God and Comics

The new Marvel movie Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 explores an idea of God that is very common but also very flawed. Alexi Sargent joins the crew to talk about that as well as the themes of family, friendship, and heroism that live at the center of this film. Also, Fr. Jonathan demonstrates that he is far better at impersonating Droopy Dog than Jessica Rabbit. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!

On today’s episode, the crew previews the many great free comics coming out on Free Comic Book Day and tells you what you can expect if you go. Also, Fr. Kyle reveals the secret to his beard’s haunting beauty. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!

It is always fun to see superheroes teaming up. On this week’s show, the crew talks about what makes for a great superhero team and how superhero team stories teach us something about our need for community. Also, Fr. Matt impersonates a cat impersonating a chicken. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!

Life and death, morality, the conscience - these are just some of the themes that come up repeatedly in the Japanese comic books known as manga. The crew is joined in this episode by Dr. Zachary Guiliano from The Living Church to discuss all the ins and outs of this fascinating form of comic book storytelling. Also, Fr. Jonathan reveals his past as a drunken, lecherous, Russian Orthodox priest. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!

Just a short interlude today to tide everyone over until our next full episode. Fr. Matt and Fr. Jonathan discuss the Lego Batman Movie which may just be the best DC movie of the last decade.

Some of the greatest mysteries and crime stories ever told have been in the pages of comic books. This episode explores the history of detective stories and asks some ethical questions about murder mysteries as entertainment. Also, Fr. Kyle reveals his own deep ethical failures. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!

Jack Kirby created heroes like Captain America and the Fantastic Four, yet many people today don’t know his name. In this episode, the crew talks about the legendary artist’s amazing legacy and the modern mythology that he brought into being. Also, Fr. Kyle spends a surprising amount of time watching The Brady Bunch. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!

Like many other fictional worlds, comic books have always had a significant amount of world building. Using the work of J. R. R. Tolkien as our guide, Fr. Joel Scandrett joins the crew to talk about how acts of “subcreation” give stories their stakes and why that brings us closer to understanding what it means to be made in God’s image. Also, Fr. Jonathan reveals a deep and strange love for Vin Diesel movies. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!

The new Marvel film Doctor Strange is the most spiritually and theologically rich one yet. We have a far ranging discussion that includes grace, sacrifice, surrender, the limitations of scientific materialism, and even a debate about relics. Also, Fr. Kyle delivers a tragic misuse of the word “wizened.” All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!

On today’s show, the crew is joined by Bryan J. L. Glass, writer and co-creator of the epic series Mice Templar. We talk about the intricate mythology of the Templar world and the way that spirituality opens the story up to mystery. We also have a chance to talk about Bryan’s other series, Furious, and the unlikely path its heroine takes to redemption. Also, our old pal Skeletor drops by for a brief visit. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!