The Life of Pope John Paul II in Comics [Hardcover]

Alessandro Mainardi (Author), Werner Maresta (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 17, 2006 | Age Level: 8 and up

John Paul II was one of the most beloved popes in history. Here is his complete biography told in the graphic novel format. For the first time in beautifully illustrated comics, the entire story of his incredible life is told -- from his youth and inspiration to join the church in his native Poland, through his heroic defiance of the communist regime which first brought him international attention, and to his leadership as Pope.  His inspirational quest for peace and world understanding touched millions, reaching far beyond his faithful followers.  Ages 8 and up.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6–10—Pope John Paul II's remarkable life, which he himself described as "a path that wasn't mine," is captured in this full-color graphic biography that includes many of the man's own words and correspondences. The realistic illustrations might feel cloying if it weren't for the rich color and light that come off the pages. Any faults the man might have had are left out. This is not the book for that. It's a truly beautiful volume, with a message of hope, that will have a place in most collections.—Sadie Mattox, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

John Paul II's life was one of drama, and the graphic novel format turns out to be an excellent vehicle for capturing its highs and lows. The book begins when John Paul first speaks to his Roman flock. As he walks to his balcony, he says, "I remember everything," which leads the narrative back to his birth in 1920. From the first, an aura of holiness hangs over Karol Wojtyla, but his path toward the priesthood is no certainty, with acting taking precedence for much of his youth. Using excerpts from John Paul's writings along with the dialogue, this volume puts as much emphasis on his early days as it does on his papacy--a tactic that will draw young readers. The art will, too. Handsome and in full color, the carefully considered pictures bring freshness to a familiar story. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Papercutz (October 17, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1597070394
• ISBN-13: 978-1597070393
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,447,902 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding! Pope John Paul's life in comic book form, September 16, 2007

By 

Jeri Nevermind "loves to read" (Idaho) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Life of Pope John Paul II in Comics (Hardcover)

Yes, I wish every child wanted to read a book rather than a comic book. But realistically, not all children will want to pick up a long biography of a saint.

In that case, here is something else to offer: the life of our late, much loved Pope John Paul in a hardback comic book. It's devout and fun, all at once.

Everyone should have this in their library. Or donate it to the library. Yes, it's that good.+

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Life of Pope John Paul II... in Comics! is enthusiastically recommended, December 8, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Life of Pope John Paul II in Comics (Hardcover)

The Life of Pope John Paul II... in Comics! is a full-color, graphic novel biography of Karol Wojtyla, a pious youth of Poland who matured to become Pope of the Catholic Church and accept the name of his predecessor John Paul out of veneration. Wojtyla's path was a hard one, enduring the loss of his mother at a young age, followed by the oppression of the Nazi occupation of Poland... then the substantially different yet still severe oppression of the Russian occupation and Communist government that denounced his faith with militant force. It is a testimony to Wojtyla's courage that he persevered in his faith despite the dark times in which openly professing religious beliefs could easily lead to imprisonment or execution at the hands of the authorities. The Life of Pope John Paul II... in Comics! traces his early ambitions to be in the theater, which eventually gave way to his heart's calling as a priest. As pope, he set a new high standard in diplomacy, openness, and outreach; he was the first pope to set foot in a synagogue or a monastery, and traveled the globe - in his own words, he wished to be like Paul the Apostle, always on the move spreading the Good Word. The crisp color art vibrantly illustrates the true story of a remarkable religious leader; The Life of Pope John Paul II... in Comics! is enthusiastically recommended especially for Sunday school shelves and church libraries, as well as for introducing readers of all ages and backgrounds into the dedicated life of a great leader.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun!, December 2, 2010

By 

Judith A. Sicora - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Life of Pope John Paul II in Comics (Hardcover)

A pope in a comic book! Bravo! I had been looking for this comic book for a long time. I've had it for a long time now but I don't remember any problems with it arriving or being in bad shape from shipping. So all in all everything went fine with the transaction.