Christian Brothers Conference and the Brother James Miller Guild have collaborated with Voyage Comics to produce the first comic book showcasing the life and story of Blessed James Miller, FSC.
Written by Voyage Comics founder Philip Kosloski and illustrated by Bruno Abdias and Chuck Michael Obach, the comic book, titled “Missionary Martyr: Brother James Miller,” begins with James Miller as a young boy growing up on his family farm near Ellis, Wisconsin, shows his first encounter with the Christian Brothers at Pacelli High School, and his years in formation with the Brothers learning Spanish and first recognizing his missionary call to serve in Central America.
In 30 pages, the comic’s storyline and stunning graphics detail Brother James’ unique personality and deep devotion to serving his students and communities in the various roles he held as a Brother: soccer coach, teacher, handyman, fire chief, administrator and more. Recommended for middle and high school readers, the story also conveys the heightened political climate that the Christian Brothers in Guatemala faced in the time before Brother James’ murder.
Midwest Brother Larry Schatz, FSC, vice postulator for Blessed James’ cause for canonization, served as a consulting editor for the project, along with input from leaders from the Brother James Miller Guild.
“I grew up reading comic books, and I still enjoy them a lot. Now to have one that features our own Lasallian ‘superhero’ is so very exciting! What a great and dynamic way of telling Brother Jim Miller’s story and sharing his legacy of self-sacrifice. Bravo!” said Brother Larry.
Tom Southard, Ph.D., executive director at Christian Brother Conference, said, “Every generation needs heroes, and Blessed James Miller is exactly the kind of hero our world needs right now. His life reminds us that holiness is, at its core, about faithfully serving the people God places in front of us. I’m excited to see his story reach new audiences and inspire young people to live with faith and courage.”
Guild leader Emily Vogel said, “It’s our sincere hope that Lasallian schools can use this comic as a resource to help young people discover the extraordinary lives of ordinary people, and to inspire them to follow God’s call in their own vocation.”
“Missionary Martyr: Brother James Miller” is seventh in a Voyage series featuring North American saints and causes.
Read a preview of the comic here.
Preorders can be made at this link on Voyage’s website. All preorders will be mailed in early July. Schools, parishes and other groups can receive bulk discounts by contacting Voyage.