Brian E. Lau, creator of Blood of the Baptist, joins the Catholic Morning Show to share his multimedia retelling of the life and martyrdom of John the Baptist, combining a historical-fiction graphic novel, a story-driven pull-out poster, and an original soundtrack. He explains why John's humility and suffering offer real hope today, and how he blends Scripture with historical fiction alongside apologist Jimmy Akin. Brian also shares how backing the Kickstarter campaign helps bring this new Catholic art project to print.
Brian E. Lau, a convert, Catholic artist, and creator of graphic novels, joins Bo Bonner to talk about Blood of the Baptist, a historical-fiction graphic novel about the life and death of John the Baptist, told through the eyes of a displaced rebel and a tormented soldier who arrests John. The book includes a pull-out poster that tells part of the story and an original soundtrack featuring Reina Özbay, who played Abigail in The Chosen, along with Grammy and Dove Award-winning musicians and Fr. Hyacinth, a priest and drummer respected by elite musicians worldwide.
Brian shares how a sermon he heard as a young man first drew him to John the Baptist: the rock-star prophet who humbly said "He must increase, I must decrease," then sat in prison while Jesus worked miracles and ate with sinners. John's story, Brian says, shows us how to hold on to hope in suffering, and his whole purpose was to point others to Christ. He and Bo discuss the contrasts between John and Jesus, from John's birth to elderly parents to the fasting and feasting of the Christian life, and why one of the greatest saints is so often overlooked.
Brian also explains his approach to historical fiction: fictional characters with their own story arcs, and invented details that always serve and emphasize what Scripture tells us is true. Catholic Answers senior apologist Jimmy Akin serves as the project's biblical and historical consultant.
The Kickstarter isn't a donation: backers pre-order the book and collectible CD, preview music clips and videos, and help fund printing and shipping. Back Blood of the Baptist on Kickstarter and learn more at BloodOfTheBaptist.com.
Heard on the Catholic Morning Show, weekdays at 7 a.m. Central on Iowa Catholic Radio. More at IowaCatholicRadio.com.
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