A funny story of the man called God who stranded on Earth five million years ago. His lonely life became an endless task of tweaking the genomes of great apes to create a race in his own image. He needed somebody to converse with. Exhausted during our Stone-age, he used cryo-sleep to re-generate but overslept and woke up recently to a brave new world in Wiltshire, England. We are all his children and although appearances can be deceiving, he chose to become one of us. In my hidden Testament, you can see how that is going for him by way of both its prolific text and 600 detailed images.
5-star review by author Jamie Michele.
They Called Me God is a book that I went into having no idea what it would be and walked away with a massive smile on my face.
The classic comic book style is a brilliant format. The artwork is bold, and the way Simonar creates an entire arc and storyline in this media style is a testament to his immense skill as a writer and, more importantly, a true creative. There is intelligent wit and satire, but there is also a real, fundamental basis of influence and survival, and the collision of old knowledge, new customs, and tolerance for both. God is, as one would expect, subject to exploitation, even indirectly. The highlight for me is the invocation of Emma Stone. Overall, this is an original and thoughtful work of art that absolutely promises readers a distinctive reading and visual experience, and I would give it a whole bucket of stars if I could. Very highly recommended.
Below you find some more thoughtful reviews.
5-star review by Grant Leishman
I wasn’t aware They Called Me God was a graphic novel until after I’d selected it. I had never read one until now, and I am so glad I did. I didn’t realize what I was missing out on. Author Ronald Simonar has compiled an excellent story with a fascinating premise to explain the existence of a supernatural being called God throughout human history. That in itself would be a teasing plot for a novel, but what makes it exceptional is the addition of the pictures to accompany the text. As an avid reader, I found the images of exceptional quality, giving the story the perfect lift and accompaniment. I particularly appreciated the explanation for the development of so many different religions and dogmas, as different cultures in different times reacted to interaction with him. I chuckled at the idea that we are now worshipping the religion of science and that the Hadron Collider is humanity’s altar of worship to its God. The story is fun, the action is plentiful, and the visual aspects of the story are beautiful. This certainly will not be the last graphic novel I read. I love it when I stumble across a new way to enjoy my passion for literature. Perhaps I should consider trying audiobooks next. This was a fun and thoughtful read that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
5-star review by Leonard Smuts
Ronald Simonar portrays a barefoot figure who casts a deep shadow on the earth, intent on setting up fertility clinics as a means to clean up the human genetic structure – a work that began during his previous ministry. His adventures include erotic encounters, past and present, suggesting that he is indeed the true father of humanity, and pondering whether sexuality is a human trait inherited from God, or perhaps vice versa. The writing is creative and original, full of wit and punchy interaction between the diverse protagonists. The dialogue is intriguing, and the graphics are exceptional, with some 600 images being included. It is presented as a playful work, but it poses interesting speculation as to the true nature of God. It also touches on sensitive topics such as killing, torture, and human trafficking. Readers should be forewarned. They Called Me God may not find favour with mainstream religion, as the God portrayed has familiar human characteristics, but provides an entertaining look at who or what God is and was.
5-star review by Luwi Nyakansaila
They Called Me God investigates faith, power, science, and the nature of divinity. It combines comedic elements, sensual moments, and accounts from both the present and history to portray God living among ordinary people. Ronald Simonar’s narrative is intriguing, delving into topics such as alien technology and gene manipulation, depicting God’s weary yet determined quest to guide his flawed creation. The man named God faces challenges from priests, soldiers, and human imperfection, ultimately questioning the nature of divine authority and human progress. The vivid imagery, complex characters, and layered storytelling encourage readers to reflect on spirituality, morality, and the evolution of consciousness. The highlight of this book is its realistic artwork, which beautifully captures the characters. However, it includes nude images and violent depictions that may surprise some readers. Despite this, it is an engaging read that provokes thoughtful consideration of societal challenges and human advancement.
4-star review by Pikasho Deka
Funny and full of wild twists and turns, They Called Me God is a satirical comedy-adventure novel with a poignant message about faith. The narrative is light-hearted and never takes itself too seriously. Author Ronald Simonar builds on an interesting premise and delivers an amusing story that will entertain readers of graphic novels and comic books alike. It’s not exactly Parental guidance-13, but it takes you on a fun rollercoaster ride, nonetheless. My favourite character was, of course, the protagonist, God. God in this book is not only all-powerful but also displays an innate sense of humour that readers will love. I particularly enjoyed God’s witty banter with Amanda. This book is not for everyone. But if you enjoy adventure tales laced with dark humour, this will be right up your alley.