Superhero Ethics

Latest Episodes:

Ep 67: Car Talk, Balance of Powered Apr 11, 2019

Show notes

How do you honor the rights of all in a society where some people have great powers, and others do not? What responsibility is it fair to put on those with great power, if any? And can Jacob and Matthew record a podcast, and a caraoke song, while zooming down a highway?
We took advantage of another long car trip to bring you a car talk episode, recorded on a phone in a car. We’ll be back in the studio and with an actual outline, soon, but we got into some great questions this time we think you will enjoy. Whether you enjoy, skip or suffer through, the caraoke at the end, is a question between you and your maker.
Want to continue the discussion with us? Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? We’ve got options for you!
You can post questions, or respond to our episode threads in our Superhero Ethics Facebook Group, or talk to us on the podcast’s Twitter account, or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com. Each of your co-hosts also has their own twitter,
Matthew is CapedEthicist, https://twitter.com/CapedEthicist
Jacob is BotsRPeopleToo https://twitter.com/BotsRPeopleToo
Support this podcast through our Patreon page! Patreon is a great way to support creators like us through donations, and get great rewards for your help. You can even pick a topic for an upcoming episode! https://www.patreon.com/superheroethics
Want to show your love for Superhero Ethics with a t-shirt, hoodie, cell phone case, mouse pad, or other swag? We now have a store where you can buy any of those things and more! https://www.teepublic.com/user/superheroethics
Lastly, you probably heard some great music at the start of our podcast. That music comes from the deeply talented Jack Hesse.. You can follow him on Twitter at Jack_608, https://twitter.com/jack_608

Ep 66: Goodbye Netflix MCU :( Mar 28, 2019

Show notes

What made the Netflix MCU different from most other ways of telling superhero stories? What questions were raised by Daredevil S3 and Iron Fist S2? And what happens when Jacob and Matthew are actually supposed to talk Netflix MCU, instead of just constantly going there on tangents?
Want to continue the discussion with us? Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? We’ve got options for you!
You can post questions, or respond to our episode threads in our Superhero Ethics Facebook Group, or talk to us on the podcast’s Twitter account, or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com. Each of your co-hosts also has their own twitter,
Matthew is CapedEthicist, https://twitter.com/CapedEthicist
Jacob is BotsRPeopleToo https://twitter.com/BotsRPeopleToo
Support this podcast through our Patreon page! Patreon is a great way to support creators like us through donations, and get great rewards for your help. You can even pick a topic for an upcoming episode! https://www.patreon.com/superheroethics
Want to show your love for Superhero Ethics with a t-shirt, hoodie, cell phone case, mouse pad, or other swag? We now have a store where you can buy any of those things and more! https://www.teepublic.com/user/superheroethics
Lastly, you probably heard some great music at the start and the end of our podcast. That music comes from the deeply talented Jack Hesse.. You can follow him on Twitter at Jack_608, https://twitter.com/jack_608

Ep 65- The Angry Hero Mar 14, 2019

Show notes

Ep 65: The Angry Hero
Is anger a righteous trait in a hero, or a dangerous one? Who gets to be angry, and who how does race and gender play into it? Where is the line between anger and hate, and what is the relationship between anger and power? Jacob and Matthew dive into these questions and more on this episode.
Want to continue the discussion with us? Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? We’ve got options for you!
You can post questions, or respond to our episode threads in our Superhero Ethics Facebook Group, or talk to us on the podcast’s Twitter account, or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com. Each of your co-hosts also has their own twitter,
Matthew is CapedEthicist, https://twitter.com/CapedEthicist
Jacob is BotsRPeopleToo https://twitter.com/BotsRPeopleToo
Support this podcast through our Patreon page! Patreon is a great way to support creators like us through donations, and get great rewards for your help. You can even pick a topic for an upcoming episode! https://www.patreon.com/superheroethics
Want to show your love for Superhero Ethics with a t-shirt, hoodie, cell phone case, mouse pad, or other swag? We now have a store where you can buy any of those things and more! https://www.teepublic.com/user/superheroethics
Lastly, you probably heard some great music at the start and the end of our podcast. That music comes from the deeply talented Jack Hesse.. You can follow him on Twitter at Jack_608, https://twitter.com/jack_608

Ep 64: The Jedi, the Sith, and good ol' Palps Mar 04, 2019

Show notes

Are the Sith the mustache twirling villains the initially appear to be, or is there a method to their madness? Where did the Jedi go wrong? Are emotions something to be held back, or fully embraced in a space wizard, and how did the Jedi and Sith codes inform each other?
Jacob and Matthew jump into these questions, with the help of friend and fellow Star Wars Nerd Extraordinaire, Jonah Kellman. Jonah cares far too much about Star Wars, particularly the extended universe. When not ranting, he can be found reading, playing video games or delving into worldbuilding. Find him on facebook or around the internet as Muscratt.
Want to continue the discussion with us? Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? We’ve got options for you!
You can post questions, or respond to our episode threads in our Superhero Ethics Facebook Group, or talk to us on the podcast’s Twitter account, or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com. Each of your co-hosts also has their own twitter,
Matthew is CapedEthicist, https://twitter.com/CapedEthicist
Jacob is BotsRPeopleToo https://twitter.com/BotsRPeopleToo
Here are some of the books and other products we discussed on the show. If you are interested in checking any of them out, and possibly buying any, please use the links below. Part of every purchase is turned into support for Superhero Ethics at absolutely no charge to you!
Darth Bane- The Story of the creation of the modern Sith, and the Rule of Two.
Darth Plagius - The Sith who trained Emperor Palpatine
Republic Commandos - Stories of clone soldiers
Kenobi - Adventures of Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi in the years after the fall of the Republic
The Clone Wars- Animated TV show that shows the corruption of the Jedi and the fall of the Republic. Much better than the movies or any of the prequels.
Another great way to support our work is through our Patreon page! Patreon is a great way to support creators like us through donations, and get great rewards for your help. You can even pick a topic for an upcoming episode! https://www.patreon.com/superheroethics
Want to show your love for Superhero Ethics with a t-shirt, hoodie, cell phone case, mouse pad, or other swag? We now have a store where you can buy any of those things and more! https://www.teepublic.com/user/superheroethics
Lastly, you probably heard some great music ending our podcast. This thanks to the deeply talented Jack Hesse, who also composed our intro music. You can follow him on Twitter at Jack_608, https://twitter.com/jack_608

Ep 63: The Orville's Prime Directive Feb 15, 2019

Show notes

Is Star Trek’s concept of the Prime Directive the only ethical way for one culture to act toward a less developed one? What are the rewards, and dangers, in intervening? And what do you do when someone builds an entire religion around you doing one nice thing?
In this episode, Jacob and Matthew look at Mad Idolatry, the final episode of Season 1 of the Orville, and dig into the larger questions it examines. Whether you are a hard core Orvillian, or never seen the show, there is a lot here to think about and enjoy. We summarize the episode and focus on the larger issues at play, digging into questions asked by this show, Star Trek, and so much of Science Fiction.
Want to continue the discussion with us? Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? We’ve got options for you!
You can post questions, or respond to our episode threads in our Superhero Ethics Facebook Group, or talk to us on the podcast’s Twitter account, or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com. Each of your co-hosts also has their own twitter,
Matthew is CapedEthicist, https://twitter.com/CapedEthicist
Jacob is BotsRPeopleToo https://twitter.com/BotsRPeopleToo
Many of you have been asking how you can support the podcast. Now you can at our new Pateron page! Patreon is a great way to support creators like us through donations, and get great rewards for your help. You can even pick a topic for an upcoming episode! https://www.patreon.com/superheroethics
Want to show your love for Superhero Ethics with a t-shirt, hoodie, cell phone case, mouse pad, or other swag? We now have a store where you can buy any of those things and more! https://www.teepublic.com/user/superheroethics
Lastly, you probably heard some great music ending our podcast. This thanks to the deeply talented Jack Hesse, who also composed our intro music. You can follow him on Twitter at Jack_608, https://twitter.com/jack_608

Ep 62: In the Shadow of a Vorlon Jan 31, 2019

Show notes

Order or Chaos, or is that a false dichotomy? What are the dangers of one culture trying to guide and support the growth of another? Is Babylon 5 an allegory for the Cold War?
In this episode, we take on these questions and more, as we look at the Vorlons and the Shadows from Babylon 5. There will be spoilers galore, but even if you have never seen the show, we will bring you up to speed so you can understand the questions the show raises that we are diving into.
ALSO! This is the first new* episode of the year, and we have some bigs new to announce!
Many of you have been asking how you can support the podcast. Now you can at our new Pateron page! Patreon is a great way to support creators like us through donations, and get great rewards for your help. You can even pick a topic for an upcoming episode! https://www.patreon.com/superheroethics
Want to show your love for Superhero Ethics with a t-shirt, hoodie, cell phone case, mouse pad, or other swag? We now have a store where you can buy any of those things and more! https://www.teepublic.com/user/superheroethics They have a new store sale running for the next day and a half, so check it out!
Want to continue the discussion with us? Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? You now have two new great ways to do so. Jacob and Matthew have each started their own twitter account!
Matthew is CapedEthicist, https://twitter.com/CapedEthicist
Jacob is BotsRPeopleToo https://twitter.com/BotsRPeopleToo
That is in addition to our Superhero Ethics Facebook Page, which is the best way to join in the conversations. You can also find us on the Twitter account for this podcast, or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com.
Lastly, you probably heard some great music ending our podcast. This thanks to the deeply talented Jack Hesse, who also composed our intro music. You can follow him on Twitter at Jack_608, https://twitter.com/jack_608
*2018 year in review was recorded in 2018, but posted in 2019.

Ep 61: 2018 Year Jan 14, 2019

Show notes

Ep 61: 2018 Year in Review
2018 was one hell of a year, and Jacob and Matthew go deep on some of their favorite characters and questions from the year that was. We re-examine old questions, talk about what we learned this year, and what we are excited to see in 2019.
You can download the episode with a right click and clicking "save link as" or subscribe by searching for Superhero Ethics on Itunes or on Stitcher.
Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? Let us know! We recently started a Superhero Ethics Facebook Group, which is the best way to join in the conversations. You can also find us on Twitter or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com
Here are each of their year end lists.
BEST CHARACTERS OF 2018
Matthew
Luke Skywalker (Star Wars)
Kingpin (Daredevil)
Black Mariah (Luke Cage)
Eric Killmonger (Black Panther)
Tandy/Dagger (Cloak & Dagger)
Hon. Mention: Superman
Jacob
Kingpin (Daredevil)
Misty Knight (MCU Shows)
Jessica Jones (MCU Shows)
Sam Winchester (Supernatural)
T’Challa (Black Panther)
FAVORITE ETHICAL QUESTIONS OF 2018
Matthew
Infinity War- Should we trade lives?
Dangers of religion (Jedi)
Toxicity in fandom
Glorification of violence
Can you be a superhero who doesn’t kill?
Jacob
Use of violence
Toxicity in fandom
Kingpin & punisher
Infinity War- Should we trade lives?
Devotion to a Cause
THINGS WE LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2019
Matthew
Captain Marvel
The Future of the Jedi/Star Wars
Magic the Gathering Story
The Orville
Good Omens
Jacob
The Future of the Jedi/Star Wars
Infinity War- End Game
Good Omens
Daughters of the Dragon
The Orville
FIVE CONCERNS WE HAVE IN 2019
Matthew
Infinity War
Disney taking over Netflix MCU
The Joker movie
Toxicity in fandom
Tumblr and future of adult fandom
Jacob
Future of the Jedi in Star Wars
Infinity War
More angry male heroes seeking revenge
Future of Punisher
Disney taking over Netflix MCU
FIVE THINGS WE WISHED WE TALKED ABOUT MORE IN 2018
Matthew
Dr. Who
Cloak & Dagger
Runaways
Supergirl
Black Lightning
Jacob
Misty Knight & her disability
Jeri Hogarth in Jessica Jones
Iron Fist Season 2
Any DC Movie
(Jacob only had 4)

Ep 60: Batman AND Superman Dec 12, 2018

Show notes

The Dark Knight and the Man of Steel. Why do we tell so many stories about the two of them together? How do their approaches to justice differ, and why does that matter? Do they work best as enemies, allies, or in their own worlds? Special guest Jessica Plummer joins Jacob and Matthew to discuss these questions and more!
Jessica Plummer lives in New York and loves Superman very very much. You can listen to just how much on her Superman podcast, Flights and Tights (http://flightsandtights.libsyn.com/). She also writes about comics and books in general at BookRiot.com (https://bookriot.com/author/jessica-plummer/). Find her on Twitter @jess_plummer.
Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? Let us know! We recently started a Superhero Ethics Facebook Group, which is the best way to join in the conversations. You can also find us on Twitter or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com

Ep 59 - Thankful for Luke Cage Nov 20, 2018

Show notes

Need something to listen to on the long car trip home? Want a distraction from talking to your racist uncle or having to hear about your cousin's new get rich quick scheme? We've got a podcast for you!
Jacob and Matthew are pretty grateful for the newest season of Luke Cage, and on this episode we dive into why we liked the show and some of the questions it brought up. We talk about revenge, history, father-son and mother-daughter relationships, and whether Harlem needs a hero or a king.
We recorded on the day of Stan Lee's death, so we also take a moment to pay tribute to the man who gave us so many of the stories we love and love to talk about.
**** SPOILER WARNING **** This episode contains a lot of spoilers for Luke Cage Season 2. Do NOT listen unless you've already seen it or are ok with learning major plot details.
One important note- Jacob and Matthew are aware that the last thing the world needs is two more white guys talking about race and Luke Cage. As such, they were intentional in focusing on other issues, and want to encourage all of our listeners to check out some of the great black voices writing and podcasting about that. Below are just a few options, but there is a lot of great stuff out there.
Blackness, Birthright, and the Battle for Harlem: Intra-Racial Conflict in Marvel’s Luke Cage Season Two by Nicosia Shakes, The Black Scholar
Luke Cage’ Season 2 Taps into Black Consciousness by Christina Santi, Ebony Magazine
Sweet Christmas in Summer: A ‘Luke Cage’ Season Two Endorsement by Shawn Taylor, Nerds of Color
Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? Let us know! We recently started a Superhero Ethics Facebook Group, which is the best way to join in the conversations. You can also find us on Twitter or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com

Ep 58: Red Son Zenith Nov 08, 2018

Show notes

Is Superman a product of nature or nurture? This episode looks at the Red Son story, which imagines an alternative future in which Kal-El landed in the USSR, and grew up to fight for Truth, Justice, and the Communist Way. We ask how Superman would be changed by being raised in a different culture, and what that tells us about his core ideals, and ours.
This episode also features special guest, Jess Dunks. Jess is a former USAF Korean Linguist and a professional level judge for Magic: the Gathering events. He's also been a fan of superhero stories ever since he found a comic book store he could walk to when he was 12, and his favorite hero is Boo, the only Miniature Giant Space Hamster in the Realm.
Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? Let us know! We recently started a Superhero Ethics Facebook Group, which is the best way to join in the conversations. You can also find us on Twitter or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com

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