Comic Book Character

by David A. Zimmerman

A Likewise book. Power and responsibility. Truth and justice. Never-ending vigilance against the doers of evil. These themes permeate comic book superhero stories in print, on movie and television... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0830832602
• ISBN13: 9780830832606
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: InterVarsity Press
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.6" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Comic book superheroes as a natural extension of mythology and religious figures

As soon as I was able to read, I had my nose in comic books. My parents did their grocery shopping at a store where the owners allowed me to read the comics on the racks as long as my parents shopped there. It was a tremendous gift to me, as I can still remember some of the plots and was thrilled when the next issue of a serial would arrive. Since there was a wide selection at this store and I wanted to read all of them, I learned to read very fast, a skill that has proven very useful. As Zimmerman points out, until recently, the content of comic books was largely a simple morality play of good versus evil, where good always wins, yet evil is never truly defeated. Despite their despicable nature, the villain was never killed by the hero, they somehow survive and will come back to execute their mayhem in other ways. Furthermore, Zimmerman is also quite right in pointing out that comic book superheroes are a logical extension of many of the myths so common to all cultures. The Greeks, Romans and Norse all had their gods, some of which even became characters in comic books. However, the gods of modern religions have always been taboo, as it would have been considered blasphemy to have an entity such as Allah a character in a comic book. Zimmerman completes the circle by pointing out the similarities between comic book superheroes and Jesus, Allah and the actions of other significant figures in the development and practice of modern religions. Once again, it is a logical and natural extension of what is in essence a fundamental human craving. Namely, the desire for heroes, the existence of someone that is capable of fixing your problems, if only you can get their attention and prove yourself worthy.

Very insightful

It's nice to see books like this for the Christian comic geek. There are so many books out there like "how to be a superhero", etc. that spoof the pop-culture, but these types of books make something of that culture. Something good. Every generation has their problems, and likewise, every generation needs heroes. Too few people are willing to go the distance in their walk with God, so as to become a true speedster of the light. I'm glad for books like this, and I'm sure any new readers will be too. Also check out "Who Needs a Superhero?" That one was life changing for me. -Matt

Wannabe a hero.....you just might be one

This book was an eye opener for me in some respects. I used to collect comic books some years ago. I do enjoy the superhero movies of past and present. I am also a person of faith. This book broke down some of the misconceptions about Comic Books. It also placed a frame around a good discussion......Why do we need heros? But most of all for me it made me realize I had some things to be thankful for, just by looking at my life from a different viewpoint. POW-ZAPPING Kudos to the author!

Super Hero's as a Moral Center?

Zimmerman does a adaquate job of finding a spiritual center for many of the characters well known in the comic book universe. Though some of his observations may seem like marginal "philosophical stretches", he excels in showing how the dilema's facing the Super Hero in comics, can be very metaphorical to our world today. Could be a very powerful outreach for teen youth programs, to incite conversation and thought from a genre that they are genuinely interested in. Robert James Luedke, (Author...Eye Witness: A Fictional Tale of Absolute Truth)

Superhero Theology...

Zimmerman's book is both an entertaining and educational read. He is an unapologetic comic book geek with an obvious passion about his subject. The brilliant thing about this book is that it is not really about comic book superheroes, it is about reality (ironic) and what makes life worth living. Zimmerman is at his best when he uses the world of comic book heroes to ask questions of ultimate meaning about life in our own world. The book does not give many straightforward answers to life's questions, but it does help us to know if we are looking in the right direction, namely toward the God of the Bible. I found the combination of historical insight, cultural analysis, theological reflection and general wittines to be thoroughly engaging. This book will probably be read most by fans of comics, but that is a shame because it speaks to us all.