 Sadhu Sundar Singh,
By Alec Stevens
Published by Calvary Comics
The wonderful thing about independent comics is that there is so much variety. Just within the Christian sub sector, you get a huge range of differing styles and stories, being told from all kinds of perspectives.
This is the first time I have seen a comic book version of an ‘inspirational biography’ – and I am glad to say it is both inspirational and fascinating.
Telling the story of the eponymous hero, this comic takes us gently through his life and reaches the tragically inspirational conclusion – which I wont altogether spoil for you.
Sadhu Sundhar Singh is in some ways a controversial figure, and while much has been written about him, still some things remain in dispute. Certainly if he were on the scene now, he would not go down well with everyone!
But even in his own time the Sadhu stirred up debate and was certainly a controversial preacher. His mystical visions, and vows of poverty set him apart from many mainstream church goers. He was also though a real person, whose faith and strength of commitment go unchallenged.
I recommend readers to take on board the Sadhu’s story and decide what they can learn from it.
 The art that Stephens uses is very fitting, with a kind of old fashioned styling, he reminds us of a previous era of publishing, perhaps a golden era, when things weren’t all glitz and glamour.
Somehow the author has managed to get his story and his art to match, delivering a good portrait of the Sadhu. My one quibble was a panel where he was pictured as being a sixteen-year-old, but looked as if he could have been in his early thirties – however, not having done the research, I could be way out of line there.
The fact is that Alec Stevens is a great artist, and knows a lot more about comics than I do!!
I particularly recommend this graphic biography for anyone who doesn’t normally get much out of a comic book. It will deliver a completely different experience, and should interest, challenge, and entertain the reader. It’s a good introduction to the story of the Sadhu, and will hopefully inspire readers to learn more about this great man. |
