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No pulp fiction: Pope's life topic of comic-book series

A new comic book serializes the life of Pope John Paul II from his childhood in Poland to his papacy RESOURCES Pope John Paul II  VIDEO CNN's Gayle Young says the new book tells the story of Carol Wojtyla and his rise to become Pope John Paul II Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

From Gayle Young
CNN Rome Bureau Chief

ROME, Italy -- He may not be faster than a speeding bullet or able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, but there's one thing Pope John Paul II has in common with Superman, Batman and their superhero brethren: His biography is being presented in a series of comic books.

A religious publisher in Italy, with the Vatican's consent, is serializing the pope's life story for children and young readers.

The first issue follows little Karol Wojtyla's childhood in prewar Poland, where the pope-to-be played soccer and acted in a theater troupe.

The Italian-language comic book has been so successful it sold out in a week. The publisher is planning more editions in more languages.

"The life of John Paul II is exceptional, an example to all those who follow him," says author Alberto Bobbio.

It's not the first time the pope's image has popped up in an unusual place. His face is already featured on postcards, souvenirs and a wide assortment of religious items. After 21 years on the Throne of Peter, he's a cultural icon.

Last year, in fact, a recording of John Paul singing religious hymns and prayers went platinum, sharing the top places on the music charts with rappers and boy bands. He's even been named an honorary Harlem Globetrotter.

One reason for his popularity, fans and supporters say, is that he's reached out to young Catholics during his pontificate. Perhaps he hopes that if youngsters see him as a music star, celebrity or -- yes -- even a comic book hero, they'll hear his message, too.

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