The Freethinker is happy to present a preview of Taro vs. God, a new atheist-themed comic by American artist Zachary Lawrence of Foxboy Comics. Says Zachary:

My comic is about an atheist who is confronted by God in a hypothetical meeting. The main question of my comic is: ‘If a God really did exist, should we even worship him?’ The comic delves into what is commonly attributed to God and whether God himself has any true moral compass.

I made my comic to be an introduction to atheism for younger people ages 15 and up, but older readers can enjoy it too. There isn’t a lot of ‘atheist media’ in America, especially for young adults who question or don’t believe in religion. This lack of subjectivity for the atheist community was a motive in making my comic. I also wanted to counter the rising numbers of younger people turning to religion in my country. As I am trained in making comics, I also believe sequential art can be used as a vehicle for many things, including raising atheism awareness. 

In short, the comic is more than just a story. It’s a satire on ‘God’ and a critique all at once. Taro vs. God also contains allegorical references to religion yet doesn’t single out one religion specifically; I sort of turn religious symbols on their head in this comic to reflect on certain things like Taro’s own strength as a humanist.


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The logo on the front cover contains a reference to the snake and the Garden of Eden. But I use this allegory to reflect that eating the fruit can be something atheists can appropriate into our own symbology, representing liberation from faith rather than the original meaning of temptation. 
The eye in the word ‘God’ in the logo was actually inspired by the eyes of one of Donald Trump’s spiritual advisors, Kenneth Copeland, who has gained notoriety here in America.
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Taro is an atheist and doesn’t mind sharing his views confidently, even if they shock his friends.
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Taro is confronted by God, who seeks to convert him by showing him why he Believes that he is relevant to the world’s development and goodness.
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I particularly wanted to satirise the far right’s interpretation of God here in America, so I made him a reflection of how they see themselves and mock how they see their God as a symbol of toxic masculinity and chauvinism.
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Taro sees through God’s attempt and defiantly refuses to be loyal to him, pointing out that humanity is better off without God and shattering the illusion of God’s moral superiority.

You can find out more about Taro vs. God and Zachary’s other work here.


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