The Book of Revelation

by Matt Dorff (Adapted By), Chris Koelle (Illustrator), Chris Diamantopoulos

THE CLIMACTIC BATTLE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL The final book of the Bible has challenged, inspired, and astonished readers for nearly 2000 years. The book of Revelation may be the most analyzed text in all of Scripture. And yet it remains the most mysterious. Now comes an illustrated graphic novel version of this amazing book, including all 404 verses of this scriptural masterpiece. Stand in the Apostle John's sandals and watch the New Testament's climactic war between good and evil unfold in dramatic and dazzling imagery. See the Lamb, the Seven-Headed Dragon, and the Beast as never before. Take a thrilling ride through ancient prophecy. Discover anew the story of the ultimate fulfillment of John's faith as the final battle is fought between God and Satan. Including a translation by Fr. Mark Arey and Fr. Philemon Sevastiades, an adaptation by Matt Dorff, and illustrations by renowned artist Chris Koelle, The Book of Revelation is an emotionally stirring and thought-provoking way to experience this timeless narrative.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Religion, Christian, Nonfiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Theology

192 pages, Paperback

First published November 6, 2012

About the author

Matt is a Los Angeles native and graduate of the USC School of Cinema He has written, produced, and/or directed movies and miniseries airing on CBS, NBC, ABC, A&E, Lifetime, HBO and other networks. He adapted and edited a graphic novel series for HarperCollins that included THE BOOK OF REVELATION. In May 2021 under the pen name L.R. Dorn (with co-author Suzanne Dunn), his reimagining of Theodore Dreiser's AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY was published by William Morrow under the title THE ANATOMY OF DESIRE. In July 2023, LR Dorn's second novel WITH A KISS WE DIE will be published by William Morrow.

Reviews

[Margaret Chind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review PENDING

After just spending time with reading and reviewing The Action Bible New Testament: God's Redemptive Story and The Action Bible Devotional: 52 Weeks of God-Inspired Adventure I thought this would be a great time to pick up The Book of Revelation. While these are both graphic novels, The Action Bible and it's derivatives are along the lines of a comic book, but The Book of Revelation is not a comic book. This book is a graphic novel with emphasis on the idea of graphic and is not meant for a young audience.

I had my Enginerd read through this one and he was fascinated and speechless about many of the pages and said the images could be nightmare inspiring. As it rightly says at the beginning of the book in reference to the book of Revelation in scripture, "the text is vibrant, pulsing word-image, streaked often with violent colorations, bathed t other times in deeply peaceful hues. Here we truly have text as image." and that is so true.

The pages are a base backing of black and the images come to life with light off the pages. The text is white and the illustrations range from white, yellow, orange and red with sepia hues for the main part and though there is a section here and there full of the range of colors with vivid and gorgeous blues, purples and greens as well.

While I am not normally found within the pages of a graphic novel, I am intrigued and want to spread the word when there is something like this that would be a fabulous tool to dive into scripture for just the right person. Much as to when I was reading Love's Sacred Song and found myself mesmerized and wondered if the scripture really said "that" and I was left with a thirst to go and read more on my own again, that same feeling fills me as I turn the pages and read the text and see the images as the words take to light and life with the story. It's graphic, it's horrid and it's beautiful and redemptive.

While one could read through this all in one sitting, I would recommend breaking it up to really enjoy it and experience it. Yet I reiterate again, this is not for a young audience, but for a mature one.

[Quirkyreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a stunning visual of Revelation. If you are a visual learner, find a copy of this book.

[Gabriel Wallis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't too sure if I liked this graphic novel. It was interesting, though, seeing someone's rendition of the book of Revelation from the Bible. I had some disagreements about certain things depicted. When the book of Revelation talks about the Lamb in chapter five, the artist, Chris Koelle, actually depicted the Lamb as an actual lamb/man. I have to admit, it was a little scary looking. That was probably my biggest problem with the entire graphic novel. The other things are minor. I had a hard time with how dark the book was. I know it's going to be a dark time in history, but Heaven doesn't need to be dark. Where God is seated on the throne, it was dark around him. I just can't imagine that. God would illuminate everything. The angels were cool, though. And the graphic novel was probably the best illustration I've seen of the book of Revelation. I don't even think that the Left Behind series got the depth and darkness that will be in this time period to come. And "The Action Bible" by Sergio Cariello didn't grasp Revelation either. I'm just actually wondering if it'll happen during my lifetime.

[Christopher Angulo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stumbled upon this in a search for an interesting book of Revelation rendition. This is a gem. The are is fast paced and corresponds to to book. The pictures were wild and unsettling. I liked the imagery interpretation. It put some concepts in a different and new light for me to stew on. Not for younger children though (probably 13 and up), but depends on your taste.

[Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This graphic novel helped me to understand Revelations much better.

I loved the beautiful illustrations.

Lots of talent went into this translation of the book of Revelation.

[Scott Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This graphic novel adaptation of The Book of Revelation is terrifying, beautiful, provoking, and poignant.

Due to the ambiguity of The Book of Revelation, many have tried to interpret it over the centuries. Though I am far from an expert, I find this graphic novel an insightful take on the world-renowned work. So much of this book from the Bible is based on imagery that, when read alone, most of us fail to truly envision its descriptions. Thanks to artist Chris Koelle, those words have been chillingly rendered upon the page.

The Book of Revelation is a scary read, and Koelle has intricately delivered those frightening aspects. When I received the book from Amazon Vine, it at first unsettled me. But this is not the stuff of gratuitous violence or repulsion. This is a realistic approach to a story that many believe will come to pass. The monsters are disturbing, the angels are intimidating, and the end of the world is ghastly.

Interestingly enough, the art reflects the customs and attire of when The Book of Revelation was first written – it looks as the world did thousands of years ago. We often think of the end of the world as being our (2012) future, but, I suppose upon reflection, after it was initially written the future was very much our long ago past.

This work is a translation by Fr. Mark Arey and Fr. Philemon Sevastiades, and it was adapted by Matt Dorff. But the art is what truly makes this a unique version. It is sensible yet fantastical, gruesome yet gorgeous. If you are interested in a distinctive interpretation of The Book of Revelation, I highly recommend this exceptional work.

[Seantaneous · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of people are scared of the book of Revelation, or at least hesitant to read it. Ironically, it is the only book of the bible that says you are blessed for reading it. (Revelation 1:3) The team that put this together did an amazing job. Absolutely stunning visuals with breathtaking colors is what this book is all about. Along with captions of select verses, it takes you through each chapter of Revelation (not Revelations), and further brings to life what John did so wonderfully already. I can't stress how beautiful this art is.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are multiple reasons why the book of Revelation is challenging. For one—and perhaps this is the most common struggle—it’s meaning seems ambiguous without serious study (and even the scholars can’t seem to agree!).

An additional problem I’ve faced, though, is simply keeping track of the characters and plot. Symbols, events, and characters seem to get jumbled from chapter to chapter. (“Wait, is the dragon the same thing as the beast, it is this a different creature entirely? And which character(s) are Jesus?”)

This graphic adaptation doesn’t help much with interpreting John’s cryptic vision, but it is extremely helpful for visualizing and tracking the narrative itself. While I normally spend most of my time reading Revelation frantically tracking all the “moving pieces” and simply trying to comprehend the thing, the cinematic, graphic-novel approach really allows for an engrossing experience.

[Caleb Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique translation completed by two Fathers in the Orthodox church. Not sure how edited the text of this adapted version is (for example, I think Revelation chapters 2-3, the letters to the seven churches, are greatly abridged or possibly even omitted in this version).

For all the potential shortcomings of the text, the artwork is spectacular! You definitely don't buy a book like this primarily for the text, but for the visuals. And the visuals are really incredible. I cannot imagine the work that went in to illustrating this edition. Hats off to Chris Koelle (who apparently also illustrated John Piper's "Job" book).

As a side note, I would personally rate this book PG-13, as, due to the nature of what is discussed in Revelation, many of the illustrations deal with death, suffering, evil spirits and demons, and are just generally dark in nature, and thus probably not appropriate for children of a certain age. So maybe don't buy this for your kids without previewing it yourself first.

[RobbyJ13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT GRAPHIC NOVEL of the book of revelations!

If you’re like me and don’t want to waste hours of your time reading from the Bible, this a great choice for you!

The illustrations were PHENOMENAL!! Really puts you into the scene and brings the revelation to life!!!!

Honestly, was pretty scared and freaked out about some of the scenes and horrors of the revelation in this book… I thank the illustrators for that!

Much credit and respect to the illustrators of this book.

This book was beautifully executed! Great job!!

Would recommend to anyone who can handle the horrors of the revelation.

[Bob Wolniak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lavishly illustrated new translation of the Book of Revelation which covers every verse. Many of Koelle's illustrations are breath-taking. I have borrowed imagery for several of my sermons from this book as excerpts find their way online. The moments of joy, wonder and despair are captured extremely well. The take on chapter 10 is worth the price of the book. I especially liked his images of angels. The translation is easy to follow except when using phrases like Pantokrator.

[FEED ME KITTENS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This translation and adaptation is essential for anybody interested in Apocalyptic literature.

[Jamie Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome. Great work. The best part of the Bible to recreate in graphic form for sure. I enjoyed it a lot.

[Jacob Gane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The art was fantastic!

[Tom Varner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read the Book of Revelation more times than any other book in the Bible; I’ve read it over thirty times. Even though it is a book I am quite familiar, much of the text remains as enigmatic as the first time I read it; prophecy can be rather ambiguous. Therefore, when I had the opportunity to read this graphic novel adaptation of the Book of Revelation, I couldn’t pass it up.

This book, THE BOOK OF REVELATION is an adaptation by Matt Dorff of an original translation by the Greek Orthodox priests Father Mark Arey & Philemon Sevastiades. The illustrations are done by Chris Koelle. The text is taken directly from the translation done by Fathers Arey & Sevastiades. Unlike some Bibles, this is an actual translation of the original work and not a modern translation (e.g. The Message). Each chapter and verse of Revelation can be found in this book. In fact, the chapters in THE BOOK OF REVELATION are divided according to the actual chapters in the Bible. The verses aren’t numbered like the chapters, but they are there. As the illustrator, Chris Koelle, points out in his note at the end of the book, he made his images based upon the perspective of the Apostle John. The images that are seen are representations of what John might have seen as he was transposing the original text. There can be disagreement over the interpretation of certain passages of text, but the translator, adapter, and illustrator have remained faithful to the text.

Like much of the Bible, there is a great deal in THE BOOK OF REVELATION that is violent and explicit. Koelle doesn’t shy away from this in his illustrations. However, he does refrain from making them over-the-top or campy. Destruction is wrought, blood flows, and people die, but it’s shown as the Bible says. Younger children might be frightened by some of the images and rightly so. However, I don’t think that’s enough to prevent a young reader from reading this book. Caution should be used, but it should be according to the maturity of each child.

Revelation is one of the books from the Bible that have inspired artists for several centuries and some of the images and phrases from the book are a part of the common lexicon (e.g. Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, Armageddon, etc.). Even if you are not a Christian, one cannot deny that the book has had an impact and influence upon our culture. THE BOOK OF REVELATION provides a visual reference outside one’s mind’s eye that can illuminate Revelation for both believer and nonbeliever, child and adult alike.

[Timothy Darling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have made it a personal practice to collect Books of the Bible presented as individual writings, perhaps, as in this case, bound in a volume by themselves. This is one example of how such a thing can be done. It is a graphic and dramatic presentation of a text that is often confusing, always arresting, and sometimes daunting. Many simply avoid the book of Revelation, and I understand this impulse. Since the book relies so heavily on visual imagery, the medium of a graphic "novel" makes sense. The artists have endeavored to write what John said, and not to interpret through contemporary possibilities. When John said "army" the artist drew Romans. This is what John knew an army to be. When he said beast, the artist tried to draw heads, horns and crowns, though the traditions of interpretation have said this beast is a man, so the artist also rendered the beast as a man. The lamb is a lamb, though I am astounded at the level of serious strength that can be drawn in the face of a lamb.

I like this book, and highly recommend it for two groups of people: those who would like a fresh take on Revelation, and those who like graphic arts. This book gives each of those two groups a competent introduction to the other. While some may be frustrated that their particular interpretation of Revelation is not given special place in this rendering, anyone who is willing to admit that there is a level of ambiguity that goes along with prophecy will also see that this book goes a long way in honoring that ambiguity.

[Joseph R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most difficult books to understand in the Bible is the very last one, the Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse. The disciple John on the island of Patmos has a vision of a time of great tribulation ending in a new Heaven and a new Earth. The imagery is rich and cryptic, full of numeric and pop culture references that are alien to readers two millennia later. The book makes fascinating but not necessarily satisfying reading.

This new translation of the book comes from two Greek Orthodox clergy who provide a precise, timeless English text. The drawings are very evocative. The visual tone is like a horror comic, with lots of black, grey, gold, and red dominating most of the pages. The illustrations are just that, illustrations of the text and not interpretations. When warriors are depicted, they look like Roman soldiers as befits a text written in the first century AD. The one bit the illustrator has taken from contemporary art is the use of reaction shots from cinema and television. As John is shown fantastical things, occasionally his reaction can be seen in a frame--sometimes wonder, sometimes horror. It works well in the text.

I found this graphic version of Revelation hard to put down. The images are well paired with the text, neither overwhelming the other. The book gives the reader a more visceral experience of the text, which may be a better way to understand it rather than trying to decode it intellectually.

[Orpiment99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a comic book/graphic novel adaptation of the book of Revelation (or "Apocalypse" as it is properly known in Catholic Bibles). By far the most stunning art I've ever seen in a graphic novel, the book of Revelation is done chapter by chapter. The imagery is vibrant, dark, and almost eerie. This is definitely not for children, for many of the images that are described in Revelation are violent and confusing. The art almost has an almost dark surrealist tone. Some of the illustrations are epic, yet mysterious.

Many of us read the book of Revelation and seek to interpret it verse-by-verse, an erroneous approach in my opinion. This comic book does an excellent job of "interpreting" the images for you, as if you are St. John experiencing the visions himself. Reading the book of Revelation is far different than actually seeing the images as if they are compiled into a movie. Definitely recommended for the visual viewers (as myself).

For those who have played Demons Souls or Dark Souls for video game consoles, I am oddly reminded of these games when I read this comic book adaptation. Who knew it's even better than video games!?

[Curtis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not a big graphic novel reader, but I gave this one a try. It is basically the book of Revelation from the Bible in both text and pictures. The text was translated by two gentlemen and is not a well known version of scripture. The pictures were wonderfully drawn though. The illustrator, Chris Koelle, did a fantastic job putting the word images of Revelation into actual pictures; you get to see things how John describes them. There is a lot in revelation that has multiple or deeper meanings, but the pictures depict the actual image, as John originally described it not as they might be interpreted. It was so much easier to read Revelation with pictures than with just text. Pictures add a whole new light (or darkness...?) to the book.
The illustrator also shows us John and his possible reactions to what he is experiencing. This can draw the reader deeper into the book.

[Pathway Midland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not a big graphic novel reader, but I gave this one a try. It is basically the book of Revelation from the Bible in both text and pictures. The text was translated by two gentlemen and is not a well known version of scripture. The pictures were wonderfully drawn though. The illustrator, Chris Koelle, did a fantastic job putting the word images of Revelation into actual pictures; you get to see things how John describes them. There is a lot in revelation that has multiple or deeper meanings, but the pictures depict the actual image, as John originally described it not as they might be interpreted. It was so much easier to read Revelation with pictures than with just text. Pictures add a whole new light (or darkness...?) to the book.
The illustrator also shows us John and his possible reactions to what he is experiencing. This can draw the reader deeper into the book.

- Curtis

[Reeda Booke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mainly read this because I was interested in seeing how the illustrator would portray the imagery of Revelation in graphic form. If you have read the Book of Revelation you will know what I mean because it is full of symbolism and can be very enigmatic. I have to say that I was impressed with some and others not so much. It does include all 404 verses of the book along with the imagery. If nothing else, if you haven't read the Book of Revelation, there is no time like the present. It remains one of my favorite books to study.

[Edy Gies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning would be a weak way to describe this book. This is not a novelization of the book of Revelation. It is the entire book told with pictures and text. The images illustrate the majesty and almighty power of God without being blasphemous, which is what I would expect from a graphic novel of Revelation. Everyone I tell about it gives a nervous laugh or a sigh of disgust, but when they see it the reaction is always, "Oh wow! This is amazing!" I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone.

[Kent Kirker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall 4.5 Stars

5 Stars for the Illustration, Art Adaptation and Direction

I absolutely loved this graphic novel edition of The Book of Revelation . The art direction was spot on, at least in my subjective view.

4 Stars for translation

The actual literary adaptation/translation was at times, hard to follow. I really feel it could have been more clear and comprehensible to readers of all ages. I specifically enjoy The Message , which I, again subjectively, believe is the most contemporary understandable version.

[Ben Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I originally stumbled upon this book in my work study job at the library in grad school, and, pardon the pun, was enraptured by its artwork and translation. It truly brings to life a book that is at best often ignored, and at worst often twisted. One sees the insane images alongside John, and despite fulfilling both the visual and verbal mediums, this book manages to not over impose its views on any one theory of the apocalypse (in the classical sense of the word). A beautiful book that I’d recommend to anyone interested in the subject.

[Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Revelation has been one of my favorite books in the Bible for a while and when I saw this graphic adaptation I was very eager to read it. I think the illustrator did an excellent job in portraying the events in the book of Revelation and the illustrations are really what kept me hooked to reading this. The book doesn't hold anything back and sticks pretty close to the events that are decribed in Revelation.

[Drew Canole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hope this illustrator adapts more of the bible, or someone else does it at this level of quality. Im worried though, one of the last lines in the book reads, "if you add anything to these words god will inflict upon you the plagues that are described in this book." I hope the illustrator doesnt wake up in a pool of fire... apparently god does that. Its a faithful adaptation that does improve upon a reading of just text.

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of these images are just amazing and that is why I got this book. If you want something visual, that takes each verse in a literal way, this book is for you.

I consider this a sort of visual commentary. It's not Scripture, but it's an artists thoughts on Scripture. The most striking thought I had from the artists was seeing Christ depicted as an anthropomorphized lamb. One image is on the cover. Others are inside.

[Ben Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great graphic novel adaptation of hte book of revelation. It provides an enormous amount of imagery and allows people to visually walk through the book of revelation. For anyone who enjoys graphic novels this is a fantastic way to enjoy the book of Revelation and even encourages readers to dig into the book of Revenlation more. At least it did for me.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book! Crazy to imagine what all this will actually look like. A little too dark (one of my students said, wow this is so pagan, not a good endorsement...oh well kids) and the Greek Orthodox religious language can be a bit of a hindrance but the main point of revelation is seen, that God wins!!!

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was skeptical of the idea of Revelation as a graphic novel, but I'm glad I gave it a shot! The artwork is really well done. It really captures the spirit (no pun intended) and mood of Revelation, and the details in the drawings add a lot for the careful observer. Read it slowly and really absorb the illustrations. This is highly recommended!