The Voyage of Saint Brendan

The Voyage of Saint Brendan 

Join St. Brendan and his crew on a seven-year seafaring adventure in the sixth century! This graphic novel, illustrated by Mike Stonelake, retells the legendary journey of the Irish monks. They search for the "Promised Land of Saints," encountering sea monsters and volcanoes. The story is set in the Bande Dessinée style, celebrating Pascha on a whale and dispelling evil spirits. Age Range: 9-15+.

Product Details 

• Author/Illustrator: Mike Stonelake
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 90
• Dimensions: 8.25 x 11.75 inches
• Theme: St. Brendan's pilgrimage hones his character, testing his resolve, courage, and faith.

Illustration Style 

The story is illustrated in the Bande Dessinée style by Mike Stonelake. The artwork brings to life the adventures of St. Brendan and his crew, including the Isle of the Strong Men and a community of silent monks. The illustrations enhance the narrative, making the legendary journey come alive.

About the Author/Illustrator: Mike grew up in suburban West London in the ’70s and ’80s, one of five brothers and part of a very religious, Calvinist family. Comics like the Beano were a part of every child’s life back then, although they had to be smuggled into his home. Growing up without a TV was difficult, so when he found an Asterix comic book in the local library, it changed his life. From then on the brothers keenly purchased or sought Asterix and Tintin books at the library and shared them.
 
Art was the only subject Mike excelled at in school. He tried to be more serious when attending art school, painting large abstract canvases, but after getting a job in a design studio, he rediscovered his original love for illustration. This is when he started drawing cartoons again, creating a comic with a friend that featured cartoons about religion and church. After marrying and moving to St. Petersburg in the 1990s, where he converted to Orthodoxy, Mike and his wife opened a gallery and publishing house back in London that specialized in art and photography from the former Soviet Union. In addition to cartoons, Mike illustrates for advertising and editorials, literature and branding, and designs books. He still lives in West London with his two daughters (when they’re home from their travels), a whippet, and a cat. He enjoys walking and boating holidays in the north of England.