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Heroes of the Radical Reformation #2
By Fire: The Jakob Hutter Story
A graphic novel dramatizes a true story of a corrupt ruler, a courageous resister, a daring alpine escape, a refugee love story, a reckless return, a jealous traitor, and a martyr burned alive at the stake.
King Ferdinand, who will later become Holy Roman Emperor, orders the eradication of all heretics in Tyrol, and especially their leader, Jakob Hutter. Like other Anabaptists, Hutter has rejected armed revolt and embraced nonviolence. What if instead of overthrowing oppressive rulers, he asks, we create a peaceful and just alternative society ourselves?
Driven into hiding and eventually forced to flee through the mountains into Moravia, Hutter realizes his dream and finds love. But persecution follows him. Despite death warrants, he and his pregnant wife, Katharina, return to Tyrol to support the underground movement there. They are betrayed by a friend turned informant and captured along with their baby. Jakob is burned at the stake in the town square of Innsbruck. Katharina escapes but soon meets a similar fate.
Their story comes to life in this graphic novel, the second in a series that dramatically recreates a little-known chapter in the history of the Reformation. These radicals, labeled Anabaptists by their enemies, were ready to die for their vision. They were executed by thousands – by water, by fire, and by sword – in both Catholic and Protestant lands. This action-packed account of young people daring to standing up for their convictions will appeal to today’s nonconformists.
King Ferdinand, who will later become Holy Roman Emperor, orders the eradication of all heretics in Tyrol, and especially their leader, Jakob Hutter. Like other Anabaptists, Hutter has rejected armed revolt and embraced nonviolence. What if instead of overthrowing oppressive rulers, he asks, we create a peaceful and just alternative society ourselves?
Driven into hiding and eventually forced to flee through the mountains into Moravia, Hutter realizes his dream and finds love. But persecution follows him. Despite death warrants, he and his pregnant wife, Katharina, return to Tyrol to support the underground movement there. They are betrayed by a friend turned informant and captured along with their baby. Jakob is burned at the stake in the town square of Innsbruck. Katharina escapes but soon meets a similar fate.
Their story comes to life in this graphic novel, the second in a series that dramatically recreates a little-known chapter in the history of the Reformation. These radicals, labeled Anabaptists by their enemies, were ready to die for their vision. They were executed by thousands – by water, by fire, and by sword – in both Catholic and Protestant lands. This action-packed account of young people daring to standing up for their convictions will appeal to today’s nonconformists.
- GenresHistory
168 pages, Paperback
Published January 21, 2025
2178 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 26, 2025
It seems appropriate to celebrate 500 years of Anabaptism with a review of this graphic novel, which arrived on my doorstep today. Until this series, I haven't found books for children about early Anabaptists that are grounded in contemporary events and flavored with social history. The graphic novel format, undergirded with primary source documents, a time-line, and exquisitely rendered maps in the endnotes, offers something fresh and compelling.
Having just taught about Jakob Hutter, my take is that the research seems solid and the dialog includes direct quotes from pieces of the historical record that I have read.
5 stars for now. I want to see how my students interact with this book.
Having just taught about Jakob Hutter, my take is that the research seems solid and the dialog includes direct quotes from pieces of the historical record that I have read.
5 stars for now. I want to see how my students interact with this book.
December 4, 2024
*I was given an advanced copy digitaly to review by NetGalley*
I liked how there was original illustration for the beginning of each chapter.!
In By Fire by Jason Landsel we are thrown into this journey of knowing right from wrong. The Church is after people who they think are worshipping God wrong according to the Catholic Church. Jakob leads a group of Christian people to safety and away from the Catholic Church.
I really enjoyed the graphic portion to see the story happen. Sometimes I thought it was pretty gory. I think this would be great in a church library and for high school age children.
I liked how there was original illustration for the beginning of each chapter.!
In By Fire by Jason Landsel we are thrown into this journey of knowing right from wrong. The Church is after people who they think are worshipping God wrong according to the Catholic Church. Jakob leads a group of Christian people to safety and away from the Catholic Church.
I really enjoyed the graphic portion to see the story happen. Sometimes I thought it was pretty gory. I think this would be great in a church library and for high school age children.
December 13, 2024
Summary: A graphic biography of this early leader of the Anabaptist movement, marriage to Katharina, and martyrdom.
The Radical Reformation arose among Christians who believed the Reformation did not go far enough. Because adherents believed in baptizing only those professing faith, they became known as Anabaptists. The early movement taught holding all in common, living peacefully, including refusing to pay taxes for war. This incurred the wrath of the rulers of the lands they inhabited, resulting in the deaths of many.
This graphic biography portrays the life of one such figure, Jakob Hutter, after whom the Hutterites, a continuing movement are named. But Hutter was not always a peaceful Anabaptist. The first part portrays him, along with a friend who saved his life (and later betrayed him), Peter, engaging in the failed Peasants Revolt.
Through a refugee, Ursula, he comes to hear Georg Blaurock, who preaches removing from the existing church, and the way of peace and community according to the gospels. Jakob is convinced and parts ways with his friend Peter to join the Anabaptists, soon becoming one of their teachers. Meanwhile, Peter is growing more in love with Katharina, a young woman in the village, who also knew Jakob.
During this time, as the Anabaptists refused to pay taxes to fund Ferdinand’s war against the Ottoman empire. Arrest, drowning, hanging, and death at the stake followed. Katharina had joined the Anabaptists after hearing Jakob, was arrested, and saved her life by recanting. Meanwhile, the Anabaptists had fled to Moravia. Katharina, convinced she has made a mistake, joins them. Eventually, she and Jakob marry.
They live peacefully for a time until driven to live in the open fields. As a result, Jakob wrote a plea to the governor of Moravia, further engendering hostility.
Peter, in his anger and jealousy for losing Katharina, agrees to spy on the Anabaptists, and betray them to the authorities. And so, when Jakob and Katharina secretly return to Tyrol, he betrays them. The authorities arrest them and take them to Innsbruck. Jakob endures torture and preaches repentance as the flames mount around the stake. (This may not be a good scene to show younger children.) Katharina, after escaping, was recaptured and executed, probabably by drowning.
A few things about this graphic portrayal. I appreciate the artistic detail, the use of muted colors, and the willingness to let images rather than words tell the story at points, giving the reader a chance to imagine and reflect. “Peter” is a fictional character. However, he is based on the life of Jorg Frue, who actually betrayed, for money, Jakob and other Anabaptists. This story appears in the after matter, which also includes the mandates against Anabaptists, maps, profiles of historical figures, a timeline, and two of Jakob’s letters.
This is not a pretty story, even though a plaque marks the site of Hutter’s death, a picturesque square in Innsbruck. The denomination of which I’m a part traces its lineage back to the Radical Reformation as do the present-day Hutterites. I wonder if many of us realize that we have martyrs in our spiritual lineage. And I wonder if we reckon with the possibility that some of the radical values we embrace, at least in theory, might require us to follow Jakob and Katharina, and the One they loved.
_____________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.
The Radical Reformation arose among Christians who believed the Reformation did not go far enough. Because adherents believed in baptizing only those professing faith, they became known as Anabaptists. The early movement taught holding all in common, living peacefully, including refusing to pay taxes for war. This incurred the wrath of the rulers of the lands they inhabited, resulting in the deaths of many.
This graphic biography portrays the life of one such figure, Jakob Hutter, after whom the Hutterites, a continuing movement are named. But Hutter was not always a peaceful Anabaptist. The first part portrays him, along with a friend who saved his life (and later betrayed him), Peter, engaging in the failed Peasants Revolt.
Through a refugee, Ursula, he comes to hear Georg Blaurock, who preaches removing from the existing church, and the way of peace and community according to the gospels. Jakob is convinced and parts ways with his friend Peter to join the Anabaptists, soon becoming one of their teachers. Meanwhile, Peter is growing more in love with Katharina, a young woman in the village, who also knew Jakob.
During this time, as the Anabaptists refused to pay taxes to fund Ferdinand’s war against the Ottoman empire. Arrest, drowning, hanging, and death at the stake followed. Katharina had joined the Anabaptists after hearing Jakob, was arrested, and saved her life by recanting. Meanwhile, the Anabaptists had fled to Moravia. Katharina, convinced she has made a mistake, joins them. Eventually, she and Jakob marry.
They live peacefully for a time until driven to live in the open fields. As a result, Jakob wrote a plea to the governor of Moravia, further engendering hostility.
Peter, in his anger and jealousy for losing Katharina, agrees to spy on the Anabaptists, and betray them to the authorities. And so, when Jakob and Katharina secretly return to Tyrol, he betrays them. The authorities arrest them and take them to Innsbruck. Jakob endures torture and preaches repentance as the flames mount around the stake. (This may not be a good scene to show younger children.) Katharina, after escaping, was recaptured and executed, probabably by drowning.
A few things about this graphic portrayal. I appreciate the artistic detail, the use of muted colors, and the willingness to let images rather than words tell the story at points, giving the reader a chance to imagine and reflect. “Peter” is a fictional character. However, he is based on the life of Jorg Frue, who actually betrayed, for money, Jakob and other Anabaptists. This story appears in the after matter, which also includes the mandates against Anabaptists, maps, profiles of historical figures, a timeline, and two of Jakob’s letters.
This is not a pretty story, even though a plaque marks the site of Hutter’s death, a picturesque square in Innsbruck. The denomination of which I’m a part traces its lineage back to the Radical Reformation as do the present-day Hutterites. I wonder if many of us realize that we have martyrs in our spiritual lineage. And I wonder if we reckon with the possibility that some of the radical values we embrace, at least in theory, might require us to follow Jakob and Katharina, and the One they loved.
_____________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.
October 22, 2024
3 stars
I got a Netgalley arc of this story so thank you to Netgalley and Plough publishing.
I picked this up because the Protestant reformation is one of my favourite historical periods to read about. However, all the previous media I'd consumed about it had been more focused on England so reading about it in Northern Italy, Austria and Czech republic was refreshing. I also learned about the Anabaptists for the first time.
When the story focused on Jakob Hutter it was much stronger, as I found that the addition of the fictional character Peter (inspired by a real life spy) quite weak. Jakob was meant to be his friend yet Peter didn't hesitate ratting him out if it meant getting a chance with Katharina who was so obviously not a match for him, if he would only take into consideration other things like her values and life goals instead of just 'her beauty and sincerity'.
The art style was lovely, it was sort of smudgy and simple and paired well with reading about peasant's revolting and forming their own religious sects. The plot was the strongest part of this story and I guess that is because it is rooted in real life historical happenings, and whilst I understand the recounting of these events to the reader seems to be the biggest purpose of this graphic novel, I wish there was better characterization. For example, rather than following the pov of Peter, I would have preferred Katherina's pov, with a focus on what her life was like before being exposed to anabaptism and what made her so inclined to believe in its teachings. It would have also elevated her romantic arc with Jakob. I would have also liked to see more of Jakob x Peter before being exposed to Anabaptism and their previous failed attempt at Protestant reformation.
Overall this was fun to read, quick to get through, educational and the art style was cute. Since this graphic novel is part of a series about radical reformation I will definitely be checking out the other books to get educated in a fun way.
I got a Netgalley arc of this story so thank you to Netgalley and Plough publishing.
I picked this up because the Protestant reformation is one of my favourite historical periods to read about. However, all the previous media I'd consumed about it had been more focused on England so reading about it in Northern Italy, Austria and Czech republic was refreshing. I also learned about the Anabaptists for the first time.
When the story focused on Jakob Hutter it was much stronger, as I found that the addition of the fictional character Peter (inspired by a real life spy) quite weak. Jakob was meant to be his friend yet Peter didn't hesitate ratting him out if it meant getting a chance with Katharina who was so obviously not a match for him, if he would only take into consideration other things like her values and life goals instead of just 'her beauty and sincerity'.
The art style was lovely, it was sort of smudgy and simple and paired well with reading about peasant's revolting and forming their own religious sects. The plot was the strongest part of this story and I guess that is because it is rooted in real life historical happenings, and whilst I understand the recounting of these events to the reader seems to be the biggest purpose of this graphic novel, I wish there was better characterization. For example, rather than following the pov of Peter, I would have preferred Katherina's pov, with a focus on what her life was like before being exposed to anabaptism and what made her so inclined to believe in its teachings. It would have also elevated her romantic arc with Jakob. I would have also liked to see more of Jakob x Peter before being exposed to Anabaptism and their previous failed attempt at Protestant reformation.
Overall this was fun to read, quick to get through, educational and the art style was cute. Since this graphic novel is part of a series about radical reformation I will definitely be checking out the other books to get educated in a fun way.
October 16, 2024
I received this graphic novel as a perk of my Plough membership.
If you know anything about the history of the Anabaptist movement, and the particular struggles of faithful Christians against the fusion of state and church power, this will resonate. If you don't, well, this isn't a bad place to start.
Hutter's tale is told in a straightforward way, and effectively conveys the dark paths that faith can take when it is subsumed into autocratic systems of governance. Hutter defied both state power and ecclesiastical authority, calling for Jesus-folk to live as the early church did: sharing all, rejecting violence completely, and defying the concentration of wealth in the hands of the powerful. This, obviously, made him a threat, and he paid for it with his life. Collectivist Hutterite communities continue to exist to this day, drawn together by the fundamental integrity of his message and his willingness to die for it.
As a graphic novel, this works better than I'd anticipated. The paneling is effective, each of the characters is well and distinctly drawn, and the writing is straightforward. In promotional materials, the ink and color palette had seemed like they might be a little washed out, but in print, the effect is quite different...more like the entire book is suffused in light.
It's a hard story, told beautifully, and a pointed reminder to contemporary Christians who imagine that taking the reins of worldly power is a desirable thing.
If you know anything about the history of the Anabaptist movement, and the particular struggles of faithful Christians against the fusion of state and church power, this will resonate. If you don't, well, this isn't a bad place to start.
Hutter's tale is told in a straightforward way, and effectively conveys the dark paths that faith can take when it is subsumed into autocratic systems of governance. Hutter defied both state power and ecclesiastical authority, calling for Jesus-folk to live as the early church did: sharing all, rejecting violence completely, and defying the concentration of wealth in the hands of the powerful. This, obviously, made him a threat, and he paid for it with his life. Collectivist Hutterite communities continue to exist to this day, drawn together by the fundamental integrity of his message and his willingness to die for it.
As a graphic novel, this works better than I'd anticipated. The paneling is effective, each of the characters is well and distinctly drawn, and the writing is straightforward. In promotional materials, the ink and color palette had seemed like they might be a little washed out, but in print, the effect is quite different...more like the entire book is suffused in light.
It's a hard story, told beautifully, and a pointed reminder to contemporary Christians who imagine that taking the reins of worldly power is a desirable thing.
February 17, 2025
A very decent graphic novel that looks at the Anabaptists – a socialist religious off-shoot in Austrian Tyrol in the sixteenth century. It might sound excessively dry a subject to the routine graphic novel reader, but this is actually surprisingly decent – the chapter title pages have a sort of mediaeval illumination on, the art is what looks like ink with watercolours, and the text is pretty much on the clear side. There's an immediacy you might not expect, with friends finding they cannot agree about the philosophy concerned, a whole heap of turn-the-other-cheek socialists, and a King needing every tithe he can get to defend Austria from the Ottomans.
OK, this could perhaps do with a genre artist at times – this is too sunny, with at least one scene we're told was at night being as bright as day, and the burning of 'heretics' as PG as possible. But should someone's immolation be played for shock, anyway? This is a book – part of a building series – that wants to open up these times and the various modes of thinking to the young student of today, and it need not worry itself too much about the full-on, highest drama possible. It's certainly not a dry lesson, and the intended reader will find this a valuable, respectful historical fiction. I'll never pretend this is for a large audience, but it's one that is well-served.
OK, this could perhaps do with a genre artist at times – this is too sunny, with at least one scene we're told was at night being as bright as day, and the burning of 'heretics' as PG as possible. But should someone's immolation be played for shock, anyway? This is a book – part of a building series – that wants to open up these times and the various modes of thinking to the young student of today, and it need not worry itself too much about the full-on, highest drama possible. It's certainly not a dry lesson, and the intended reader will find this a valuable, respectful historical fiction. I'll never pretend this is for a large audience, but it's one that is well-served.
November 30, 2025
So now for something out of my comics and crime fiction foci but not out of range of my (protestant, Calvinist) religious upbringing; By Fire: The Jakob Hutter Story (2025), the tale of a man (1500-1536) who was in a sense martyred for his less than popular belief that the Calvinist doctrine of Original Sin was wrong, as it thus necessitated Infant baptism. Hutter thought that religion/faith should be av adult choice. This is also a story of the “reformation” of Christianity, which coincides as well with terrible religious repression, corruption, and murder, as happened to hundreds of “Hutterites,” also now known as Anabaptists (there are many such churches in North America, I am told, though I knew already of some in Canada). So Anapbaptism has thus been around for 500 years.
Why care about it? Religious freedom was once a hallmark of the US, but it appears now that a certain kind of Christian theocracy has once again reared its ugly head to devour all those now not in theological compliance.
The book is well-researched with appendices of key documents, maps, timelines. The story is a short version of what took place, and the art--though somewhat bizarrely in pastels for such a grim story--is okay.
PS: I once had a friend who left the Dutch Reformed Church I was also a part f then because he agreed with the Anabaptists, which also made sense to me at the time.
Why care about it? Religious freedom was once a hallmark of the US, but it appears now that a certain kind of Christian theocracy has once again reared its ugly head to devour all those now not in theological compliance.
The book is well-researched with appendices of key documents, maps, timelines. The story is a short version of what took place, and the art--though somewhat bizarrely in pastels for such a grim story--is okay.
PS: I once had a friend who left the Dutch Reformed Church I was also a part f then because he agreed with the Anabaptists, which also made sense to me at the time.
December 22, 2024
Language: PG (1 swear, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13
Jakob Hutter had given up after seeing too many die while fighting for their beliefs. When Ursula runs into Jakob on her way to find the Anabaptists, Jakob regains hope in the God he knows. With the Anabaptists, Jakob finds a place of peace, but his enemies will not stop.
This historical fiction graphic novel brings mostly true events to life, inspiring readers with real examples of courage and determination. By using a visual medium, parts of the story are able to be told exclusively with wordless panels of illustrations. Landsel also includes extra material in the back of the book with text written by both protagonists and antagonists depicted in the book, timelines, maps, and more.
All of the characters are European. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, kissing, innuendo, and nudity. The violence rating is for assault, gun use, corpses, battle scenes, torture, and murder.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
Jakob Hutter had given up after seeing too many die while fighting for their beliefs. When Ursula runs into Jakob on her way to find the Anabaptists, Jakob regains hope in the God he knows. With the Anabaptists, Jakob finds a place of peace, but his enemies will not stop.
This historical fiction graphic novel brings mostly true events to life, inspiring readers with real examples of courage and determination. By using a visual medium, parts of the story are able to be told exclusively with wordless panels of illustrations. Landsel also includes extra material in the back of the book with text written by both protagonists and antagonists depicted in the book, timelines, maps, and more.
All of the characters are European. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, kissing, innuendo, and nudity. The violence rating is for assault, gun use, corpses, battle scenes, torture, and murder.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
January 13, 2025
Jakob Hutter was one of the leaders of the Radical Reformation movement martyred for belonging to the Anabaptists. This graphic novel tells his story.
It is the second book in a series, though both works can easily stand alone, as they both focus on the lives of different martyrs. The first is called By Water: The Felix Manz Story and when I saw that they had put out a second one, I was so excited.
The artwork inside is just as beautiful as the first and the story it tells is just as inspiring. There are some details and characters added to the story, but the end matter gives you all you need to separate fact from fiction. It's all been well-researched including beautiful recreations of actual artwork from the 1500's.
I hope they continue this series. It is a beautiful and inspiring way to honor the lives of those martyred for the faith.
It is the second book in a series, though both works can easily stand alone, as they both focus on the lives of different martyrs. The first is called By Water: The Felix Manz Story and when I saw that they had put out a second one, I was so excited.
The artwork inside is just as beautiful as the first and the story it tells is just as inspiring. There are some details and characters added to the story, but the end matter gives you all you need to separate fact from fiction. It's all been well-researched including beautiful recreations of actual artwork from the 1500's.
I hope they continue this series. It is a beautiful and inspiring way to honor the lives of those martyred for the faith.
January 16, 2025
This graphic novel is undeniably a visual masterpiece, with stunning artwork that elevates the storytelling. However, the narrative itself didn’t resonate with me as deeply. While it has been marketed as the tale of a courageous man and a martyr, I personally perceived it differently. To me, it told the story of yet another figure from the aftermath of the Reformation who chose to break away from the Church established by Jesus Christ through the Apostles, founding a movement rooted in his own interpretations and beliefs.
The period depicted was undoubtedly one of intense persecution, where heretics risked their lives in defiance of Catholic monarchies. However, I found the narrative bittersweet, as it reflected a further divergence from what I believe to be the Lord’s original intention for His Church.
That said, I’m grateful to Plough Publishing for the opportunity to read this book ahead of its release. Their catalog continues to impress me with its variety and diversity, offering works that challenge and expand my perspective.
The period depicted was undoubtedly one of intense persecution, where heretics risked their lives in defiance of Catholic monarchies. However, I found the narrative bittersweet, as it reflected a further divergence from what I believe to be the Lord’s original intention for His Church.
That said, I’m grateful to Plough Publishing for the opportunity to read this book ahead of its release. Their catalog continues to impress me with its variety and diversity, offering works that challenge and expand my perspective.
November 25, 2024
This story was written as a graphic novel and I thought the artwork was wonderful. The story didn't really grab me. It has been advertised as a story of a courageous man, a martyr etc., but I (my own personal bias and opinion) saw it as another man during the aftermath of the reformation who decided to split off from Christianity as it had been since Jesus Christ started a Church which He handed down through the Apostles, and started his own cult based upon his interpretations and beliefs.
Yes, that was a horrible time of persecution of all faiths and heretics were risking their lives in staying within the realm of Catholic kings.
I found it sad as it led to more people following something other than what the Lord had intended.
I do thank Plough Publishing for offering me an early read of this book. I do love how varied their works are and how diverse. I learn a lot.
Yes, that was a horrible time of persecution of all faiths and heretics were risking their lives in staying within the realm of Catholic kings.
I found it sad as it led to more people following something other than what the Lord had intended.
I do thank Plough Publishing for offering me an early read of this book. I do love how varied their works are and how diverse. I learn a lot.
December 6, 2024
Jason Landsel’s By Fire is a gripping, emotionally charged narrative that explores themes of survival, redemption, and the destructive power of human nature. Set against a backdrop of personal and environmental upheaval, the novel follows its protagonist as they navigate the aftermath of a devastating wildfire that leaves both physical and psychological scars.
The character development is a standout feature. Landsel presents a nuanced portrayal of his protagonist, who struggles to come to terms with their past while rebuilding their life from the ashes. Their journey is neither quick nor easy, but it is authentic—one step forward, two steps back, as the character learns to trust again, grapple with loss, and confront their darkest moments.
I found the art style to be aesthetically pleasing and thoroughly enjoyed the washed out effect of the colour pallet.
The character development is a standout feature. Landsel presents a nuanced portrayal of his protagonist, who struggles to come to terms with their past while rebuilding their life from the ashes. Their journey is neither quick nor easy, but it is authentic—one step forward, two steps back, as the character learns to trust again, grapple with loss, and confront their darkest moments.
I found the art style to be aesthetically pleasing and thoroughly enjoyed the washed out effect of the colour pallet.
September 25, 2024
I got an ARC of this book.
This was a quick read and the trend of having more legible lettering continued! I am so glad there was an effort to make it so the words were clear and not overly stylized like earlier titles by this publisher. It worked better and I got so much more of the story.
The story was very linear and I was still at times lost. I was not familiar with this part of the reformation movement, so I didn't have that background to help guide my reading. I think there needed to be a bit more meat or help for the reader who is not familiar with the story to fully engage.
The art was wonderful. Characters were clear. The expressions they had were strong. I have to say some of the choices were just breath taking.
This was a quick read and the trend of having more legible lettering continued! I am so glad there was an effort to make it so the words were clear and not overly stylized like earlier titles by this publisher. It worked better and I got so much more of the story.
The story was very linear and I was still at times lost. I was not familiar with this part of the reformation movement, so I didn't have that background to help guide my reading. I think there needed to be a bit more meat or help for the reader who is not familiar with the story to fully engage.
The art was wonderful. Characters were clear. The expressions they had were strong. I have to say some of the choices were just breath taking.
February 8, 2026
By Fire: The Jakob Hutter Story is a gripping and sobering graphic novel that brings the Radical Reformation vividly to life. Through stark visuals and clear storytelling, it captures the moral courage of Jakob Hutter and his community as they choose nonviolence and shared life over power and rebellion. The narrative does not shy away from betrayal, loss, or martyrdom, yet it consistently centers human dignity and conviction. This is an accessible, emotionally resonant introduction to Anabaptist history that will especially appeal to young adults, educators, and readers drawn to stories of faith lived at great personal cost.
November 3, 2024
By Fire by Jason Landsel is an historical graphic novel telling the story of Jacob Hutter during the 16th Century. The information contained at the end is well formulated and documented. I am not a fan of graphic novels and I did not enjoy this format. I did enjoy the information that it contained. I received a copy of this book on NetGalley and I always review every book that I read. I recommend this book if you are interested in history and religious freedom.
August 26, 2024
This was alright. It's about the Anabaptists who were persecuted for not believing in original sin. A ruler in Europe chased them around and had them burned at the stake for refusing to believe it. There's lots of filler pages in the art and it shows the group seeing demons in places which seems kind of dumb and subjective for something that is supposed to be a true story.
January 17, 2025
I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review.
Interesting story and not one I had heard about prior to reading the book. Rather gory. I am not sure who the target audience is, but I don't recommend younger kids. Maybe teenagers and adults.
Interesting story and not one I had heard about prior to reading the book. Rather gory. I am not sure who the target audience is, but I don't recommend younger kids. Maybe teenagers and adults.
January 27, 2026
I feel very similar to this story as I did the first in the series, which is that the GN portion gave me a context for the final pages detail and manuscripts/translations.
Excited to read the third one when it is ready!
Excited to read the third one when it is ready!
September 21, 2025
Improves in narrative clarity from its predecessor.
October 2, 2025
i mean. holy mid. read it for a class im in . not exactly ideal. good for younger people i suppose but also there's people dying left and right so idk
December 4, 2024
Thank you to Plough Publishing House for my copy. As with previous graphic publications by Plough, I am struck by the power of the illustrations, and the looks of fear and despair on the faces of those caught in a time of trial. Imaginative and vivid art paired with a dramatic story. And Jakob Hutter's story is dramatic, while disruptive of and discomforting to the marriage of organized religion to the earthly powerful. Rulers who seek power for power and wealth at the expense of the laboring classes-the poor. It was this reality of religious power at one with temporal quests and wealth which led to the rage fueling the beginnings of the Anabaptist movement, and the battles and bloodshed which tragically punctuate this story. That brings me again to the art: subdued, often earth toned in color, yet swirling-a whirlpool of action and activity. A whirlpool of emotion also in the reader, coming to terms with his own church's often blemished history and reliance on armies of destruction and violence. This volume also includes maps and biographies of the principal subjects, and some original documentation in the ending pages. Richly illustrated and thought provoking, and disturbing in an oddly good way as one contemplates the relation of our religious institutions with power within the temporal realm.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews