Radical Jesus

Radical Jesus: A Graphic History of Faith is a graphic novel edited by Paul Buhle and illustrated by Sabrina Jones, Gary Dumm, and Nick Thorkelson.

Buhle was a part of the Congregational church until the age of 15 when he started going to a Christian Youth Fellowship. He later left the church and became interested in liberation theology. His experiences with religion inspired him to write the book.^[1] The book was published the same year as the 2013 papal conclave when Pope Francis was elected to the position and began expressing concerns about capitalism.^[2] The book's intended audience is anyone between the age of 15 and 30 who may not have much of a religious background.^[3]

The book is split into three sections. The first is called "Radical Gospel" and is illustrated by Jones.^[4] The section is set during the Gospels, but contrasts Jesus and his disciples with people in modern day attire.^[5] The second covers the events from the 14th to 19th centuries and is illustrated by Dumm. For instance, the section includes stories of the 14th lollards and a peace treaty between the Quakers and Lenape people.^[6][7] The final section is illustrated by Thorkelson and is set in modern times.^[8]

Jim Cullen wrote in the History News Network that the book "is a rich and striking social document".^[9] Drew G. I. Hart commented in The Christian Century that the transition between art styles from black and white to color works well and compliments the writing.^[10] Neil Derksen criticised the book in the Library Journal saying that the book had a "lack of cohesion, both narratively and artistically".^[11] Dissent Magazine compared and contrasted the book to Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth and Killing Jesus: A History.^[12]