Official "The Flying Friar" Thread

**Thomas Mauer** · 02-01-2006, 03:25 AM

The Flying Friar from Speakeasy Comics, written by Rich Johnston of "Lying in the Gutters," drawn by German artist Thomas Nachlik and lettered/edited by Thomas Mauer hits the stands today, on February 1.

This 48 page black and white one-shot tells the story of real life Superman Joseph Desa who lived in 17th century southern Italy. Many people were witness to his awesome feats such as levitating during mass, or helping construction workers set up a church's steeple, "lifting it up as if it were made of straw." Church dignitaries were among the witnesses and decades after he passed, this Franciscan monk was first beatified, then sainted.

Joseph's best friend is Lux Luther, great nephew of church reformer Martin Luther who is actually an atheist. Lux like his father Lionel is an explorer and inventor and with his questioning mind, a stark counterpoint to his pious Catholic friend.

It's authority versus self-determination, faith versus reason, friendship versus bitter greed, envy and hatred in this story set in the age of religious conflict at the beginning of modernity.

With a healthy pop culture infusion for 21st century readers, The Flying Friar holds up a mirror to people's faces through the use of history, much like the mini series 1602 did for the Marvel Universe which spawned the idea for this book.

**RichJohnston** · 02-01-2006, 04:16 AM

I'd buy it!

**Thomas Mauer** · 02-01-2006, 04:28 AM

I actually am.

**LenNWallace** · 02-01-2006, 06:36 AM

I was apparently too late to get a preorder down, but if I see it in the store when I head out after class, I'll grab a copy.

**RichJohnston** · 02-01-2006, 07:19 AM

Originally Posted by LenNWallace

I was apparently too late to get a preorder down, but if I see it in the store when I head out after class, I'll grab a copy.

If not, bitch slap them and tell them to reorder immediately!

**Victor Cabanelas** · 02-01-2006, 07:22 AM

Originally Posted by RichJohnston

I'd buy it!

I�m sure you would

**James Patrick** · 02-01-2006, 08:03 AM

Book looks good. If my shop has it, I'll pick it up. One question. Was this preview released when orders were being taken or just now? I'm curious as to the reasoning of doing a preview at one period or the other. Book looks good.

**Thomas Mauer** · 02-01-2006, 08:06 AM

The same preview pages were on LITG a few months back. Just wanted to refresh people's memories and since this is the official thread, it needs some pics.

**copypastepuke** · 02-01-2006, 08:06 AM

that was highly enjoyable.

**James Patrick** · 02-01-2006, 08:11 AM

Okay. COol. If there was a reason to release the preview now as opposed to before I just wanted to hear that take on it. Since I make comics and stuff.