The Gothic Times

Issue date: 2/22/07 Section: Art

Media Credit: Illustrations by Jason Austin

Media Credit: Illustrations by Jason Austin

With RPG video games, advance technologically animated cartoons in the movies and television shows, and internet game sources a comic book may not be the one on the top of a child's wish list for entertainment today. But upcoming comic book artists like 25-yearold Jason Austin converges his skills in modern computer illustration techniques and an old fashioned passion for comic books to create a fresh wave of impact on the comic book industry.

"One thing that games and cartoon television shows are unable to do that a comic book can is have the characters internalize on a page. Within
comics, one has the ability to read what a character is thinking or going through inside their heads with captions or
word balloons. Technology will become more sophisticated as time goes on, but nothing opens up the mind more than literacy,
in my opinion," said Austin.

This NJCU Illustration major from West Orange captures real-life scenarios in today's urban environment with a creative
twist in his newly-debuted comic book - The Cosmic Samaritan.

Growing up in a religious Christian background, Austin's objective is to "blend dynamic storytelling and evangelical ministry" to illustrate the story of an ordinary young man named turned superhero through his faith in Jesus Christ. "Each tale will contain biblical truth of the types of situations and moral choices that readers both young and old face today," Austin said.

Readers may be pleased to find in Austin's new comic book several familiar nearby settings like Newark, Orange, New Jersey, and a street called Central Avenue (like the one located in the Heights in Jersey City) featured as scenes in his story. According to Austin, many scenes in the book are fashioned by the surrounding environments of Jersey City and NJCU, such as a convenient store near the university and the bridge located by route 1 & 9. The first page is illustratively analogized with the Book of Genesis (KJVB), briefly addressing the beginning of creation, salvation through the Savior, and the continuation of darkness in the world as a result of humanity's refusal to receive redemption. Then it quickly fast-forwards to modern-day era at an interstate highway on page two, where the mystery and conflict of the plot is introduced by a dynamic oil truck explosion caused by an uncanny monstrous half-human- and-half-beast-like figure. From this point, the character of Joshua is introduced, and The Cosmic Samaritan's journey takes flight.

Austin's capacity to weave his spiritual faith into a modern-life action tale is evident in his comic book, as he imaginatively addresses biblical Christian
concepts - of Jesus Christ, The Holy Spirit, Baptism, Spiritual Re-birth, Eternal Life, The Book of Life, and being a Light for God - through the adventures of an ordinary young protagonist name Joshua.

Joshua's character faces moral trials as he was forced to accompany his friend and two
dangerously armed criminals into committing a robbery and arson at a small local store.

Joshua's character transforms into the Cosmic Samaritan superhero during a supernatural experience underwater, after he was shot by one of the criminals off a highway bridge.

In his newly-found superhero vitality and powers, Joshua's mission is bringing the evil-doers to justice and saving the lives of the innocent, all in the service of God.

The Cosmic Samaritan incorporates passages from the King James Version Bible (KJVB). Although Austin's texts are religiously inspired, the embodiment of a strong sense of humanity and empathy found in The Cosmic Samaritan traverses though human creeds, bringing the characters' feelings and emotions home to its readers.

"I try to make it accessible for
everyone to read and enjoy," says Austin. He especially wants to attract the interests of the youth. "Most comic books today are more adult-oriented than it used to be. This book is kind of a throwback to the days when comics were made for kids to enjoy as well as adults."

Austin's vivid illustrations make a sharp contrast to the dark settings and pages of the book. His juxtaposing of bright warm colorful tones with dark cool tones appropriately exemplifies the atmosphere
of uncertainty and impending trials that the story suggests.

Ending in a triumphant note for this new superhero against his criminal enemies while gradually discovering some of
his super powers for the very first time, issue # 1 of The Cosmic Samaritan concludes
with compelling innuendos of a great deal of action and unfolding mystery in the following issues.

Austin's first publication can be the beginning of a flourishing saga, with a great potential to become this generation's
new comic book fixation and a Christian cartoon classic.

The comic book, published by Comixpress, has already caught the attention of local and national press such as The Hudson Reporter, Local Source News, and reviewed in online sites like Comixpress and Comic Space.

According to Austin, his parents Minister William C. Austin, Th.D and Deaconess
Sandra H. Austin had a great influence on his work. He recognizes NJCU artists Tim
Stucky as his mentor in the production and development of his work. He acknowledges
NJCU artist Anthony Lofton and NJCU Illustration Professor Dennis Dittrich for their support and inputs.

Aside from a lot more action packed adventures, Austin lets his readers in on a few secrets for the next edition which will be coming out soon. "Expect some questions answered from Issue 1... The identity of the mysterious hulking character will be revealed. New characters will be
introduced." Austin added that a female main character will be entering the story in the next issue and will be a "key factor" in the story.

For more information on getting your copy of The Cosmic Samaritan and updates on the next issue, visit the website: www.cosmicsamaritan.blogspot.com.

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