The power of illustration in re-telling the creation myth

Every new version of the creation myth grows further from its original purity and closer to societal misconceptions and stereotypes. The comics The Magna Bible and Testament raise many of the same issues and themes we found in Genesis such as human fascination with stories, subordination, and sexism. The comics elevate these ideas to the next level. The comics are not simply the story of creation, but rather the story of the story of creation. The characters in both comics are extremely aware of their audience. In Magna bible, the narrator encourages the audience to become involved and participate in the storytelling. The Gods in Testament realize that " each story is only as true as the number and intensity of those who believe" and therefore work to create the most convincing myth. This emphasis on the role of the audience plays on the idea that humans are so eager for an explanation of the world around them that they will believe whatever they are told. With this in mind, the storytellers are aware of their power. Both myths also highlight the concept of subordination, a key theme in Genesis. In The Magna Bible the narrator stands on a tall cliff, towering above all of his followers. Similarly in Testament it is the Gods who have the power to create and interfere in the creation myth. As a society, we believe the stories presented to us through religion, books, movies, etc, but these comics make us think about who is behind these stories.

Each re-telling of the creation takes away from ambiguity of the myth and therefore the ability for the reader to employ imagination. The original creation myth was genderless with Ha'adamah as the original Adam. In Genesis we see the emergence of sexism as woman is made to be Adam's partner. However, when the story is told only through words, much is still left to the interpretation of the reader. We have the ability to picture the Garden of Eden and the interaction between Adam and Eve. Both of the comics begin with this same ambiguity, just words set against a black background. On the following pages, however, detailed illustrations appear, which further emphasis gender distinction. Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics explains that less detailed faces in cartoons allow the reader to project themselves onto the character and become a part of the comic. He includes a diagram to show the contrast between a realistic photograph and an ambiguous smiley face. The illustrations in The Magna Bible and specifically Testament are much closer to McCloud's example of extremely detailed figures. These graphic images, especially those of nude women, highlight gender distinctions and the idea of Adam and Eve as sex symbols. Through their illustrations, the comics further solidify and perpetuate these stereotypes that modern day Americans associate with the creation story.

Creation Myth

Genesis 1-4 represents the creation myth of both Judaism and Christianity. Over the course of six days, God creates the sun, sky, light, water,land, fish, birds, plants and humankind. Then, He created Adam and Eve and placed them in the garden of Eden where they could enjoy the beauty of the world but were not allowed to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. In the garden, Eve encountered a serpent that convinced her to eat the fruit because it would open her eyes to good and evil, which means that she would gain the knowledge of God. After both Eve and Adam ate the fruit, God banished them from Eden for disobeying Him and thus the history of humankind begins.

By making this choice, Adam and Eve left humankind with the ability to distinguish between the good and the bad. Even though the idea was suggested by the serpent, Adam and Eve made an independent choice to eat the fruit. That’s not the case in John Milton’s “Paradise Lost”, as the Satan, disguised as a serpent, tempts her to eat the apple because it gave him the ability to think and talk. A number of identities are formed throughout the creation myth, such as women giving childbirth in pain, men working the ground to provide food, the serpent not having any legs or the length of the week being seven days long.

IN THE BEGINNING, THERE WAS FOOD

With each retelling of Christianity’s Creation Story, we can see a typical human narrative: we are tempted, we sin, we lose our paradise. The story has also been used a rallying cry for many social groups, homophobics and pacifists alike. But what about foodies?

According to Genesis, God said, “everything that has breath for life, I have given you every green plant for food.”¹ Today, certain Christians affirm their faith by embracing this vegan life. Books like Alive! A Physician's Biblical and Scientific Guide to Nutrition² and tumblr posts like “Veganism is about taking care of all God’s creatures”³ show how this story creates Christian identities centered around food. Meanwhile, many Christians argue that God gave people “dominion over”⁴ animals for us to eat. In both cases, Genesis raises contentious questions about food in our society.

                 

 The forbidden fruit is an obvious symbol about sin. But have you noticed that we’re “tempted” by chocolate cake? Many candy companies like Forbidden Fruit do.⁶ This religious language shows how, without realizing it, many of us are like Eve wanting that cookie and the indulgent, sinful food. From Christian online communities to everyday epicureans, the Creation story shapes people’s identity with cuisine.  

Sources

1. Genesis Chapter 1:30 (New Revised Standard)

2.  Alive! A Physician's Biblical and Scientific Guide to Nutrition by Scott Stoll

3. http://veganchristian.tumblr.com/FAQ

4. Genesis Chapter 1:26 (New Revised Standard)
5.  http://caramelapplesandmore.com