"In The Beginning" Comic Strip Hits Gold!

(Los Angeles) — Religion is a serious matter but that doesn’t mean that we can’t take a step back and see the humor in it every now and then. That’s the message of Chris Sushynski, the innovative young artist who launched ‘In the Beginning,’ a comic strip that presents the ‘lighter side’ of religion by depicting religious characters, events, and issues in comic form.

“‘In the Beginning’ makes an effort to look at the humanity of religious characters and the mistakes or blunders they may have made,” says Sushynski. “The Bible is pretty serious, but I’m sure Jesus and the others laughed and had a good time, too. Our comic strip comes along and says, ‘Hey, this is what might have happened.’”

The Bible Meets ‘The Far Side’

So what are Sushynski’s comics like? “People have said that my cartoon is like mixing the Bible with The Far Side, mixing creative/obscure comics with a religious theme,” says Sushynski. For example, one strip shows a man approaching Jesus with a box of Krispy Kreme donuts just after Jesus finished feeding 5,000 people with bread and fish. With a puzzled look, Jesus then asks the man, “You want me to multiply those too?”

Demand for Sushynski’s comics is increasing rapidly. Recently, a local church asked Sushynski for a signed print that would be auctioned at a fundraiser. “I donated a large print of the Kripsy Kreme comic,” says Sushynski. “Although, it was not a wealthy area whatsoever, it sold for $140! Not bad for a single print.”

Sushynski, who himself is a man of deep faith, felt the time had come for a comic strip that looked at the lighter side of religion. “I started ‘In the Beginning’ to answer all the successful secular cartoons out there,” he says. “I’m not trying to prove that people of faith can be ‘cool’ too. I’m out to show that we can have good clean fun just like anyone else can without going over the edge.”

Americans appear to be ready for a light-hearted look at religion. Several recent studies have shown that most Americans are religious and most believe in God and attend religious services. “Since most people are religious, why shouldn’t we have light-hearted comic strips in our newspapers,” he states.

Sushynski appears to be on to something according to cultural expert, Dr. Michael Vlach, professor of philosophy at Southeast Community College in Lincoln, Nebraska. “The Passion of the Christ movie and the overwhelming response of people affirming traditional values in the presidential election reveal that people want faith and religion in their daily lives. I believe a comic strip about religion which upholds traditional values in a light-hearted way will be well received,” says Vlach.

In addition to making people laugh, Sushynski, a graduate of the University of Michigan, founded ‘In the Beginning’ to break traditional stereotypes about religious people. Sushynski also believes his comic strip can help hurting people. “One of the most important ways to receive healing is by laughter,” he says. “I started ‘In the Beginning’ to get people to laugh. Laughter brings healing to any kind of situation.”

Fun for All Ages:

Sushynski emphasizes that ‘In the Beginning’ is all about fun for all ages. “All ages will love it. There are no hidden themes, political statements, or negative undertones,” he declares. “Just laughs.” Sushynski does believe that his comics may be “a potential lead-in” for people who aren’t interested in church or religion. “Maybe our comics will stir up some curiosity about religion in them. Who knows?” he says.

So how are people responding to ‘In the Beginning’ comic strips? “Thankfully, I’ve gotten nothing but great responses from all ages!” declares Sushynski. “I’ve got some elderly women’s quilting group reading them. Teachers are sharing them with their students. Kids are even hanging them up in their lockers.”

Sushynski is excited about ‘In the Beginning’ and his role with this popular comic strip.

“I feel God has been faithful to me and that I am serving him by sharing this humor with others,” he says.

‘In the Beginning’ offers a comic for weekly syndication in any publication and is especially suited for the religion sections of newspapers. Editors wishing to make
In the Beginning a feature of their paper or magazine should contact Susan Zahn at: SusanZahn@WhiteDoveCommunication.com.

More information about In the Beginning can be viewed at:
www.InTheBeginningComics.com.