God and Comics: Recent Episodes
God and Comics
Join Father Jonathan, Father Matt, and Father Kyle as they talk about their passion for comic books. Just about anything and everything you can think of comes up in conversation. The serious, the silly, and everything in between.
Perhaps the best known graphic novel ever written, Maus tells harrowing tale of family and survival in the Holocaust. We take a look at this classic work and talk about why it has endured, what it can teach us about human nature, and why we are so often unable to look clearly at our own history. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and more!
Please note, this episode was recorded before the Russian invasion of Ukraine and so does not address what is going on there. The people of Ukraine are in our prayers.
Season 7 begins with a bang! The crew discusses a forthcoming graphic novel version of George MacDonald's fantasy classic Phantastes.
The Star Wars saga has captured the minds and hearts of millions of people over the last four decades, and comics have been a part of that journey. Unlike in other franchises, the stories told in at least some Star Wars comics actually do form part of the canon. In this episode, the crew talks about the history of Star Wars comics, takes a look at several recent volumes, and discusses where themes of redemption and sacrificial love are to be found in this modern sci-fi epic about events that took place a long time ago in a galaxy far far away. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
How do we make moral choices? What does it mean to be a good person? These are questions as old as philosophy itself, and comics provide some surprisingly great examples of moral reasoning. Dr. Elisabeth Kincaid joins the crew to discuss all the ins and outs of making tough moral choices. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
In a time when the very idea of truth is up for debate, the crew tackles some very real questions about truth. What is real? Is this podcast real? Are you real? Better press play and find out! All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
It is hard to imagine a book for kids that tackles racism and also manages to be a love letter to golden age comics, but "Superman Smashes the Klan" by Gene Luen Yang does all that and more. Regular guests Alexi Sargeant and Leah Libresco Sargeant (along with their lovely baby daughter who decided to stay up late for the occasion) join the crew to talk about this remarkable book and its implications for the moment we live in. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
Comics have depicted many people with disabilities over the years, from Daredevil to Professor X and beyond. Have those portrayals always been positive? How do they square with a Christian understanding of disability and personhood? The crew is joined by Catholic News Agency Editor-in-Chief J.D. Flynn to discuss these issues. Plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
An epic battle between good and evil, a man unstuck in time, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien as superhero sidekicks, and a redefining of time itself. All of that in comic book form? Looks like a job for God and Comics! The crew is joined by Dr. Michael Martin as they explore the 2003 graphic novel "Heaven's War" by Micah Harris and Michael Gaydos. All this plus This or That, our recommendation, and a whole lot more!
It’s the ultimate battle as the crew is joined by Fr. Esau McCaulley (and another special guest) to play a full-episode version of This or That! Bible scholars, music, Star Wars, and more. Plus a super nerd showdown over who would win in a fight between Batman and Wolverine. Listen and share!
The crew reports in from quarantine and discusses how the coronavirus is affecting their lives and their ministry. They also discuss the recent announcement that there would be no paper comics being printed for at least the duration of the epidemic.
Over the years, many iconic superheroes have been replaced by other less-well-known characters. Sometimes this has been done to add diversity to the world these heroes live in, while other times it is simply a way to spice up a long-running story. What are we to make of it when characters we have invested so much in are replaced? How does this relate to the replacement of priests and pastors? The crew explores all this, plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
Nostalgia has become a powerful force in popular culture. Sometimes it’s nostalgia for characters from childhood and sometimes it’s nostalgia for a golden age that we never actually lived in. The crew goes retro with this episode, discussing some of their favorite nostalgia-provoking comics and the reason why nostalgia is such a powerful part of the human experience. All this, plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
Bringing the year to a close with a few comic book depictions of Christmas that we have enjoyed—some silly and some solemn. Full episodes will return in 2020. From the God and Comics Crew to you and yours, Merry Christmas!
Throughout the history of comics, writers and artists have found interesting and creative ways of working music into their work. On this inaugural episode of season 6, the crew discusses the use of music in comics, the power of music as an art form, and the music that moves us to see bigger truths. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
Marjane Satrapi’s memoir about growing up in Iran in the wake of the cultural revolution is perhaps more poignant today than it has ever been. The crew is joined by Leah Libresco to discuss this classic book and its portrayal of faith, freedom, and the unique challenges that come with growing up in a nation divided by war and ideology.
Is the real villain Thanos? Or is it death itself? The crew tackles these big questions and more from "Avengers: Endgame." And oh yes, there are spoilers. All the spoilers. This episode will spoil this film, the last film, and possibly the milk in your fridge, so listen at your own risk. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
Vampire stories continue to be popular in our culture and they have always been a staple of comics. The crew is joined by "Jennifer the Damned" author Karen Ullo to discuss the appeal of these bloodsucking fiends and why we find them both so seductive and so scary. All this, plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
This episode was recorded in February, but because of some technical difficulties (Father Jonathan's computer decided to transform into an expensive paperweight), it is only now available. But it figures that a computer would rebel against this episode because it's full of good conversation about robots and the way we project our hopes and fears onto them.
Fr. Jonathan talks with writer Leah Libresco about the new Captain Marvel film, the joys of 90s nostalgia, and the need for some Kree/Skrull fan fiction. New full length episodes coming soon, so stay tuned!
Join the crew for a deep dive into the wet and wonderfully cheesy world of Aquaman. Discussion includes such strange and fun topics as the divine right of kings, the need for a mediator between worlds, and the alcoholic beverages that we wish we had drank while watching this movie. Plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
Our next full episode comes out in January, but in the mean time check out this conversation between Fr. Matt and his brother Luke about "Spider-man: Into the Spiderverse."
The crew recorded this show live at Doxacon in Washington, DC. Discussion of body/soul dualism, Gnosticism more generally, and Dr. Octopus' hometown.
In our first episode of Season 5, we pay tribute to Stan Lee, the comics legend who died earlier this week at 95. We talk about his enduring legacy in comics, how he brought superheroes into the mainstream, and what the world of comics might look like without him. Also, Fr. Matt considers recording your home answering machine message. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
In the final episode of season 4, Fr. Niko Bekris returns to the show to discuss some of the great marriages in comics, why so many creators think marriage and family life aren’t interesting, and whether or not you have to choose between marriage or being a hero. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
The crew nerds out on all things Trek by looking into the long history of Star Trek comics going back to the sixties and discussing the ways in which Star Trek explores ethics, virtue, and the possibility of a better tomorrow. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
It may strike some people as odd to say, but in presenting the evil Thanos as a “Malthusian anti-natalist,” Marvel has made its newest blockbuster to be the first high budget superhero film to deliver an explicitly pro-life message. Fr. Matt and Deacon Jonathan are joined by guests Alexi Sargeant and Leah Libresco Sargeant to discuss this, as well as the film’s cosmology, the need for a formed conscience, and whether or not death in the comic book world actually matters. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
Do comic books give us a pessimistic or optimistic worldview? Is one better than the other? What do these views teach us about the meaning and purpose of life? The crew explores all these questions, plus our recommendation, This or That, and more!
As a special bonus in honor of our 50th episode, here are all the strange and sometimes controversial things that have been said about Fr. Paul Wheatley on the show since about episode 25 when Jonathan first started these shenanigans. It's nine minutes of your life that you'll never get back. Enjoy!
For the 50th episode of the podcast, the crew is joined by Bishop Matthew Gunter to talk about the award-winning “March” trilogy by John Lewis which tells the inside story of the activism of the Civil Rights Movement. Themes of the hero’s journey, racial equality, and non-violence run throughout the conversation. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
Esau McCaulley joins the crew to talk about Black Panther, its place in Black culture, the Christian response to oppression, and why he thinks the show ought to be called “Esau and Comics.” All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
It’s an ecumenical adventure as the crew takes a look at “Martin Luther: Renegade,” a new graphic biography of Luther from Plough Press. Also, Fr. Matt attacks some unicorns. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
Animals are our companions and they inspire our imaginations. In this episode, the crew looks at how animals are portrayed in comics, from super pets to mysterious animal powers, and they answer some common questions people have about whether we will see our pets in heaven and what the place of animals is in creation. Also, Jonathan pretty much blows any chance that Taco Bell will ever be a sponsor of the show. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
Pastor Hans Fiene (Lutheran Satire) joins Jonathan to talk about the internal struggles and bizarre twists of the FX series Legion. Season 2 of Legion will begin airing in April. New episodes of God and Comics will be back in February!
Why are we so interested in where our favorite characters come from? Is the Incarnation the ultimate retcon? Alexi Sargeant joins the crew to talk about all this and more. He also becomes the first guest ever to write his own This or That. Check it out!
The crew reviews the new Justice League film and talks about the importance of goodness and heroism. Also, Fr. Kyle admits to a childhood in tights. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
A lot of our favorite comic book characters get by with a little help from their friends. In this week’s episode, special guest Wesley Hill helps the crew break down how friendships in comics show us something about friendship’s true nature. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
Marvel’s new Netflix show brings together Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist for an adventure that is at times as existentialist as it is exciting. Special guest Tyler Huckabee joins the crew to talk about all the twists and turns. Also, Jonathan starts the world's most awkwardly polite internet flame war with Fr. James Martin. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
It’s been an eventful summer for the God and Comics crew. On this first episode of Season 4, they discuss Fr. Jonathan’s entry into the Roman Catholic Church, Fr. Kyle’s recent trip to Italy, and what all three watched this summer, including Spider-man: Homecoming. Also, Fr. Matt discusses his willingness to eat dinosaurs. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
As the critically acclaimed Wonder Woman film hits theaters, we talk about the many deep themes of this movie including truth versus fiction, sin and grace, the power of submission, and the way in which Wonder Woman’s heroism makes her a powerful figure of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Also, Fr. Matt explores the ins and outs of exploding food. All this, plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
What happens to us when we die? What are heaven and hell like? These are questions that human beings have been asking for a long time, and comic books have tried to explore the answers. We talk about all sorts of this related to the life to come and comics. Also, Fr. Kyle reveals a big, hairy secret. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
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!
Luke Cage is the latest Marvel show to hit Netflix, portraying life, death, and heroism in Harlem. The crew discusses the show’s message, its music, and its many references to Holy Scripture. We also learn that Fr. Kyle knows enough karate to take down pretty much all of us in a single blow. All this, plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more.
There comes a moment in the lives of many people when they experience something that changes them forever. On this first episode of season three, the God and Comics crew discusses these moments in the lives of our favorite comic book characters. Also, Fr. Matt celebrates his new job by handing out indulgences. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
Since the beginning, superheroes have had secret identities, but in an era when everyone has a camera on their phone that is becoming less and less plausible. On this final episode of Season 2 of God and Comics, the crew talks about the function of secret identities in superhero stories, why they are less popular today than they once were, and what they tell us about who we really are. Some technical difficulties cut short “This or That” in this episode, but we make up for it with a brief outtake at the end. Plus our recommendation and a whole lot more!
Forgiveness is an enduring theme in many types of storytelling and comic books are no exception. David Zahl of Mockingbird joins us to talk about the role of forgiveness in comics and why it matters. Also, Fr. Kyle tells us a tale about back when he used to be a hobo. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
It’s the end of the world as we know it, but the God and Comics crew feels fine as they take a look at the new film “X-Men: Apocalypse.” It’s a heavy discussion that begins with references to religious mythology and the Bible but ends with Fr. Matt telling us a little too much info about his bathroom habits. All that plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more.
It’s a very civil conversation this week as the crew is joined by special guest Alexi Sargeant to talk about “Captain America: Civil War” and all the fascinating social and ethical questions it raises. Best of all, they manage to do it spoiler free! Also, Fr. Kyle introduces us to one of the most disgusting snacks ever invented. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
C.S. Lewis pointed out in his classic book that there are many kinds of love - romantic love, familial love, friendship, and the selfless love of God. On this week's show, the crew discusses all of these different types of love and how they show up in some truly great comic book stories. Also, Fr. Matt discusses a brush with the law during his brief career as a venture capitalist. Plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
The story of every great hero is a story of sacrifice. In today’s episode, the crew talks about how the theme of sacrifice works itself out in superhero comics and how that relates back to the ultimate heroism of the cross. Then Fr. Kyle talks about a filthy habit he’s decided to pick up for Lent. And we hear an amazing prayer for the birthday of Chuck Norris. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
What does it mean to be a man in our culture today? A lot of people aren’t sure. From the earliest days, comic books have painted a picture of masculinity that has been absorbed by readers. In this episode, the crew talks about how that depiction has changed over the years and how it fairs against a Christian understanding of manhood. Also, Fr. Jonathan makes a bold and controversial claim about snowmen. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
Since the golden age of comics, sidekicks like Robin the Boy Wonder, Speedy, and Bucky Barnes have been helping young readers to feel like they are part of the action. On today’s show, the crew discusses the origins of sidekicks, why they have fallen out of fashion, and how their efforts at striving to be like the heroes they follow reminds us of the calling to follow Christ. Also, Fr. Jonathan confesses his hankering for groundhog meat. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
Superman and the resurrection. Wolverine and theosis. It’s the kind of conversation that could only happen on God and Comics! We’re joined by special guest Fr. Niko Bekris to discuss Orthodoxy, comics books, and where the two intersect. Also, Fr. Kyle tells us about a very odd way of being baptized. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
Marvel’s Jessica Jones is a dark and gritty show that deals with heavy issues. The usual crew is joined by guest Emily Zanotti to discuss the show’s relationships, what it means to have “God like” control over others, and a whole range of ethical questions that the show raises. Due to the graphic nature of some of the content in Jessica Jones, parental discretion is advised.
In this episode, the crew is joined by writer and speaker Leah Libresco to discuss the vast and varied world of web comics. We also discuss conversion experiences, existentialism, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and the weird things Fr. Jonathan would say to strangers when he was five. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
In this episode, the crew discusses how violence has evolved in comics and pop culture over the years. When is violence necessary to tell a story? When is it gratuitous? How should followers of Jesus think about such things? The answers to these questions will be revealed, along with a childhood trauma for Fr. Jonathan involving the circus and a goat. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more.
The new CBS show Supergirl is soaring in the ratings. The crew discusses everything about the Girl of Steel, including her roots in the 1950s, her status as a feminist icon, and her rebirth in the last few decades as the ultimate outsider. Plus, Fr. Matt explains why Superman can't be French. All this along with our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more.
While some superheroes are difficult to relate to, Spider-man is an everyman. On this week's episode, we talk about what makes Spider-man a compelling character and what it means to be motivated by guilt rather than grace. We also learn about Fr. Jonathan's secret plan to create a liturgy surrounding a certain 1980s television star. Plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more.
What makes the "funny books" funny? We talk about some of our favorite quips and gags, considering how humor works differently in the comic book medium and how the movies and television have changed the way that comic books are written. Plus, we find out all about a German sitcom that Fr. Matt discovered while obsessively googling his name. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
Writing for comics has evolved into a literary art form over the years. It takes a special kind of talent and precision to write for comics well. In this first episode of the new season, the God and Comics crew discuss some of their favorite writers and what they love about them. Also, we learn why it is important not to stand downwind of Fr. Matt in the fall. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
Despite popular opinion, Superman isn't actually a Christ figure, although there's another character in the Bible that he seems to resemble. In today's episode, Fr. Jonathan and Fr. Matt are joined by special guest Brandon Munson to talk about the man of steel in all his forms over the years. Plus, we learn the answer to that age old question, whether it is more fun to work for Fr. Jonathan or have a root canal. All this plus a recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!
Figuring out how to start reading comics can be really challenging. How do you find your way into a story that has been going on for decades? Where do you go to get comics? What if you aren't really interested in superheroes? The crew answers all these questions and more, both for people who have never read a comic before and for people who read comics when they were kids but have long since given it up. Plus a brand new look at the Justice League, a strangely warm feeling coming from Fr. Kyle's end of the pool, This or That, and a whole lot more.
One of the joys of reading comics is found in the way that art interweaves with words to tell stories. In this episode, the crew talks about their favorite artists and why they love them. They also get philosophical about whether art is just something to carry on a story or a good unto itself. Plus Fr. Matt's loathing of vegetables, a superhero detective story with a very reluctant superhero, This or That, and a whole lot more.
Female characters have not always been portrayed well in comics, but these days there are more interesting depictions of women in comics than ever before. Our special guest Emily Zanotti joins us as we talk about our favorite female characters and how they have evolved through the years. We also talk about what Fr. Kyle does in secret in the sacristy when no one is watching, plus recommendations, This or That, and a whole lot more.
Great villains are more than just foils for the heroes they fight. They show us something about the darker side of our humanity. In this episode, the crew talks about their favorite super villains, what makes them so appealing and so scary, and how we can understand the evil that they do. Plus, Fr. Matt confuses a great saint with a comedic actor who loved his facial hair more than his craft. All this plus recommendations, This or That, and a whole lot more.
Joss Whedon, the writer and director of the new film "Avengers: Age of Ultron," is an avowed atheist, but sin, salvation, and sacrifice abound in this latest Marvel movie juggernaut. We discuss themes of hopelessness and heroism in the new film, plus Fr. Matt recommends a nudie book, we geek out about the Scarlet Witch, and Fr. Jonathan surprises no one by making yet another reference to a comedian from the 80s. All this along with recommendations, This or That, and a whole lot more!
Can comic books make the world a better place? That's the question the Fathers tackle this week, looking at the history of social and political consciousness in comics. Plus, romance with androids, the first black superhero, comparisons of Bob Dylan records, and a whole lot more.
The new Daredevil television show is out on Netflix this week. We take you through the series and talk about how the title character's Catholicism affects his choices. Plus we'll look at some new books from the Batman universe, we'll celebrate the manliness of the color pink, and we'll puzzle over why it is that Fr. Kyle eats shoes. All this and more.
Our favorite comic book heroes have a long history of showing up in animation. This week, the crew discusses the evolution of comic book cartoons, pointing out some of their favorites along the way. Plus, Fr. Jonathan discusses the time that he accosted Chuck D in a public restroom. Also, recommendations, "This or That," and more!
This week, the crew discusses all things Batman, from the silly to the serious. Why is he so appealing as a pop culture figure? Is he a crusader for justice or vengeance? Where does he get such wonderful toys? And why does Fr. Matt seem to think that Kevin Conroy is edible? We'll discuss all that, plus recommendations and "This or That."
In this episode, the crew discusses the recent announcement from DC about their spring relaunch, plus an all female Avengers book, Fr. Matt's first word, and a whole lot more.