At the heart of the best stories are questions that ask about human nature: What does it mean to be human? We were given one of those stories in the Oscar-winning Spider-man: Into the Spider-Verse. It’s an instance of the age-old “coming-of-age” narratives, which are interesting because they particularize the question, “What does it mean […]
‘Into the Spider-Verse’ and why we need more good fathers Read More »
“Captain America: Civil War” focuses on the interior conflict of superheroes Captain America and Iron Man, and culminates in an epic battle between the two protagonists. Each member of the Avengers crew is forced to choose a side as they reluctantly do battle against each other. It is later revealed that the film’s antagonist is
How ‘Captain America: Civil War’ shows us the true source of division Read More »
Saint Pope John Paul II proclaimed, “Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.” Hope is confidence in the uncertain. Uncertainty definitely has prevailed over the past several months. Or at least that is the appearance. Despair, confusion, and doubt are the weapons of our Enemy. Jesus
Echoes of the Gospel in ‘The Return of Superman’ Read More »
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is widely regarded as one of the most successful television adaptations of the Marvel Universe. After a somewhat rocky start, the show started to pick-up after its 2nd and 3rd season, gaining a universal appeal among a larger audience. One of the highlights of the show, has to be its climactic finale
Why “Ascension” is the most Christian episode in Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Read More »
Most comic book fans are aware that for decades the symbol on Superman’s chest has been considered much more than a stylized “S.” It is a Kryptonian symbol, specifically the family crest of the House of El and, as such, represents Clark Kent/Kal-El’s Kryptonian heritage. This idea was probably cemented in the public consciousness by
Superman and the power of symbols to give hope Read More »
President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “The only thing you have to fear is fear itself.” He told the American public during arguably the worst crisis in United States history—World War II. The current coronavirus pandemic may end up being worse when it is all said and done. Panic shopping, school, municipal, and state closures across
What ‘The Flash’ can teach us about fear, death and faith in the unknown Read More »
On March 19th we celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph, protector of the Church, patron saint of workers and the foster father of Jesus. When we consider the responsibilities of fatherhood, and of foster fatherhood in particular, we see similarities between the great St. Joseph and the fictional character Uncle Ben Parker from the Spider-Man
St. Joseph, Ben Parker and the Virtue of Silence Read More »
St. Catherine of Siena wrote, “Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring.” Greatness is measured by how we handle adversity. We will fall. That is a guarantee in life. What will we do when the fall is so hard it breaks us? Lent is a time to reflect on our brokenness and need for
Lessons from Batman to help us fight temptation during Lent Read More »
“People need dramatic examples to shake them out of apathy, and I can’t do that as Bruce Wayne. As a man, I’m flesh and blood; I can be ignored, I can be destroyed. But as a symbol … as a symbol I can be incorruptible. I can be everlasting.” – Bruce Wayne, Batman Begins In
Batman, Ash Wednesday and the power of symbols Read More »
When it comes to the “Big Two” comic companies I’ve always been more of a DC guy than a Marvel guy. The Marvel Universe reflects a little too much of the real world for my taste, with its heroes struggling to pay rent, enduring broken relationships, and making questionable decisions. To be clear, I have
Christian Love in Marvel’s ‘Captain America: White’ Read More »
