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Catholic Review of: The Grand Inquisitor

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Author:  John Zmirak

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This item received 5 stars overall. (04/16/2010)

Orthodoxy: Completely orthodox.
Reading Level: Intermediate

Baron KorfBy Baron Korf (TX) - See all my reviews

Synopsis

A Dark Tale of Despair and Hope

Evaluator Comments

The Grand Inquisitor begins with the death of Pope Paul VIII sometime in the not too distant future.  His 20 year pontificate is typical of most popes throughout history, i.e. it was full of discord amongst different movements in the Church; however, we are given the impression that he wasn’t very good at reigning in the more unruly member of the flock.  The simplest classification of this particular fight would be some of what we see today with the modernists vs the traditionalist, though I hate using those loaded terms.  The modernists in this case are those that want the culture to evangelize the Church, pushing for such things as women's ordination, a democratic hierarchy, contraception, etc.  The traditionalists hold onto a hermeneutic of continuity in both theology and external traditions.
 
The battle for the authentic faith is ongoing, whether it is against Arians, Manchiaeans, Lutherans, Calvinists, or Modernists. While the main characters are purely fictional, but they can easily be recognized in different members of the Church.  This story adds a new twist to the old dance, but you'll have to read it to see what that is. This much I will say, the protagonist and antagonist have a lot more in common than is comfortable.
 
One of the things I love about it is the little hidden bits in the art and the dialogue that, if you are familiar with Catholic culture, leaders, liturgy and tradition, just jump out at you.  Phrases like "behold the man" or a list of Cardinals that had the name Burke under a column that marks him as impossible to sway.  There was an image of Cdl. Mahoney playing golf (not a positive scene) an image of hell reminiscent of the Renaissance Masters, and an interesting Infant of Prague.
 
The dialogue is not an easy read.  It is referred to as Miltonian Blank Verse, and it cannot be skimmed over.  This combined with it written in 'graphic novel'/'comic book' format which I have never quite mastered makes for a challenging event.  The art and the story are a bit dark, but that's the intent.  It's supposed to be unsettling until the end.
 
I absolutely loved this book and cannot recommend it highly enough.
 
You can purchase this book here.

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