Superhero Ethics

What is critical theory? Can we use it to analyze the superhero & sci-fi shows we love?

Gabriel Cruz is an assistant professor of media studies at North Carolina Central University. He has a PhD in Media and Communication Studies from Bowling Green State University. His research areas include critical race, class, and gender analysis of superhero narratives as well as narrative analysis of white nationalist propaganda. In addition to creating social media content, Gabriel also hosts a podcast called "Office Hours with Dr. C" which centers around the analysis of popular culture.

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Email: [email protected]
Website: https://gacruzphd.com/

With the new Willow series coming out we go back to the original, looking at one of the classic fantasy movies of the 80's- Willow! Mark Garkusha & Ashley Coffin, along with first time/long time Katy O'Leary Brennan join me to talk about epic storytelling, Val Kilmer in a pink skirt, and why this movie was an important part of our childhoods.

Ashley Coffin claims many titles, including Stranded Panda Supreme Leader, MCU Co-Host, Empress of all Things Thirst, F*ck Around & Find Out Enforcer, co-host of Bill & Ashley's Terror Theater, and frequent guest on both this and the Superhero Ethics Podcast including this one. She would also like you to tell your dog she said hi.
Terror Theater Podcast- https://www.spreaker.com/show/bill-ashleys-terror-theater

Katy Brennan is a data analyst by day and cosplaying tabletop gamer by night who claims the honor of being our Supreme Leader's BFF. She is a cast member of The Cast Die Podcast (@castdiepodcast) and Crossroad Games (@CrossroadXGames). Follow her on socials @katyolady

Mark Garkusha is an actor and VO artist whose voice you've probably heard trying to sell you a sandwich or exercise bike during a commercial break. You can hear him play and talk about TTRPGs on The Cast Die Podcast (@castdiepodcast) and follow him on all the socials under @markdmitri.

We love feedback! To ask questions or let us know what you think, contact us at
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: https://EthicalPanda77
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEthicalPanda
Or go to our website www.theethicalpanda.com for more information, contact info and to find all of our podcasts!

This podcast is a proud member of the Stranded Panda Podcast Network. Check out StrandedPanda.com for top quality podcasts on the MCU, Star Trek, Animation, the Source Pages of the stories we love, and so many other great topics.

Matthew and Paul discuss the Rings of Power and possibly write a better description at some point.

Ashley and Matthew discuss Dream, Desire and the rest of the Endless, Ashley's love for the sad goth boys, and Matthew's realization that much as they want to the brooding pretty boy, they will always be the bird who keeps the brooder company.

Jessica Plummer joins me to talk Black Adam! We talk about the ethical questions and international political issues the movie comments on, and whether any of it was intentional!

Here are the links Jessica mentioned during our episode
Hawkman: https://bookriot.com/hawkman/
Black Adam's first appearance: https://bookriot.com/first-appearance-flashback-black-adam/
Adrianna/Isis's history: https://bookriot.com/who-is-isis/

Jessica Plummer and Paul Hoppe join me to mark the passing of a superhero acting legend by talking about what made Kevin Conroy's portrayal of Batman so iconic, and some of our favorite moments of his work.

Jess mentioned a number of articles worth checking out, and here are the links.

Kevin Conroy Obituary: https://bookriot.com/kevin-conroy-iconic-voice-of-batman-has-died/
Hawkman: https://bookriot.com/hawkman/
Black Adam's first appearance: https://bookriot.com/first-appearance-flashback-black-adam/
Adrianna/Isis's history: https://bookriot.com/who-is-isis/

Ashley Coffin joins me to talk all things House of the Dragon.

Its a bird! Its a plan! Its... an animated movie about superpowered animals that raises a lot more questions, and a lot more laughs, than you might think. Matthew and Paul discuss DC Superpets, with a side of Appa's Lost Days.

Jess Plummer joins us to talk season 1 of She-Hulk!

Will & Steve of the Hype is my Superpower Podcast join Paul and myself to talk about Ms. Marvel, Moonknight, and the way they are portrayed in comics vs on screen.

You can hear more of Will and Steve on their podcast, Hype is My Superpower - https://hypeismysuperpower.podbean.com/