99% Invisible – 544- Chick Tracts

Intro

In this episode of “99% Invisible,” the focus is on Chick tracts, Christian comic books that have sold over 1 billion copies since the mid-1960s. These small comic books, created by Jack T. Chick, contain religious messages and have a complicated legacy, with some collectors admiring their edginess and others condemning them for hate speech.

Main Takeaways

Chick Tracts and their Impact

• Chick tracts are Christian comic books that contain religious messages.
• They are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
• Chick tracts have sold over 1 billion copies since the mid-1960s.
• There are 270 different Chick tracts, featuring characters like witches, bikers, and Catholics.
• Jack T. Chick, the creator of Chick tracts, was not initially religious and became a Christian in his twenties.

The Legacy of Chick Tracts

• Chick tracts have a complicated legacy, with some collectors admiring their edginess and others condemning them for hate speech.
• Jack Chick’s visual style was influenced by horror comics, and he used comics tropes to hook readers into his message.
• Chick tracts were meant to be purchased at Christian bookstores and handed out to bring non-believers into the faith.
• Despite the fact that many people detest Jack Chick’s messages, there is still something about the artist and his weird little comic books that’s interesting and even alluring to some people.

The Evolution and Distribution of Chick Tracts

• Jack Chick’s decision to cut his comic books down to pocket-sized booklets helped launch Chick tracts out into the world.
• Chick tracts were great for shy Christians who found it hard to evangelize.
• American evangelicals saw Chick tracts as vital tools for witnessing abroad.
• Fred Carter was the illustrator who filled the niche that Jack couldn’t, and his company pushed more than 100 million Chick tracts out the door by the late 70s.
• Chick publications sold its one billionth tract a couple of years ago, and his reach is much more broad than your average book reader because people pass them on to others.

Summary

The Impact of Chick Tracts

Chick tracts have had a significant impact on Christian evangelism. These small comic books, created by Jack T. Chick, have sold over 1 billion copies since the mid-1960s. With 270 different tracts featuring various characters, Chick tracts have been used to spread religious messages to a wide audience. Jack Chick’s own conversion to Christianity influenced the creation of these tracts, as he sought to spark a spiritual revival in readers.

The Legacy and Controversy of Chick Tracts

Chick tracts have a complicated legacy. While some collectors admire their edginess, others condemn them for hate speech. Jack Chick’s visual style, influenced by horror comics, drew readers into his message. Despite the controversy surrounding his messages, there is still something intriguing about Chick tracts that appeals to certain individuals.

The Evolution and Distribution of Chick Tracts

Jack Chick’s decision to create pocket-sized booklets made Chick tracts easily accessible and popular. They became essential tools for shy Christians who found it difficult to evangelize. American evangelicals recognized the value of Chick tracts in spreading their message abroad. The collaboration with illustrator Fred Carter further expanded the reach of Chick tracts. Today, Chick publications continues to thrive, even after Jack Chick’s passing, with missionaries still ordering these unique and controversial comic books.

Conclusion

Chick tracts have left a lasting impact on the world of Christian evangelism. Despite their controversial nature, these small comic books have reached a wide audience and continue to be used as tools for spreading religious messages. The legacy of Jack T. Chick and his unique approach to storytelling through comics will always be remembered, whether admired or criticized.