Superhero Ethics

Superhero Ethics episodes:

• 05.28.2024

  X-Men ‘97: Can Heroes Retire?

  Matthew Fox and Riki Hayashi are joined by Will Freeland and Steve Stormoen from the Hype Is My Superpower podcast to dive deep into the complex themes and character arcs of X-Men ‘97. The animated series revival has reignited discussions...

  
• 05.21.2024

  Dune: Part Two • Mythology & the Fremen

  Host Matthew Fox dives deep into the world of Dune: Part Two with special guest Professor Matthew Kapell, an expert in anthropology, mythology, and religious studies. Together, they explore the complex themes of religion, destiny, and the power of myth...

  
• 05.13.2024

  X-Men ‘97: Is Tolerance Extinction?

  Is Tolerance Extinction? Was Magneto Right?Matthew Fox and Riki Hayashi dive into the complex moral questions raised by the new Marvel animated series X-Men ‘97 on Disney+. The show, a continuation of the beloved 90s X-Men cartoon, explores themes of...

  
• 05.07.2024

  Anime & Japan

  What Makes Anime ‘Anime’? Exploring the Unique Elements of Japanese AnimationIn this episode of Superhero Ethics, hosts Matthew Fox and Riki Hayashi dive deep into the world of anime, exploring what sets this beloved Japanese animation style apart from its...

  
• 04.30.2024

  Alan Moore, Superheroes & Fascism

  Do superheroes promote fascist ideology? In this episode of Superhero Ethics, hosts Matthew Fox and Riki Hayashi dive deep into an interview from Screen Rant with renowned comic book writer Alan Moore, who argues that the concept of superheroes contains...

  
• 04.23.2024

  Is Failure the Greatest Teacher?

  Was Yoda right when he told Luke, "The greatest teacher, failure is," in Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi? What did he mean, and how does this idea play out in the rest of the movie?Riki and Matthew...

  
• 04.16.2024

  One Piece: Can Pirates Be the Good Guys?

  Matthew Fox and Riki Hayashi dive into the question of whether a pirate can truly be a hero. Using the popular anime, manga, and live-action series One Piece as a focal point, they examine the complex nature of piracy and...

  
• 04.09.2024

  Riki Hayashi’s Debut as Co-Host!

  We welcome Riki Hayashi as the new co-host alongside Matthew Fox. Riki brings a wealth of knowledge and fresh perspectives to the show, promising engaging discussions on fandom ethics, media analysis, and much more. Join Matthew and Riki as they...

  
• 04.02.2024

  Superhuman Public Radio, Disability, and Authenticity Reviews

  While writing season 2 of Superhuman Public Radio (SPR), Maximilian Clark and John Dorsey reached out to Matthew to talk about a disabled character they were planning to include. In this episode, the three of them talk about that discussion...

  
• 03.26.2024

  Dune: Part 2 • The Film Board Crossover

  Matthew recently participated in an in-depth analysis of Dune: Part Two on The Film Board podcast, also part of the TruStory FM entertainment podcast network. We're thrilled to share this discussion here, originally recorded for The Film Board, with our...

  
• 03.19.2024

  Fantastic Four Casting

  The Fantastic Four are finally joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe! With the recent casting announcement, fans are eagerly anticipating how these beloved characters will be portrayed. Matthew and Jessica explore the significance of this movie and why the Fantastic Four...

  
• 03.12.2024

  Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning

  Matthew, Riki, and Paul dive deep into the prequel film Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning in this episode of the podcast Superhero Ethics. We explore the complex themes of violence, redemption, and the pursuit of peace in a tumultuous era of...

  
• 03.05.2024

  Carl Weathers Remembered

  The recent passing of beloved actor Carl Weathers was a sad loss that left many fans reminiscing about his storied career. In this episode of Superhero Ethics, host Matthew Fox brought in frequent guests Paul Hoppe and Ashley Coffin to...

  
• 02.27.2024

  Dune on Page & Screen

  Matthew Fox is joined by Dr. Steven Cox to dive deep into the classic sci-fi novel Dune, and how it is often portrayed on screen and in other media. They analyze the complex themes around religion, politics, colonialism, and the...

  
• 02.26.2024

  Avatar: The Last Airbender • Episodes 7-8

  Matthew Fox reunites with guests Riki Hayashi and Paul Hoppe to wrap up their deep dive into Netflix's live action take on Avatar: The Last Airbender. Did the last two episodes stick the landing or fall short?In the intro, Matthew...

  
• 02.25.2024

  Avatar: The Last Airbender • Episodes 5-6

  In this episode of Superhero Ethics, Riki Hayashi and Paul Hoppe join host Matthew Fox and have an insightful discussion about the latest two episodes of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender.We explore questions like:Is the show improving...

  
• 02.24.2024

  Avatar: The Last Airbender • Episodes 3-4

  "Secret Tunnel," Bumi, Cabbages - the whimsy is back!Riki Hayashi and Paul Hoppe join host Matthew Fox to talk about episodes 3-4 of Netflix's live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender.Topics we discuss include:The show is starting to capture more...

  
• 02.23.2024

  Avatar: The Last Airbender • Episodes 1-2

  The release of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of the beloved animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender has finally arrived. Join hosts Matthew Fox, Riki Hayashi, and Paul Hoppe for a spoiler-filled discussion of the first two episodes.After initial skepticism and comparison...

  
• 02.21.2024

  Avatar: The Last Airbender • Primer, Part 2

  In this episode of the Superhero Ethics podcast, Matthew Fox, Paul Hoppe, and Riki Hayashi continue their in-depth discussion of the beloved animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender. They dive deeper into the complex characters and themes that have made...

  
• 02.20.2024

  Avatar: The Last Airbender • Primer, Part 1

  The animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender, which originally ran from 2005-2008, captured the hearts and minds of viewers around the world with its groundbreaking storytelling. With the live-action Netflix adaptation on the horizon, now is the perfect time to...

  
• 02.13.2024

  Frankenstein & the Making of Monsters

  Who is the true monster in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein? Who was Mary Shelley, what was she saying in this novel, and why is the novel so different from how it is remembered and portrayed in popular culture? 19th-century English literature...

  
• 02.01.2024

  Percy Jackson on Screen & Page

  The final episode of the Disney+ TV show Percy Jackson and the Olympians is out, and we're discussing it. We talk about what we loved about the books and what did and didn't work in the show.Topics covered include:Was Luke...

  
• 01.30.2024

  Echo & the MCU

  Matthew Carroll of the MCUCast joins me to talk Marvel's Echo TV series and its connections to the wider MCU. We dive deep into the characters, the morality, the show's groundbreaking representation, and the implications for upcoming MCU stories.Topics we...

  
• 01.23.2024

  Godzilla Minus One

  How does a Japanese pilot—and his nation—come to terms with survivor's guilt after WWII? What is the legacy of the kamikaze in Japanese culture, and how is it seen in America? And can these issues and more be explored in...

  
• 01.11.2024

  Echo, Amputees, & Intersectionality

  As an amputee, Echo holds a special place in my heart, so I’m excited to have comics expert Will Freeland join me to discuss this meaningful new MCU show.Seeing a superhero who shares some of my experiences is incredible. Maya...

  
• 01.09.2024

  In the Garden of Contemplation

  What are the different ways we can find meaning in the midst of suffering? What is the nature of myth, and can we find it in the most mundane of places? And how did Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 and...

  
• 12.26.2023

  2023 Year in Review

  Paul and I look back on the themes that emerged during 2023 as we reflect on a year of ethics in genre media. We discuss the strike, people and communities being heard and speaking in their own voices, relatable villains,...

  
• 12.19.2023

  What Is a Christmas Movie?

  What is a Christmas movie? Does it have to have a specific message or aesthetic feel? What is the Christmas romance, and why has it become so popular? Andy and Abby join me to dive into these questions, share each...

  
• 12.12.2023

  The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

  How did Snow become the villain he was? What role does nature versus nurture play in shaping our moral choices? What connections to our own world does this Hunger Games prequel highlight that give us insight?Fan-favorite Danielle (WrittenintheStarWars) returns to...

  
• 12.05.2023

  Psychology of The Boys with the Editors of Supes Ain't Always Heroes

  The Boys: Superheroes, Villains, and the Complex Psychology Behind Their MoralityIn this fascinating discussion, host Matthew Fox is joined by psychologists Dr. Lynn Zubernis and Dr. Matthew Snyder, editors of the new book "Supes Ain't Always Heroes: Inside the Complex...

  
• 11.28.2023

  Batman Returns • Rebroadcast

  New content returns next week! Until then, we’re kicking off the season with a rebroadcast of our episode on that classic Christmas movie — Batman Returns!Can a Tim Burton movie be TOO Tim Burton? Would Ashley Coffin have discovered blue...

  
• 11.14.2023

  Kenshin! First Movie & Anime S1 • Rebroadcast

  Another blast from the past during the hiatus. Enjoy this conversation with Paul, Riki, and myself, and stay tuned for new episodes, starting in December!Can a sword bring about a new era? Can a former assassin find peace? Can a...

  
• 10.31.2023

  Update and Ethically Wrastlin’ • rebroadcast

  Read more about the results of the WGA strike here.Learn more about the SAG-AFTRA strike here.An update on our hiatus, and a favorite episode from years past—The Ethics of Professional Wrestling.In this episode, we're talking about the ethics of professional...

  
• 10.10.2023

  The Writers Strike Is Over: What It Means for Hollywood... and Fans

  Read more about the results of the WGA strike here.Learn more about the SAG-AFTRA strike here.The historic Hollywood writers strike rocked Tinseltown, but it has come to an end. In this episode, I discuss the outcome with my guest Andy...

  
• 10.03.2023

  Disability Representation in Sci-Fi and Fantasy: A Conversation with AK Maiden

  Bionic arms, hearing so good it makes up for a loss of eyesight - AK Maiden is back to talk with me about disability representation in the stories we love.A big-time nerd, big-time philosopher, and big-time lover of all things...

  
• 09.26.2023

  Conversations Between the Punches • Superhuman Public Radio Season Two

  What stories emerge when superpowers enter the audio format? How can superheroes reflect real-world problems, and what would an NPR-style broadcast sound like if it existed in a world where superhumans were real? Max and John of Superhuman Public Radio...

  
• 09.19.2023

  Remembering Sheldon Menery and His Rule Zero Philosophy for Building Community

  In honor of the passing of Sheldon Menery, we’re talking about his concept of Rule Zero – the idea that the first step for any game should be making sure all players share the same expectations – and the way...

  
• 09.12.2023

  Blerds & Fandom with Caged Bishop Cosplay

  Each person brings their own experiences and perspective to how they view the stories we love. Caged Bishop Cosplay joins me to talk about his experience as a blerd (black nerd), intersectionality in fandom, and our shared love as masculine...

  
• 09.05.2023

  Mythology & Superheroes: The American Monomyth

  Professor Matthew Kapell joins me to discuss superheroes, mythology, and the American Monomyth.What is a myth? Are superhero stories considered myths? Does America have a central myth, and how do superheroes contribute to it?Matthew Kapell has taught a wide range...

  
• 08.29.2023

  X-Men & Activism

  Why is it the X-Men that are so often brought up as metaphors for social issues? Steve Stormoen of the Hype Is My Superpower podcast joins me to talk about the X-Men in comics through the lens of activism and...

  
• 08.22.2023

  The Hunger Games

  What is it about the Hunger Games novels that captured so much attention and love? Frequent guest Danielle- Written in the Star Wars joins me to talk about these books, covering everything from the writing style, to the twist they...

  
• 08.15.2023

  Sharpe's Rifles

  Sometimes heroes wear capes- sometimes they carry rifles in the Napoleonic Wars. One of Sean Bean’s first roles was playing Richard Sharpe in this British Series and Paul joins me to talk about it!Patrons get access to bonus content with...

  
• 08.15.2023

  Sharpe's Rifles

  Sometimes heroes wear capes, sometimes they carry rifles in the Napoleonic Wars. One of Sean Bean’s first roles was playing Richard Sharpe in this British series and Paul Hoppe joins me to talk about it! We’ve started the conversation. Now...

  
• 08.08.2023

  Gojira, aka Godzilla, the 1954 Japanese original

  What happens when you combine Japanese reflections on the use of nuclear weapons, hard questions about what weapons to use in moments of crisis, stirring music, and a guy in a rubber suit? Paul joins me to talk about the...

  
• 08.01.2023

  Ep 229 - Moby Dick - Even if you Never Read it

  So many of the stories we love use Moby Dick as the example of an obsessive focus on a goal, but do you know the actual story? Moby Dick expert and all around geek Ilse joins me to talk about...

  
• 07.25.2023

  Ep 228 - Discworld, The Watch

  Do you like your hilarious medieval satire mixed with some biting social commentary? Want to know what this Discworld thing everyone keeps talking about it is? Want to know the Boots Theory of Economics from Sam Vimes? Rob McKenzie joins...

  
• 07.18.2023

  Ep 227 - Newsies - Dancing on the Picket Line

  What can an 1899 newsboy strike teach us about the WGA & SAG strikes today? What can be done when the corporations you’re fighting control your ability to get your message out? And what place do singing and dancing play...

  
• 07.11.2023

  Ep 226 - Nimona Says Trans Rights

  Nimona is a beautiful story about the danger of fear and trusting establishments, and the power of living your truth. Beau joins me to talk about the power of this story, its meaning as a queer and trans allegory, and...

  
• 07.05.2023

  Ep 225 - Under the Red Hood

  Does Batman help or hurt the children he recruits to be Robins? Could one of them be more vulnerable to Joker's One Bad Day than Bruce is? Where is the line between justice and vengeance? Paul and I dive into...

  
• 06.20.2023

  224 - Raiders of the Lost Ark

  I'm reviewing all of the Indiana Jones movies over on the Bingers Assemble episode, and wanted to share the first of those episodes with you here! Once the new movie comes out at the end of June we'll do an...