Why Catholics Should Read Comics

Here's a new web site that I'll be checking out: Holy Heroes. It's basically about religion in comic books. I haven't read enough posts to know the precise religious affiliations of the folks involved, but it's interesting stuff thus far.

What lots of people don't realize is that the comic books are uniquely built for telling stories grounded in Catholic theology. The idea of comics as the modern day myths a la Zeus, Horus, etc. has been examined thoroughly over the years, so it's easy to see a religious character to their stories. Whether it's gods trying to live as men (aka DC) or men trying to live as gods (aka Marvel), the comparisons are there.

Why is it especially apt for Catholic stuff, though?

Because the underlying theme of all these heroic stories is sacrifice, despite the vast powers of the characters. It's about carrying a cross and offering up all those things that you most desire in the name of that which is greater than yourself. You aren't going to find much prosperity Gospel around. Cheap grace? Doubtful. Easy roads to salvation? Probably not.

Close enough to the call to holiness for me.