Pilgrim's Progress

[uc pseudonym]

It is one of the best kept secrets of the Christian Anime Alliance that the site has an official manga project. For several years it has lurked largely beneath the radar, but in the thoughts and prayers, not to mention computers, of many members here. Their goal: a modern retelling of John Bunyan’s classic Pilgrim’s Progress in manga format that would be engaging to a modern reader yet remain faithful to the original work’s intent.

At last, however, the time has come to officially launch this project. For though only a few individuals have been working on it at this time, the project requires many hands to help it reach completion. Each issue of the manga will be drawn by a different artist, together forming a whole and ongoing saga. This project will never properly come to be unless many members step up to the plate and assist where they can.

Artists: We need you most of all. Ashley explains our goals for the project and the requirements for artists very nicely in this thread: http://www.christiananime.net/showthread.php?t=411. If you think you have the talent to draw 16-21 pages of manga, send us a sample and request an issue from the list (http://www.christiananime.net/showthread.php?t=6146).

Writers: The story isn’t completely finished yet, and we need your help. Though a great deal has been planned, it is not too late to add your input. Not everything has been decided, and there are still a number of standing questions. Check out the summary thread (http://www.christiananime.net/showthread.php?t=867) and tell me what you think should be added or changed.

Anyone: Support the project. Ask questions. Encourage the people working on the project. Hold us accountable. Tell us what you think about how things are going.

[Shinja]

i for one would like to see a copy of the scripts we already have if its not too much trouble, i guess im still a CC for the manga, and would like to know whats been put it so far and what we still need to do.

[uc pseudonym]

A copy of the first nineteen scripts? If my floppy situation is remedied, I could get you that. However, in terms of writing, all that really needs to be done is for persons such as yourself to speak your minds regarding the plot. I will be able to finish it.

[Swordguy]

well is it a rendition of pilgrims progress or more you own?

[Madeline]

I don't remember where I found this out, but somehow I knew beforehand that this was going on...o_O

I'd love to help out, but art-wise I'm not quite ready to turn out twenty-four pages of manga, and writing-wise it seems that you've got everything all figured out.

Eventually, I will get around to checking the threads and getting serious about offering suggestions, but right now I don't think I can commit to it.

Keep it up and keep me updated on any progress.

[uc pseudonym]

Thank you for expressing your interest; we can wait for you as long as necessary. Yes, I will keep everyone updated of announcements.

well is it a rendition of pilgrims progress or more you own?

It is based off the original script, and has the same essential events. All of these, however, have been modernized and in general more action has been added.

[Ashley]

It is based off the original script, and has the same essential events. All of these, however, have been modernized and in general more action has been added.

And, from what I remember in my days as editor, less "talking heads" moments.

[uc pseudonym]

And, from what I remember in my days as editor, less "talking heads" moments.

Yes. It seems that this story (and other older works) often follow a simple pattern in their conversations...

*Protagonist walks down the street*
*Random Person bumps into Protagonist*
Random Person: Oh, pardon me fair sir of noblility who forwith I have not seen with mine own eyes.
Protagonist: Say, what are your views on predestination, in light of the continuing and theoretically endless grace and justice of God? Wherefor?
Random Person: Ah, I was just thinking <wordy exposition>.

I haven't eliminated all conversations, just those that serve no real purpose to the storyline. Actually, a few conversations were added for the sake of characterization.

[Madeline]

LOL! This is an awesome project. More people are going to hear this story as a result of the work being done: I've read through most of the book, and although it was a hard read in the Old English I enjoyed the challenge...I can't say the same for my classmates. ._.

Fellow Students: WE HATED THE BOOK! IT WAS LONG AND WORDY AND BORING!!! *shakes fist*

*shakes fist back at fellow students* Ignoramuses! Ignoramuses-es-es I say! >O<

Fellow Students:

Ahem. *continues* But in response to this student opposition of all things pertaining to John Bunyan....(whom my mom thought owned a giant blue ox, lol XD I promptly reminded her that she was referring to "Paul Bunyan" *sp*, the fictitious woodsman)...they would probably enjoy reading it if it was portrayed in a way that they could easily understand. Of course, this comes from the Beowulf-toting, tunic-clad geek person. *points to self*

Whatever happens, I'll read it! I'll take it to class and make everyone at my homeschool co-op thing read it...or else!! *maniacal laughter*

Actually, they're really nice...they just have something in for Old English. And they like psycho bunnies. I used to draw them, until I looked in the copyright district website and found out that they were copyrighted by a guy named Michael...o_O

Okay, enough of the goofiness. ^^;; Sorry guys. This is a SERIOUS thing here. *tries to be serious* *fails in the attempt*

[chewster777]

Hmmm. My first post here... This is a great idea! I wanna see this thing done! I hope that the different artist deal doesn't through people off though.

[rocklobster]

Hm. Interesting. How about after you do the Pilgrim's Progress, you make a manga out of Chronicles of Narnia?

[uc pseudonym]

I wouldn't immediately discount that idea, though I'd be skeptical as to how well it would work (in Pilgrim's Progress we reinvent a story, as opposed to merely retelling it). However, that's thinking quite a bit into the future, so I do not think it need concern us now. Thank you for your input, however.

[Ashley]

And plus, there's the legal issues as well. Pilgrim's Progress is considered public domain now, since it has passed the expiration date on a copyright. We've also looked into the copyright information from a publication and everything seems in order. The Chronicles of Narnia, however, are not nearly that old and would be a LOT harder to secure.

[RoyalWing]

So, the book "Pilgrim's Progress"... is a very complicated book to read?

I'm sorry, that is a bit off subject, but I knew about this project. I never heard the book before, so I just left it alone. I can't help very much, but I want to enjoy this idea! Do you understand? But, I have to read the book first yes?

[Ashley]

Actually no, you don't have to read it first. We designed it in such a way that if you *do* read it, you'll be able to pick up on some things/recognize characters...but if you didn't, it still conveys the same allegory/message in an entertaining way. Because frankly, I wouldn't wish that book on anyone. O__O (yeah it was a hard one to get into, RW--cool idea that got trapped in lots of theological jibba-jabba)

No offense to any of you that LIKE the book, mind you. Just not what I'd read in my spare time.

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

Never heard of Pilgrim's Progress?!! Its only like one of the best Christian stories ever and the one of the first, if not the first Christian fantasy novel ever!
The book was written by Paul Bunyan in the 1600's I believe. And yes, the original is very hard to understand as it is in ye old english. I've read a much more basic version of it. But some day I would like to read a version that is close to the original but in modern english.

[uc pseudonym]

Such exist, but I can't give you an immediate link.

Meanwhile, on the subject of the book itself: I can think of no Christian fantasy novel earlier than Pilgrim's Progress. Interestingly enough, of all English books save the Bible, it is the most read.

[RoyalWing]

Actually no, you don't have to read it first. We designed it in such a way that if you *do* read it, you'll be able to pick up on some things/recognize characters...but if you didn't, it still conveys the same allegory/message in an entertaining way. Because frankly, I wouldn't wish that book on anyone. O__O (yeah it was a hard one to get into, RW--cool idea that got trapped in lots of theological jibba-jabba)

No offense to any of you that LIKE the book, mind you. Just not what I'd read in my spare time.

Oh o.k. Thank you Ashley.

How many people are working on this project? And what kind of opinions do you want on it?

Never heard of Pilgrim's Progress?!! Its only like one of the best Christian stories ever and the one of the first, if not the first Christian fantasy novel ever!
The book was written by Paul Bunyan in the 1600's I believe. And yes, the original is very hard to understand as it is in ye old english. I've read a much more basic version of it. But some day I would like to read a version that is close to the original but in modern english.

Oh, I'm very sorry. But I don't think I would know that book until now?

1600's?! Wow, I think it will be so interesting to see how this project becomes!

[Kewl Girl]

Hey this is awesome!!!!

I just joined yesterday (I think)... I have been into drawing and reading manga (anime comics) for a while now and I think it is so totally awesome that they have something for Christians!! I have a group of friends that want to join now!!

Anyways... I think that this project sounds AWESOME!!
I was just curious though.. do you need like some knd of degree or anything in order help out? Also is there anything I could do to help? I mean Im only 16 but I have some drawing ability (but probably not half as much as most people here). Other than that I have free time to kill for a while because I homeschool and have pretty much finished my school for this year, plus our Youth group kinda has shut down 'cause our Youth Pastor was fired and all...

If there is anyway I can help just let me know!!!!!

[uc pseudonym]

The only requirement for participation is a willingness to get something done and the ability to draw. If you think your skill is enough to draw a 16-21 page issue, then you could help a great deal (we need artists more than anything).

Other than that, though, there isn't a lot of help needed (though showing your interest does help) unless you want to comment on the plot.

[Kewl Girl]

Awesome!!!!!!

I have a few friends who would be interested to. Ill have to tell them about this site. Im sure they will want to join.