The Spiritman Update can be read like a devotional. It follows the comics panel by panel mixed with commentary from the creators and a dose of scripture.
Page 6
Spiritman Daily Dose 25
We have arrived at page 6 where Martin wakes up and realizes he has been dreaming. The inspiration for the lamp in the background was my old Kansas City Chiefs football helmet lamp.
"Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams."
Daniel 1:17 WMB
Spiritman Daily Dose 26
Facebook has this thing about images with a lot of text so I will have to serve up Martin's thoughts a little at a time. I will fill in more words tomorrow. Also, why the weird shaped panels? Really not sure... seemed like a good idea at the time. I wanted things to seem really jolting and out of the ordinary to match Martin's shock at waking from his dream. Having more experience at comic book making I might not choose this panel shape.
"Look, LORD; for I am in distress. My heart is troubled. My heart turns over within me, for I have grievously rebelled. Abroad, the sword bereaves. At home, it is like death."
Lamentations 1:20 WMB
Spiritman Daily Dose 27
Ok, so the panel flow goes mostly from right to left. Just follow the tiny bubbles... they will take you to the next place you need to be. We are getting to know Martin a little bit here. You will find that he is very cerebral.
"Then they went through the wilderness, and went around the land of Edom, and the land of Moab, and came by the east side of the land of Moab, and they encamped on the other side of the Arnon; but they didn’t come within the border of Moab, for the Arnon was the border of Moab."
Judges 11:18 WMB
Spiritman Daily Dose 28
I get the sense here that Martin feels despondent. Can anyone empathize?
"All the days of the afflicted are wretched, but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast."
Proverbs 15:15 WMB
Spiritman Daily Dose 29
Ok, so yesterday was a busy day and I did not get to a daily dose. I offer my apologies and throw myself at your mercy. However, I greatly appreciate the people who have been following our comic book here on Facebook and I will strive to maintain some regularity in my posting. Here goes the next panel...
"That which comes into your mind will not be at all, in that you say, ‘We will be as the nations, as the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone."
Ezekiel 20:32 WMB
Spiritman Daily Dose 30
Ok, so Martin is praying, but he is doing other stuff at the same time. What's up with that? It is very common for artists to depict prayer by showing a character on their knees with hands together. The idea is to partner with a shared experience of prayer so that people get the idea that you are trying to communicate visually. Is that your experience? I must say that I am more likely to pray like Martin does in this sequence. While I am attending to the simple tasks of my day I will be in conversation with God. This is really what we are after with the Spiritman comic book. We want to avoid the cliche and embrace the genuine.
"David rose up early in the morning and left the sheep with a keeper, and took the provisions and went, as Jesse had commanded him. He came to the place of the wagons as the army which was going out to the fight shouted for the battle."
1 Samuel 17:20 WMB
Spiritman Daily Dose 31
Genuine prayer. Martin shares his feelings of worthlessness with God.
"Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."
1 Corinthians 9:6 WMB
Spiritman Daily Dose 32
Martin's thoughts continue to wander in expressions of uselessness. I have shared these thoughts at times in my life also. I feel the burden of measuring up to expectations. Remember that this is Martin sharing his honest thoughts with God.
"As many as desire to make a good impression in the flesh compel you to be circumcised, just so they may not be persecuted for the cross of Messiah."
Galatians 6:12 WMB
Spiritman Daily Dose 33
Martin is feeling the weight of a need to perform. "What can I do?" The real question is what can God do?... What is God doing?
"He who overcomes, and he who keeps my works to the end, to him I will give authority over the nations."
Revelation 2:26 WMB
Spiritman Daily Dose 34
Sounds like foreshadowing... but really this is a legitimate question, what can a mere human accomplish?
"You are to make a distinction between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean."
Leviticus 10:10 WMB
A Word From Our Fans
I learned alot of spiritual truth from this comic. It is an eye opener Please, when is Spiritman issue 4 going to be published?
- Adunola
Paul, I just read Spiritman #1 and want to praise and rebuke you... that's the best time I've had reading a comic book in ages, but darn it, I've got work to do and want to read more instead! Seriously, thank you for what you and Scott are doing. I'm a fan and plan to be a supporter.
- Brem
Hey Paul, awesome drawing. Im hanging on the edge of my seat wondering about those 2 guys and chelsea!
- Harriet
Just wanted to say that I love the comics and the devotional you wrote. If the daily dose resumes I will happily read more, but regardless I appreciate the ministry you have done.
- Ryan
Hello, I was wondering if you ever sell actual copies of Spiritman? My son is asking for them for Christmas.
- Denise
I am a teenager growing in my Christian faith and I love superheroes! This really inspires me to stay strong in my faith and I can relate to it's character's issues. I love its concept. Keep up the good work. I wish it was a T.V. series.
- Samantha
Your comics are highly edifying! Looking forward to more.
- Justin
Victory of the light.. faith, love, truth, and justice.
- Troy
Love the work that you are doing. Joining you in prayer that God will use your work to reach people!
- Jason
Amazing art work, may JESUS continue to push you forward. You are an inspiration to me!
- Christopher
I like the artistic doses; page by page the story is engaging and well drawn.
- Brien
Hi Scott & Everett, I'm an aspiring christian comic book writer and I love your story! You guys are an inspiration to me! I would love to see a thriving christian comic book industry that is producing high quality comics with a great message! I'll be continuing to read and will try to throw some support your way... God bless!
- Todd
Hello! My name is Amanda. I am a teenager, an aspiring Christian author, and a hopeless superhero addict. I just wanted to thank you two for writing those books. Their message came to me at a time when I needed it. They gave me hope. Keep writing and never give up.