a fun, yet deeply informative book. The unique format makes the deep topics completely understandable. I’m curious about Brendan and Erc’s next adventure.

[Lizzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Graphic novel that seeks to explain why we need Christianity. Set in space to try to interest kids, but it's all word balloons with no action and meh art. Maybe later volumes have more going on. It strikes me as a book that grandparents would think they could use to teach the kids about Catholicism because don't the young folks like comic books? Anyway, I bought it out of curiosity and am passing it on.

[Joseph R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brendan is plagued by disturbing dreams where he attempts to ascend a mountain and capture butterflies. He goes for coffee with his friend Erc to discuss the meaning of life. A random stranger overhears them and convinces them that they have immortal souls that will only be satisfied by pursuing knowledge and virtue. Erc is a down-to-earth hedonist and is not so interested in that sort of happiness. An intellectual/virtuous life doesn't look like fun, especially when compared to eating junk food and drinking beer. But Brendan and Erc are on a new path which takes them quite far. Brendan and Erc work as interplanetary mailmen so they have some interesting experiences along the way. They meet new people and grapple with new ideas.

Plato is famous for writing dialogues where two or more characters discuss ideas in a quest for truth. This book reads just like one of those dialogues, framing philosophical and theological quandaries in a personal context. The dialogue format, especially in comic book form, makes the ideas more concrete and more relatable for the readers. For example, they discuss how the soul is related to the body by using a robot metaphor. Having the metaphor displayed visually as well as verbally helps to communicate the idea and gives it more persuasive power. As with most dialogues, the plot is minimal and tailor-made to support the arguments made. The plot in this book is good enough to keep readers engaged even while occasionally being contrived.

The book is a great introduction to or review of basic philosophical and theological ideas for teens and adults. Highly recommended!

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great little read. The art is okay (the cover art is representative of the story art), and the story is okay, but the substance / arguments / apologetics are surprisingly great. They are presented in a mostly natural conversational style, and they are a great sampling of generations of good arguments. I got it to have around the house when my kids get older, and I think it they're going to like it.

[Elkaza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a catholic – apologetics book, that really interested me, so gland to finally come across it, and read. In fact, I read it, as soon as I got it. This is indeed was a very clever way to teach about truth and philosophy.

I loved the two characters, the young and very searching Brendan. While, the other is old, and very set in his ways and views Eric. But the youthful and questionable Brendon is annoying Eric, raising some very big and philosophical questions like what is actual happiness or what is the soul.

All, this occurs as these interplanetary mailmen, need to overcome a few issues that arise, like founding themselves in jail and being attacked by some gunships.

This book is mainly for teenagers, and males. Still, I got a little laugh from reading it. Hence, recommend it for Catholic teens, and anyone searching for the Truth.

My only disappointment with it, was only some pages were in colour, and the rest were in black and white.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a really cool way to introduce some basic apologetics. Definitely best suited for at least middle school age or older, as some of the concepts were challenging for me (a well-educated adult) to think about. For those who are already into graphic novels, I can see them enjoying it. I’m not a big graphic novel person, but it was a fun change from traditional books.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the concept, and Catholic teachings are accurately presented. I suspect it is a bit "talky," though for its intended audience of adolescents who have questions about the Faith and the Church. If they stick with it, they may should find many of their questions answered.

[Clara Thames · Rating 3 out of 5]

This catholic apologetics book is targeted towards 12 - 14 year old age group. It does raise good points but it is very wordy. I would have understood the book with out the drawings which isn’t the best thing to say about a comic book. Occasionally it has a “let’s make this cool for kids vibe”.

[Lapsed Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd probably give this 3 1/2 stars if that were possible. For its intended audience, which probably largely resembles the person who lent me the book -- my 13-year-old, believing Catholic son -- I thought it was a pretty good overview of major arguments for belief in God, in Jesus as God's Son and Messiah, and in the authority of the Catholic Church.

[Gerry Soileau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this series with my 12 year old grandson. He is hoping for more books in the series. It is filled with philosophy, theology, and apologetics in a fun easy to understand comic book. I'm hoping for new books in the series too....

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Apologetics in the form of a comic book. Deep, yet understandable.