CATHOLICISM has invaded the comic-book genre.
A group of devout Catholics is set to launch a comic-book series featuring an unlikely band of young heroes out to defeat the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
The message: Christian life requires catechism, prayer, and receiving the sacraments regularly, which are also the best weapons against demonic possessions and threats from evil spirits.
Patron Comics, written by pro-life advocate Anthony James Perez and published by Regina Caeli Publishing, deals with the popular theme of the occult to target young readers and thrill-seekers, but contains messages from Christ’s Gospel and the teachings of the Church.
The first volume is a 68-page black-and-white comic book that tells the story of how a group of teenagers came to assist a priest-exorcist in relieving a ghost hunter of a severe case of demonic possession. The setting is the mysterious town of Sagrada Cozaron.
Dangers of the occult
Perez told the Varsitarian he incorporated people’s inherent interest for supernatural stories and the occult into the comic book’s subject matter, to educate the public on extraordinary phenomena, a field riddled with misconceptions.
“Talk of the supernatural gives me the opportunity to talk about what the Church teaches about good and evil, the Devil, angels and God. There is also the opportunity to correct some false notions that we have held ever since,” Perez said in an interview.
With television shows and movies increasingly promoting active homosexual lifestyles and violence, there is a need for materials that promote Christian values, to help avoid the weakening of morals, he added.
The comic book shows the struggles of the main characters with school, family and friends—from winning the love and attention of their parents to proving one’s worth among peers. The characters are haunted by their sins, insecurities and deepest desires, which they must battle to perform the exorcism successfully.
The comic book also warns readers against engaging in occult activities like playing the ouija board and other rituals that may leave them vulnerable to demonic attacks and possessions.
Controversial issues like same-sex relationships and abortion are also tackled.
The language is slightly rebellious and angst-filled, reflecting teenage culture. The graphics, meanwhile, take their cue from manga comics and anime characters.
While it dwells on supernatural phenomena, the comic book has less to offer in terms of scares and more on explaining extraordinary phenomena from the point of view of the Catholic Church.
Endorsements earned
For successfully merging catechism with the supernatural, Patron Comics has earned the endorsement of Church officials.
Bangued Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian, chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)-Commission on Youth, commended the comic book for “participating creatively in the New Evangelization.”
In a December 2014 letter, Jaucian described Patron Comics as “100% entertainment fused with 100% catechism,” because it aids the youth in understanding the sacraments and fulfilling Christian duties.
Other Church officials also saw potential in the comic book series becoming part of materials for theology and religion classes.
In the comic book’s foreword, UST Secretary General Fr. Winston Cabading, O.P., who is also part of the Archdiocese of Manila’s Ministry on Exorcism, said readers would be entertained and informed on the Catholic exorcism ministry and catechism.
September launch set
Unlike many television shows and publications that stop with encouraging the public’s curiosity for the occult, Cabading said Patron Comics presents exorcism and supernatural events in a Christian manner and deals with them through holiness, virtue and love of God.
“Many people get thrilled with demon stories without realizing how terrible it could be for one to fall into the hands of evil. The [stories in the comic book are based on] real happenings and [present] everything in a truly Catholic and Christian way,” Cabading said. “The comics [story] is very clear that fighting demons is meaningless unless we grow in true love of God.”
The people behind Patron Comics include penciller Gilmond Monsanto, inker Raymond Ferrer and editor Jay Acosta.
The comic book is available for sale online for now, but there will be an official launch in September.
Perez said the next books and chapters of Patron Comics would include other forms of possession, pages for reflections and notes on biblical characters and saints.
