Feature
Janice Khoo serves in the Choir and Media & Comms Ministry at Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Favian Ee
Behind-the-scenes:
The making of the John Wesley graphic novel "I grew up Methodist and attended Methodist schools but didn't know much about the life of John Wesley, aside from the fact that he founded Methodism," says Favian Ee, 44. An avid reader of biographies, Favian somehow did not get around to reading those on John Wesley. That is, until The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) presented him with an opportunity to create a graphic novel about John Wesley.
(top left) Favian is a visual effects artist by training. Image by Memphis West Pictures (top) Favian and his father posing with the statue of John Wesley in London, 2001 (right) A scene from the graphic novel depicting John Wesley preaching in the open for the very first time
The idea of a graphic novel was initiated by the MCS General Conference Council on Communications, with the hope that the graphic art form would be a refreshing and accessible way for parents, educators, youths and even adults to learn about the life of John Wesley, how Methodism was founded, and how it arrived in Singapore. Talks with Favian began in late 2019. Favian says, "When I was younger, I thought I might draw a Christian biographical comic. To be approached to create this graphic novel fulfills this wish."
November 2022 Methodist Message 13