St. John of the Cross coined a phrase many know as the “dark night of the soul.” However, contrary to what many might believe to be the dark night, what […]
How Frodo experienced a “dark night of the soul” Read More »
When I was growing up in the early 1990s, American television was going through an animation renaissance. From the art deco-influenced Batman: The Animated Series to Disney’s gothic Gargoyles and
Venom: The fallen-away Catholic who gets possessed by evil Read More »
In the Catholic Church there are two feasts about “names.” On January 2/3 the Church celebrates the Most Holy Name of Jesus, while September 12 is dedicated to the Holy
Tolkien, holy names and the spiritual power of language Read More »
It is generally accepted that Superman is a Christ figure. Kal-El was sent by his father, from the heavens, to Earth, where he displays superhuman powers. He uses these powers
How Superman’s mother can remind us of Our Lady of Sorrows Read More »
In 2012 I started a humble little blog called Into the West, where I delved into the depths of J.R.R. Tolkien’s mystical world of Middle-Earth. It was hosted on the
Since 2008, no other superhero has commanded as much attention or authority as Iron Man. Portrayed by Robert Downey Jr, the Armored Avenger has been the face of the Marvel
How the ‘Superior Iron Man’ series warns us about immoral use of technology Read More »
In the early 1970s, an up and coming director named George Lucas received a two film deal from United Artists. The first of the two was 1973’s American Graffiti. Arriving
The Christian (and demonic) influences on the ‘Alien’ series Read More »
Shootings, road rage and multi-generational feuds. Tifts that play “tit for tat”. These are actions frequently fueled by a flawed trait of our now-fallen human nature. It illustrates our tendency
Black Panther, the Avengers and the consuming power of vengeance Read More »
Author J.R.R. Tolkien isn’t well-known for his relationship advice, as his two primary works of fiction are nearly devoid of any type of romance. Yet, at the core of his
This is the advice J.R.R. Tolkien gave his son about marriage Read More »
Recently I was able to ask Tom Gould, creator and artist of “Tomics Comics” about the inspiration for his work and the role of humor in evangelization. If you haven’t
‘Tomics’ creator shares his thoughts on humor, comics and the Catholic faith Read More »
