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Action Bible

The Battle Begins: The Story of Creation

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Introducing a brand new series of Action Bible graphic novels featuring vivid new artwork from Sergio Cariello. Even as God walked through the beauty of His new creation, and breathed life into Adam, His masterpiece ... a warrior-angel gives into his pride—and commits the ultimate betrayal. Witness Adam and Eve falling into Lucifer's trap, as the battle for eternity begins in this brilliantly presented retelling of Creation, the Fall, and God's promise of redemption.Caleb J. Seeling is a regular columnist for arts magazines and Examiner.com as Denver's Faith and Family Examiner. He lives in Golden, Colorado, with his wife and four children. Master illustrator Sergio Cariello has worked for Marvel and DC Comics. He is passionate about spreading the good news of Jesus Christ and is the award-winning illustrator of The Action Bible. He lives in Florida with his wife, Luzia.

104 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2014

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Caleb Seeling

4 books2 followers

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5 stars
70 (47%)
4 stars
35 (23%)
3 stars
21 (14%)
2 stars
7 (4%)
1 star
13 (8%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Manybooks.
3,856 reviews100 followers
August 16, 2024
Sorry, and I do (at least kind of) apologise to those readers who have enjoyed and have found something spiritual and maybe even faith affirming regarding The Battle Begins: The Story of Creation (which is part of the Action Bible series of graphic novels and was published in 2014), but indeed and definitely, both I and also my inner child collectively agree and jointly very much find Caleb Seeling's words (how he relates and shows the Creation and the story of Adam and Eve in The Battle Begins: The Story of Creation) not only rather ridiculous but frankly also kind of strangely Biblically insulting (well, at least this has been the case for me). For yes, reading The Battle Begins: The Story of Creation, it quickly becomes annoyingly apparent and crystal clear that Seeling is for one turning the stories of the Holy Bible into some kind of battle and mayhem focussing action comic book (and for me much too all encompassingly) and is for two not really following or even using the Old Testament and the Book of Genesis all that much in The Battle Begins: The Story of Creation either but is instead (in particular with the depiction of the battle in Heaven between the angels and the fallen angels, between the Archangel Michael and the angels loyal to God versus the rebellious Lucifer and his minions, but in fact even regarding the Creation story itself) using parts of the New Testament book of Revelation and perhaps small bits of the Old Testament book of Isaiah, and frankly, and in my not so humble opinion, since the Battle in Heaven does not even appear in the book of Genesis, I really do not think that Caleb Seely should be using the latter in conjunction with the story of Adam and Eve in The Battle Begins: The Story of Creation (and yes, I am hugely and utterly textually disappointed and majorly annoyed regarding this).

But furthermore, I have to admit that I utterly and totally despise Sergio Cariello's cartoons for The Battle Begins: The Story of Creation as well (and actually even more so than Seely's textual treatment of the Creation which might be rather frustrating and annoying but is also at least a wee bit verbally interesting and does mostly present contents encountered in the Bible). Because to be honest, I totally both aesthetically hate, hate, hate and also find it majorly spiritually and religiously uncomfortable how Cariello's visual depiction of Heaven in The Battle Begins: The Story of Creation looks like the Marvel Comics vision of Asgard and that the Angels all bear a remarkable and strangely disconcerting resemblance to Norse gods (looking like Viking deity types and with Lucifer totally and weirdly resembling Thor), and not to mention that God for my eyes physically resembles the Greek deity Apollo in . And considering that I personally do not and never have considered God to exist in human form but to instead be spiritual and without a body and also genderless, yes, God shown in The Battle Begins: The Story of Creation as a standard youngish looking human male skipping around Eden (and also almost sometimes being in my opinion much too physically close to and with Adam for my comfort), all this just hugely annoys me (and with those explicit battle scenes of the Angels duking it out in Heaven, yuck, they are just not my thing at all), and that the combination of text and images for The Battle Begins: The Story of Creation is indeed therefore just so so so problematic and frustratingly annoying that my rating can and will only be one star, that I have had a hugely negative reading and visual reaction to Caleb Seeling's writing and to Sergio Cariello's artwork and that I will thus also not bother with any of the other Action Bible graphic novels.
Profile Image for Wayne McCoy.
4,305 reviews32 followers
May 24, 2016
'The Battle Begins: The Story of Creation' is part of the Action Bible. This is a graphic novel version of the Bible, but it's best, at least in this case, to think of it more as a loose paraphrase than an exact translation.

The story starts in the time before the events in Genesis with the start of the fall of Lucifer story. Michael and Lucifer have differing opinions about this new creation idea, and Lucifer feels like he should be more important. This is setting the stage for later. We then move to the creation story with Jesus being the one doing the creating. We see John 1:1 quoted here, and this explains his part of the Holy Trinity and why he would be present during creation. God creates Adam, and Adam comes across as a bit slow on the uptake. He runs around shouting out names for animals and seems generally clueless. We then see the fall of Lucifer and his tempation of Eve and Adam followed by their ejection from the Garden of Eden. The book finishes with a scene from the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem in the New Testament.

The art by Sergio Carillo is quite good. I've liked his style in the Lone Ranger book that I read. This is my first read of the Action Bible series, and it looks like he does most of the art for this series which would give the series some nice consistency. Where I guess I might have taken issue is with some of the interpretive nature of the book. We know that Lucifer was cast out of heaven over pride issues. We know that he shows up in the Garden of Eden as a serpent, but we don't know the exact details, so what we get here is not a strict scriptural interpretation of those events, but a writer's paraphrase of events. The portrayal of Adam struck me as a bit strange. He seems clueless and a bit of an airhead. Granted, he's a newly created being, and maybe I've never given much thought to it, but it still seemed like not a very idyllic state, especially when he meets Eve and jumps up, ADD-like, to name a gazelle. Jesus is nice, but he seems not very clued in to the dissatisfaction happening with Lucifer. I wanted him to be more powerful and all-knowing. I liked it, but just not as much as some of the other reviewers.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from David C. Cook and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
9,211 reviews130 followers
June 19, 2015
A lovely and colourful clear line presentation still doesn't help this risible piffle, with Lucifer as a lovey-dovey looking Thor type, the host only turning up when a confrontation between obstinate jealousy and steadfast serfdom temporarily kicks off, and a ridiculous God walking around with cheesy self-congratulatory dialogue and extraneous exclamation marks. About the best bit of the whole thing is Adam becoming self-aware through a nice, ripe burp. Certainly, despite lush double-page spreads and salient representations of the Creation myth, this remains a completely childish and nonsensical fantasy. If god exists, which of course he doesn't, he wouldn't have much favour in this puerile performance.
Profile Image for Carlos Montijo.
222 reviews16 followers
June 15, 2024
Interesting pictures but the angels look more like vikings and Jesus didn't have long hair. Also disagree with the author's interpretation of the Fall where Christ is "happily" kicking Adam and Eve of the garden. The major problem however is that Adam refers to Christ as his "Dad", which is a modalistic heresy since Christ the Son is not the Father.
Profile Image for Frans Kempe.
2,813 reviews11 followers
October 5, 2015
The story of creation and the fall of Lucifer in comic book form. Great artwork and an interesting take on the fall of Lucifer.
Profile Image for D Lawrence.
2 reviews
December 4, 2016
This graphic novel seems to be drawing on the Bible and Paradise Lost for its presentation of creation and gets both horribly wrong. I liked the artwork - but the writing is terrible.
Profile Image for Emmy.
425 reviews
February 24, 2020
A great way to introduce the Bible to reluctant readers or to engage teens in reading the Bible. Wish more classics would be written into graphic novel styles. I know you do t get the whole story. Well, I’d say you absorb different elements of the story but you get the main plot points.
Profile Image for Stanley.
2 reviews4 followers
March 26, 2018
Brings the Bible alive and merges the introduction from the book of John and Genesis and lastly with the birth of Jesus.
Profile Image for j7_tristan.
3 reviews
August 19, 2018
Wonderfully made!

Like so much this comic!, many reasons: give you clear view on the Love of God and His Plan for all of true believers faithful till end
Author 2 books
January 7, 2019
I love graphic novels that have to do with the Bible.
Profile Image for Szymon Dudziński.
110 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2022
This sucks. It's like a low quality comic about superheroes (or as I call them, men in latex suits) that doesn't even try. Seriously, I expected more
2 reviews
August 1, 2022
I had never thought of it like that.

THIS BOOK IS A GOOD UNDERSTANDING FOR KIDS HOW THE WAR OF GOOD AND EVIL STARTED AND IS AN OVER ALL GOOD BOOK.
Profile Image for Amanda Geaney.
547 reviews341 followers
October 17, 2014
Wow! I continue to be amazed by Sergio Cariello’s artwork, it’s so complex. What stands out is: the layers within each frame, the variety of viewpoint angles, and the imagination that it takes to create each person’s diverse facial expressions. Sergio’s illustrations are vivid and captivating. If you are a parent who is looking for a way to pull your child’s attention away from video screens, put this book in their hands!

With regards to the biblical accuracy of the graphic novel I have a few thoughts to share. Missing from the text are scriptural references which allow the reader to know where they can find this story in the Bible. I found support for most of the story between Genesis 1-3, Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:14-17, and Revelation 12:7. The illustrator highlights quotations taken directly from scripture within yellow banners. Creative license is taken for most of the dialogue between characters; including two references to God as “Dad” by Adam and Eve. You will also find that the Archangel Michael and Lucifer are present at the creation of the world. I am not a biblical scholar that can argue the validity of this depiction but I will comment that the illustrator uses their imagination to show Lucifer’s desire for power, jealousy toward man, and rebellion against God.

I didn’t care for the author’s passages following Adam and Eve’s consumption of the forbidden fruit, as Adam begins to burp and pass gas… In turn Eve laughs and Adam takes offense, calling her names! Unlike his mother, my son thought this “addition” to the story was hilarious. I’m not sure if the change in the characters behavior is a result of sin being introduced into the story or the author’s attempt to win laughs from boy’s like mine.

Know the maturity of your own child: When the once the beautiful, warrior angel Lucifer is banished from heaven he becomes ugly. He and his fellow fallen angels become reptilian. Be it the serpent from Genesis 3 or the dragon from Revelation 12:7 – he is scary. This book was age appropriate for our son (9) but not our daughter (6). She wanted to read along so I had to ask her to avert her eyes on a few pages. Don’t worry about nudity in the garden–the images are drawn modestly…i.e. shaded or covered.

In graphic novel format, The Battle Begins: The Story of Creation depicts how the earth came into existence, the origin of Lucifer (Satan), and the fall of man. Drawing from scripture this book conveys the effects of sin on God’s perfect creation. When sin entered the picture it brought with it pain, suffering, hard work, and death but God had a plan for redemption – in the form of His Son. The Battle Begins: The Story of Creation is sure to delight both the young (kids ages 8-12) and the young at heart.

I received this book free as a member of the Family Christian Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Profile Image for I DRM Free.
303 reviews
September 26, 2017
This book is a comic book form of the very basic story of the Earth’s creation and the creation of man with Adam and Eve. And it goes into the betrayal of the Devil and his trickery of Eve.

There is nothing really to special about this book. It’s a good way to get your kids to read the bible and get the general ideas of what it teaches without bogging down into the exact details, verses, chapters, etc…

Artwork is nice and works well with the story. Although I found the costume the Angels wearing to be very similar to the armor worn by Thor and his other gods and demi-gods in the Thor movies.

It has DRM so I have to dock one point for that.
Profile Image for Victor Gentile.
2,035 reviews67 followers
December 4, 2014
Sergio Cariello in his new book, “The Action Bible: The Battle Begins” Book One in The Action Bible Graphic Novel series published by David C. Cook gives us The Story Of Creation.

From the back cover: Experience the creation story as you’ve never seen it before.

Even as God walked through the beauty of His new creation, and breathed life into Adam, His masterpiece … a warrior-angel gives into his pride—and commits the ultimate betrayal.

Volume One of this brand-new graphic novel series opens with Adam and Eve falling into Lucifer’s trap, as the battle for eternity begins in this brilliantly presented retelling of Creation, the Fall, and God’s promise of redemption.

The Bible comes alive under the expert hand of artist Sergio Cariello! Outstanding. Caleb J. Seeling tells the Creation story from a very unique perspective. Rather than read about it as we have for all our lives, we now get to actually see how it might have looked back then and it is just wonderful. Lucifer is about to fall, man has been created and Sergio Cariello is giving us these lush scenes that capture the moments that make them come alive for us. Even though this is a graphic novel it does not mean that it is exclusively for our youth and teens. No, this book will be enjoyed by anyone of any age. This is a resource that will be referred to over and over again. It is also a wonderful gift to give to family and friends so that they can use it over and over.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from David C. Cook. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Gail Welborn.
609 reviews18 followers
December 1, 2014
***This review roundup features Christ-centered Bible's excellent for challenged readers***

"Entertaining and meaningful Christmas Gifts for Reluctant Readers"

This review roundup features books from publisher David C. Cook who specializes in "Christ-centered resources," any one of which would make a terrific Christmas gift for under the Christmas tree or to stuff a stocking with, especially for challenged readers. The reviews include a comic-book style Bible, a graphic biblical novel and a delightful book of rhyming Bible stories.

Note the live links for more information

*************

'The Battle Begins: The Story of Creation (Action Bible Series, book 1)' by David C. Cook, Releases—October, 2014, Ages 9-12, 978-0781411424, $12.99

World renowned Sergio Cariello commences a new series of graphic novels with The Action Bible: The Battle Begins. The visually exciting narratives begin with an imaginative account of "Creation, the Fall and God's promise of redemption that end with "to be continued..."

In this volume readers meet Jesus and a loving God who talk together as they interact with their new creation. Sergio reveals their delight with what they created using visually imaginative, expressive and colorfully illustrated artwork. Caleb J. Seeling's comic-book style dialog boxes move the story along.

The conversations…Full Review: http://www.examiner.com/list/entertai...

864 reviews7 followers
April 30, 2015
When I saw this one on Netgalley I was little iffy about requesting as I'm not the most religious person out there, anyway, I have to say I was really impressed with this book. The art was top notch and the minimal dialogue was descent.

This book is target to children or at least in my opinion it is targeted to children. It covers the story of creation; how God created the world and then went on to create Adam from the earth and Eve from one of Adam's ribs. It also covers how Lucifer (which by the way his drawing was incredible compared to the others) the most beautiful of angels was cast from heaven along with his supporters and how he tempts Adam and Eve to eat from the tree of knowledge.

It was a pretty descent, wholesome book for young children.

Rating 5 out of 5
Read@Book
Profile Image for F.
1,198 reviews9 followers
February 14, 2016
Though the artwork is fantastic Heaven is portrayed similarly to Marvel Comics version of Asgard and the angels bear a remarkable resemblance to the Asgardians themselves. The Creator looks like depictions of Jesus (and rightly so) but lacks some of the reverence perhaps that should be His. He spits to create Adam and later Eve- I assume that is borrowed from Christ making clay to anoint the blind man's eyes but it is pure guesswork here.
While a mature Christian could derive some benefit from the book I would think children might take it too literally and think that it is Scriptural when it is only partly so.
Profile Image for Chris Hamilton.
108 reviews4 followers
December 27, 2017
A fun graphic novel creation story

From the team behind the Action Bible series comes the first of the individual graphic novels and hopefully not the last. It's a fun and exciting take on creation, the battle of Heaven, fall of man and the promise of salvation.
8 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2016
AWESOME

I am a Christian so I read the bible. I realized how AWESOME/ cool/interesting/epic/enjoyable the word of God actually is. Though the book is short. It this contains an epic story.
Profile Image for Justine.
690 reviews
October 13, 2015
Gorgeous

A beautiful portrayal of the Creation and Fall of Man. Recommended for children, teens, and all who appreciate fine art.
Profile Image for Jim.
218 reviews8 followers
April 2, 2017
The artwork by Sergio Carriello is great, but the writing was a little on the weaker side. That being said, it is still a fun read.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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