ThoughtGallery.org > ‘Christ in Comics: Christology’s Influence on Superhero Mythos’ Webinar

‘Christ in Comics: Christology’s Influence on Superhero Mythos’ Webinar

“For Jor-el so loved the world he gave his only begotten son, with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men!”

Ever since superheroes first burst upon the American scene in the late 1930s, they have always used their mighty superpowers to defend the causes of “truth, justice, and the American way,” to quote the famous motto of the first superhero, Superman. But there is something more…something embedded in the superhero mythos that goes deeper than their surface feats of derring-do.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore how superheroes in American comic book history have always reflected Christological aspects of heroism and self-sacrifice, whether overtly or unconsciously.

Led by award-winning comic book art illustrator and historian Arlen Schumer, this uplifting “visualecture” filled with stylized images and original art will include:

  • An overview of the pioneering comic book artists and how their religious backgrounds influenced their superhero character mythos
  • A discussion around the morals of early superheroes — for all of their mighty displays of super-strength, heightened senses, and supernatural abilities, their greatest super-power was the power of love: the love every superhero has for the people they’re protecting from harm or rescuing from the forces of evil
  • Countless examples of sacrifice from comic book superheroes throughout history, and why they always risked their lives for their friends, families, or mankind itself — “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” from John 15:13 is one of the most memorable passages in The New Testament
  • Appearances of Christ in comics, from Picture Stories from The Bible, to the Christian tracts of Jack Chick, to The Gospel According to Peanuts

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Arlen — any and all questions about comic books are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Arlen

Arlen Schumer, MFA is one of the foremost historians of comic book art, named by Comic Book Artist magazine in 1998 as “one of the more articulate and enthusiastic advocates of comic book art in America.” His coffee table book, The Silver Age of Comic Book Art, won the Independent Publishers Book Award for best Popular Culture book.

Schumer is also one of comic book art’s most idiosyncratic practitioners, creating award-winning illustrations for the advertising and editorial markets.

“One of the country’s pre-eminent authorities on comics and culture.” —Jon Meyerson, Producer, ABC News’ 20/20

“Nobody speaks about comics with more authority, understanding and love than Arlen does. He is to comics what Pauline Kael was to movies.” —Clem Robins, letterer for DC and Marvel Comics











When: Tue., Mar. 30, 2021 at 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Where: No Location
Via livestream

Price: $10
Buy tickets/get more info now
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“For Jor-el so loved the world he gave his only begotten son, with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men!”

Ever since superheroes first burst upon the American scene in the late 1930s, they have always used their mighty superpowers to defend the causes of “truth, justice, and the American way,” to quote the famous motto of the first superhero, Superman. But there is something more…something embedded in the superhero mythos that goes deeper than their surface feats of derring-do.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore how superheroes in American comic book history have always reflected Christological aspects of heroism and self-sacrifice, whether overtly or unconsciously.

Led by award-winning comic book art illustrator and historian Arlen Schumer, this uplifting “visualecture” filled with stylized images and original art will include:

  • An overview of the pioneering comic book artists and how their religious backgrounds influenced their superhero character mythos
  • A discussion around the morals of early superheroes — for all of their mighty displays of super-strength, heightened senses, and supernatural abilities, their greatest super-power was the power of love: the love every superhero has for the people they’re protecting from harm or rescuing from the forces of evil
  • Countless examples of sacrifice from comic book superheroes throughout history, and why they always risked their lives for their friends, families, or mankind itself — “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” from John 15:13 is one of the most memorable passages in The New Testament
  • Appearances of Christ in comics, from Picture Stories from The Bible, to the Christian tracts of Jack Chick, to The Gospel According to Peanuts

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Arlen — any and all questions about comic books are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Arlen

Arlen Schumer, MFA is one of the foremost historians of comic book art, named by Comic Book Artist magazine in 1998 as “one of the more articulate and enthusiastic advocates of comic book art in America.” His coffee table book, The Silver Age of Comic Book Art, won the Independent Publishers Book Award for best Popular Culture book.

Schumer is also one of comic book art’s most idiosyncratic practitioners, creating award-winning illustrations for the advertising and editorial markets.

“One of the country’s pre-eminent authorities on comics and culture.” —Jon Meyerson, Producer, ABC News’ 20/20

“Nobody speaks about comics with more authority, understanding and love than Arlen does. He is to comics what Pauline Kael was to movies.” —Clem Robins, letterer for DC and Marvel Comics

Buy tickets/get more info now