GENRE: GRAPHIC NOVELS
WRITER: TED DEKKER
ADAPTATION: J.S EARLS & KEVIN KAISER
ARTIST: CAIO REIS
PUBLISHER: THOMAS NELSON
PUBLICATION DATE: NOVEMBER 11, 2008
Nutshell Version:
Admittedly, I am first and foremost a book guy. Books have always done more for my imagination than films, TV shows, and even comics. However, I found myself easily transported into the beautiful world of Elyon with this fantastic graphic novel adaptation. Chosen is a strong beginning to what is sure to be an exciting graphic novel experience.
Full Version:
It’s been thirteen years since the evil Teeleh has laid waste to the beauty of Elyon’s creation. The Horde roams the desert-filled earth seeking to destroy the followers of Elyon that remain. Thomas Hunter is the commander of the Forest Guard, warriors who have given their lives in service to Elyon and fellow believers. The Horde greatly outnumbers the Forest Guard, and Thomas is reluctantly forced to encourage sixteen and seventeen year olds to fight. Out of this group four have been chosen by Thomas himself as special leaders: Johnis, Silvie, Darsal, and Billos.
These new recruits are sent on one last training mission to prove their worth to Thomas and the Guard. They soon discover there is an even greater mission in store for them, and the survival of Elyon’s followers depends on their success. They must seek out and collect the legendary Books of History before they fall into evil hands. Along the way Johnis discovers that not only was he born to lead, but his destiny is greater than he could have ever imagined.
Ted Dekker’s Books of History Chronicles has been a groundbreaking series to say the least. I’ve enjoyed the twisting, electrifying journey all along the way, especially when it comes to The Lost Books, which in my estimation are some of the best novels Dekker has written. Needless to say I was very excited when I heard that those novels were being adapted into graphic novels.
Admittedly, I am first and foremost a book guy. Books have always done more for my imagination than films, TV shows, and even comics. However, I found myself easily transported into the beautiful world of Elyon with this fantastic graphic novel adaptation. While I tend to favor the art work in the Black, Red, and White graphic novels a bit more, by no means was I disappointed with what Chosen has to offer. All of the characters are drawn well and I loved the action sequences. I was particularly giddy over one panel with a not so subtle reference to Skin.
Being a story guy, I was very impressed with the adaptation by J.S. Earls and Kevin Kaiser. These novels are full of plot twists and a myriad of characters, and these writers really nailed the story. I can’t imagine how daunting of a task this was and I know Ted Dekker must be thrilled to have such talent on his team. Chosen is a strong beginning to what is sure to be an exciting graphic novel experience.
