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Manga Bible #5
Manga Metamorphosis
Manga has emerged as the most popular comics category and is one of the fastest-growing genres in American publishing. Appealing to kids and adults, readers will find this edgy rendition of the early church accounts both compelling and highly engaging. This authentic, cutting-edge art style is combined with fast-paced story-telling to deliver biblical truths to an ever-changing culture that is often a challenge to penetrate.
288 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2008
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479 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 16, 2015
Two years ago, I've read the Holy Bible from cover to cover. However, it is only now, thanks to this book, that I got a good understanding of what happened after Jesus died particularly the story of the apostles and how they spread Christianity in that part of the world.
Most of the gospel is focused on either the stories in Old Testaments and the ministry of Jesus. Even movies and books on New Testament are about Jesus so that was probably the reason that prior to this book, I only had sketchy knowledge about St. Peter and how he lead the 12 apostles and St. Paul that used to be Saul who persecuted the early Christians. It is also through this book where I learned about St. Stephen who was the first of the seven good people chosen by the Apostles to help them. It is only through the book where I learned that St. James was the first among the 12 Apostles to die in the name of Jesus.
I also enjoyed about the way angels helped the Apostles in times of need. How I wish God still use this to release political prisoners and those in prison who are innocent of the crimes they are blamed for. I particularly liked the ending. We all know that most of the Apostles died as martyrs but it's good that the book did not detail their gruesome deaths. Instead, it showed how St. Paul became an old man and died at 63 years of age.
God is really good for bringing this book to my attention through the instigation of my friend Weng, my usual lunch companion in the office.
Most of the gospel is focused on either the stories in Old Testaments and the ministry of Jesus. Even movies and books on New Testament are about Jesus so that was probably the reason that prior to this book, I only had sketchy knowledge about St. Peter and how he lead the 12 apostles and St. Paul that used to be Saul who persecuted the early Christians. It is also through this book where I learned about St. Stephen who was the first of the seven good people chosen by the Apostles to help them. It is only through the book where I learned that St. James was the first among the 12 Apostles to die in the name of Jesus.
I also enjoyed about the way angels helped the Apostles in times of need. How I wish God still use this to release political prisoners and those in prison who are innocent of the crimes they are blamed for. I particularly liked the ending. We all know that most of the Apostles died as martyrs but it's good that the book did not detail their gruesome deaths. Instead, it showed how St. Paul became an old man and died at 63 years of age.
God is really good for bringing this book to my attention through the instigation of my friend Weng, my usual lunch companion in the office.
August 3, 2016
The sequel to Manga Messiah picks up right where the other ends. This book covers the Book of Acts and some of the letters to the churches as Peter and later Paul begin their journey to spread the word of Jesus and his love to the masses. This book is definitely a must buy for the chapter featuring Peter visiting the home of the Roman guard Cornelius which will definitely warp the minds of those mega church going loons. A great book and a great story, don't miss it!
November 3, 2016
In Summary
Manga Metamorphosis is fun and lively yet stays true to the original Book of Acts text. Shinozawa-sensei’s shonen illustrations and humorous storytelling style are a good complement to the wild adventures of Yeshua’s followers after his ascension. While it looks like it was written for a juvenile audience, it’s still a good resource for anyone wanting a quick overview on the history and leaders of the early church.
The Review
Chronologically speaking, Manga Metamorphosis is the last in NEXT’s Bible series, and in my opinion, it’s the best executed. This is for two reasons. First, except for a brief prologue, it sticks to a single book, the Book of Acts. Second, this particular book lends itself well to Shinozawa-sensei’s shonen style artwork. Between the actions of God, angels, demons, Yeshuah’s followers, the religious establishment, and missions trips all over the Roman world, there’s plenty of action going on.
Shinozawa-sensei does well with the dramatic parts. James’ martyrdom is especially moving. She does even better with scenes that lend themselves to humor. One of the best examples is Peter’s escape from prison, where an angel punches him awake and Rhoda’s comic excitement gets elevated by hilarious misunderstanding from the other disciples. All in all, it’s an entertaining and quick read that stays true to original and inserts just enough historical information to orient a modern audience.
While Metamorphosis is basically a manga retelling of the Book of Acts, it does include Paul’s letters to four communities (Philippians, Corinthians, Ephesians, and Romans). What the creators did was create manga mini-synopses of these letters featuring a cute chibi-Paul. These synopses are one to three pages and inserted after the communities to which they were addressed get introduced. They don’t delve into every theological detail of these letters, but they do offer the highlights in a way anyone can understand.
A map, chronology, and character profiles are included in the back as extras.
For more manga and book reviews, visit my blog Keeping It In Canon!
Manga Metamorphosis is fun and lively yet stays true to the original Book of Acts text. Shinozawa-sensei’s shonen illustrations and humorous storytelling style are a good complement to the wild adventures of Yeshua’s followers after his ascension. While it looks like it was written for a juvenile audience, it’s still a good resource for anyone wanting a quick overview on the history and leaders of the early church.
The Review
Chronologically speaking, Manga Metamorphosis is the last in NEXT’s Bible series, and in my opinion, it’s the best executed. This is for two reasons. First, except for a brief prologue, it sticks to a single book, the Book of Acts. Second, this particular book lends itself well to Shinozawa-sensei’s shonen style artwork. Between the actions of God, angels, demons, Yeshuah’s followers, the religious establishment, and missions trips all over the Roman world, there’s plenty of action going on.
Shinozawa-sensei does well with the dramatic parts. James’ martyrdom is especially moving. She does even better with scenes that lend themselves to humor. One of the best examples is Peter’s escape from prison, where an angel punches him awake and Rhoda’s comic excitement gets elevated by hilarious misunderstanding from the other disciples. All in all, it’s an entertaining and quick read that stays true to original and inserts just enough historical information to orient a modern audience.
While Metamorphosis is basically a manga retelling of the Book of Acts, it does include Paul’s letters to four communities (Philippians, Corinthians, Ephesians, and Romans). What the creators did was create manga mini-synopses of these letters featuring a cute chibi-Paul. These synopses are one to three pages and inserted after the communities to which they were addressed get introduced. They don’t delve into every theological detail of these letters, but they do offer the highlights in a way anyone can understand.
A map, chronology, and character profiles are included in the back as extras.
For more manga and book reviews, visit my blog Keeping It In Canon!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2013
A manga based on the new Christian Church in Acts! How cool! Of course you have to read it with your mind open to the fact that this is not the Bible, but I found it to be very accurate and definitely doing what I'm sure they set out to do.
I'm twenty-one and have read Acts a few times in my years of being a Christian, but this just gave me a new perspective on it which is really helpful for when you go back to read the Bible. It helped me to view the people in Acts more as regular people and drew out some of the awesome characters I have never noticed before!
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to get a different perspective on Acts, and particularly teenagers as I believe it will help open their eyes to what it is all about. This will be a great youth resource! ;)
I'm twenty-one and have read Acts a few times in my years of being a Christian, but this just gave me a new perspective on it which is really helpful for when you go back to read the Bible. It helped me to view the people in Acts more as regular people and drew out some of the awesome characters I have never noticed before!
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to get a different perspective on Acts, and particularly teenagers as I believe it will help open their eyes to what it is all about. This will be a great youth resource! ;)
February 12, 2015
Honestly one of the best mangas I have ever read! It's just greatly visualized....very easy way to understand the bible.
February 10, 2020
Este libro es una bendición. La autora ha sabido captar bien la personalidad de los apóstoles y plasmarla en sus ilustraciones. No me canso de leerlo.
March 31, 2018
Manga Metamorphosis is the second graphic novel of the Manga Bible series and depicts the rest of the New Testament – the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles in a graphic novel form – specifically the East Asian art style of manga.
Again, Hidenori Kumai did a wonderful job blending the text together and depicting it in such a manner that makes how dangerous spreading in what was a sect of Judaism throughout the land. Kumai may have taken some liberties here and there, plus there were some minor interpretation and some non-biblical content – it doesn't take the spirit of the text away.
Manga Metamorphosis showed how important and dangerous spreading the Gospel to the known world could be at that time and if not for twelve humble messengers – The Apostles, Christianity wouldn't be what it is today. So, despite the dangers, the Apostles did what was important and that is depicted well in this graphic novel.
All in all, Manga Metamorphosis is well written and drawn, despite my quibbles and pet peeve, which I addressed in my review of Manga Messiah – I really enjoyed myself reading this depiction of the Acts of the Apostles.
Again, Hidenori Kumai did a wonderful job blending the text together and depicting it in such a manner that makes how dangerous spreading in what was a sect of Judaism throughout the land. Kumai may have taken some liberties here and there, plus there were some minor interpretation and some non-biblical content – it doesn't take the spirit of the text away.
Manga Metamorphosis showed how important and dangerous spreading the Gospel to the known world could be at that time and if not for twelve humble messengers – The Apostles, Christianity wouldn't be what it is today. So, despite the dangers, the Apostles did what was important and that is depicted well in this graphic novel.
All in all, Manga Metamorphosis is well written and drawn, despite my quibbles and pet peeve, which I addressed in my review of Manga Messiah – I really enjoyed myself reading this depiction of the Acts of the Apostles.
July 3, 2020
Out of all the graphic novels in the "Manga Bible" series, this one has been my favorite. The drawing style is less realistic and more cartoonish than the more recent Old Testament novels. Even the content itself is more lighthearted, with some comedic elements and lots of depicted happy reunions between the Apostle Paul and his companions. I also appreciate how the novel occasionally pauses to illustrate the major themes of many of Paul's letters as he arrives in their respective cities throughout the novel. Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised at how many of these cities were drawn, having traveled to them myself. The artists must have either visited them in person or did a decent amount of research to make sure each city wasn't simply drawn like a generic old village.
As with the others in the series, I appreciate that the bottom of each page contains the Bible verses that are being depicted, as the reader should enjoy this manga with the intention of moving next to the Bible itself.
A fun and enjoyable read.
As with the others in the series, I appreciate that the bottom of each page contains the Bible verses that are being depicted, as the reader should enjoy this manga with the intention of moving next to the Bible itself.
A fun and enjoyable read.
December 31, 2020
Hay muchos puntos en que aclarar. Primero, esta es una historia religiosa donde el apóstol Pablo se encuentra en una travesía por las ciudades alrededor del mar mediterráneo hasta el imperio de Roma en Italia, predicando la existencia de Dios y Jesús, las personas empiezan a creer y todo el cuento hasta que se vuelve una persona muy importante.
Segundo, quiero decir que al punto del principio me aburrió bastante, sin embargo después, en la segunda parte, la historia tuvo un giro 180 grados, la historia se me hizo bastante rápida a comparación de la primera parte, por eso no le pongo 5 estrellas, al inicio se hizo muy aburrida, tan así que pensaba dejarlo a medias.
Segundo, quiero decir que al punto del principio me aburrió bastante, sin embargo después, en la segunda parte, la historia tuvo un giro 180 grados, la historia se me hizo bastante rápida a comparación de la primera parte, por eso no le pongo 5 estrellas, al inicio se hizo muy aburrida, tan así que pensaba dejarlo a medias.
July 24, 2014
The Next Manga (Japanese stylized comics) series is a vibrant, faithful look at Bible stories that provide a fresh and unique viewpoint in which to be immersed in and engaged by God's love and redemption for His people. It also does a beautiful job pointing to the source of those stories - God's word. I know for me, it's been a great way to reorient myself to well known stories in a fresh way.
Magna Metamorphosis provides a fluid, clear and faithful rendering of stories from the Acts of the Apostles. .
For a full review, see: wp.me/p2XCwQ-Pf
Magna Metamorphosis provides a fluid, clear and faithful rendering of stories from the Acts of the Apostles. .
For a full review, see: wp.me/p2XCwQ-Pf
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July 24, 2014The Next Manga (Japanese stylized comics) series is a vibrant, faithful look at Bible stories that provide a fresh and unique viewpoint in which to be immersed in and engaged by God's love and redemption for His people. It also does a beautiful job pointing to the source of those stories - God's word. I know for me, it's been a great way to reorient myself to well known stories in a fresh way.
Magna Metamorphosis provides a fluid, clear and faithful rendering of stories from the Acts of the Apostles. .
For a full review, see: wp.me/p2XCwQ-Pf
Magna Metamorphosis provides a fluid, clear and faithful rendering of stories from the Acts of the Apostles. .
For a full review, see: wp.me/p2XCwQ-Pf
March 10, 2010
New to Manga (as I have heard it is all the rage outside of the US), but found this interesting to take the book of Acts and add graphics. I'm not going to run out and read other books in this format, but would not shy away if something caught my eye. At first you might feel a bit "weird" for reading it...maybe even childish...but in the end this book was a great supplement to reading the Bible. Give it a try...
June 17, 2012
This book is telling the part of Bible book Acts and several Paul's letter. Interesting and make us understand the chronological stories behind each letters and also discover several information included, such as the appearance of Luke and Mark who is the Gospel writer. I glad to be able to read this series and I find that there are others episode of this manga series (Mutiny, Melech, Messengers). I will surely follow them all :D.
February 21, 2014
I recently also read Manga Messiah and most of my review for that would also apply here: (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
In short. It's enjoyable to read, looks good, and sticks closely to the events in the book Acts. But there's so much packed in it doesn't flow like a typical novel, and it's aimed at young teens.
In short. It's enjoyable to read, looks good, and sticks closely to the events in the book Acts. But there's so much packed in it doesn't flow like a typical novel, and it's aimed at young teens.
March 24, 2017
Kozumi Shinozawan "Manga Metamorphosis" (Suomen Pipliaseura, 2011) on Uuden testamentin kirjoituksiin perustuva sarjakuva apostoleista ja heidän teoistaan. Lopputulos ei ole lainkaan hassumpi, ja mikä parasta, sarjakuva ei sorru missään vaiheessa liiallisen kohderyhmän kosiskeluun.
March 26, 2015
Conta a história da igreja cristã em seus primeiros anos, tendo como foco principal a vida de Paulo - baseado no livro bíblico de Atos dos Apóstolos.
Mangá de alta qualidade visual e de fácil leitura.
Mangá de alta qualidade visual e de fácil leitura.
October 6, 2010
pretty good so far
February 5, 2013
muy bueno
June 24, 2013
One of my top favorites in the series, chronicling the story of Paul, based on scripture!
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October 20, 2015i love this book soooooo good
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January 1, 2016How can I read this book? sorry, I'm a newbje here. thank you!
November 16, 2020
Faithful illustrated adaptation of the Scriptures. Artistic and effective.
December 6, 2020
I really enjoy the illustrations and see how they lived through a manga version. I read it many times. I highly recommend it.
July 12, 2017
1 1/2 stars
April 22, 2022
😔😭😭😭👍🏼😃😃😃😃😃😃👌🏼🙏🏼😳🥳😇🥺🤭👽☝🏼🤘🏼🤝🏼🤲🏼✨✨🎉🎇🎊
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May 14, 2025they drew judas emo asf
anyway fun to read after reading the actual bible verses its very accurate to the source :)
anyway fun to read after reading the actual bible verses its very accurate to the source :)
April 20, 2022
Saul changed on the road to Damascus, not Paul people.
*3 1/2 stars.
I completely understand that phrase now. I will probably also be the annoying person that corrects folks by saying his name was Saul not Paul at the time, lol.
First I'd like to state this review does not hold any religious bias, and is judged only on the art and deliverance of the story.
While the chapters were all episodic the beginning ones were more so, housing a single story within two pages that had nothing to do with the last or the following chapter, making things jarring, and a tad confusing at times.
Since the story bounced around the characters similarly did, making it hard to get attached to one or another. This changed once Saul/Paul came into the picture, then things evened out and had more of a plot and development rather than Individual tales, which was much more enjoyable in my opinion.
I also enjoyed the art more this time around, the style better matched the vibe of the stories. I had hope that Peter would have more page time, I thought he would have been an interesting character, and partially because he reminds me of someone I know.
Overall I liked the volume, though some terminology was slightly confusing, I believe that it's just due to my lack of biblical knowledge.
*3 1/2 stars.
I completely understand that phrase now. I will probably also be the annoying person that corrects folks by saying his name was Saul not Paul at the time, lol.
First I'd like to state this review does not hold any religious bias, and is judged only on the art and deliverance of the story.
While the chapters were all episodic the beginning ones were more so, housing a single story within two pages that had nothing to do with the last or the following chapter, making things jarring, and a tad confusing at times.
Since the story bounced around the characters similarly did, making it hard to get attached to one or another. This changed once Saul/Paul came into the picture, then things evened out and had more of a plot and development rather than Individual tales, which was much more enjoyable in my opinion.
I also enjoyed the art more this time around, the style better matched the vibe of the stories. I had hope that Peter would have more page time, I thought he would have been an interesting character, and partially because he reminds me of someone I know.
Overall I liked the volume, though some terminology was slightly confusing, I believe that it's just due to my lack of biblical knowledge.
January 1, 2026
Great story & good graphics. I like trying to figure out what these writer's editors think is important from the Bible.
September 8, 2012
Brings the Book of Acts and the apostle paul words alive.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews