The Action Bible

Publishers Weekly,Graphic adaptations of the Judeo-Christian bible are a hot trend, from R. Crumb to Rob Liefeld. This treatment proclaims "God is the original action hero" and presents more than 200 Bible tales in comics form. An "action-movie" treatment of the Old and New Testament should have real potential, but it's not realized here. There are a few stunning moments, but they're more weirdness than spectacle: Adam lamenting that-after eating the forbidden fruit-he's not wise, just naked; Cain reflecting that he hates sheep. For the most part, artist Cariello has taken a Classics Illustrated approach, with just the highlights recounted in episodic form. A lack of emotion in the art is a particular weakness given the drama inherent in the source material.���But the most disappointing aspect of both the art and the story is their lack of epic scope. However, the book does give the faithful a graphic interpretation of more obscure Bible tales. Ages 8-up. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.