Pillar of Light

In honor of the 200th anniversary of the First Vision, Andrew Knaupp and Sal Velluto, have created a graphic novel adaption of Joseph Smith’s First Vision. “Pillar of Light” teaches youth through a talented blend of imagery and words. Their goal is to inspire young readers to build their testimonies of the Prophet Joseph Smith and provide insights for receiving their own personal revelation. Details from all four wondrous accounts written by Joseph Smith as well as from those who heard him tell his firsthand experience are captivatingly blended together.

Link to Purchase: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086G2Z9XY

Link to View on Their Website: https://greatldsideas.wixsite.com/ldscomicbooks/pillar-of-light-full-book

This renders the story of Joseph Smith’s First Vision as you have never seen it before—in the form of a graphic novel. What I noticed right away is that he drew from a variety of sources and that he cited them all in the back. This includes the variety of firsthand and secondhand accounts we have the First Vision, including different details that are included in each one. I thought that was an excellent angle to take, as it made the story more well-rounded.

The art style is also extremely intriguing. On one hand, it goes for realism, where the faces and features of real people are not distorted. I wholeheartedly applaud this choice. If I had opened it up and it looked like they had given Joseph Smith the anime treatment, I might have said, “hard pass.” There is a certain amount of respect due to these sacred events and I think the art style reflects that. It also underscores the fact that we consider this history and not simply a fanciful tale.

That being said, there are remarkable and fanciful elements to the illustration, such as the depiction of the forces of darkness that try to prevent young Joseph from praying. I found these obviously allegorical, symbolic representations completely in line with the aesthetic and found them striking in their potency.

At the end, it mentions that it will be continued, and I certainly hope that it will. I have always loved learning about Church history and revisiting its inspiring stories. This approach will certainly appeal to a large audience and I hope that the creators keep up their good work!