BY WATER

An ambitious biography—in graphic-novel style—of an early Anabaptist martyr.

Intriguing watercolors—evocative of both Hieronymus Bosch and 1970s op art—precede the opening pages. Each of nine subsequent chapters begins with one calligraphic title page and one page of pseudo-medieval art. The first chapter grabs readers’ attention by depicting beheaded saints—heads held in their hands—and showing several frames of a gang of boys beating another boy and calling him a bastard. A young, bloodied Felix Manz speaks plainly of his absentee father, who was a priest. A double-page spread gives an overview of the setting of Manz’s childhood in the church-ruled city of Zurich, known for its mercenary fighters. Readers meet Manz’s devoted mother, join a crowd celebrating Zurich’s patron saints, learn of Manz’s privileged schooling, and glimpse his nascent religious fervor. 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. Despite the thoughtful introductory note from Landsel and abundant backmatter, readers who lack a background in Christian theology and Reformation-era history may be perplexed.

Engaging but best understood by initiates.