Official Review: Child of the Sun Complete Edition

[Alice Heritage]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Child of the Sun Complete Edition" by Michael Van Cleve.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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If you were asked the name of Samson’s wife, you would probably say, “Delilah." What many people may not know, however, is that Samson was married once before – or almost. Things became complicated at the wedding ceremony owing to the fabled riddle about strength and sweetness. All the ins and outs are depicted with imaginative flair in the graphic novel Child of the Sun: Complete Edition by Michael Van Cleve.

In a compilation of seven comic book issues, Van Cleve imagines the ill-fated love story of Samson and a woman named Adriana. Samson first meets her in the Temple of Astarte in Timnath when he has just befriended the mighty Heracles. The story plays out in a world populated not only by humans but also by ancient gods and giants. One theme is Samson's own faith in the Abrahamic God.

I loved all the surreal touches in this colourful work. For example, Bacchus can be seen and heard by his worshippers as he reclines on a platform held up by small humans. Readers who are averse to that sort of thing are warned that the story includes depictions of Baal worship. That accounts for one of the many gory scenes in a narrative punctuated by sacrifices, whether made out of love or fear, in temples or on the battlefield. Some of those scenes might be off-putting for sensitive readers.

The comic book covers also state that this is recommended for a mature audience. It includes full-frontal nudity and depictions of sex, which aren't particularly graphic in themselves. Women are quite stereotyped as manipulative or downright evil, though the male characters also have their faults. Indeed, the plot is propelled by Samson's tragic flaw. This does make for a gripping story about a classic hero.

He has the physique to match, and this book is a feast of eye candy. Muscular men showcase their strength in arid valleys where forgotten paths climb among the goat pastures. The art is spectacular. Many explanations are included to keep the story clear; colour-coded speech bubbles help to show who is speaking. I struggled a little to read the red writing on a black background, but the high-resolution file the author shared allowed for zooming in. The writing style is often poetic and sometimes archaic in keeping with the biblical theme. Different fonts are used creatively, and the text appears to have been prepared with care.

All in all, I would recommend this to comic book lovers, especially those who enjoy stories of the ancient world. There is no reason why the biblical theme in itself should restrict the recommended audience to Christians. The book could be unsuitable for some audiences on certain grounds as described above. Despite clear signposts, I was slightly confused at times when the story jumped around. I have no significant shortcomings to report, however. This feast of strength and sweetness deserves a rating of four out of four stars.

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Child of the Sun Complete Edition
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Falconcrest]

The story of Samson and Delilah is a house hold classic that mesmerizes even the young bookworm. It will be interesting to see how the author manages to spin a web abound the original bible version of Samson. The author also throws in Hercules and ancient Greek gods. This definitely is a must read. Thanks for the amazing review.

[Alice Heritage]

The story of Samson and Delilah is a house hold classic that mesmerizes even the young bookworm. It will be interesting to see how the author manages to spin a web abound the original bible version of Samson. The author also throws in Hercules and ancient Greek gods. This definitely is a must read. Thanks for the amazing review.

It was an imaginative take on the story in the Bible! Thanks for your kind comment.

[Manang Muyang]

This looks like something I would enjoy. I also didn't know about Adriana.

Thanks, Alice, for another memorable review. Sweet and strong.

[Alice Heritage]

This looks like something I would enjoy. I also didn't know about Adriana.

Thanks, Alice, for another memorable review. Sweet and strong.

It's available on KU. I didn't know about the first wife either but have now seen the reference to an uncompleted marriage ceremony in the Book of Judges. I think the author invented the name Adriana. Thank you for your sweet comment!

[kandscreeley]

I'm unsure how I feel about this. The Bible is explicit in some of its content, but it's kind of like Shakespeare in that it all happens off screen so to speak. To depict actual nudity in reference to the Bible? I'm not sure. I am interested in the story, though.

[Alice Heritage]

I'm unsure how I feel about this. The Bible is explicit in some of its content, but it's kind of like Shakespeare in that it all happens off screen so to speak. To depict actual nudity in reference to the Bible? I'm not sure. I am interested in the story, though.

Yes, I suppose those making comic books have to choose what to show when they imagine the stories. Thanks for your comment.

[acopj]

Thanks for the thorough review. The book appears quite interesting to me.

[Alice Heritage]

Thanks for the thorough review. The book appears quite interesting to me.

It was, quite different! Thanks for stopping by.

[Miller56]

Thanks for the review. I am unfamiliar with Samson's first wife. I am not sure I could mix the Bible with the Greek Gods. I will probably pass on this one.

[Alice Heritage]

Thanks for the review. I am unfamiliar with Samson's first wife. I am not sure I could mix the Bible with the Greek Gods. I will probably pass on this one.

It was an imaginative mix. Thanks for your comment!

[raquel_frescia]

Looking forward to getting my hands on a copy!

[Alice Heritage]

Looking forward to getting my hands on a copy!

Awesome! Thanks for posting.

[Bambiears]

Oh I really want to read this one. Sounds like good entertainmemt. tyank you for the reveiw. Indeed Samson was married before he was with Delilah, and there is nothing that says he was married to Delilah.

[Daniel Matthew]

This look like a book i will enJoy, it also look intresting. I look forward to get a copy