Robert Jones's Blog, page 15

Graphic Mythology: Hellsignor

Not all mythic characters can be heroes. For the sake of writing an interesting story, one must have villains, including those of the supernatural variety. Hellsignor is a good example of this in Part 2 of The Dark Age storyline from Astro City. I like the way that this character typifies evil. He’s a conceited … Continue reading Graphic Mythology: Hellsignor →

Graphic Mythology: The Hanged Man

This character is, for me, a close second to the Confessor. If I knew more of his back story, he might well be my favorite. I may be at odds with myself on this one, though, because a large part of his appeal is wrapped up in the mystery which surrounds him. He has a … Continue reading Graphic Mythology: The Hanged Man →

Graphic Mythology: The Confessor

WARNING: SPOILER ALERT for those who have not read Confession in the Astro City series. You might want to read the graphic novel first. The Confessor is my favorite character in the Astro City pantheon, but there are a number of volumes I have yet to read. So… who knows? The original Confessor is a … Continue reading Graphic Mythology: The Confessor →

Graphic Mythology: The Crossbreed

The Crossbreed are a team of superheroes of Christian orientation within the pantheon of Astro City. Their names and powers are derived from biblical stories. Noah can control the weather. Mary has wings and can fly. Peter controls the ground. Daniel is a leonid man of violent principle. David is a giant. Joshua can emit … Continue reading Graphic Mythology: The Crossbreed →

Graphic Mythology: A Goddess Of Sorts

Last week was the bait. I made mention of two characters (Wonder Woman and Thor) from the DC and Marvel comic book universes. Now for the switch. I decided not to look any further into those pantheons since I have already posted about some characters from the Disney Marvel cinematic universe. I have opted instead … Continue reading Graphic Mythology: A Goddess Of Sorts →

Graphic Mythology: Invasion

On December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was attacked. One of my uncles (Bud on my mother’s side) was actually there and survived to tell about it. That same month, American comic books were invaded by the gods (well, a demigod, anyway) when Wonder Woman debuted in an issue whose company would eventually merge with another … Continue reading Graphic Mythology: Invasion →

Mythology In Space: Part 8

The final book of the space trilogy by C. S. was for me the most absorbing. I found That Hideous Strength to be a true page turner. It describes a cosmic battle between diabolical sterility (symbolized by the moon and championed by a secretive organization) and the blessed messiness of life (championed by a group … Continue reading Mythology In Space: Part 8 →

Mythology In Space: Part 7

Perelandra is the second book in the Space Trilogy by C. S. Lewis. Originally, this was my least favorite in the series, but my appreciation for this work has grown since then. When I first read this story, I didn’t enjoy the planetary landscape as much as that of Malacandra (Mars), but the author’s description … Continue reading Mythology In Space: Part 7 →

Mythology In Space: Part 6

I found Out of the Silent Planet by C. S. Lewis to be an intriguing mix of Greco Roman mythology, Christianity, and science fiction. The pacing is slower than what contemporary readers have been conditioned to expect, but this is an example where I believe patience will be rewarded. The prosaic style for me was … Continue reading Mythology In Space: Part 6 →

Mythology In Space: Part 5

This week, I turn to what I consider a more complete synthesis of mythology and science fiction: the space trilogy by C. S. Lewis. I believe that some of the modern day criticisms of this series (which are relatively few and minor) have arisen from unfamiliarity with the literary works which Lewis apparently used as … Continue reading Mythology In Space: Part 5 →