Superhero Ethics

Latest Episodes:

Ep 48: Who Watches Superman May 02, 2018

Show notes

Should the heroes who enforce justice, also decide what is or isn’t just? Where are the lines between heroism, vigilantism, or just using your powers to do what you want? And does great power actually come with great responsibility, or is that too much to ask of people with powers?
In this episode, Jacob and Matthew use Kingdom Come, a fantastic 1996 run of Superman comic books, as a jumping off point to dive into these questions and more. This episode explores questions around justice, power, law enforcement, and accountability, in the superhero world and our own. And while the books are amazing, (and find-able online!) you don’t have to have read them to appreciate this conversation.
Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? Let us know! You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com

Ep 47: Ready Podcast One Apr 11, 2018

Show notes

What is the responsibility of a filmmaker to stay true to a book? What is the problem with 'girl as prize' romance plotlines? And is it possible Jacob and Matthew enjoyed the movie of a book they are so critical of?
This week, Jacob and Matthew throw down their quarters for a two player, two part, deep dive. They start out talking about the book and their hopes and concerns about the movie- than hit pause, watch the movie, and finish recording the podcast that same night! We dove into a number of issues, taking as comprehensive and well ordered approach to the work as anyone can at 11pm.
Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? Let us know! You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com. Twitter hashtag: #Readyplayerethics
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.

Ep 46: The Last Jedi Part 2 Apr 03, 2018

Show notes

In part 2 of our discussion with Author and Star Wars Geek Extraordinaire, Becky Allen, we dive into Rey’s Journey, explore Luke’s issues with the Jedi, and critique some of the critiques of the movie. You can find the first part of our discussion in our previous episode.
Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? Let us know! You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com
Becky Allen is the author of Bound by Blood and Sand and the sequel, Freed by Flame and Storm. She grew up outside Ithaca, New York, and graduated from Brandeis University with a major in American studies and a minor in journalism. She is the product manager for TheBody.com, an online HIV resource, and loves New York, brunch, and feminism.
You can find and purchase Becky’s books at her Goodreads page, or follow her on any of the following sites:
twitter.com/allreb
beckytext.tumblr.com
facebook.com/beckyallenbooks
instagram.com/allreb
www.beckyallenbooks.com
For more about fridging.
At the end of this episode, we reference an upcoming podcast on codes of honor and Brandon Sanderson’s, The Way of Kings. Due to some technical issues, we wound up publishing that episode before this one was ready.

Ep 45: The Last Jedi, Part 1 Mar 19, 2018

Show notes

What is the narrative power of failure, and how is it used in The Last Jedi? What did we learn from Admiral Holdo and Po about power, and trusting leaders, and the role of gender in that? Author and Star Wars geek extrodinaire, Becky Allen, joins us again to discuss these questions and more. It turns out the three of us had a lot ot say on this topic, so this is only part 1, of a 2 part episiode! Stay tuned for part 2 to hit next week.
Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? Let us know! You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com
Becky Allen is the author of Bound by Blood and Sand and the sequel, Freed by Flame and Storm. She grew up outside Ithaca, New York, and graduated from Brandeis University with a major in American studies and a minor in journalism. She is the product manager for TheBody.com, an online HIV resource, and loves New York, brunch, and feminism.
You can find and purchase Becky’s books at her Goodreads page, or follow her on any of the following sites:
twitter.com/allreb
beckytext.tumblr.com
facebook.com/beckyallenbooks
instagram.com/allreb
www.beckyallenbooks.com

Ep 44- Radiant Ethics: Examining the Oaths in the Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson Mar 08, 2018

Show notes

Should life always come before death? Should we favor the journey over the destination? And can there be an episode of Superhero Ethics without Matthew? In this episode, Jacob is joined by special guest Rob McKenzie for a discussion of The Way of Kings, book 1 in the Stormlight Archive, by Brandon Sanderson.
In particular, they focus on the oaths of the Knights Radiant, discussing the ethical implications of this moral code within the book, and as it applies to other stories, and the real world.
Rob McKenzie is a science fiction and fantasy reader and Magic the Gathering judge from Minnesota. He is passionate about interesting books, running great gaming events, and helping other people have fun with their passions.

Ep 43: The Punisher Feb 12, 2018

Show notes

What makes Netflix’s The Punisher so good, and so troubling, at the same time? Can you tell a story about the evils of guns and violence, while glorifying gun violence? And can anyone explain the concept of collateral damage to Karen?
Special guest Jessica Plummer joins Jacob and Matthew as we dive into these questions and more. Jessica is a writer, podcaster, and superhero obsessive. She's written about the Punisher here and here. You can find her on Twitter at @jess_plummer, or follow her Superman movie podcast, Flights and Tights, at @flightstights
Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? Let us know! You can find us on Twitter, and Facebook, or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com

Ep 42: Hopelessly Devoted, at What Cost? Jan 25, 2018

Show notes

A hero is supposed to be devoted. To their country, to their cause, to their friends- whatever it may be, heroes are often defined by the thing they are willing to go to any extreme to protect and defend.
But what happens when that goes too far? On this episode, Jacob and Matthew discuss the costs of devotion, looking at the ways a cause can blind a person to the damage it is doing, to themself or to others.
This post contains spoilers about Captain America, Babylon 5, the Punisher, the 100, and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? Let us know! You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com
Our next two shows will be about The Punisher and Star Wars The Last Jedi, respectivly. Have a question or a comment about either that you want to hear us discuss? Let us know!

Ep 41: Orvillian Ethics Jan 09, 2018

Show notes

What happens when social media and public opinion rule the world? How does an all-male species react to the birth of female child? And can Seth McFarland leave behind the problems of much of his earlier writing.
Like the Star Trek shows it pays homage to, The Orville uses science fiction to hold a mirror to our own world. Matthew and Jacob explore this show, the questions it raises, and some of their concerns about t.
Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? Let us know! You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com

Ep 40: 2017 End of the Year Wrap-Up Dec 29, 2017

Show notes

Jacob and Matthew take a look back at 2017, talking about our favorite characters and ethical questions from the year, and where we think we dropped the ball. We also look ahead to 2018, talking about what we are most excited about and what we are most concerned about, in terms of movies and TV coming to us in the next year.
As we wrap up the year, here are some of the other content creators we think you should check out!
Becky Allen: She was our guest on our episode on Star Wars and the Hero’s Journey, You can find and purchase Becky’s books at her Goodreads page, or follow her podcast, Rachel and Becky Judge Things.
Stealing the Remote: A great podcast where a guy watches movies with his mom.
JP Fairfield: Our guest on The Ethics of Arrows, she is a co-host of Nerdgasm Noire Network, a podcast featuring 5 nerdy women with strong opinions.
MCU Podcast: The definitive podcast about the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
DC on Screen Podcast: The definitive podcast about the DC Universe, on movies and TV.
372 Pages we’ll Never get Back: A hilariously critical podcast book club about Ready Player One.
Welcome to Nightvale: One of Jacob’s favorite podcasts, a twice-monthly podcast in the style of community updates for the small desert town of Night Vale, featuring local weather, news, announcements from the Sheriff's Secret Police, mysterious lights in the night sky, dark hooded figures with unknowable powers, and cultural events.
And lastly, 5 ways you can help Superhero Ethics in the coming year!
Leave us a review on Itunes.
Talk to us on Facebook/Twitter. Let us know what you think of questions we raise.
Share the podcast with your friends. Help us spread the word.
Give us ideas. What do you want to see us talk about in the coming year? Tell us.
Keep Listening! Our fans are the heart and soul of this podcast. Thank you for listening.
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! You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com

Ep 39: Thor & the Value of Fluff Dec 12, 2017

Show notes

Thor: Ragnarok is pretty and fun, but there’s nothing here that we can dive into for an episode, right? Challenge accepted!
This week we explore a number of from and about Thor. We talk about Odin’s revisionist history, and the evolving relationship between Thor and Loki. We also talk about the value of movies that don’t hit us with deep ethical questions, and how that balances with our love of heavier fare.
Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? Let us know! You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com

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