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American Jesus #1
American Jesus, Book 1: Chosen
From the writer of WAR HEROES, KICK ASS and the Universal hit, WANTED! It's the next MARK MILLAR graphic novel set to become a feature film! AMERICAN JESUS, VOL. 1: CHOSEN follows a twelve-year-old boy who suddenly discovers he's the returned Jesus Christ. He can turn water into wine, make the crippled walk and perhaps even raise the dead. How will he deal with the destiny to lead the world in a conflict thousands of years in the making?
99 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2005
24 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
About the author
Mark Millar
1,511 books2,564 followersMark Millar is the New York Times best-selling writer of Wanted, the Kick-Ass series, The Secret Service, Jupiter’s Legacy, Jupiter’s Circle, Nemesis, Superior, Super Crooks, American Jesus, MPH, Starlight, and Chrononauts. Wanted, Kick-Ass, Kick-Ass 2, and The Secret Service (as Kingsman: The Secret Service) have been adapted into feature films, and Nemesis, Superior, Starlight, War Heroes, Jupiter’s Legacy and Chrononauts are in development at major studios.
His DC Comics work includes the seminal Superman: Red Son, and at Marvel Comics he created The Ultimates – selected by Time magazine as the comic book of the decade, Wolverine: Old Man Logan, and Civil War – the industry’s biggest-selling superhero series in almost two decades.
Mark has been an Executive Producer on all his movie adaptations and is currently creative consultant to Fox Studios on their Marvel slate of movies.
His DC Comics work includes the seminal Superman: Red Son, and at Marvel Comics he created The Ultimates – selected by Time magazine as the comic book of the decade, Wolverine: Old Man Logan, and Civil War – the industry’s biggest-selling superhero series in almost two decades.
Mark has been an Executive Producer on all his movie adaptations and is currently creative consultant to Fox Studios on their Marvel slate of movies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
December 20, 2025
(B+) 77% | Good
Notes: Belief-by-compelling, a kind of retelling, on small-town captivation, a quite low-key ascendency to ending revelation.
*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Introduction–Issue #2 ◦ Issue #3–Afterwords
Notes: Belief-by-compelling, a kind of retelling, on small-town captivation, a quite low-key ascendency to ending revelation.
*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Introduction–Issue #2 ◦ Issue #3–Afterwords
May 10, 2023
3.5 stars
It's always a crap shoot when you open one of these what if Jesus came back today stories.
Is the author out for blood?
Or are they just trying to tell a cool story using religious figures that everyone knows?
Millar isn't out for blood but whether or not you think it's a cool story will still be up for grabs. I liked it.
The end of this volume comes with a cliffhanger and I was interested enough to want to find out what happens next, so I downloaded the next volume and started reading as soon as I was done with this one.
Will that be everyone's reaction? I don't know.
The gist is that a 12 year old boy is hit by a truck. <--as they sometimes are
This one not only survives but walks away without a scratch and then proceeds to perform a slew of miracles in his hometown. Soon, he's proclaimed as the second coming of Jesus, managing to even convince his very own Doubting Thomas who comes in the form of a local priest.
But what sort of endgame is this all leading up to?
Not bad. It won't be for everyone but I thought it was a decent start to a Revelations story.
Recommendedish.
It's always a crap shoot when you open one of these what if Jesus came back today stories.
Is the author out for blood?
Or are they just trying to tell a cool story using religious figures that everyone knows?
Millar isn't out for blood but whether or not you think it's a cool story will still be up for grabs. I liked it.
The end of this volume comes with a cliffhanger and I was interested enough to want to find out what happens next, so I downloaded the next volume and started reading as soon as I was done with this one.
Will that be everyone's reaction? I don't know.
The gist is that a 12 year old boy is hit by a truck. <--as they sometimes are
This one not only survives but walks away without a scratch and then proceeds to perform a slew of miracles in his hometown. Soon, he's proclaimed as the second coming of Jesus, managing to even convince his very own Doubting Thomas who comes in the form of a local priest.
But what sort of endgame is this all leading up to?
Not bad. It won't be for everyone but I thought it was a decent start to a Revelations story.
Recommendedish.
March 12, 2014
What would the second coming of Christ be like in today’s world? It’s by no means an original idea but a potent one that Mark Millar develops pretty well with artist Peter Gross in American Jesus.
A slacker kid called Jodie gets hit by a truck and miraculously survives. But this is the first of many changes for Jodie as his personality quickly changes from under-achieving waster to becoming enormously intelligent and wise, healing the sick, turning water into wine, and even bringing the dead back to life. Is he the second coming of Jesus?!
It may not be the most original concept but Millar does a fine job of making it interesting especially as writing teenagers is his strong suit. The scenes with Jodie and his friends read fine and seeing Jodie’s powers develop was fun despite its predictability. His grown-up characters on the other hand are pretty much ciphers, especially Jodie’s parents who’re just blanks (and how about their on-the-nose surname, Christianson?!). Jodie’s teacher though is just plain ridiculous, screaming swear words at him when he scores high in a test – come on, he’d be fired if he did that!
Unfortunately, Peter Gross’ art just didn’t do it for me. The pages looked all washed out, the figures were unremarkable and dull, and, considering the calibre of artists Millar usually works with, Gross is definitely among his least impressive collaborators.
This first book - coming in at a mere 3 issues – is all setup for the next book which looks to take the original premise and go in a completely different direction. The ending was definitely unexpected and so good that I’m on board to read the next volume but since the third issue ended 10 years ago it doesn’t look like Volume 2 will be coming out anytime soon. American Jesus is definitely worth a read though and you could imagine the ending as a standalone, Twilight Zone-esque shocker.
A slacker kid called Jodie gets hit by a truck and miraculously survives. But this is the first of many changes for Jodie as his personality quickly changes from under-achieving waster to becoming enormously intelligent and wise, healing the sick, turning water into wine, and even bringing the dead back to life. Is he the second coming of Jesus?!
It may not be the most original concept but Millar does a fine job of making it interesting especially as writing teenagers is his strong suit. The scenes with Jodie and his friends read fine and seeing Jodie’s powers develop was fun despite its predictability. His grown-up characters on the other hand are pretty much ciphers, especially Jodie’s parents who’re just blanks (and how about their on-the-nose surname, Christianson?!). Jodie’s teacher though is just plain ridiculous, screaming swear words at him when he scores high in a test – come on, he’d be fired if he did that!
Unfortunately, Peter Gross’ art just didn’t do it for me. The pages looked all washed out, the figures were unremarkable and dull, and, considering the calibre of artists Millar usually works with, Gross is definitely among his least impressive collaborators.
This first book - coming in at a mere 3 issues – is all setup for the next book which looks to take the original premise and go in a completely different direction. The ending was definitely unexpected and so good that I’m on board to read the next volume but since the third issue ended 10 years ago it doesn’t look like Volume 2 will be coming out anytime soon. American Jesus is definitely worth a read though and you could imagine the ending as a standalone, Twilight Zone-esque shocker.
February 26, 2020
Slacker 12-year old, Jodie, begins to change after surviving a massive car wreck. He suddenly knows things when he was a terrible student. He begins to heal the sick. When people start to call him Jesus, he attempts to perform Jesus's miracles, turning water to wine and the like. My problem with the book is that everyone in the book is flat and unlikable, including Jodie. Jodie is certainly no Jesus. He's a punk kid who skips school and smokes cigarettes, skating through life. It all just seemed unbelievable. I usually like Peter Gross's art but, in this, everyone is drawn depressed and downtrodden. Even after only three issues, I felt beat down.
April 23, 2022
Volume One of "American Jesus" was excellent. It tells the fascinating story of a young 12 year old boy named Jodie. A seemingly normal everyday boy, he survives a catastrophic accident. From here on out, Jodi begins to manifest special skills and powers that could only belong to one person. Yep. You guessed it.
The story is a very interesting look at a scenario of how people would react to a person who could possibly be the Messiah. I enjoyed that part of the story, especially his interactions with the Catholic Priest.
But, beyond Jodie, there is a strange story going on in the background. It is only at the end that we truly realize what is going on. I shall say the end certainly ensures that I shall return to find out where this amazing story goes in Vol Two. I also liked the fact that Vol 1 acts as a prelude of sorts to the timeframe of the actual story. Well done Mark Millar!
The story is a very interesting look at a scenario of how people would react to a person who could possibly be the Messiah. I enjoyed that part of the story, especially his interactions with the Catholic Priest.
But, beyond Jodie, there is a strange story going on in the background. It is only at the end that we truly realize what is going on. I shall say the end certainly ensures that I shall return to find out where this amazing story goes in Vol Two. I also liked the fact that Vol 1 acts as a prelude of sorts to the timeframe of the actual story. Well done Mark Millar!
July 14, 2021
Jodie Christianson in a backwater county area after an accident is able to anything and we see the town believes he is Christ..the reincarnation of him anyways and thus he goes around curing the ailed or performing miracles and turns even the staunchest of non believers into his believers and some group had sent for him as they wanna groom him for the event ahead and then friendships, family kin and the whole town witnessing his feats and being spell bounded. Its a meh series and has some cool ideas but is long and takes quite some time to get through and the art is not really inspiring and just seems so boring to read. Skip this.
August 13, 2016
This was a decent fun read. I liked the idea of this, even if I don't believe in any Religion, it's always interesting to see how they work. The idea this kid is Jesus reincarnated is cool and when he starts doing magical things people shut up and start to believe.
The big TWIST was VERY obvious, but mostly due to me always assuming there's going to be a twist...which there was...which I guessed.
Also Millar is a fun writer, so the dialog feels mostly natural, though no cunt word thrown around put me in a bit of a shocked state. Had to double check this was Mark writing.
If want a fun, short, and interesting read try it out. I think most people will at least enjoy it.
The big TWIST was VERY obvious, but mostly due to me always assuming there's going to be a twist...which there was...which I guessed.
Also Millar is a fun writer, so the dialog feels mostly natural, though no cunt word thrown around put me in a bit of a shocked state. Had to double check this was Mark writing.
If want a fun, short, and interesting read try it out. I think most people will at least enjoy it.
December 13, 2020
I read this while under the influence of COVID back in March. Every facet of this graphic novel exceeded my expectations. But the problem is I don't know if that disease-brain was the reason why....
May 30, 2020
A rewarding second read before digging into the sequel. It was interesting to parse through the book for clues to the ending, which was still just as powerful the second time around.
July 23, 2020
Not sure jow I feel anout this.
September 23, 2013
Issue 1 - I would give this issue 2.5 stars if I could. The premise was interesting enough, but I didn't get a flash of realization by the end. I'm still not entirely getting it, except by what the cover of the comic suggests. Since it's only three comics, I'm sure to understand soon enough, whether I like it or not.
Issue 2 - This issue really cleared up the first one. I understand what's happening now (without reading the back) and am eager to read the final issue. In fact, the last couple pages actually scared me a bit; the thought of that happening IS scary.
Issue 3 - Oh wow...I honestly did not see that ending coming. I thought that this series would take an interesting idea and sidle off at the end, but this was completely unexpected. It was scary. Really scary. And thought provoking. Very "Twilight Zone."
Issue 2 - This issue really cleared up the first one. I understand what's happening now (without reading the back) and am eager to read the final issue. In fact, the last couple pages actually scared me a bit; the thought of that happening IS scary.
Issue 3 - Oh wow...I honestly did not see that ending coming. I thought that this series would take an interesting idea and sidle off at the end, but this was completely unexpected. It was scary. Really scary. And thought provoking. Very "Twilight Zone."
May 2, 2022
Eis um quadrinho bem curioso, e se tivéssemos um novo Advento? Com esse argumento original os autores começam a discutir temas extremamente interessantes e atuais. Algo que surpreende é como a HQ funciona como uma moderna história de super-heróis e ao mesmo tempo como uma discussão teológica bem profunda. Os posfácios escritos por dois religiosos confirmam o quanto o quadrinho consegue transitar entre dois mundos. Outro destaque é o posfácio/bate-papo entre os autores que esclarece para o leitor alguns pontos que possam ter passado desapercebidos. O plot final ainda que não de todo inesperado é muito bem apresentado e desenvolvido.
August 27, 2022
I'm on roll with Millar.
This is an example of early 2000s art, it had a plastic look to it, like JG Jones.
.....
He's out the door, along with Gaiman, Wagner, Azzarello and some other 90s writers. I still like Milligan tho.
This is an example of early 2000s art, it had a plastic look to it, like JG Jones.
.....
He's out the door, along with Gaiman, Wagner, Azzarello and some other 90s writers. I still like Milligan tho.
August 23, 2023
Most everything about this story rubbed me the wrong way
September 14, 2023
All I have to say about America Jesus is: "This is a comic written by Mark Millar".
January 27, 2022
Some might claim "cliché", but it's very well written and I loved the art work. The way the plot twists along the narrative in a fluid way is fantastic, and we are given a couple of clues throughout.
Read
June 20, 2010Stayed over a friend's house who actually spends his paycheck on comics so I've had a chance to read some trade paperbacks from this century for a change. This one was pretty short so I read it in one sitting. There is a twist ending, which is perhaps giving too much away. All in all it was pretty good, although I can't imagine the authors carrying this premise any farther in any interesting way... but who knows, I could be wrong.
January 22, 2010
Ahh, Mark Millar is really good. He's obsessed with nerdy, awkward teens who love comics and Star Wars and masturbation, so it's all pretty universally appealing, methinks. I can't talk about this too much, since the whole book is really about the "twist," so just read it if you want to. It's pretty good. Again, also worth reading if you can borrow it, and not buy it.
September 26, 2017
Finely walks the thin line between pious and sacrilegious without being ham-fisted or boring.
November 24, 2017
A rather flat story with mediocre art, but it still managed to leave me with a nasty feeling in my underbelly.
August 19, 2023
Terminei de ver El Elegido/The Chosen One e vim ler o quadrinho por causa do gancho e porque provavelmente a série não será renovada, afinal, é a Netflix. E eu confesso que achei a série mais interessante, mudar o cenário pro México e ampliar a temática religiosa foram ótimas mudanças. A tensão religiosa na cidade alcança mais longe que o quadrinho. Mas, uma coisa que os autores do quadrinho merecem elogios é a atenção ao detalhes. Tem várias pistas sobre o que realmente está acontecendo ao redor dos personagens, e também gostei da abordagem diferente sobre a trope do escolhido. Minha nota é um 3,5, arredondando pra 4 por motivo de GR.
June 24, 2024
The art made this a little difficult to become absorbed into - Millar is right; a good artist is 80% the defining factor in a good comic book.
Story wise it's decent, not immediately predictable but the otherwise great scripting lays a few too many set ups nearer to the end that make the eventual prestige more obvious.
Story wise it's decent, not immediately predictable but the otherwise great scripting lays a few too many set ups nearer to the end that make the eventual prestige more obvious.
August 22, 2023
The twist at the end of this one was interesting, but predictable and this didn’t feel like a complete story. Surprised it took them years to make a follow-up. Will continue to read to see where this goes.
May 29, 2019
One of my favorites from millar. Highly recommend.
October 17, 2022
Quick, Blasphemous, Fun
June 10, 2022
The story has many references to scenes from the Bible, but in a much more modern setting. The main character's change is doubted by all at first, then more people convert, until it's viewed as a certainty. The twist at the end throws a spanner in the works, but it sure keeps the reader on his toes. The artwork isn't much to look at, but it gets the job done. The endong hints at some epic future events.
Jodie Christianson miraculously survives a truck accident. I say 'miraculous' as a turn of phrase, but many people in his home town truly believe it was a God-given miracle. Even better, they believe he is the messiah. He does go through an unexplainable change, though. He surprises even himself when he finds that he has correct answers for any academic question, though he wasn't studious before and he didn't study more after the accident. His mother brings the most startling revelation of all - she didn't make the kid with his father, hinting at an immaculate birth.
Jodie Christianson miraculously survives a truck accident. I say 'miraculous' as a turn of phrase, but many people in his home town truly believe it was a God-given miracle. Even better, they believe he is the messiah. He does go through an unexplainable change, though. He surprises even himself when he finds that he has correct answers for any academic question, though he wasn't studious before and he didn't study more after the accident. His mother brings the most startling revelation of all - she didn't make the kid with his father, hinting at an immaculate birth.
January 31, 2015
I can't believe this came out in 2009, because it feels so dated. Maybe I would have liked this better if I read it around 2000 (if it existed), but now I feel like this story has been done, and done better, in other places. Hell, this last past season of Supernatural touched on the themes presented in this book to much greater effect.
Millar gets a lot of shit, but I tend to like his stuff. However, this just didn't work for me at all. The first bit of the book is ok, but then the voices just start to all sounds like Millar. No one was called a "cunt" though, so small favors and all.
The art, while serviceable, wasn't much of a draw either. It got the job done, and didn't detract from the story, but didn't much add to it either.
Millar gets a lot of shit, but I tend to like his stuff. However, this just didn't work for me at all. The first bit of the book is ok, but then the voices just start to all sounds like Millar. No one was called a "cunt" though, so small favors and all.
The art, while serviceable, wasn't much of a draw either. It got the job done, and didn't detract from the story, but didn't much add to it either.
March 5, 2010
Leído entre números sueltos y los capítulos incluidos en la Bastión. Entretiene y antieduca la mayor parte del tiempo, pero cuando llegué al final no pude sino querer leer la continuación. No es que sea la idea más original del mundo, pero sin duda alguna está muy bien llevada a cabo y deja con ganas de más. Recordándolo hoy en día, pienso que podría ser un antepasado no muy lejano del Wormwood de Ennis. Cuando me la termine de leer seguro me explaye al respecto. Y, obviamente, cuando me relea este seguramente lo rerreseñe.
August 29, 2023
There were two reasons I read this. The primary reason is that I had started reading volume 2, and thought I might be missing important pieces of information by not reading volume one (and I had). The second reason was that I am interested in seeing how religion is portrayed in comics.
For me, was this great no. There are pieces that reminded me both here, and where I am in volume two, of the Tribulation Books I saw in bookstores so many years ago.
But, I admit I am interested enough to keep going with volume two.
For me, was this great no. There are pieces that reminded me both here, and where I am in volume two, of the Tribulation Books I saw in bookstores so many years ago.
But, I admit I am interested enough to keep going with volume two.
July 23, 2022
A bit boring, especially for a Mark Millar book. Turns out though that the whole volume is just set-up and misdirection for … well, a surprise that I won’t spoil. It’s a neat trick but as a reading experience? I guess the next volume will tell, although I’m not sure that this one has me sufficiently curious to find out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews