Review- Eden: A Skillet Graphic Novel

Eden is a Graphic Novel for the band Skillet, co-written by the lead singer John Cooper. I just got done reading it, and wanted to post my initial review of it. I'm going to keep this generic to avoid spoilers.

It's post apocalyptic, which created some interesting themes for a Christian band. What I wasn't expecting was how little the book shys away from violence. This was a bold move, but obviously if the Bible were realistically acted out, it too would be pretty violent.

While the violence conveys the seriousness of the world, this being a short graphic novel, there is so much left to be explored. There are cults, and a history of war, and monsters, and the only remaining city is Memphis, Tennessee. I would have loved to learn more about this world, however so much about it is left unexplained, which lead me to my main criticism: this project needed more than 150 pages. 

What I mean is, possibly due to the limitations of fitting an entire plot into a 150 page comic book, while also including the character of 4 band members, the story is forced to be brief. This also affects pacing.  Some of the gags would work better animated, and many of the characters quickly recover right after some of the saddest scenes in the book.

What I love about Eden is the world, and how it can include Christian elements with fantasy. Skillet's members are actually introduced pretty well, and at least who they play in the graphic novel don't feel forced. There is a sequal to Eden that I'd like to check out next, hoping that it doesn't just continue the story, but expands the world and possibly an understanding behind what the cult in the first book was getting into.

Have you read this graphic novel? What did you think? I'd recommend giving it a look, it's got a lot of creativity and world for fans to build on.