Review: Word for Word Bible Comic's Song of Songs

A couple years ago, I had the privilege of reviewing a copy of Simon Amadeus Pillario's Jonah: Word for Word Bible Comic: NIV. To put it simply, Mr. Pillario and his team illustrate Bible text in graphic novel format; but it really is so much more. The illustrations clarify, complement, and in the case of his latest work, really add depth to the text. He does not deviate from Scripture in his drawings, in its interpretation, or in the text itself, and we have enjoyed his books so much, we have purchased several as they became available. All that being said, Mr. Pillario has made available complimentary review copies of his most recent comic, and I am once again privileged to comment on it. His newest work, Song of Songs: Word for Word Bible Comic: NIV, is available to order directly from his website at Shop — The Word for Word Bible Comic . (The graphic novel in physical format will be available worldwide on March 5, 2024).

In the email I received, the artist describes his own work this way:

This 64-page graphic novel presents every word of this Old Testament Scripture word-for-word and is intended for adults and teens, having an advisory age rate of 12+... The images are accurate to the historical, ethnic and cultural setting to make it as true a representation of the story as possible.

Let me just say, that really doesn't cover it. The time and research put into each one of these books is evident not only in the illustrations, but in the Introduction and the Appendix. Because his latest work is poetic in nature, Mr. Pillario includes commentators' thoughts on some of the idioms found in the Song of Songs, and he takes the time to explain his process of interpretation through art based on the clarity of the text itself. He consulted commentaries and did visual research. You can be sure the illustrations, though obviously the result God-given talent, are made possible by the pursuit of historical accuracy and a desire to bring glory to the Lord. Pillario explains his methods of maintaining continuity with each frame and the Appendix includes answers to questions I'd never even think to ask. In short, this artist does his homework, and it is obvious the great reverence he has for God's Word by the effort he puts into it and by the finished product. 

As mentioned, this novel does have an advisory age rate of 12+ based on the somewhat mature content of the Song of Songs, but it is in no way vulgar or crass. As a matter of fact, in reading my review copy, I was reminded how pure and revered our marriages should be, how tenderly we are to treat one another, and how respectfully we are to regard one another. Pillario's renderings of the bride and her groom are passionate and sweet, a reminder to us all of the good things God intends for a man and a woman in marriage. 

So, if you're looking for a new way to experience Scripture, or you need a gift for someone having a difficult time understanding the Word, or maybe you're searching for some new material for a school or church library, I encourage you to check out Word for Word Bible Comics. And, if you love them, perhaps you'd like to be a part of helping Pillario and his team on their next project, Acts of the Apostles. You can join their crowdfunding campaign here: Acts of the Apostles: Word for Word Bible Comic: NIV by Simon Amadeus Pillario (A Morgan) — Kickstarter