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Finnian cover art

 

Superhero movies, comics, and merchandise… it’s everywhere.

However, there’s a new creator and company, Voyage Comics and Publishing, that has emerged into the scene with a comic book series that is Catholic in nature.

Finnian and the Seven Mountains is a faith based comic book series written and created by Philip Kosloski, a Catholic writer, blogger, and author and illustrated by Michael LaVoy.

His writing can be seen on his own blog, and also on other sites such as Aletia.org, National Catholic Register, and others.

He embarked on a new journey and started Voyage Comics & Publishing, focusing on creating stories that “entertain, inspire and highlight the beauty of the Catholic faith”.

With that, the creation of the first comic series, Finnian and the Seven Mountains, was born.

 

The Backstory that Inspired the Comic

It caught my attention immediately, as the backstory that inspired the comic book is of particular interest to me.

To give a brief history of the backstory, Saint Michael the Archangel appeared in seven locations beginning as early as the 5th century in the first appearance. He appeared in the other locations in a span of several hundred years.

Each of these locations were on a mountain top, ranging from Ireland to Israel.

These seven mountains draw a perfectly straight line when looked at on a map.

Being that I have a devotion to Saint Michael, I found this fascinating.

When Philip announced he was creating a comic book that featured Saint Michael and these seven mountains, I was hooked before the first issue was even released.

I was so excited when issue one came in the mail.

 

excited to get issue 1 in the mail

 

About the Comic

To veer back to the comic book, the story of Finnian and the Seven Mountains takes place in the ninth century in Ireland.

It is the journey of a young man, Finnian, seeking to find a legendary sword that has the power to defeat evil.

After his parents were both killed by Vikings, he regrets that he was not there to help protect them. He sets out on the adventure to find the sword to make sure that the Vikings could not keep destroying other villages.

In issue 1, he finds a map. This map leads him on a journey and will take him to several places to find the sword.

Without spoiling too much, we’ve already seen an appearance from Saint Michael the Archangel within issue 1.

Issue 2 was intensified with the Vikings also looking for the same map and sword. So now it is a race between Finnian and the Vikings to see who can get to the sword first.

The comic series is filled with action and adventure, along with subtle teachings as well. There are struggles and victories along the way.

As the story continues through issue 2, it seems that Finnian is not only on a journey to find a legendary sword, but I’m guessing that he will also encounter a spiritual journey for himself as well.

At the beginning, his reasons were motivated by how most young men would react in the situation of losing his parents – full of anger and revenge.

However, as he is on the journey to find this sword, he has a guide with him. Brendon, who is a monk who has joined him on the adventure from the first mountain island in issue 1, is already proving to be a good influence on him, showing Finnian that he must rely on God and His will.

Already, from issue 1 to issue 2, it looks like Finnian is maturing. I’m not sure if it was intentional or not, but it seems that as he looks to be maturing in his outward physical demeanor, it could be a sign of his inward growth from this journey.

Or maybe it’s because he’s just roughing it out in the wilderness without a razor… 😊

 

Finnian in issues 1 and 2

 

Either way, writer and creator, Philip Kosloski, aims to create a fascinating and appealing story which also includes the virtues or transcendentals of what is true, good, and beautiful.

 

Philip Kosloski

“We firmly believe in the power of stories to shape minds and hearts. It is our hope to give readers, both young and old alike, a story that is captivating and entertaining, while also upholding the true, good, and beautiful.” – Philip Koskloski

 

I think Philip has done an outstanding job in what he has set out to do in the first couple of issues of this comic series. Finnian and the Seven Mountains does captivate from both of those angles – the entertaining while also embracing the true, good, and beautiful.

Aiming to integrate the true, good, and beautiful is what makes Voyage Comics appealing to me.

It is a story rooted in the Catholic faith that can shape curiosity to what is good, while also providing entertainment at the same time.

“It is our hope that with each issue we will get closer and closer to building a new comic book universe, filled with virtuous heroes and heroines that young people can aspire to emulate. Yet at the same time, we don’t want to preach, but entertain, making the true, good and beautiful an enjoyable feast for all to enjoy!” – Philip Kosloski

And who doesn’t like a good adventure story that involves Saint Michael the Archangel?

These comic books make great gifts.

Personally, I have already bought several issues of each and given them away as gifts. Perfect for all ages, I have given issue 1 as part of several First Communion gifts. I thought it would be entertaining, especially for young kids, while also feeding them something faith based at the same time.

They have also made great Christmas and birthday gifts.

 

Finnian and the Seven Mountains comic books

 

I am definitely looking forward to the next issues as they are released, to find out what is in store for Finnian and his cohort that he continues to pick up along the way.

I definitely recommend checking out this comic series if you haven’t already.

Oh, by the way, in the 2nd issue, page 1, one of the villagers has an uncanny resemblance to one of our own here at Archangel Outfitters… 😉

 

Finnian cameo appearance