The Action Bible, Complete Guide to the Illustrated Scripture
The Action Bible by Sergio Cariello is a 752-page graphic novel retelling of the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, covering 215 stories in a dynamic comic book art style. Published by David C Cook in 2010, it has sold more than 1.5 million copies and become the most popular illustrated Bible for kids and reluctant readers.
Stories Covered
215
Genesis to Revelation
Copies Sold
1.5M+
since 2010
What Is The Action Bible?
The Action Bible is a graphic novel retelling of the entire Bible, published by David C Cook and first released in 2010. It was illustrated by Sergio Cariello, a Brazilian-American artist who has worked on major titles for DC Comics and Marvel, including Captain America, Wolverine, and The Lone Ranger.
The book covers 215 biblical stories across 752 pages, moving chronologically from the creation account in Genesis through to the vision of the new heaven and new earth in Revelation. Unlike illustrated storybook Bibles designed for toddlers and young children, The Action Bible is formatted as a full-length graphic novel with sequential art panels, dialogue, and pacing drawn directly from the comic book tradition.
Publisher
David C Cook
Illustrator
Sergio Cariello (DC Comics, Marvel)
First Published
2010
Total Pages
752
Stories Covered
215
Copies Sold
1.5 million+
Who Is The Action Bible For?
The Action Bible is officially designed for children aged 9 to 12, but it has found a much wider audience. Here are the five groups who benefit most from it.
Kids Aged 9 to 12
The Action Bible is designed and readability-tested for this age range. The art is energetic enough to hold attention, and the writing level matches what children in upper elementary school can read independently.
Reluctant Readers
For children who resist reading chapter books or traditional Bibles, the graphic novel format converts text-aversion into genuine engagement. Many parents report that reluctant readers finish The Action Bible cover to cover when they would not read a traditional Bible at all.
Visual Learners
The sequential art format allows visual learners to process story through imagery and visual narrative structure. For children who process information visually rather than through text alone, this format is significantly more effective than prose.
New Believers and Seekers
Adults who are new to the Christian faith often find the Bible overwhelming in its scope and structure. The Action Bible provides a readable, chronological overview of the whole narrative arc from creation to new creation, in a format that does not assume prior knowledge.
Families Reading Together
The Action Bible works well as a family read-aloud because the images provide shared visual reference points during discussion. Parents and children can read and discuss together even when they are at different reading levels.
What The Action Bible Covers
The Action Bible moves chronologically from Genesis to Revelation, covering both Testaments in a single illustrated volume. Here is a summary of the key narratives included in each Testament.
Old Testament
Creation and the fall, Noah and the flood, the call of Abraham, Joseph in Egypt, Moses and the exodus, the conquest of Canaan, the judges, David and Goliath, Solomon, the divided kingdom, the prophets, Daniel in Babylon, and the return from exile.
New Testament
The birth of Jesus, His baptism and temptation, the Sermon on the Mount, key miracles and parables, the transfiguration, the triumphal entry, the Last Supper, the arrest and crucifixion, the resurrection, Pentecost, the missionary journeys of Paul, and the vision of Revelation.
Note on Coverage
The Action Bible covers major stories but not every chapter or passage of Scripture. It is designed as a narrative overview rather than a complete text. Many books of the Bible, particularly the Psalms, Proverbs, and the Epistles, are represented thematically rather than story-by-story. The Action Bible Study Bible companion edition pairs the art with the full biblical text for those wanting complete coverage.
All Action Bible Editions Available
David C Cook has expanded The Action Bible into a full product line. Here is a complete overview of every edition currently available and who each one is designed for.
The Action Bible (Original)
752 pages, 215 stories
The original 752-page graphic novel format Bible, covering 215 stories from Genesis to Revelation. Illustrated entirely by Sergio Cariello in a dynamic comic book style. Published by David C Cook.
Best For
Kids aged 9 to 12 and reluctant readers of any age who want a complete overview of the Bible
Action Bible Study Bible
Full NIV text with Action Bible illustrations throughout
Combines the original Action Bible art with actual Bible text (NIV), study notes, character profiles, maps, and devotional content. Designed to bridge the gap between the graphic novel and formal Bible study.
Best For
Tweens and teens ready to move from the illustrated overview into real Bible reading
Action Bible Anytime Devotions
365 devotions, one per day
A 365-day devotional companion to The Action Bible. Each day features a short Scripture passage, a reflection connecting to an Action Bible story, and a prayer prompt.
Best For
Kids who have read The Action Bible and want a daily habit of Scripture engagement
The Action Bible Christmas Story
Short standalone format, gift-sized
A standalone seasonal edition focusing on the birth of Jesus. Draws directly from the Luke 2 and Matthew 1 narratives with the same art style as the original. An ideal gift for the Christmas season.
Best For
Advent reading with young children, Christmas gifts, and church event giveaways
Action Bible Handbook
Reference format, non-chronological
A reference companion to The Action Bible with additional background on people, places, and themes from the Bible. Includes timelines, maps, glossary, and expanded explanations of biblical context.
Best For
Parents, teachers, and kids who want to go deeper on the stories in The Action Bible
Pros and Cons, An Honest Review
The Action Bible is an excellent resource, but it is not perfect for every situation. Here is a balanced assessment.
What Works Well
- +
Covers the full Bible from Genesis to Revelation in a single accessible volume
- +
Art by Sergio Cariello, a professional DC Comics artist, gives it a quality that rivals secular graphic novels
- +
Faithful to the biblical text, stories follow Scripture rather than embellishing or inventing
- +
Proven track record, more than 1.5 million copies sold since first published in 2010
- +
Sparks genuine Bible curiosity in kids who show little interest in traditional reading
- +
Available in multiple companion editions for continued growth
Limitations to Know
- -
Some stories are condensed or simplified, which means nuance and theological depth are occasionally lost
- -
The action-oriented art style emphasises conflict and drama, which may feel intense for younger or more sensitive children
- -
It is not a replacement for the Bible itself, it is an entry point and overview
- -
Some theologically conservative parents have raised questions about specific artistic interpretations of certain passages
- -
The original edition does not include Bible references alongside each story, requiring the companion handbook or Study Bible for direct Scripture lookup
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Action Bible?
The Action Bible is a graphic novel-style retelling of the Bible published by David C Cook and illustrated by Sergio Cariello, a professional artist known for his work with DC Comics and Marvel. It covers 215 stories from Genesis to Revelation in 752 pages and is written to be accessible for children aged 9 to 12, though it is read by a much wider audience including adults new to Scripture.
What age is The Action Bible appropriate for?
The recommended age range is 9 to 12 years old for independent reading. Younger children from around age 6 can enjoy it as a read-aloud with a parent. Teens and adults, particularly those new to the Bible or visual learners, also find it a genuinely useful overview of Scripture. It is not typically recommended for children under 6 because some battle scenes and conflict narratives may be intense for very young readers.
Is The Action Bible theologically accurate?
The Action Bible stays close to the biblical narratives it covers and does not invent events or characters not found in Scripture. However, it is a paraphrase and retelling rather than a translation, so some theological nuance present in the original text is inevitably simplified. It is best used as an entry point to the Bible, not as a replacement for reading the actual text. Major theological events including sin, redemption, the covenants, the resurrection, and final judgment are all clearly represented.
How does The Action Bible compare to other kids Bibles?
The Action Bible stands apart from illustrated storybook Bibles like The Jesus Storybook Bible or The Big Picture Story Bible in its scope and format. Where those books focus on younger children and select key stories, The Action Bible covers the full biblical canon in sequential graphic novel form. It is closer in format to a comic book than a picture book, making it more appropriate for older elementary-age readers who have moved past storybooks.
What editions of The Action Bible are available?
The main editions include the original Action Bible, the Action Bible Study Bible (which pairs the art with the full NIV text and study notes), Action Bible Anytime Devotions (a 365-day devotional), The Action Bible Christmas Story (a seasonal standalone), and the Action Bible Handbook (a reference companion). The original and the Study Bible are the two most commonly purchased.
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