Not terribly impressed w/ the Pastor of the Nerds. Even as a long time DC fan, I still don't get the "Christian" admiration of the Superman mythology. Granted, I'm more familiar with Superman thru the early '80s, but I've become somewhat familiar of the more recent renderings.
The stories have most certainly improved, especially from the saccharaine character of the Mort Weisinger era. However, two issues stand out: 1. Superman changes as the plot line requires. At times he's nearly omnipotent, at other times he's felled by some of the silliest of ailments.
2. There is nothing about Superman that resembles Jesus, except he came to Earth from beyond our world.
Don't get me wrong on that 2nd point. I love comics, and I think the most compelling story arcs tug on our heart reminding us of our longing to live for God. The most uncanny example in my mind is a story of a group of outcasts who have been given unique gifts. They use these to pursue justice and serve humanity, yet people hate them for it. Thus, they commune together. They train together, sharpening each other's skills, and learning to operate as a unit, as one body.
Of course I'm talking about the X-Men.
And there's a reason why Claremont was able to take this sad, forgotten title and make it the top selling comic, with numerous spin-offs, television shows and blockbuster films.
Superman is great in how he ushered in the genre. But, as a metaphor with Christ or Christianity, he's woefully lacking.
Posted By: Christopher Scurlock on July 29, 2010 10:11 AM
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Not terribly impressed w/ the Pastor of the Nerds. Even as a long time DC fan, I still don't get the "Christian" admiration of the Superman mythology. Granted, I'm more familiar with Superman thru the early '80s, but I've become somewhat familiar of the more recent renderings.
The stories have most certainly improved, especially from the saccharaine character of the Mort Weisinger era. However, two issues stand out:
1. Superman changes as the plot line requires. At times he's nearly omnipotent, at other times he's felled by some of the silliest of ailments.
2. There is nothing about Superman that resembles Jesus, except he came to Earth from beyond our world.
Don't get me wrong on that 2nd point. I love comics, and I think the most compelling story arcs tug on our heart reminding us of our longing to live for God. The most uncanny example in my mind is a story of a group of outcasts who have been given unique gifts. They use these to pursue justice and serve humanity, yet people hate them for it. Thus, they commune together. They train together, sharpening each other's skills, and learning to operate as a unit, as one body.
Of course I'm talking about the X-Men.
And there's a reason why Claremont was able to take this sad, forgotten title and make it the top selling comic, with numerous spin-offs, television shows and blockbuster films.
Superman is great in how he ushered in the genre. But, as a metaphor with Christ or Christianity, he's woefully lacking.