By Water - (Heroes of the Radical Reformation) by Jason Landsel (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

ACTION-PACKED GRAPHIC NOVEL PERFECT FOR FANS OF THE BOXERS AND SAINTS SERIES

Five hundred years ago, in an age marked by war, plague, inequality and religious coercion, there were people across Europe who dared to imagine a society of sharing, peace, and freedom of conscience. These radicals were ready to die for their vision. They were executed by thousands - by water, by fire, and by sword - in both Catholic and Protestant states. Their story comes to life in this graphic novel, the first in a series that dramatically recreates a little-known chapter in the history of the Reformation.

By Water is the historically accurate account of young people standing up for their convictions against the corrupt political and religious leaders of their day.

Review Quotes

"A lesser-known chapter in the history of Protestantism, the story of Felix Manz is an absorbing journey of enlightenment, rebellion, and sacrifice. ... The art by Banerjee is gorgeous; evocative of illuminated manuscripts, stained glass, and the mosaics that make up the medieval art of the age." --School Library Journal

"Visually arresting... The Felix Manz story could have easily devolved into a dense, boring history lesson. Instead, it's a stylishly dynamic exploration of a tempestuous internal life... An urgent and relevant saga." --Comic Book Couples Counseling

"An ambitious biography - in graphic-novel style - of an early Anabaptist martyr. Intriguing watercolors - evocative of both Hieronymus Bosch and 1970s pop art - precede the opening pages. ... The chapters that follow use accessible language and abundant visual cues in softly colored, action-packed art. Other historical figures come into play as Manz journeys from eager university student to zealous reformer to renegade leading an intentional Christian pacifist community. Under penalty of death, Manz refuses to stop performing adult baptisms - considered heretical - and he utters some of Jesus' final words as he dies." --Kirkus Reviews

"By Water is a book driven by its art. From manuscript illuminations to woodcuts and portraiture, many of the images and scenes are drawn from real pieces from the 16th century....I found By Water to be a delight." --Christian Century

"Landsel and his team breathe new life into a high-stakes tale that can come across as dusty and distant if left to the realm of history books. The tone and word choices are appropriate for most teens -- and most adults -- though they carry an edge that makes sense for a story of life and death." --Anabaptist World

"Opens a fascinating window into the Reformation, not only as a period of great religious upheaval, but also as the growing pangs of a society struggling to emerge from the past." --Mark Russell, Eisner Award-winning author, Not All Robots and My Bad

"Tense, compelling, and informative ... in an exciting narrative style that delivers information as a seamless part of the action. ... A remarkable graphic novel." --Foreword Reviews