Renegade: Martin Luther; The Graphic Biography

Gr 10 Up—It's been 500 years since Martin Luther wrote his 95 theses and changed the course of Christianity and history. This illuminating graphic novel traces Luther's education with the Catholic Church and the intricate thought processes that led to his great epiphany. Dark, violent imagery depicts a world where religion is characterized by brutal judgment and the only way to access a remote God is through money-grubbing priests. Luther saw this hypocrisy every day—how can worshippers practice their faith if the consequences of sin can be wiped away with earthly money? Through years of intense study, Luther realized that faith, not merely good works or purchasing a way out of hell, is central to Christianity. He strove to make the Bible accessible to the masses, creating a shockwave across the continent. Despite his ferocious battles with the Catholic Church and most of Europe's ruling class, Luther spent the rest of his life making reformations, forming the basis for all Protestant denominations and sects that exist today. Though somewhat didactic, Palmerino's text paints a clear chronological picture of how events may have transpired—but the art is what will pull in readers. At times it's rough and jagged, at others dreamlike with biblical imagery floating around and intertwining with the dark age environment.