The Sword of Laban and the Tree of Life

The Golden Plates #1

by Mike Allred (Colorist), Laura Allred

With The Golden Plates, Mike Allred begins his most ambitious project to date: adapting the entire Book of Mormon in a series of graphic novels! Most everyone has heard of the Book of Mormon, but what is it exactly? Simply stated, The Book of Mormon is a record of people who left Jerusalem in 600 BC through to their destruction in Central America in 400 AD. Prophets passed down the record of the intrigue, wars, and visions on thin metal plates, including the most controversial aspect of the record, the appearance and ministry of the resurrected Christ in the Americas. Did these amazing things really happen? What is in this book that has, according to US News and World Report, inspired the fastest growing Faith in the World? This is a good place to start finding out for yourself. The first volume is an extra big 64 page installment that follows the Prophet Lehi from Jerusalem, the establishment of the plates, and spectacular visions of the future including the great vision of Nephi. In addition to illustrating the events, Allred is including various archeological and anecdotal evidence at the end of each volume which will blow your mind!

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Religion, Church

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Michael 'Doc' Allred (Also Credited as M. Dalton Allred) grew up in the 60's and 70's and was surrounded with the best in pop culture and a steady diet of music, movies and comic books including the three B's: Beatles, Bond and Batman to the point of obsession.

So it should come as no surprise that he keeps a hand in film and music (He's the lead singer and guitarist for The Gear), but comic books have always been a seminal source of joy for Mike and that joy remains the main ingredient in most of his work.

Allred first tasted success in the comics field with his wildly popular MADMAN series, which is currently being developed for a live action film with filmmaker Robert Rodriguez. His earlier work from GRAFIK MUZIK was turned into the cult hit movie G-Men from Hell directed by Christopher Coppola (featuring Robert Goulet as the Devil). Other work includes Red Rocket 7, his history of Rock and Roll told in the context of a sci-fi adventure storyl the Madman spin-off THE ATOMICS and his magnum opus, THE GOLDEN PLATES, where he's illustrating the entire Book of Mormon.

Mike counts the secret to his success to be his wife, and creative partner, Laura Allred, who is is considered to be one of the best colorists in the business.

Reviews

[Brent · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Mike Allred, having followed his work since he began to publish, so I have been eager to read this, his adaptation of the Book of Mormon. I am not a believer, so this is my first dose of the Book of Mormon, and I am not inclined to accept it as anything but a fiction. That said, it is well told here. Allred, a believer, uses his great visual style to straightforward storytelling.
Mildly recommended.

[Christopher Angulo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best illustrated Book of Mormon I have seen to date. The choice of text was alright, but the stellar pictures make up for what the text was lacking. Angels have never looked so "cool."

[justin van matre · Rating 3 out of 5]

for people who are crazy or just people who are amused by the antics and ravings of crazy people.
b/t/w i love mike allred and the art in this is amazing. you really should check out if you ever have the chance.

[Kirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the coolest thing ever. Where was this book when I was trying to read the Book of Mormon the first time. Mike Allred really does a good job of bringing these stories to life visually. Very Cool.

[Matthias · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME! Found this series @ Deseret Book in Salt Lake City. It really helps you picture what happens in the Book of Mormon. The cool part is, it's by actual comic book writers and artists, who are, of course, LDS!

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

M.e. loved it. I still found myself having to simplify the narrative as I read it to her.

I thought it was an interesting way to view a familiar story. Most artistic license award goes to the "whore of the all the earth." You'll have to see it to understand.

[Fugo Feedback]

Me gusta tanto el laburo de Allred y su mujer que hasta estoy dispuesto a leerle su versión de "El libro del Mormón" en historieta. Y si me convence, quizás hasta me lea los tomos siguientes y todo.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Graphic Novel retelling of the first part of the Book of Mormon. Interesting concept. Kind of fun to read. :)

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read, good art. I like how the artist depicted of the tree of life. Uses lots of quotes from the Book of Mormon. This volume covers most of 1st Nephi.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought it was great. Loved the artwork.

[Variaciones Enrojo]

Primer tomo de "Las planchas de oro" de Allred, por ahora inédito en castellano.