Over the years, I have read numbers of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien, including one or two co-biography. But I’ve never come across anything like John Hendrix’s recently released Theologian, A graphic novel that incorporates beautifully drawn and colorful images into the story, along with the lion and wizard who guide us through their famous friendship.
Hendrix holds a dual biography of graphic (a more accurate term when it comes down sooner than a “graphic novel”) focusing on the friendship of the two men and their work. His lion and the wizard travels through biographical facts that many of us know well, but he really elaborates on what Tolkien and Lewis wrote, how they encouraged and helped each other, and why they wrote similarities and differences in their approach to writing.
It’s great to see a new version of this story being told by younger readers (although I think adults will enjoy it a lot too).
Hendrix shows that throughout his life and career, both Tolkien and Lewis wrote to meet the needs of the moment. To escape harsh reality, for the kind of stories they loved, and only for the expression of their beliefs, interests and passions. It was their common passion for their mythology that brought them together in the first place, and friendship helped Lewis to Christian faith, but Tolkien served him as a “guide to get home,” Hendrix writes.
“We write myths,” Tolkien tells Lewis.
As this book delves deep into the joys of this personal and professional friendship, it is difficult to see the tensions and misconceptions that tested it in later years. (I remember the heartbreaking image of Tolkien watching Lewis and Charles Williams walk the streets together, for example.) But the book is honest about both the best and low, disagreement, and honest efforts.
Theologian This is a graphic novel, particularly aimed at young people. Amazon suggests that the target age range is between 10 and 14. I’m not sure if I agree or not. The fun images and charming characters, especially the Wizard and the Lion, are perfect for their age range. However, the writing is very refined and sometimes a bit intrusive in accounts of World War I (for example, Lewis’s Sergeant “evaporated with a spray of muddy mist”). It is probably best to decide these things on a case-by-case basis, as they are often true. Some 10-year-olds probably handle everything well. Others may be better off waiting until they are a little older.
But anyway, it’s great to see a new version of this story being told by younger readers (although I think a lot of adults will enjoy it too). It’s especially good to see writers trust them, understand some of the basic parts of the story, the complex spiritual themes, mythical motifs, and theological discussions, and write realistically for them about fractures that can put a burden on friendship.
Many of the latest generations of Narnia Lord of the Rings Fans are certainly ready to start learning more about the mind behind the book. Theologian It’s a great way to showcase them.
This review was originally published Dear, something strange! September 29, 2024. It has been republished here with permission from the author.
Source: Christ and Pop Culture – christandpopculture.com
