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The Circle: The Graphic Novel #2
Red - The Circle, Book Two, The Heroic Rescue
The stakes of the mind-bending story spun in Black are raised to a new level in Red. In one world, Thomas Hunter must lead a small, highly trained force of 30,000 against an unstoppable army of a million warriors. In the other he will face an evil beyond the scope of imagination.
Unknown Binding
First published October 9, 2007
6 people are currently reading
515 people want to read
About the author
Ted Dekker
191 books9,938 followersTed Dekker is known for novels that combine adrenaline-laced stories with unexpected plot twists, unforgettable characters, and incredible confrontations between good and evil. Ted lives in Austin with his wife LeeAnn and their four children.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 14, 2024
Wonderful story, impressive artwork, great dialogue, fabulous action sequences...but a bit too much sultriness.
September 23, 2014
The story continues with Thomas Hunter who is trying his best to save two separate worlds from collapse. I loved this graphic novel. It was clear and to the point and quite fast paced so it keeps you wanting to read. The artwork was awesome too. I find myself becoming a big fan of graphic novels. This one is one of my faves definitely. Five out of Five stars.
June 24, 2012
Just as pretty as the first one, but with a few minor grammatical errors. Also, the allegory felt a lot less subtle this time around--but that could just be me.
January 29, 2022
2007 was a big year for Other Earth. It’s three years after Ted Dekker’s breakout Circle Trilogy—about a million copies sold—and he’s just about to release the first two in what will eventually become a six-book young adult series that expands the Circle mythos. It only made sense, then, to ride the Other Earth wave into new kinds of media with a graphic novel series.
The Circle Trilogy: Visual Edition was first published in three separate volumes in October 2007, then combined into an omnibus version in December 2009. While the omnibus has the perk of being a hardcover and being one book rather than three, it’s also smaller in size. The originals were printed on large 6.5”x10.25” panels while the omnibus has a smaller
5.5”x8.5”. For general readability, I like the originals better.
I shouldn’t need to say much about the story, but if you aren’t familiar with the novels these comics were adapted from, then check out my reviews here—Black, Red, White. In graphic novel form, there are things that have to go. Each 400+ page book gets trimmed into a 130-page graphic novel. That’s a lot of trimming. Different people on Dekker’s team took on different roles throughout the process. Here are some of the major players:
• Black. Adapted by Bob Strachan and Matthew Hansen; edited by Kevin Kaiser; art by Big Jack Studios.
• Red. Adapted by Matthew Hansen; edited by Kevin Kaiser and Bob Strachan; art by Jack Studios.
• White. Adapted by J.S. Earls and Mike S. Miller; edited by Mike S. Miller and Kevin Kaiser; art by Mike S. Miller.
Some things that you’ll notice immediately just from this list: White has a significantly different team than either Black or Red. I have no details on what predicated that change, but it was a good one. It’s super evident reading the omnibus version that the artistic vision of White is much different—and much better. Looking at the first two volumes, there’s a lot of odd angles and character poses. Body proportions are sometimes, well, comical. The colorists are pretty jarring as well, using some very sharp shading that creates a harsh tone. The characters seem to be always in motion and always hyper-dramatically frustrated. This seems to the doing of lead Big Jack artist, Ig Barros. Notably, while the rest of the Big Jack team worked on the later adaptation of the Lost Books, Barros did not—and a quick look at his other work confirms a long of angular poses with constipated-looking faces.
In White, Mike S. Miller takes over. Mike had previously done work on graphic novels from material written by George R.R. Martin and Robert Jordan and worked for both Marvel and DC. Miller takes a much softer tone, making the characters more lifelike, particularly in facial details. Having one artist—someone also involved in the adaptation and editing—seems to have made for a much better product.
In terms of story, Matthew Hansen—current Editor in Chief of Marvel Comics/Dabel Brothers Productions—handled some adaptation duties, before handing over the reigns to J.S. Earls, while Kevin Kaiser handled editing duties. It’s always difficult translating a full-length novel into a relatively short graphic novel and a lot of character depth is missing. To Kaiser’s credit, every major plot point and every major character make an appearance in the graphic novel. There seems to have been an understanding that most readers would be coming from the novels and have a working knowledge of the story. The visual edition is here to add a visual layer to the story, not be its foundation.
Overall, I’d give Black and Red a 2.5 out of 5 and bump White up to a 4. The art of the first two volumes is just really distracting and that’s the whole reason why this version exists. White understands that a bit better, but has the weakest storyline of the three books.
The Circle Trilogy: Visual Edition was first published in three separate volumes in October 2007, then combined into an omnibus version in December 2009. While the omnibus has the perk of being a hardcover and being one book rather than three, it’s also smaller in size. The originals were printed on large 6.5”x10.25” panels while the omnibus has a smaller
5.5”x8.5”. For general readability, I like the originals better.
I shouldn’t need to say much about the story, but if you aren’t familiar with the novels these comics were adapted from, then check out my reviews here—Black, Red, White. In graphic novel form, there are things that have to go. Each 400+ page book gets trimmed into a 130-page graphic novel. That’s a lot of trimming. Different people on Dekker’s team took on different roles throughout the process. Here are some of the major players:
• Black. Adapted by Bob Strachan and Matthew Hansen; edited by Kevin Kaiser; art by Big Jack Studios.
• Red. Adapted by Matthew Hansen; edited by Kevin Kaiser and Bob Strachan; art by Jack Studios.
• White. Adapted by J.S. Earls and Mike S. Miller; edited by Mike S. Miller and Kevin Kaiser; art by Mike S. Miller.
Some things that you’ll notice immediately just from this list: White has a significantly different team than either Black or Red. I have no details on what predicated that change, but it was a good one. It’s super evident reading the omnibus version that the artistic vision of White is much different—and much better. Looking at the first two volumes, there’s a lot of odd angles and character poses. Body proportions are sometimes, well, comical. The colorists are pretty jarring as well, using some very sharp shading that creates a harsh tone. The characters seem to be always in motion and always hyper-dramatically frustrated. This seems to the doing of lead Big Jack artist, Ig Barros. Notably, while the rest of the Big Jack team worked on the later adaptation of the Lost Books, Barros did not—and a quick look at his other work confirms a long of angular poses with constipated-looking faces.
In White, Mike S. Miller takes over. Mike had previously done work on graphic novels from material written by George R.R. Martin and Robert Jordan and worked for both Marvel and DC. Miller takes a much softer tone, making the characters more lifelike, particularly in facial details. Having one artist—someone also involved in the adaptation and editing—seems to have made for a much better product.
In terms of story, Matthew Hansen—current Editor in Chief of Marvel Comics/Dabel Brothers Productions—handled some adaptation duties, before handing over the reigns to J.S. Earls, while Kevin Kaiser handled editing duties. It’s always difficult translating a full-length novel into a relatively short graphic novel and a lot of character depth is missing. To Kaiser’s credit, every major plot point and every major character make an appearance in the graphic novel. There seems to have been an understanding that most readers would be coming from the novels and have a working knowledge of the story. The visual edition is here to add a visual layer to the story, not be its foundation.
Overall, I’d give Black and Red a 2.5 out of 5 and bump White up to a 4. The art of the first two volumes is just really distracting and that’s the whole reason why this version exists. White understands that a bit better, but has the weakest storyline of the three books.
May 14, 2025
Where the first book was the story of Genesis, this one is a speed-run of the Gospels. Just like the last graphic novel adaptation, this one is heavily condensed and not much time is spent on the characters or on building up tension or complex plot beats.
Thomas also doesn't spend nearly as much time going between worlds. Most of the important information and plot beats happen in the alternate world, and our world mainly exists as a looming threat and deadline. The cliffhanger is almost better than the one in Black, but it also is almost the exact same setup, so I'm not sure what's going on. Maybe Rachelle and Thomas have switched places.
Eventually, I'll get around to reading White, but these books don't have me chomping at the bit to finish the story.
Thomas also doesn't spend nearly as much time going between worlds. Most of the important information and plot beats happen in the alternate world, and our world mainly exists as a looming threat and deadline. The cliffhanger is almost better than the one in Black, but it also is almost the exact same setup, so I'm not sure what's going on. Maybe Rachelle and Thomas have switched places.
Eventually, I'll get around to reading White, but these books don't have me chomping at the bit to finish the story.
September 19, 2024
The first book, Black, established the two worlds well. This sequel pushed the allegory aspect pretty hard, toeing the line of my deciding factor for what makes a quality allegory “Does it stand alone as a story?” I liked this book enough to still read the final part of the trilogy, but I hope the next one can re-establish the series identity so I don’t feel like I’m just sucking in dogma.
I’d say if you liked Narnia, you’ll enjoy this series well enough but be left feeling like it doesn’t quite fill the same place in your head.
I’d say if you liked Narnia, you’ll enjoy this series well enough but be left feeling like it doesn’t quite fill the same place in your head.
January 31, 2020
More intriguing than the first, and also more overtly Biblical. Parallels between Justin and Jesus and evident early on, but Decker writes with enough skepticism to reflect what was probably an accurate representation of the opinions of the early disciples. The connective thread between Rachelle and Monique was a great addition. This shows a positive growth for me and makes me more interested in reading the next book than I anticipated being.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2019
The first one was good but a bit cheesy. This one was better. I’m really excited to start the final one. Please note, if you haven’t read these novels — they are out of this world! Read them, they are way better than the graphic novels!
July 21, 2018
The story continues. The allegory gets stonger.
October 28, 2020
Very good. I liked it.
May 3, 2025
didn't get better
December 13, 2012
If you're living in two worlds, and helping them both... What happens if you die in one of them?
This is something that Thomas Hunter doesn't intend to find out anytime soon. Thomas is a busy man, what with saving the "histories" from a fatal airborne virus that will wipe out most of Earth's population in basically 3 weeks. And, leading Elyon's men in a war against the betrayal forged by the Horde in the "fantasy" world, which is Earth in an alternate dimission.
The man never gets a free moment to just spend with his wife and kids or with his sister, and that's what makes this story what it is, which is an action-packed graphic fantasy that every one will love.
--------------
In our world (the histories), France is coming into power as the most powerful country in the world, by making all other countries surrender their weapon arsenals to them, in exchange for the promise of an antivirus (to cure the virus), which has not yet even been created.
-------------
On the "other" Earth, Thomas is leading his army against the evil Scabs/Horde, and needs a way to destroy cliffs. He learns to create "black powder" (gunpowder) and amazes everyone. But, that's not enough.
Alot of people has started worshipping Justin, and turning their back on Elyon's beliefs of "The Great Romance". Will this lead to betrayal? Can Thomas return in time to keep Justin from being killed after learning his secret? What is Justin's secret, and what does he have in store for Thomas and his people?
------------------------
This volume ends with the "death" of Thomas in the "histories". How will this event affect each reality?
This is something that Thomas Hunter doesn't intend to find out anytime soon. Thomas is a busy man, what with saving the "histories" from a fatal airborne virus that will wipe out most of Earth's population in basically 3 weeks. And, leading Elyon's men in a war against the betrayal forged by the Horde in the "fantasy" world, which is Earth in an alternate dimission.
The man never gets a free moment to just spend with his wife and kids or with his sister, and that's what makes this story what it is, which is an action-packed graphic fantasy that every one will love.
--------------
In our world (the histories), France is coming into power as the most powerful country in the world, by making all other countries surrender their weapon arsenals to them, in exchange for the promise of an antivirus (to cure the virus), which has not yet even been created.
-------------
On the "other" Earth, Thomas is leading his army against the evil Scabs/Horde, and needs a way to destroy cliffs. He learns to create "black powder" (gunpowder) and amazes everyone. But, that's not enough.
Alot of people has started worshipping Justin, and turning their back on Elyon's beliefs of "The Great Romance". Will this lead to betrayal? Can Thomas return in time to keep Justin from being killed after learning his secret? What is Justin's secret, and what does he have in store for Thomas and his people?
------------------------
This volume ends with the "death" of Thomas in the "histories". How will this event affect each reality?
October 14, 2009
For fifteen years, Thomas Hunter has eaten the rhambutan fruit, and for fifteen year, he had not awakened on earth. His army is fighting a war against the Horde. There are too many to defeat. Thomas’ only plan is to dream and find out how to make explosives on earth so that his army might win against the Horde.
Thomas wakes up to discover not a day has passed on earth. He and his sister are still trying to stop the outbreak of the Raison Strain. Thomas bounces between worlds again trying to be a hero in both. He works with the United States government to try to prevent the end of the world on earth, and when he sleeps, he is trying to save the forest dwellers from an equally devastating crisis with the Horde.
In graphic novel form, the story moves really fast. It’s an action-packed story anyway, but if you’ve read the novel, you might feel like lots of stuff is missing. I also felt like there was a mistake in there, when Thomas was shot on earth, he awoke fine, then a few pages later Rachelle was shocked that he wasn’t hurt. Something was off there. However, my seven-year-old son loved this one as much as the first. Beautiful illustrations. The allegory of Jesus is strong in this book. It was fun to talk about that with my son. Once I brought it up, he started noticing things too. Then, the other day, he had chapped lips and told me that must be what the Scabs had felt like.
Thomas wakes up to discover not a day has passed on earth. He and his sister are still trying to stop the outbreak of the Raison Strain. Thomas bounces between worlds again trying to be a hero in both. He works with the United States government to try to prevent the end of the world on earth, and when he sleeps, he is trying to save the forest dwellers from an equally devastating crisis with the Horde.
In graphic novel form, the story moves really fast. It’s an action-packed story anyway, but if you’ve read the novel, you might feel like lots of stuff is missing. I also felt like there was a mistake in there, when Thomas was shot on earth, he awoke fine, then a few pages later Rachelle was shocked that he wasn’t hurt. Something was off there. However, my seven-year-old son loved this one as much as the first. Beautiful illustrations. The allegory of Jesus is strong in this book. It was fun to talk about that with my son. Once I brought it up, he started noticing things too. Then, the other day, he had chapped lips and told me that must be what the Scabs had felt like.
December 11, 2008
So... this is the second in the Trilogy series. The first book was intriguing.The story of Thomas Hunter, a man who who lives in two separate worlds and travels from one to the other by way of his dreams. every time he sleeps he wakes in the other world. What connects both worlds besides Hunter is the fact that both worlds are in peril and only he has the power to save them. I went into the second thinking that I was in store for the same thing, but sad to say I was not. I don't know why I didn't see the similarities from the beginning, but it turns out that this is the story of Jesus in graphic novel form. So picture the story of Jesus' adult years and add a diseased people and a few sword fights and that's what this novel is. Of course I have to finish the third to see what happens, but I do it reluctantly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2011
I guess I just don't understand or empathize enough with Christian theology to really connect with this book and its characters. Most of the motivations seemed too (predetermined is a bad word to use, but I can't think of anything better) especially when most of the book seems to insist that free will is important. It does seem that free will is only important when you make the choice you are supposed to though which is too much like fate and destiny and God stepping in to be free will to me.
Same amount of language and sexual content as far as I remember; these are more 16 and 17 year old books than young teen, but still young adult generally fits for me. There is a bit more violence with leading armies and fighting terrorists.
Same amount of language and sexual content as far as I remember; these are more 16 and 17 year old books than young teen, but still young adult generally fits for me. There is a bit more violence with leading armies and fighting terrorists.
August 7, 2012
My wife and my brother spent forever trying to get me to read the Circle Trilogy and though I really wanted to, I happen to be a bit of a slow reader and spend most of my time reading non-fiction. However, I also love to read graphic novels and comic books so when I got around to reading these, I was left in awe.
The Circle Trilogy is an amazing story. I'm sure it's even better as a book, but the graphic novels are great as well and offer amazing art. I don't think I have seen any other writer do such a good job with creating such a powerfully symbolic fantasy/sci-fi story in relation to Jesus. Absolutely awesome, all three of these books.
I don't think there's a graphic novel for Green as of yet, so I may actually have to read that one.
The Circle Trilogy is an amazing story. I'm sure it's even better as a book, but the graphic novels are great as well and offer amazing art. I don't think I have seen any other writer do such a good job with creating such a powerfully symbolic fantasy/sci-fi story in relation to Jesus. Absolutely awesome, all three of these books.
I don't think there's a graphic novel for Green as of yet, so I may actually have to read that one.
March 21, 2013
Hmm...I'm not really sure what I just read...but I didn't enjoy it. The 1st volume's redeeming feature -- fuzzy, white bats -- were nowhere to be seen! *shockhorror* What's the point??
I feel like this volume of the comic lost a lot more in translation from the novel than the first in the series. Having no idea of the novel's contents, I was really quite lost. There was so much jumping quickly from one realm to the next with seemingly large gaps of time being missed while Hunter slept. This caused the story to lose both its cohesion and its rhythm. When I found these used copies, the third installment of the trilogy was missing. I'm no longer disappointed by that.
I feel like this volume of the comic lost a lot more in translation from the novel than the first in the series. Having no idea of the novel's contents, I was really quite lost. There was so much jumping quickly from one realm to the next with seemingly large gaps of time being missed while Hunter slept. This caused the story to lose both its cohesion and its rhythm. When I found these used copies, the third installment of the trilogy was missing. I'm no longer disappointed by that.
March 28, 2012
It was a little worrying to me how much some parts of this book screamed, "THIS IS A CULT!" to me, and I kinda thought that the wrong message was being sent, to follow blindly. (Just drink the Kool-Aid, already! Trust me...!) I realize it's the main idea of religion, to have faith and everything, and I know that they were right in the end, but it still feels wrong to me... (So, then it was worrying me that I was essentially siding with the Horde at the end.)
Anyway, still really enjoying this series, in spite of the stuff I don't particularly agree with. =)
Anyway, still really enjoying this series, in spite of the stuff I don't particularly agree with. =)
May 27, 2016
Red, Book II of three of a Circle trilogy, continues to follow Thomas Hunter as he still continues to switch between realities. The second book isn't as great as the first one in my opinion, but is still a pretty good all around book. I like how Thomas is still switching between realities, which is a very important part of the series. It helps to make the story whole. I wish I could've gotten more adventure out of it as I did with the first one. There was still pretty good amount. This series is great though. I can't wait to read book III.
August 28, 2014
Una refrescada de lo que lei hace muchisimo tiempo xD, fue bueno saber que la mayoria de las cosas aun me acuerdo, me gusto, pero no me dio la misma sensacion de intensidad que el libro, demasiado resumido y las ilustraciones un poco chafillas, pero en si la escencia del a historia esta ahi :) buen regalo :3
June 13, 2014
Rating: 4/5
Review coming soon.
Review coming soon.
September 4, 2009
It was really good! I just had to buy the novel it was based on after reading it.
Read
July 5, 2010F DEK circle bk.2
December 1, 2011
five star and more
July 22, 2012
One more Thomas Hunter book.
February 1, 2012
You can read my full review here: http://knowitnotsomuch.blogspot.com/2...
July 14, 2013
I really like this book lots of action and romance recommend it for everyone.
May 29, 2015
Really a good book. It matched my imagination while providing a new look on things.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews