Saintly iconography as seen through the lens of Manga, the modern cartoon style originating from Japan. At once its both thought-provoking, and unsettling. While the artwork is intended to convey the saints in a form thats palatable for a younger generation (one which I am either in, or on the cusp of) its difficult to say whether or not it can actually accomplish what traditional iconography is able to do. That is, serve as a spiritual doorway that allows us to commune with and be inspired by our saintly fore-bearers.

Without a doubt most people beyond a certain age would be simply be amused, if not offended by this depiction of the saints, despite this it should be recognized that this art speaks to some on a very serious level. While by virtue of its forms Manga seems to depict triviality, novels illustrated in its style often tell stories which are very dramatic and epic in nature. Perhaps this is a medium that can do some justice to those that have righteously served, and often gave the ultimate sacrifice, for Christ’s Church.

What are your thoughts?

h/t to Byzantine, TX