Inspired by Marvel’s original Saint Francis comic book

In 1982, Marvel Comics went out on a limb and created one of their few religiously themed comic books. They chose for their first subject, St. Francis of Assisi.

The inside cover of the comic gives a summary of how this came about:

It was a chance comment in Tokyo, Japan, that brought about Francis, Brother of the Universe. Marvel Comics’ representative in Japan, Mr. Gene Pelc, was talking over coffee at the Franciscan Chapel Center with Fr. Campion Lally, O.F.M. and Fr. Flavian Walsh, O.F.M. about his work with Marvel. “Why don’t you do a book on St. Francis?” commented Fr. Campion (Franciscans go by their informal first names). Mr. Pelc thought for a moment, then said, “Why not?“

The idea went up the chain of command and it was given the green light:

Once the Marvel Comics executives approved the remarkable venture — Marvel had never done a religious comic book before –the project was on its way. Fr. Roy did the story scenario working in close collaboration with Marvel’s Mary Jo Duffy, who, aided by Fr. Roy, wrote the actual dialogue.

It was a wild-success, and was released during an important anniversary, 1982 marked the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ birth.

Forty-four years later, St. Francis remains a relevant figure, an individual whose radical poverty shook-up a materialistic world.

At Voyage Comics, we’ve discerned God is asking us to take-up the torch and create a NEW comic book on St. Francis’ life, to be released during the special Jubilee Year, promulgated by Pope Leo XIV, in commemoration of 800 years since the death (transitus) of St. Francis of Assisi. 

For the next few weeks, look out for more information about this new comic from Voyage Comics. Next week we will reveal the NAME of our comic, as well as some behind-the-scenes information on how this comic will be DIFFERENT than what Marvel created. In subsequent weeks we’ll reveal the artwork, as well as the release date.

STAY TUNED!!