While "researching" a recent Nexus Graphica, I had reason to look through my collection of Comics Of Unusual Size. This set of the big and small and odd of comicdom offers many gems. Deciding that I really should share some of these largely forgotten and sometime rare pieces, I’m taking you through a tour of the more interesting selections.
In the 80s and 90s, it was not unusual to be handed Chick tracts at rock concerts. Published by Chick Publications, these rectangular palm sized pamphlets contained comic book stories that proselytized against great evils such as greed, gluttony, Catholism (and other "false" religions), Satanism, rock music, reincarnation, and Dungeons & Dragons.
Reputedly all written and drawn by company founder, Independent Baptist Jack T. Chick, there are over 200 tracts. Many of the Chick publications, which include traditional comics and prose books, are available in many languages and online.
The company’s official statement of faith begins:
| Quote: |
| We hold that the Bible, the Holy Word of a Holy God, was not only free from error in the originals (which have been lost for centuries) but also we believe God in His Singular providential care has KEPT HIS WORD all through the ages, right down to the present day as found in the King James Version. We consider this version our final and absolute authority, above and beyond all other authorities on earth. |
The short, laughingly heavy-handed, and often well drawn stories have achieved a cult-like status among non-believers. Currently, I own seven different volumes: The Pilgrims, Somebody Goofed, Holy Joe, The Trap, How To Get Rich, Ivan the Terrible, Bad Bob!, and Angels? Like many, I acquired several of these at concerts but some of them have been found in bookstore bathrooms and even hidden within books that were for sale!