Papa Luther: A Graphic Novel

by Daniel D. Maurer, Caitlin Like (Illustrations)

The exciting story of Martin Luther, told through the eyes of his children Hans and Magda. This colorful, 88-page comic book is geared especially toward children ages 8 to 13, but will intrigue all ages.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Religion, Church

88 pages, Paperback

Published August 8, 2016

About the author

Daniel D. Maurer is a freelance writer living in Saint Paul, Minnesota. In addition to writing as "Dan the Story Man" and sharing transformational stories, he also writes for Sparkhouse and Amicus Publishing, both publishers for children's curriculum resources. He lives with three cats, two boys, one wife, and an exceptionally needy German Shorthaired Pointer.

Reviews

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The framework is Luther's telling stories to his arguing children, mainly over several days, although there's a large chronological jump at the end. He tells the story of the prodigal son, plus his own biography (including the lightning strike, his tower experience, the Diet of Worms, and his time at the Wartburg). Katie seems kind of a nag throughout. The daughter dies at the end, and the brother, who is called home from his studies, contemplates God's purposes.

Commissioned by the ECLA. Has a few footnotes throughout to explain terminology, and includes study questions at the end. Luther's actual words marked with a superscript cross. The anime style makes characters look Asian.

WORLD review here.

[Emilia P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lutheran propaganda!! Haha.
But seriously, Augsburg Fortress Press guys.
I learned about how his wife brewed beer, his children, and understood a bit better the timeline of priest to dissident to world-changing dude. It kind of .... made me want to know more? It's good to think about how the Reformation got the church to change for the better in some ways and figure out what it really believed in other ways. ANYWAY. Yeah. A little on the nose but also, had some good stuff!

[Mara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the idea of the book was good for kids but the flow was off. I think the illustrations could have been clearer with more differences between the characters to see who was speaking.

[Maria Antonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

1) This graphic novel takes history and makes it interesting.

2) I like the character arc of Luther's children, Hans and Magda... the childish bickering that culminates in a more serious way near the end (which I won't spoil!).

3) It seems that the author used some of Luther's real quotes... all marked by a little cross. The historian in me thought that was a neat touch. (Yay! History! Quotes!)

4) The end made me cry. In a good way. (Even though, I kinda knew it was coming. Or at least guessed it was coming.)


FINAL THOUGHTS

I thought this was a nice simplified treatment of the great historical events of the Protestant Reformation. And I thought the book remained true to history without being bogged down in all the theological nitty-gritty. Having the children be the centerpiece of the story was a good move for a graphic novel aimed at kids!

[Brane Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for children to learn about Martin Luther

[Briana · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I definitely learned a few things about Luther, I didn't really follow the need for him retelling his children. The premise was a little awkward for me.