Superhero Ethics

I've been revisiting all of the Indiana Jones movies on the Bingers Assemble podcast, and I'm excited to share the first installment with you! Once the new movie is released at the end of June, we'll bring the discussion here to Superhero Ethics to specifically address Indiana Jones and the ethics of archaeology. In the meantime, head over to Bingers Assemble for our comprehensive movie coverage....

Time to delve into the realm of robots! Our discussion ignited with a Micro SF quote, which segued into a broader conversation about AI and its implications in our current world. ************************************************************************** This episode is a production of Superhero Ethics , an Ethical Panda podcast and part of the TruStory FM Entertainment Podcast Network . Check out...

Let's delve into Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse ! In the midst of Will's and my exuberant praise for the film's excellence, we explore ethical conundrums such as the clash between Miguel and Miles, the film's handling of representation, and the extensive comic book connections that enrich the movie. For further comic book commentary, listen to his podcast, Hype is My Superpower . Also, you ca...

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 sparked important discussions on animal treatment, and Paul Hoppe joins me to delve into these topics. This episode was inspired by listener feedback, and we also tackle a listener's question regarding the adage "with great power comes great responsibility," especially as it pertains to the dynamic between podcasters and their audience. ******************************...

My partner and I played through The Last of Us Part II , and Danielle and Matthew joined me to discuss the profound ethical questions the story raises. We've detailed the issues and story for anyone to follow along, but be warned: this conversation contains spoilers! Danielle (she/her) is engrossed in Star Wars , the MCU, and The Last of Us . As a PhD researcher in Text & Image Studies, she ha...

The TV show Severance presents a provocative premise: the ability to switch off your work self from your personal self, creating a distinct identity solely for the office. Would you opt for such a separation if you had the choice? And if so, would this work-specific persona have its own autonomy and rights? Can consciousness truly be severed from the body? Rob McKenzie joins the conversation to un...

Becky Allen dropped in to discuss the intricacies and developments of Shadow and Bone Season 2! Becky Allen, the author behind the captivating novels Bound by Blood and Sand and its sequel, Freed by Flame and Storm , brings a writer's insight to our conversation. Having grown up outside Ithaca, New York, and graduated from Brandeis University, Allen now works in tech and resides in New York with t...

Season 1 of The Last of Us is over, but we've still got a lot more to say! Prof. Dr. Mr. (not a Rev.) Matthew Kapell joins me to dive into some of the larger issues in this show and its connected video game. We'll talk about the big ethical choices at the end of the story, zombies vs vampires, why Americans in particular are so drawn to dystopian stories, and more! Matthew Wilhelm Kapell has taugh...

Joining me for a deep dive into HBO's The Last of Us are Danielle and Erin, as we dissect the pivotal choices made by the characters and examine the series' (and game's) impact on our understanding of heroism and villainy. We'll also offer some bonus musings on Pedro Pascal and explore the fan-driven notion of "thirst." Erin McGowan hails from the Twin Cities and has embraced the art of cosplay wi...

Comics aficionado extraordinaire Jess Plummer graces us with her presence to discuss DC's ambitious new lineup of TV shows and movies. A New York native with an unwavering love for Superman, Jess expresses her passion on her dedicated Superman podcast, Flights and Tights . Her expertise extends to writing about comics and literature at BookRiot.com, where she contributes her in-depth analysis. Mor...

Danielle and Erin rejoin me to delve into the harrowing world of The Last of Us , discussing both the HBO series' first four episodes and the corresponding sections of the video game. Danielle brings her expertise as a Ph. D. researcher in Text & Image Studies, which allows her to analyze comics academically, while also being a passionate commentator on Star Wars, the MCU, and The Last of Us ....

Paul joins me to talk about Batman: The Long Halloween , an animated movie based on the comics run of the same name. Paul Christopher Hoppe, also known as ZenMadman, is a writer, teacher, and student of poker, chess, language, and life. Find out more here: http://zenmadman.com/ https://www.patreon.com/zenmadman https://www.twitch.tv/zenmadman https://twitter.com/zenmadman *************************...

Ashley Coffin, Katy Brennan, and Mark Garkusha join me to try and find the bright spots in the first season of Willow . We had varied success, but we had a lot of fun talking about it! Ashley Coffin wears many hats, including Stranded Panda Supreme Leader, MCU Co-Host, Empress of All Things Thirsty, F*ck Around and Find Out Enforcer, co-host of Bill & Ashley's Terror Theater , and frequent gue...

It's been 10 years since Karl Urban kept his mask on for the entire film, but the questions that this story about police acting as judge, jury, and executioner raises continue to be relevant today. We talk about the movie, the moral issues it raises, and how Karl Urban's grunting paved the way for Pedro Pascal's silent acting in The Mandalorian. ****************************************************...

Matthew and Paul talk about stuff they watched in 2022, as well as the future and history of Superhero Ethics. Paul Hoppe, also known as ZenMadman, lives in a metaphorical cave on a mountain in the mind in Las Vegas, where he frequently talks about deleting all social media, yet can still be found at his website zenmadman.com and on Twitch, Twitter and YouTube under the handle ZenMadman. He may or...

What happens when you mix Hebrew & Greco-Roman ideas of divinity into a single mythology? How does a story of a blessing for all become a centerpiece of consumerism? Professor Matthew Kappel joins me to talk about the Jesus birth narrative through the lens of mythology. ************************************************************************** This episode is a production of Superhero Ethics ,...

What exactly is critical theory, and how can it serve as a lens through which we examine the superhero and science fiction narratives that captivate us? Joining us is Gabriel Cruz, an assistant professor of media studies at North Carolina Central University, who brings a wealth of knowledge from his PhD in Media and Communication Studies from Bowling Green State University. His research delves int...

As we eagerly anticipate the release of the new Willow series, we turn back the clock to the 1980s to revisit the original fantasy classic, Willow . Joining me are Mark Garkusha, Ashley Coffin, and first-timer Katy O'Leary Brennan. Together, we reminisce about the film's epic storytelling, Val Kilmer's memorable wardrobe choices, and the reasons Willow holds a special place in our childhood memori...

Matthew and Paul discuss The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and possibly write a better description at some point. ************************************************************************** This episode is a production of Superhero Ethics , an Ethical Panda podcast and part of the TruStory FM Entertainment Podcast Network . Check out our website to find out more about this show and our sist...

Ashley Coffin and I discuss Neil Gaiman's Sandman , dissecting the intricate tales of Dream, Desire, and the rest of the Endless. Ashley shares her affection for Gaiman's somber goth boys, while I come to the realization that, as much as I might yearn to be the brooding hero, I'm more akin to the companions who keep them grounded. *******************************************************************...

Jessica Plummer joins me to delve into Black Adam , where we dissect the film's exploration of ethical dilemmas and its commentary on international politics. We ponder the depths of these themes and question the extent of their deliberate inclusion in the storyline. For further insights and background information, Jessica has recommended several articles: The enigmatic history of Hawkman A look ba...

Jessica Plummer and Paul Hoppe join me to honor the memory of Kevin Conroy, whose voice acting brought Batman to life for generations of fans. We reflect on the depth Conroy brought to the Dark Knight and share our favorite moments from his career. For further reading and context on Conroy's impact and the world of superheroes he influenced, Jess provided some insightful articles: Kevin Conroy Obi...

Ashley Coffin teams up with me to explore the fiery depths of House of the Dragon . Join us as we unravel the intricate web of politics, power, and dragons in this Targaryen-centric saga. ************************************************************************** This episode is a production of Superhero Ethics , an Ethical Panda podcast and part of the TruStory FM Entertainment Podcast Network . C...

Look up in the sky! It's not just a bird or a plane—it's an entire animated film about superhero pets! Matthew and Paul dive into DC Superpets , where they find unexpected layers of inquiry and a barrel of laughs. Plus, they touch on the poignant Avatar: The Last Airbender episode, "Appa's Lost Days." ************************************************************************** This episode is a prod...

We're thrilled to have Jess Plummer on board to discuss Season 1 of She-Hulk . Join us as we dive into the nuances and highlights of the series. ************************************************************************** This episode is a production of Superhero Ethics , an Ethical Panda podcast and part of the TruStory FM Entertainment Podcast Network . Check out our website to find out more about...