Murder and Meaning by Jimmy Wallace and J. Warner Wallace

Case Files Vol 1:
Murder and Meaning
by Jimmy Wallace and J. Warner Wallace

ISBN-13: 9780830786152
ebook: 162 pages
Publisher: David C Cook
Released: April 1, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher.

Book Description from Goodreads:
Detective Michael “Murph” Murphy is near retirement. After twenty-five years as a sworn peace officer in Los Angeles County, he joins his team—with a few newbies along—to comb the cliffs of San Pedro for any clues to a recent murder there. But when a fresh murder in Palos Verdes occurs, and a mysterious subject starts calling the police department to talk to Murph, the stakes get higher. A third killing leads the team to suspect one person is behind all the murders—and still on the loose. Worse, the crimes have happened at one-week intervals, which means Murph and his colleagues have only a few days left to keep the killer from striking again.

This highly engaging, full-color graphic novel for adults is one of the first available that Christian comic book enthusiasts can feel great about reading and recommending to friends. Written by the real-life detectives and Christian apologists behind Cold-Case Christianity, and featuring art from the renowned creators of The Chosen comic book series, Case Murder and Meaning has all the action and intrigue comic book readers want laced with questions about the purpose and value of human life.


My Review:
Murder and Meaning is a graphic novel following 4 homicide detectives working on a series of murders. Detective Murph and his partner teach two detectives new to the homicide department while they investigate the murders. While we get scenes from the point of view of several characters (including the bad guy), we mostly follow Murph. When there's a new murder linked to the first one, it becomes clear that a man arrested in a past case took some angry words Murph said to him to heart and now, free, wants to make Murp feel that same hurt.

The focus of the story was on solving the cases, but there's an underlying theme about what gives a person or a thing worth. The first murder victim was a drug addict that was valued by his girlfriend but few others. A later murder victim was someone well known, and suddenly the pressure was on. Is it popularity give you more value? Is your worth dependent on how much you contribute to the case? That sort of thing. At the end, a minor character stated that God says he's valuable, so he focuses on that rather than on human opinions.

There were some bloody wounds shown, but it wasn't gory. The illustrations were clear and easy to follow, but occasionally it wasn't clear to me which word bubble was the next one to read. This wasn't necessarily confusing, but it did take me out of the story while I sorted out the order. This novel is aimed at adults, not kids. Overall, I'd recommend it to adults who enjoy detective novels.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Michael Midas Champion, Book 1 by Jordan B. Gorfinkel, Scott Benefiel

Michael Midas Champion: Book One by Jordan B. Gorfinkel, Scott Benefiel (Illustrations) ISBN-13: 9780425280782 Paperback: 114 pages Publisher: InkLit Released: August 4, 2015

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
As Champion, the crimson guardian of his hometown Urbana Falls, Michael Midas battles vengeful samurai, wicked sorcerers and evil creatures, earning the gratitude of the people he saves—and the heart of Dani, the woman he loves.

But being a superhero doesn’t pay the bills. All of Michael’s super-strength and stamina is defenseless against the daily trials and tribulations of making ends meet. Beneath his colorful costume, he’s another struggling blue collar worker, full of lingering self-doubt about his role as Champion.

Michael’s super and civilian identities collide when he’s confronted by Truck, his grade school bully and romantic rival. His long-time nemesis has evolved into an endlessly adaptable, monstrous supervillain, determined to destroy the world—and he’s got the power to do it.

Torn between fulfilling conflicting responsibilities to his family and to mankind, can Michael Midas Champion find the power to be a hero at home as well as on the job?


My Review:
Michael Midas Champion is a superhero comic with the hero's story being told to a boy who's upset with his father. Book one is mainly about a bullied boy who has an all-star athlete as a rival for a girl's affections. Both rivals gain superpowers and keep on fighting over the girl. The underlying theme is that Michael feels insecure in his relationships and like he can't be a hero both on the job and at home. Michael was a likable character, and the graphics and text told the story well.

However, the story jumps around a bit. We start in one place, then jump back in time to the origins of our hero. We're left at the end of Book One with the ongoing dilemma repeating itself as the climatic last scene. It came across as a comic that fathers wish their wives and kids would read rather than an adventure in itself. It was a fun read, but I wasn't hooked into wanting to read the next book as it didn't seem like it held anything new in store.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt.