In Japan, there is a new set of books in Manga format (AKA anime, or graphic novels, or comics), published by the Japan Bible Society. The first volume is called "Messiah," and is the story of Jesus. The second one is basically the book of Acts (early church). Volumes 3-5 will be the Old Testament narrative.
The text is basically straight out of the Japanese ecumenical translation (kind of their version of the NRSV), with actual chapter-verse references in footnotes.
Supposedly these are selling well, especially in with the very popular manga format.
Now, in the U.S., go to any bookstore and the Manga/Anime/Comic section is huge, most of them being translations of Japanese Manga. (Okay, so there also are adults who like this form, too)
This particular book (volume 1) has been translated into English as "Manga Messiah," published by Tyndale (ISBN 978-1-4143-1680-2). I don't know if the other volumes are being planned in English
Now, I've noticed a number of Bible stories in manga format. One can be suspicious or excited about this popular format. But this particular Manga Messiah, having been produced in Japan by the mainline Bible society, may be a good choice for reaching out to youth with a certain taste for "literature."
Franklin Ishida
ELCA Global Mission