Son of Samson, Volume 1: Son of Samson and the Judge of God

Son of Samson #1

by Gary Martin, Sergio Cariello (Illustrator), Bud Rogers (Series Editor)

A graphic novel of epic proportions … In this first book of the Son of Samson series, Branan has inherited his father’s strength, but he has no idea why. In hopes of understanding God’s plan, he travels back to Israel to trace the deeds of the father he never knew—and finds himself in the crosshairs of a Philistine captain in the process. Growing up among the Philistines, Branan was always different—a little bigger, and much stronger, than his friends, and the only kid who worshiped God instead of Dagon. And he carried a big his father was Samson, the man everyone in his country feared. Desperate to understand why God gave him his father’s gifts, Bran travels to Israel … and discovers the Philistines are still terrorizing the people. While traveling to the cities where his father welded a jawbone and carried a massive gate, Bran also comes to the attention of Lord Sidon, who refuses to let another Hebrew warrior threaten Philistine rule. And Bran is determined to do what his father never use his strength for good. The Judge of

Genres: Comics

160 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2007

About the author

Gary Martin's career as a freelance comic book artist spans over twenty years. He's worked for all the major companies, including Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Image, and Disney, and on such titles as, Spider-man, X-men, Batman, Star Wars, and Mickey Mouse.

Gary is best known for his popular how-to books entitled, 'The Art of Comic Book Inking.' Recently, Gary wrote a comic book series called 'The Moth', which he co-created with artist Steve Rude.

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little comic I picked up at a garage sale yesterday.

[Aleah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute.

[Yang-David Akpan]

nice

[Skjam! · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an attempt by Christian book publisher Zondervan to capture some of the manga volume market with a similarly-sized comic book volume.

The story follows Branan, the son of Samson, as he wanders ancient Palestine to learn more about his legendary father. He fights the wicked Philistines, and encounters many strange tales. His not-so-faithful companion is the vile-tempered camel Uzal, and his primary enemy the dark-hearted Captain Sidon.

While much of this volume is comedic in the telling, it does touch briefly on the uncomfortable fact that Samson...wasn't a very nice person. It's explained that God is merciful, and will use even deeply flawed people to work His divine will.

Branan is thus far a better human being than his father was, having seemingly inherited Samson's strength but not his temper or lust. Notably, he refrains from killing those he battles.

The art is expressive and distinctive, with Uzal's faces being a special delight. And there's one classic splash page with Branan and Uzal fleeing in terror from a "reward" that's comedy gold.

As might be expected, there's several references to the original stories in the Bible with chapter and verse cited. Parents of younger children might wish to read these passages along with their child so that they can answer the questions sure to be raised.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick little fictional account of what life might have been like for the son of Biblical Samson. It's totally fictionalized, but when it does reference recorded events of Samson's life there are references, along with a little illustrated appendix describing some Biblical terms used in the story (Philistines, Nazarite vow, etc.)

[Marcellus galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is funny to read and cool