CBR NEWS: Jesus Saves: Seeley Talks "Loaded Bible"

[Jonah Weiland]

This April, vampires will fear both the cross and the guy who hung from it when Jesus returns to battle the blood thirsty undead hordes that threaten humanity. This is the premise of the 48 page one-shot "Loaded Bible: Jesus vs. Vampires." CBR News spoke with writer Tim Seeley about the book

http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=6560

[geordiesteve]

I'm laughing at this even before I've read it, that's a good sign. Definitely going to check this out. Sound like an excellent idea.

[roguespirit]

I really hate the way that every time someone does a story which is self admittedly sacriligeous (the very phrase means that you are taken something close to someone's heart and poking fun at it) they then decide that if you don't like the premise then its because your close minded.

Maybe and here's a long shot they don't like it because you taking something very close to their hearts and poking fun at it.

[spider2004]

Can't wait to get this book...Tim is an excellent writer/artist...Liked his stuff ever since he's done G.I. Joe...Already have this book on my pull list, can't wait till April... :D

[Arvandor]

I have gots to get this. The very premise is brilliant, and it sounds awesome. And Tim Seeley hasn't let me down yet.

[sixstringguild]

I really hate the way that every time someone does a story which is self admittedly sacriligeous (the very phrase means that you are taken something close to someone's heart and poking fun at it) they then decide that if you don't like the premise then its because your close minded.

Maybe and here's a long shot they don't like it because you taking something very close to their hearts and poking fun at it.

Took the words right out of my mouth.

[Alex A Sanchez]

Maybe and here's a long shot they don't like it because you taking something very close to their hearts and poking fun at it.

Exactly. You can still respect someone's beliefs without sharing them.

I will admit that the idea is creative, but I feel that if Seeley's intention was to be creative and sacreligious then he needed to say so, instead of hiding behind the assumption that only closed-minded people will not like this book. Do you know who else used such a tactic? His name was George Bush, and he assumed that you were unpatriotic if you did not support his war.

Furthermore, Seeley claims this book will criticize and explore Christianity. Somebody please let me know if this book does that, because I find it hard to believe that something with the title "Loaded Bible" has anything intelligent to say. I hope I'm wrong.

[Dave Cote]

I think he was trying to say if you are easily offended of people making fun of Jesus you should probably not read this.Its seems that Jesus has become abit of a comedic figure with his appearance on South Park and Family Guy.I think much like Battle Pope if you don't like religious humour it's best to stay away.

[sixstringguild]

I think he was trying to say if you are easily offended of people making fun of Jesus you should probably not read this.Its seems that Jesus has become abit of a comedic figure with his appearance on South Park and Family Guy.I think much like Battle Pope if you don't like religious humour it's best to stay away.

I think the dispute was in his use of the word "close-minded". Rogue is saying it's not necessarily "close-minded" if someone is offended when one's important beliefs are made fun of or just outright blasphemed.

Personally, I've been labeled close-minded about matters my whole life so I'm not really offended (and I doubt Rogue was ransacking his room after he read the article). Most people who believe in something strongly are usually seen as such. In a way, I wear it as a badge of honor.

[Dave Cote]

I think the dispute was in his use of the word "close-minded". Rogue is saying it's not necessarily "close-minded" if someone is offended when one's important beliefs are made fun of or just outright blasphemed.

Personally, I've been labeled close-minded about matters my whole life so I'm not really offended (and I doubt Rogue was ransacking his room after he read the article). Most people who believe in something strongly are usually seen as such. In a way, I wear it as a badge of honor.

I understand I only think people are closed minded when they are unwilling to accept that ohters feel differently about things and there beliefs are the only right ones.I have no issues with people being offended but I feel if you know somethings go to offend you before it's even released then its best to stay away from it.I do think it was unfair for him to use the term closeminded I was just thinking maybe he meant offended and just phrased it poorly.

[Alex A Sanchez]

I've been thinking more about this, and it would be pretty nifty to see Jesus kickin demonic ass (since we know he does gets pissed off, and he's used violence in the Bible before). And it could be done in a context that shows its clearly for fun, and not to be taken seriously.

The thing that rubs people the wrong way is the presentation: the cover has Jesus hanging on the cross. Jesus as a historical figuure is one thing, but His crucifixion is the centerpiece of a religion. Its a symbol far greater than the sum of its parts. The same goes for all of the religious phrases: "Jesus Saves", "Bible Loaded", etc. The characters are not just being borrow for a piece of fiction, the religion as a whole is being openly mocked.

Its too bad, because some of the other people behind the project (such as Robert Kirkman) usually show some class when creating concepts. Of course all of the people involved tie back to Erik Larsen, the publisher of Image who has no problem offending people in his own weekly column here at CBR.

[geordiesteve]

I think it was wrong of him to say if you don't like it then you must be close minded. On the other hand I think if even before reading this, you know it is going to be a problem, then it is best to stay away.

Also by now, I think people should realise anything and everything can and will be made fun of for the purposes of entertainment, be it Jesus, Brahma, Mohammed or Buddha, so perhaps some of those who expressed a problem with it are being a little oversensitive. On a personal note, my faith has been poked fun at and misinterpreted by the media for centuries, and the general public's knowledge of it is very limited.

This is not the first time the figure of Jesus has been made fun of, or used by the media for their own ends. I remember when the Passion of the Christ came out there was a lot of outrage and complaints, as some people claimed it was simply a work of fiction and not what actually happened according to historical data. Jesus has also appeared in recently Battle Pope, as a wasted no-good stoner, the Authority not long ago I believe.

Maybe someone should ask the writer his denomination. He may be a dedicated Christian who simply wants to tell a story about Jesus as a strong character in an unusual way.

[sixstringguild]

be it Brahma, Mohammed or Buddha

I don't see or hear of any comic stories that make fun of these religious figureheads. If anything I've heard of a comic about Buddha that was pretty respectful...

The Bible says that you would know a Christian by his or her "fruit" (how they live their lives). I doubt that a Christian writer would portray Jesus in a way that falls outside of how He's presented in the Bible.

Pretty much the comic world is the only place that creators could get away w/ stories like Loaded Bible because there aren't many people in general that read comics compared to movies and tv...which is a shame in itself...

[geordiesteve]

I did say in the media in general, not just comics. Off the top of my head I can think of a few episodes of the Simpsons where the characters make fun of certain Hindu gods such as Shiva, Kali and Ganesha. Some Hindus may have found it highly offensive and others may have just taken it as a light hearted joke and got on with their lives. There are other examples I'm sure in movies and TV programs.

I think it unwise to assume the writer is not a Christian. I don't think anyone has bothered to ask him. I would prefer to ask and find out the answer than assume anything.

And it is a shame that more people do not read comics. I think they are a unique medium for telling stories.

[roguespirit]

Part of what sparked my mini rant was that I have seen so many creators say time after time (and no, no examples come to mind) that those who don't like their material must be closeminded.

I respect his right to write what he wants but in the same way that if you wear gold in certain neighbourhoods don't be surprised when you get a certain reaction.

My christianity is more relationship than religion (as any religion should be) so it is as if someone is taking the piss out of my father. Now if I was to take the piss out of anyone's father I wouldn't consider them close minded if they wanted to take a swing at me. To be honest I'd expect it and say 'fair enough'.

I have no problem with humourous take's on religion and to a certain extent Jesus and God and I probably wouldn't have minded taking a look at this book but I offended by the close minded comment and it's out me right off.

Also if a book about Jesus kicking vampire butt is a serious critique on religion I'll eat my turban...just be honest about your product. if it turns out it does actually get a message across I'll apologise and go kosher!!!

[sixstringguild]

I think it unwise to assume the writer is not a Christian. I don't think anyone has bothered to ask him. I would prefer to ask and find out the answer than assume anything.



I didn't really say he was or wasn't. I was giving you the Biblical rule of thumb.

[Arvandor]

Considering yesterday's events in the European tabloids, I wonder if Seeley would consider this for the sequel - Mohammed vs the Werewolves.

[timseeley]

Hey!
I usually hate to post in a thread about a book I'm working on, out of fear that I'll KILL the discussion, which I don't want to do. but, i just thought I'd clear up a few things. One, my implication here isn't syaing "if you don't like it , you're close-minded." It's," if you are close-minded, you won't like it. " there is a certain segment who believes that organized religion should be beyond criticism. Though I would never try to criticise an INDIVIDUAL's faith, i believe I am well within my rights to tell a science fiction story which extrapolates on my fears of organized religion getting too involved in government. But, if you don't like the book, think it sounds dumb, or are personally offended, that's okay. I like to hear what people think..I WANT to illicit discussion. I just don't want people thinking I'm insulting you personally because you're not interested.
TIM!

[Jonah Weiland]

I don't see or hear of any comic stories that make fun of these religious figureheads. If anything I've heard of a comic about Buddha that was pretty respectful...Which book was that?

Didn't "The Red Star" team do some wacky Buddha thing at Oni 4 or 5 years ago?

[sixstringguild]

Hey!
I usually hate to post in a thread about a book I'm working on, out of fear that I'll KILL the discussion, which I don't want to do. but, i just thought I'd clear up a few things. One, my implication here isn't syaing "if you don't like it , you're close-minded." It's," if you are close-minded, you won't like it. " there is a certain segment who believes that organized religion should be beyond criticism. Though I would never try to criticise an INDIVIDUAL's faith, i believe I am well within my rights to tell a science fiction story which extrapolates on my fears of organized religion getting too involved in government. But, if you don't like the book, think it sounds dumb, or are personally offended, that's okay. I like to hear what people think..I WANT to illicit discussion. I just don't want people thinking I'm insulting you personally because you're not interested.
TIM!

Thanks for clarifying Tim. While it's obvious that I don't like the tone/direction of your one-shot, I do respect the fact that you have a right to make it. I also respect the fact that you came on here to clarify things.
I don't necessarily agree that close-mindedness = believing that organized religion is beyond criticism. I guess it depends on what you're criticizing: those in power (crooked priests, televangelists, etc), which I have done not only here but elsewhere in my life or Christ (His example, actions, teachings, etc), who to me is so great and life-changing.

Nevertheless, I've made my point ad nauseum the past couple of days and I'm just sick of myself now :) I'll go into spectator mode.

By the way, love your GI Joe and Drizzt work. Great job.

[sixstringguild]

Which book was that?

Didn't "The Red Star" team do some wacky Buddha thing at Oni 4 or 5 years ago?

I don't remember exactly what it was but there was some recent manga I believe that did it (or are doing it) as well. I DID read about it somewhere though.

[roguespirit]

Thanks for clarifying Tim. While it's obvious that I don't like the tone/direction of your one-shot, I do respect the fact that you have a right to make it. I also respect the fact that you came on here to clarify things.
I don't necessarily agree that close-mindedness = believing that organized religion is beyond criticism. I guess it depends on what you're criticizing: those in power (crooked priests, televangelists, etc), which I have done not only here but elsewhere in my life or Christ (His example, actions, teachings, etc), who to me is so great and life-changing.

Nevertheless, I've made my point ad nauseum the past couple of days and I'm just sick of myself now :) I'll go into spectator mode.

By the way, love your GI Joe and Drizzt work. Great job.


Just wanna pretty much echo what SSG (as I like to call him) had said here. I just feel like I've read the close minded line time and time again. Not just from creators and not just in this medium. So it felt like I'd reached saturation point and had to say something. But thanks for your comments Tim.

[geordiesteve]

I too am becoming terrified by the belief of some organised religions who think they can get involved with education (intelligent design rubbish) or politics, or other aspects of a democratic government. Religion has totally no place in politics or government. I don't believe any aspect of religion is beyond criticism, be it the people or the symbols. And since someone else has expressed how much influence Jesus has had on their life, for me, he has had zero influence as he is nothing more than a fictional character in a book that was written a long time ago. I think Gandalf has had more of an impact.

Looking forward to the Loaded Bible very much.

[roguespirit]

I too am becoming terrified by the belief of some organised religions who think they can get involved with education (intelligent design rubbish) or politics, or other aspects of a democratic government. Religion has totally no place in politics or government. I don't believe any aspect of religion is beyond criticism, be it the people or the symbols. And since someone else has expressed how much influence Jesus has had on their life, for me, he has had zero influence as he is nothing more than a fictional character in a book that was written a long time ago. I think Gandalf has had more of an impact.

Looking forward to the Loaded Bible very much.

Don't really see your point in relation to the conversation. You could have just started a topic called rant about religion.

[geordiesteve]

Don't really see your point in relation to the conversation. You could have just started a topic called rant about religion.

Not at all, and neither was it my intention. I merely voiced my agreement that the writer has a right to express his opinion about the problematic area of religion getting involved in government, through this science fiction story about Jesus versus vampires.

A previous poster said Jesus had been "so great and life-changing" in his life. As a non-Christian, I expressed my opinion on that particular character, by saying he had no influence. Therefore this story will be entertaining and in no way offensive. Offering a different opinion was not an invitation for an argument. Hardly a rant.

[roguespirit]

Not at all, and neither was it my intention. I merely voiced my agreement that the writer has a right to express his opinion about the problematic area of religion getting involved in government, through this science fiction story about Jesus versus vampires.

A previous poster said Jesus had been "so great and life-changing" in his life. As a non-Christian, I expressed my opinion on that particular character, by saying he had no influence. Therefore this story will be entertaining and in no way offensive. Offering a different opinion was not an invitation for an argument. Hardly a rant.

Ok I see. But at no point has anyone disagreed that any writer should have the right to express their opinion thats why I didn't understand where you were coming from.

[geordiesteve]

Ok I see. But at no point has anyone disagreed that any writer should have the right to express their opinion thats why I didn't understand where you were coming from.

I know. I was offering support for the the concept and my opinion.

[roguespirit]

I know. I was offering support for the the concept and my opinion.

My apologies for misunderstanding

[roguespirit]

I too am becoming terrified by the belief of some organised religions who think they can get involved with education (intelligent design rubbish) or politics, or other aspects of a democratic government. Religion has totally no place in politics or government. I don't believe any aspect of religion is beyond criticism, be it the people or the symbols. And since someone else has expressed how much influence Jesus has had on their life, for me, he has had zero influence as he is nothing more than a fictional character in a book that was written a long time ago. I think Gandalf has had more of an impact.

Looking forward to the Loaded Bible very much.


If I may have a look at your statement.

I too do not think that organised religion has a place in government but I don't have a problem with religious groups expressing theor opinions to government as they are exercising the same right as any other group. To say however that religion has no place in politics cannot really work in a an indirect sense for a religious politician - it becomes part and parcel of the beliefs and morays of the individual or politician. Therefore it cannot help but be expressed in their day to day political deceisions. Further - if my religion drives me to seek the best for my country/world then it affects the decisio that I as a politician will make on behalf of my country/world.

I too don't believe that no aspect of religion is beyond criticism but I believe that those that seek to be parody religion shouldn't be surprised at receving criticism for their choice of expression. I also believe that such creators should not evince the close mindedness towards religious people that they claim religious people show to others.

Not gonna deny the impact of Gandalf in anyone's life :D

Hope you enjoy the book, in fact I'd appreciate a review as I've decided not to pick it up but can't deny my curiosity.

[timseeley]

The Man in action...

http://www.timseeley.com/plugins/p17_image_gallery/popup.php?categoryid=10&p17_sectionid=2&p17_imageid=104

Finished art by Nate and Mark.

Enjoy.
TIM

[Dilutral]

Hey, just read the preview... good wrighting... though wierd
I might by it when it comes out
but I have to say that muslums would pay $1,000,000 to get U shot if U had used Mao-ma... look at what they are doing in europe, aren't U glad we live in USA!!!
Total freedom of speach!!!
U should consider what some one posted about mao-ma vs werewolves as a potential team up for loaded bible 2 or a spin off of religiuos heroes!!!
just imagine Jesus and Maohma taking on Satan and Sammael!!!
hahahaha hilarious I'd like that...

PS: I totally love Hack/Slash

[phicks]

Just read the preview. Wow! Does this ever look offensive! It's chilling to think what Muslims are doing in response to the Danish newspaper cartoons, but Image greenlights something like this!

In light of his history of miracles, what does Jesus need a sword for? If he says a vampire is dead, he's dead. Seems like a crappy writer trying to get attention with a controversial topic. I won't be buying it.

[Greg T]

Hey kiddies, remember, judge not lest ye be judged. Pray for Tim, Benito and Mark; don't attack.

[Alex A Sanchez]

Heh heh heh... wouldn't it be funny if Christ wore a crusifix around his neck? Since he himself is the central component of a Christian symbol, I think it would be funny to have Jesus wearing a miniature figure of himself around his own neck. I bet He would even find that funny if He were around today.

[Sadyv]

Let me say, I am not of the Christian faith, and have no problem with someone doing a creative work focused on their criticism of a religious group.

That said, I don't get that vibe from this work. This doesn't look like a deep, well thought out examination of Chrisitianity. To be blunt, it looks like an unknown trying to come up with a story idea that is controversial, merely to grab more attention and money. It seems to be done in poor taste, with the primary goal of getting publicity by offending people.

My guess, in the end, when it comes out, it won't be all that nasty to Chrisitianity, nor will it offer any meaningful analysis of the religion. It will be a generic action comic, dressed up with "controversial" topics. Bad form, I must say.

I'll compare it to that video game that came out some time ago, Postal. A rather mediocre action title, that gained notoriety by linking it to postal worker shootings, and other sad instances where disturbed people took a gun and killed their fellow man.

Postal was a game that would have faded into oblivion, but with the smart PR department, they got it to be a success. I just can't shake the feeling that Loaded Bible is going for the exact same thing.

[Alex A Sanchez]

Let me say, I am not of the Christian faith, and have no problem with someone doing a creative work focused on their criticism of a religious group.

That said, I don't get that vibe from this work. This doesn't look like a deep, well thought out examination of Chrisitianity. To be blunt, it looks like an unknown trying to come up with a story idea that is controversial, merely to grab more attention and money. It seems to be done in poor taste, with the primary goal of getting publicity by offending people.

My guess, in the end, when it comes out, it won't be all that nasty to Chrisitianity, nor will it offer any meaningful analysis of the religion. It will be a generic action comic, dressed up with "controversial" topics. Bad form, I must say.

I'll compare it to that video game that came out some time ago, Postal. A rather mediocre action title, that gained notoriety by linking it to postal worker shootings, and other sad instances where disturbed people took a gun and killed their fellow man.

Postal was a game that would have faded into oblivion, but with the smart PR department, they got it to be a success. I just can't shake the feeling that Loaded Bible is going for the exact same thing.

Ya know, internally I've wrestled with this debate for a bit, ever since the series was announced. I honestly don't believe it was contrived to be blatantly offensive in order to turn heads. I believe Seely came up with a concept that he thought was creative and thought it would be fun to see where he could take it. It looks fun (with the exception of the cover: I still think the crusification is a bit much). From what I can see, the book doesn't pretend that this is how Christ would actually behave were he to return. Its fantasy. Its vampires. Take it for what it is.

This comic actually arrived at a significant point in history, considering the trouble Dutch cartoonists are getting in at the moment. Clinton pussied out and said EFF free speech. When we try to censure something so strongly, we give it strength. Why is there no white equivalent for the N-word? Because no word bothers white people that much- no one has the energy to get worked up if "honkey" is said on television. I will admit, the N-word is extremely offensive because of the historical connotations. But the more strongly people react to it, the more power the word is given. If people used the word all of the time, and no one reacted to it I guarentee it would not be nearly offensive.

The same can be applied to cartoon depictions of religious symbols. Depict my God as a violent action hero. If I don't react, no one will really care. If no one cares, its not offensive.

[noh-varr]

If you don't want to wait for the comic book to come out see the original here!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00007CVRX/102-3894332-9180123?v=glance&n=130
It's Jesus versus vampires with Mexican wrestlers!

[Dilutral]

Tim isn't an unknown...
he isnt frank miller but well
he has plenty work out there

I am a religiuos person and this Comic doesn't bother me
I might buy it, I might not, But I have no problem with it

Fact is I think more people should do work like it
it is the only new thing out ther that hasnt be exploited

though some one said jesus would just say die and the vamp would... true
that would make for an interesting thing but it wouldnt be as much fun...

[Alex A Sanchez]

In light of his history of miracles, what does Jesus need a sword for? If he says a vampire is dead, he's dead.
If you want to get technical, Jesus wouldn't even kill the vampire. He'd heal him of his vampirism, then forgive his sins. I can't imagine too many people interested in a book where that happens.

[geordiesteve]

Indeed, I think this is going to be an entertaining read, not an in depth study of Jesus or Christianity, it is fiction, hence the vampires etc. It looks like fun and I am interested enough, from what I have read so far, to go out and buy it.

Going back to what someone else said, I'm glad I live in the UK, where we have freedom of speech too, the Danish situation is remarkable and unprecedented, and smaller occurences in the UK have been dealt with swiftly, but they still went too soft on those involved in my opinion.

[Alex A Sanchez]

but they still went too soft on those involved in my opinion.

They went too soft on the cartoonists? Do you even think they should have been punished?

[sixstringguild]

Hey, just read the preview... good wrighting... though wierd
I might by it when it comes out
but I have to say that muslums would pay $1,000,000 to get U shot if U had used Mao-ma... look at what they are doing in europe, aren't U glad we live in USA!!!


You don't see Christians rioting over this story or anything else because:
1. There really isn't that much publicity behind Tim's book so the mainstream doesn't really know about it.
2. Since when do you see any group of Christians rioting anywhere? It goes against the Gospel. There wouldn't be a televangelist anywhere that would justify rioting (maybe some kook in West Virginia living in his own compound but no one would listen to him). If anything, maybe boycotting, but hardly anyone reads comics as it is.

[Dilutral]

But I wasn't just refering to loaded bible... we have buddy crist and jesus christ vampire hunter, the last temptation of christ, etc in movies plus cartoonist in news papers are constantly poking fun at jesus and many other biblical and or religious figures, and no one riots... and yeah its cause christianity likes to do things peacefully.

And Mr A. sanchez damn strait!!! More people should publish cartoons degrading mahoma all over the world, cencorship sucks!!! just go to an art galery or a meuseum U will see many masterpieces poking fun at and making social critizism towards religion as well as everything else.

and hey I doubt Loaded Bible is worse than other comics that dont use christ as their main character.

[timseeley]

Well..I wouldn't say Christians are known for being peaceful all of the time. The Crusades and the Salem Witch Trials come to mind. I consider all organized religions to have inherent dangers, Islam, Christianity...all of 'em. "Loaded Bible" takes place in the US, and since Christianity is the primary religion, it's the focus of this story.
Muslims are pissed, not because they live in a country which doesn't allow freedom of speech...one of the rules of Islam is that Mohammed can't be portrayed in art. If you go to a mosque you won't find any pictorial references to Mohammad...just symbols and words. Of course, they've taken this way too far, and anyone responsible for killing someone over a cartoon is the worst kind of person alive.
Anyway, thnaks for the comments, and I promise it's not all this heavy shit. Lots' of things get kicked and exploded.
TIM
www.timseeley.com

[Denzop]

Ditto to what Tim said, well said buddy :)

[mrdusk]

I am a very liberal Christain and this seems in bad taste to me. I think Jesus has endured enough in American cartoon shows to not have his entire message of peace and nonviolence denigrated. In a world political climate where religion is just waiting to explode into idiotic violence, I don't really see the need for this.

I don't know. I look at it and I all I think is "Bad taste."

[Prosthetic Head]

In all honesty,Tim, it seems to me that you don't have as big as a problem with organized religion as you do with Jesus. Maybe its just me, but if you have a true problem with all of organized religion, then why not make a serious comic about that instead.

[geordiesteve]

They went too soft on the cartoonists? Do you even think they should have been punished?

Too soft on those who started the riots, attacked the embassy etc, not the cartoonists. The authorities were too lenient.

Here in the UK, one man dressed up as a suicide bomber to protest, bad taste at the best of times, but especially after the recent London bombings. He was on parole at the time, and now is back inside prison and has had some time added to his sentence. Total moron.

[Alex A Sanchez]

In a world political climate where religion is just waiting to explode into idiotic violence, I don't really see the need for this.

This is the exact reason people fear organized religion. Regardless of the well intentioned individuals, groups, or deity (i.e. God) who started it, once us humans get control of such a large group of people we seem to corrupt the message somehow.

In all honesty,Tim, it seems to me that you don't have as big as a problem with organized religion as you do with Jesus. Maybe its just me, but if you have a true problem with all of organized religion, then why not make a serious comic about that instead.

Dear Mr. Prosthetic Head (who I believe is really Mr. Dusk under an alias),
get serious!! The reason the comic is about Jesus is because most Vampire stories pitch the Christian faith as the protagonists! Why do you think a cross hurts vampires, and holy water? Why do many Vampire stories feature Angels as the good guys? Muslims don't fight Vampires, Christians do! Who is the ultimate Christian? Christ (not to mention that he's one heck of a Jew as well).

if you have a true problem with all of organized religion, then why not make a serious comic about that instead.

Because no one wants to read a comic about that. It sounds pretty boring.

[Sadyv]

Ok, let me ask this.

If this book didn't star Jesus, just some generic fantasy action hero of Seeley's own creation, would you still care about it?

My guess is not so much, and Seeley probably knew that. So in an effort to boost sales, hey, lets take a character beloved by many, and throw him into a situation I know will make some people uncomfortable, that way I'll get more press and more attention that my book would otherwise.

[Alex A Sanchez]

Ok, let me ask this.

If this book didn't star Jesus, just some generic fantasy action hero of Seeley's own creation, would you still care about it?

My guess is not so much, and Seeley probably knew that. So in an effort to boost sales, hey, lets take a character beloved by many, and throw him into a situation I know will make some people uncomfortable, that way I'll get more press and more attention that my book would otherwise.

It sounds and looks to me like this book is doing more than just being irreverant to boost sales. A generic fantasy action hero does little to stir discussion about the power of organized religion.

And I'm done for the moment, I'll let someone else do the talking.

[timseeley]

Well said, Mr. Alex.
This particular story is ABOUT Jesus and organized religion. So, yeah, I had to use him. It's also about Jesus whupping vampire ass. Again, had to be him.
TIM!

[Dilutral]

I want to read it... hope its better than blade and all the other vampire themed comics and movies... ok, just as good as the rest... i love Vampires stories... even if they on the recieving end.

by the way i had forgoten the crusades... damn, i liked that period in history class... and hey, knights were strated by the church... good stuff. i had forgoten.

[Prosthetic Head]

It just doesn't seem to mean much to anyone else, but to some people it does. All I was saying is that for what Seely says he is trying to set out to accomplish with this book, there are many other directions he could have gone in. He went down a path already well-traveled. I would honestly be more inclined to sit down and read a serious-themed story about the misleading, corrupt effect some organized religion has on this world, than Jesus the vampire-slayer. And now I do see that it is just me.

[geordiesteve]

What date is this available from?

[MicroZone]

the premise ALONE seems done in poor taste.

[timseeley]

The book ships the week before Easter!
-Tim "Bad Taste is my favorite flavor" Seeley