4.12.2008
Revamping a Classic Occult Character
Longtime readers of this blog will note that I like to keep tabs on occult and Pagan themes found in comic books. Several luminaries within the occult/Pagan community have written for comics, Rachel Pollack, Alexei Kondratiev, and David Sexton to name a few, while many comic writers and artists have dipped their toes into the occult arts and Pagan religion. Alan Moore and Grant Morrison, for example. There is just something about the medium of sequential art that makes it a fertile ground for explorations of the unseen.
Madame Xanadu from her 1978 debut.
The latest upcoming comic project to explore myth, magic, and mystery is a revamp of the classic DC Comics tarot-reading occult character Madame Xanadu. The project will be released under the Vertigo imprint (which put out Neil Gaiman's The Sandman), and written by Matt Wagner, who is well known for his myth-drenched work in titles like Mage and Grendel.
"Making her debut in "Doorway to Nightmare" #1 in 1978, Madame Xanadu was originally introduced as a reincarnation of the Lady of the Lake from Arthurian legend. Over the years, the character settled into a role as fortune-teller and resident occult advisor to the DCU. Wagner's Madame Xanadu's story also opens centuries ago in a medieval kingdom ripe with intrigue and "foul sorcery." 'This is her origin story and it's a long one,' Wagner told CBR News. 'The narrative begins quite a ways in the past but it progresses through both time and various, fairly famous locales until we ultimately end up in Greenwich Village.'"
According to Wagner, the book will be a re-imagining of the character, and will take time to explain her past (including why an Arthurian sorceress is named "Xanadu"). Handling art on the series will be Amy Hadley, who brings a fresh manga-influenced style to the project.
Madame Xanadu by Amy Hadley
"Madame Xanadu presents a challenge for Wagner as a creator even though his own character, Mage, had mythical ties to King Arthur and Merlin as well. 'This is an entirely new and different sort of project for me,' he said ... 'Her main activity is fortune-telling and predicting the future, so she's a character who's constantly looking for better ways to do that. She searches for pattern in all things because she feels that the events of the future are written in the constructs of the present and the past.'"
You can see a two-page preview of "Madame Xanadu" on Amy Hadley's LiveJournal. The first issue is scheduled to be released on June 25th, 2008, and should be available in finer comic stores everywhere. This should be a treat for fans of occult-oriented comic books.
Labels: Amy Hadley, art, Comics, Madame Xanadu, Matt Wagner, occult, Tarot
11.25.2007
(Pagan) News of Note
My semi-regular round-up of articles, essays, and opinions of note for discerning Pagans and Heathens.
If you have ever read any of Alan Moore's occult-tinged comics and wondered if he would ever come through on his promise to write a grimoire of his own, wonder no longer! Top Shelf Publishers have posted promotional information concerning Moore's forthcoming book on magickal theory.
"Splendid news for boys and girls, and guaranteed salvation for humanity! Messrs. Steve and Alan Moore, current proprietors of the celebrated Moon & Serpent Grand Egyptian Theatre of Marvels (sorcery by appointment since circa 150 AD) are presently engaged in producing a clear and practical grimoire of the occult sciences that offers endless necromantic fun for all the family. Exquisitely illuminated by a host of adepts including Kevin O'Neill, Melinda Gebbie, John Coulthart, Jose Villarrubia and other stellar talents (to be named shortly), this marvelous and unprecedented tome promises to provide all that the reader could conceivably need in order to commence a fulfilling new career as a diabolist."
The bad news? It isn't scheduled for release until 2010. In the meantime you'll have to content yourself with the recently released "The Black Dossier", which features all sorts of occult tidbits for the careful reader.
The Tropaion blog has dug up a well-regarded History Channel documentary about the ancient Greek gods and goddesses on Google Video.
"History Channel once again had produced a remarkable documentary presenting the ancient Greek gods and heroes. The narrator will guide you with an extreme sense of respect towards the Hellenic religion's believes and practices giving you just the recorded facts and letting eminent Classicists from US' Universities to add their opinion. It is, thus, this combination that makes this documentary a classic work on the ancient Greek gods and their most eminent rites and rituals in the Hellenic world."
You can find a direct link to the video, here.
The Religion Clause blog is documenting "War on Christmas" skirmishes so you don't have to. Of particular interest is a legal showdown brewing in Menominee, Michigan, where an atheist group is unhappy about the erection of a nativity scene in a public park.
"The co-president of Freedom From Religion Foundation, based in Madison, Wis., said in a Nov. 15 letter that the display would violate the separation of church and state. "It is unlawful for the city of Menominee to maintain, erect or host a display that consists solely of a Nativity scene, thus singling out, showing preference for and endorsing one religion, and commemorating its most holy day," Annie Laurie Gaylor wrote to Menominee city manager Eric Strahl."
The city of Menominee is trying to legally protect itself by having a provision stating that "non-Christians be allowed to add their symbols". I can only hope that this means an enterprising Pagan group or two are getting public displays ready to sit next to the nativity scene. What about a baby Mithras? A mini-temple to Saturn? How about a Yule Goat? Lets get creative here!
It isn't the holiday season without a visit from the ghost of Satanic Panic's past. A strange case involving a mayor in a small Arkansas town who claimed he was kidnapped by Satanists and brainwashed into his current identity made the national news recently. To make sense of it all, Bartholomew unravels all the "Satanic Panic" connections.
"LaRose claims that he only regained his original identity after being brainwashed when he was given a truth serum by Dr. Marvin DeHaan, brother of the radio evangelist Richard DeHaan. Richard W. DeHaan is the author of Satan, Satanism, and Witchcraft, published in 1972 by Zondervan. The book came out at a time when popular Christian paperbacks on Satanism were in their heyday: a year later, Mike Warnke (with the help of David Balsiger) produced The Satan Seller, a now thoroughly-debunked memoir of life as a Satanist. The momentum from books like these eventually led to the "Satanic panic" of the 1980s."
Looks like Satanists aren't just good for selling pulpy Christian books, they can also help you start a new life when things get rough. Is there anything imaginary Satanists can't do?
In a final note, check out esoteric author Erik Davis' write-up of "hard-core, shamanic, eco-metal" band Wolves in the Throne Room for Slate.com.
"The contours of this myth echo what my chat with the band after the Santa Cruz show confirmed: Wolves in the Throne Room are hard-core tree-huggers, with a Manichaean view of the environmental crisis and a pagan faith in the transformative powers of nature."
You can also read a (somewhat) longer commentary by me on this story at my music blog "A Sweeping Curve of Sound".
That is all I have for now, have a great day!
Labels: Alan Moore, Comics, Erik Davis, Greece, Magick, music, Pagan News of Note, Paganism, Satanic Panic, War on Christmas
11.23.2007
A Gift-Guide For the Pagan in Your Life
Today is "Black Friday", the traditional start to the holiday shopping season. Since I'm not nearly crazy enough to risk going anywhere near a shopping establishment today, I thought instead I would take some time this weekend to share some gift-giving ideas for the Pagan/Heathen in your life to help make your preparations for Yule, Solstice, Saturnalia, or other Winter Festival, a bit easier.
Books: If one commonality is shared across the spectrum of modern Paganism, it is that we are a book-loving group. While you'll come across the occasional anti-book scold, the vast majority of us love and cherish the printed word and take pride in our collections. A gift-card to a major book retailer is always appreciated, but if you are looking for something more personal, here are some recommendations.
Fiction: Fiction is always a difficult gift, since tastes can vary widely, but books with Pagan themes are a (somewhat) safe bet. Just be sure to include a gift-receipt in case they already own it. That being said, some interesting ideas would be Robin Hardy's novelized pseudo-sequel to cult film "The Wicker Man" entitled "Cowboys For Christ" (which is being made into a film soon), you can even include the novelization of "The Wicker Man" as a companion. If they are into mythology, Cannongate's series "The Myths" enlists talented authors like Margaret Atwood, Philip Pullman, and Jeanette Winterson to retell (or expound) on an ancient mythological story. The resulting books I have read so far have been breathtaking.
Speaking of mythical themes, perennial Pagan favorite Neil Gaiman has just released a collection of short stories, and its sure to please the "American Gods" or "Sandman" fan in the family. Urban fantasy fans of Charles DeLint would love a copy of "Widdershins" (if they don't own it already), especially since it answers a burning question long asked by fans of his "Newford" stories. Finally, for the Wiccan in your life, why not pick up a cheap used copy of Stewart Farrar's pulpy, post-apocalyptic "Wiccans save the world" novel "Omega", with prices starting at one cent, you can't go wrong.
Non-Fiction: I often opine on non-fiction here, so to be brief, you should check out my recommendations here, and here for some recent suggestions of note. Other good ideas include "Her Hidden Children", Chas Clifton's history of Paganism in America, and "The Druids" by Ronald Hutton, which looks at the various Druidic revivals throughout English history.
Comics: Unsurprisingly, comic books are often an ideal format for occult and mythic themes. There are a wide assortment of comics ideal for the Pagan soul. First off, for those who are of the Nordic persuasion, check out Brian Wood's new ongoing series "Northlanders". The first issue comes out in December, and promises to be everything you could want in a Viking comic. Any quality comic store should reserve a copy for you. A great companion to "Northlanders" would be the graphic novel retelling of Norse myths entitled (appropriately enough) "Gods of Asgard" by Xeric Grant winner Erik Evensen.
For the magickly-inclined loved one in your life, you can't do better than Alan Moore's critically acclaimed "Promethea" series, a mixture of groundbreaking art and mind-twisting metaphysics that rewards multiple readings. If the magician in your life is also into conspiracy theories and anarchy, you might also want to pick up a couple volumes of "The Invisibles" while you are at it (if they are also profound music fans, pick up "Phonogram" too, you'll be glad you did).
Tomorrow I will tackle music and video gift suggestions! In the meantime, I invite my readers (some of whom are authors), to plug their own (printed) Pagan gift suggestions in the comments.
Labels: books, Comics, gift guide 2007, occult, Paganism
11.14.2007
New Books of Note
There are some new books of interest to Pagans, Heathens, and occultists of many stripes that I would like to spotlight today. The first is "Fire Child", the long-awaited autobiography of English "Witch Queen" Maxine Sanders. Sanders is well-known in Witchcraft circles as a co-founder of Alexandrian Wicca, and for the many striking photographs taken of her performing rituals with Alex Sanders and their coven in the 1960s.
According to Sanders, the book is a way of answering the many questions she encountered from Witches about the history and development of the Craft."Last year I met American witches from different traditions of modern Craft who asked good questions and were not afraid to ask the sensitive ones. They made me see the impact Alex and I have had on the Craft. They had the right to ask and I felt obliged to answer. Writing 'Fire Child' was the perfect opportunity."
This release should be a unique treasure, autobiographies from Pagan elders are rare, especially from figures who had as large a role to play as Sanders. The book will be released on November 23rd from Mandrake of Oxford Press.
On a similar Witchcraft-related note, a new book takes a deeper look at the history of initiation rituals within the Western esoteric traditions. "Western Esotericism and Rituals of Initiation" by Henrik Bogdan, a Religious Studies and Theology professor at Goteborg University in Sweden, explores the ties and similarities between Freemasonry, and later esoteric initiatory paths, including modern Witchcraft.
"For more than three hundred years the practice of Masonic rituals of initiation has been part of Western culture, spreading far beyond the boundaries of traditional Freemasonry. Henrik Bogdan explores the historical development of these rituals and their relationship with Western esotericism. Beginning with the Craft degrees of Freemasonry - the blueprints, as it were, of all later Masonic rituals of initiation - Bogdan examines the development of the Masonic High Degrees, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn - the most influential of all nineteenth-century occultist initiatory societies - and Gerald Gardner's Witchcraft movement of the 1950s, one of the first large-scale Western esoteric New Religions Movements."The book seems like a must-read for anyone wanting a deeper understanding of where some ritual elements found within religious Witchcraft, and in turn many modern Pagan traditions, originated. You can preview the first chapter at the SUNY Press site.
Finally, we come to a book that has made it onto my Yule list, "Our Gods Wear Spandex: The Secret History of Comic Book Heroes" by Chris Knowles (with illustrations by Joseph Michael Linsner). Knowles delves deep into comic-book history to explore the mythic, occult, and religious backgrounds for many of the crime-fighting icons we know and love.
"Was Superman's arch nemesis Lex Luthor based on Aleister Crowley? Can Captain Marvel be linked to the Sun gods on antiquity? In Our Gods Wear Spandex, Christopher Knowles answers these questions and brings to light many other intriguing links between superheroes and the enchanted world of estoerica. Occult students and comic-book fans alike will discover countless fascinating connections, from little known facts such as that DC Comics editor Julius Schwartz started his career as H.P. Lovecraft's agent, to the tantalizingly extensive influence of Madame Blavatsky's Theosophy on the birth of comics, to the mystic roots of Superman. The book also traces the rise of the comic superheroes and how they relate to several cultural trends in the late 19th century, specifically the occult explosion in Western Europe and America. Knowles reveals the four basic superhero archetypes--the Messiah, the Golem, the Amazon, and the Brotherhood--and shows how the occult Bohemian underground of the early 20th century provided the inspiration for the modern comic book hero."Anyone who has spent time dissecting "The Invisibles" or "Promethea" should definitely give this a look. As a longtime comic-book fan with an interest in the esoteric, this looks like a treasure-trove of information. You can listen to a podcast interview with the author, here.
Labels: books, Chris Knowles, Comics, Freemasonry, Henrik Bogdan, Maxine Sanders, Myth, occult, Witchcraft
9.28.2007
A Few Quick Notes
A somewhat slow news day today, but there are a few smaller items that may be of interest.
The always-excellent legal blog "Religion Clause" has pointed out two recent legal cases of interest to modern Pagans. The first is a prisoner case involving an Asatru inmate:
"In Keen v. Noble, 2007 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 69629 (ED CA, Sept. 20, 2007), a California federal district court refused to dismiss a federal prisoner's complaint that his free exercise rights were violated when prison authorities refused to provide him with runestones for his Asatru religious practices. However the court agreed with a Magistrate's recommendation to dismiss on qualified immunity grounds plaintiff's complaint that he was denied a hof. The court also held that RFRA does not authorize the award of monetary damages."
So it looks like Runes as a religious tool are allowed within prison (with qualifications for safety), opening a door for similar religious items for modern Pagans and Heathens. The second case, while not involving Paganism, does seem to settle a growing issue being pushed by some Christians.
"Rivera-Alicea v. Gonzalez-Galoffin, 2007 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 69905 (D PR, Sept. 20, 2007), involves claims by a secretary in Puerto Rico's Department of Justice that she was retaliated against for complaining that "pagan" office Halloween decorations offended her Pentecostal Christian religious beliefs. In rejecting plaintiff's Establishment Clause claim, the Puerto Rico federal district court held: Halloween decorations, like valentines, Easter bunnies, and egg hunts are all secular displays and activities that neither convey religious messages nor constitute religious symbols. Halloween lost its religious and superstitious overtones long ago. It has become instead a commercial holiday enjoyed by communities in its many forms of entertainment."
Secular Halloween decorations, despite the protestations of some conservative Christians, aren't an endorsement of Pagan religion. Rulings like this may also protect Halloween decorations from the complaints of Pagans who find traditional Halloween decorations offensive.
Finally, for my academic-oriented readers, there is an open call for papers for a conference on the subject of religion in comic books and graphic novels. The conference, sponsored by the Luce Program in scripture and literary arts at Boston University, specifically points out that they are looking for works that explore Pagan forms of religiosity within comic books.
"We are particularly interested in the following works and topics, though others will be considered: ... Pagan Missionaries: the works of Moore, Gaiman, and Morrison as mouthpieces for New Religious Movements.
So if you are an academic, and have been looking for a place to present that paper on Alan Moore's "Promethea", now is your chance.
Labels: academia, Asatru, Comics, Halloween, litigation, Paganism, Prison, Religion Clause, Runes
9.22.2007
(Pagan) News of Note
My semi-regular round-up of articles, essays, and opinions of note for discerning Pagans and Heathens.
A hospital chaplain in Maryland was fired for preventing the Gideons from handing out copies of the New Testament in every hospital room. Jews on First reports that Peninsula Regional Medical Center, a publicly funded non-religious hospital, eventually demanded the resignation of the Rev. Kay Myers when she continued to bring up the health and privacy concerns presented by handing out non-sterile Bibles to every room.
"As director of pastoral care for a community hospital in Maryland, the Rev. Kay Myers halted the placement of sectarian Christian books in patients' rooms. Myers said her decision was one of the carefully measured steps she had taken during her seven-year tenure to move her department to a professional level of pastoral care. The hospital's response was not so measured. The CEO immediately countermanded Myers. Within months she was forced to resign."
Sounds like grounds for litigation to me, in the meantime residents of Maryland might want to avoid a hospital whose administration doesn't respect your health, privacy, or religion.
Monika Ann Dilmaghanian, an adherent of Asatru, has been sentenced for 15 years to life for stabbing her partner. The argument that lead to the stabbing was reportedly over the proper cleansing of a ritual blade.
"Monika Ann Dilmaghanian, 34, had pleaded guilty as charged last month to first-degree felony murder for the April 6 death of 24-year-old Nathan D. Harris at a campground near Causey Reservoir. Defense attorney Bernie Allen - who believes Dilmaghanian is guilty of the lesser crime of manslaughter - said she refused to go to trial and seek a lesser conviction because she did not want her children to have to testify against her ... family members agreed that Dilmaghanian acted out of anger and under the influence of alcohol, rather than intentionally."
A friend and co-religionist of Nathan Harris claims that hundreds showed to his funeral, and that he is sure Dilmaghanian meant to murder her husband and will speak against her at any parole hearing.
UU World profiles alternative scouting organizations, including the Pagan-friendly (and founded) Spiral Scouts.
"The Unitarian Universalist Association parted ways with the BSA over those two issues after the BSA withdrew approval in May 1999 for a religious emblem the UUA awarded to Scouts who had earned it through a program of study in their congregations. Since that time some UUs have wanted a more inclusive youth program. SpiralScouts and Navigators are two such groups. Neither group is officially affiliated with the UUA, although UUs may lead them and participate in them. Some groups meet in UU buildings or are sponsored by individual UU congregations. Other UUs continue to participate in Boy Scout programs ... SpiralScouts is directed primarily at children and youth whose families identify as Wiccan or Pagan and with Earth-centered spirituality, but it is open to anyone, says Janet Callahan, SpiralScouts International program director."
It should be interesting to see if Spiral Scouts will continue to make inroads into communities that for one reason or another are dissatisfied with the Boy Scouts.
In an interesting article for those who prefer to practice skyclad or are committed to naturism, Slate.com explores the question of if children are harmed by seeing their parents naked.
"If the kid is younger than 3 years old, it's probably harmless. At least, this is what many adolescent psychiatrists believe; there have been few rigorous studies of the subject. Very young children won't notice anything odd about a parent who prances around the house in the buff. Likewise, babies who breastfeed at 12 months are physically intimate with their mothers and don't think twice about it. Chances are good that a 2- or 3-year-old won't form any lasting memories of seeing his parents in their birthday suits."
The article claims that the issue becomes more complex between 4 and 8 when a child starts to learn the societal norms of dress and privacy. Of course there are still few academic studies on the subject, and naturist groups claim that there isn't any problem with growing up in a clothing-optional house. Many parents seem quite sanguine about the issue as well.
Comic company BOOM! Studios reassures its Pagan readers that their new comic "Salem: Queen of Thorns" won't vilify Pagans and Witches.
"We agree that a comic book that asserts Pagans are evil and destructive might well be considered insensitive, offensive and even slanderous. However, SALEM: QUEEN OF THORNS is not that book. We appreciate your criticisms, but feel they are based on a mistaken understanding of the true content of our story. In SALEM, the religious authorities are an evil force that persecutes innocents in the witch trials. They aren't celebrated in any way and are, in fact, major villains ... More importantly, one of our chief characters, Hannah Foster, is a healer accused of witchcraft. She is in no way the "demonized" villain of the piece. Rather, she is one of the key heroes on a noble journey to combat evil and save the world."
Proof that you shouldn't judge a book by blurb alone.
The Toronto Sun enlists local Witch Tamarra James to help the local soccer team score a goal.
"This ought to do the trick, soccer fans. "Zeus, Lord of Olympus," Tamarra James cries out. "Receive this offering of precious incense and turn your eyes to this place." A cloud crosses the midday sun over BMO Field. A gull keens. A security guard shifts nervously. Ms. James, 56, is high priestess of the Wiccan Church of Canada. She is this country's top witch. We are here, with her deputy witch, Nicole Cooper, 31, to put a spell on Toronto FC. A good spell. A spell to bring a harvest of goals. Or at least one. Starting today, with Columbus in town."
Makes you want to watch the game to see if her prayers were effective.
Finally, Boing Boing links to a post by Aranamuerta on how to make your own Witch Kitchen Jars.
"Making witch kitchen jars and ingredients is easy and inexpensive. Any jar or bottle of any size will do. I collect jars from my own kitchen, from friend's houses, from garage sales, and from one of the thrift shops in town that always carries a vast and bizarre selection for very cheap."
Only 39 days till Samhain! That is all I have for now, have a good day.
Labels: Asatru, Canada, Chaplaincy, Comics, law, naturism, Pagan News of Note, Paganism, Salem: Queen of Thorns, skyclad, Spiral Scouts, Unitarian-Universalism, Wicca, Witchcraft
9.19.2007
Comic Book Myths
For those of my readers who are of the Heathen persuasion, or fans of mythology in general, a new graphic novel has been released today that may be right up your alley. "Gods of Asgard", by artist Erik Evensen, retells the classic Norse myths in comic form.
The creation of the world.
"Gods of Asgard is a full-length graphic novel interpretation of the Norse myths, drawing on English translations of the original source material. It is a lifelong dream of artist/author Erik Evensen, who realized that although the mythology figures prominently in the world of comics, a true, straightforward adaptation has a never been published."
The book won a 2007 Xeric Foundation grant which allowed it to be self-published on a national scale. So far the volume has been getting good reviews, including one from Dr. Merrill Kaplan, Assistant Professor of Folklore and Scandinavian Studies at The Ohio State University.
"Evensen brings comics readers a huge leap closer to the medieval Eddas with his respectful retelling of the Norse Myths. I'm glad to see Gods of Asgard in print."
You should be able to find "Gods of Asgard" at any well-stocked comic store starting today, or from a variety of online stores. You can also see a five-page preview of the work online. This looks like a fun and accessible entry into the (sometimes complex) world of Norse folklore and mythology.
Labels: art, Comics, Erik Evensen, Gods of Asgard, Myth
8.02.2007
The Tarot of Marvels
Yesterday Marvel Comics (home of Spider-Man and the X-Men) released "The Marvel Tarot", a single-issue look at the magical archetypes and laws of their superhero universe.
Magik as Justice, Brother Voodoo as The Hanged Man, and Nina Price as Death.
"Sorcerer and outsider Ian McNee has been plagued by disturbing dreams and unsettling omens. Something is not right with the world and he needs to know what it is. To gain insights into his growing unease he turns to his most prized mystical possession, The First Tarot! Created in the distant past, The First Tarot is mystically attuned to reflect and track the archetypes of the Marvel Universe. Can this 'Tarot of Marvels' show Ian what is wrong? Or is something wrong with it as well? Peek inside the fascinating and disorganized files of a Magician on a Mission as he examines the current concepts behind Marvel's Myth and Magic and adds a few of his own. How do the Elder Gods connect to the Four Elements? Who are The Get of Set? And a Who's Who of Marvel characters presented in the context of the Tarot's Major Arcana."
The issue was written and designed by David Sexton, creator of the "Winged Spirit Tarot", and the "Tarot of Oz". Sexton has been charged with reviving Marvel's stable of supernatural and occult-based characters, and is currently writing a four-issue miniseries that explores Marvel's magical characters. This "revival" strikes me very much like the beginnings of the Vertigo imprint over at DC, in which most of the supernatural/occult books (Hellblazer, Swamp Thing, Sandman) were moved into their own "adult" imprint free from the constraints of tying into a larger superhero universe. Even if that doesn't happen, it should be interesting to see what develops nonetheless.
Even if you aren't a fan of comics, this issue is a must for fans of tarot ephemera, and stands well by itself as a talented piece of occult-influenced art and design.
Labels: Comics, David Sexton, Marvel Comics, Tarot
6.02.2007
Comic Book Gods
Kelly Candaele at the Huffington Post examines the political (and religious) messages of the latest Spider-Man film. Is Peter Parker a comic book Nietzsche?
"There is a curious religious dynamic at work in Spiderman 3 that reinforces the absence of viable social networks. Spiderman's struggle with the dark seductions of power is an isolated and individual one. His triumph over internal evil takes place alone in a Cathedral tower, the church bells literally stripping him of the black sin of hubris. If power corrupts, then masculine power (women gather round when Peter Parker wears the black Spiderman suit) corrupts absolutely. This is comic book Nietzsche, Christianity feminizing -- through sympathy, guilt and forgiveness -- Spiderman's temporary embrace of the will to power."
But while Candaele is troubled by some of the thematic elements of the film (which he feels are anti-democratic), he does see some glimmers of hope within the brightly-colored pantheon of super-heroes.
"There is an optimistic gloss that can be applied to the proliferation and popularity of movie superheroes. The phenomena may indicate a subconscious desire to return to a more polytheistic religious culture. Like the ancient Greek and Roman Gods, today's cinematic superheroes have human foibles and they constantly intervene in the affairs of our world. If human beings are somehow genetically hardwired to look to the sky for salvation, then at least we have an array of exotic choices. And as historian of religion Jonathan Kirsch points out in his recent book about the war between monotheism and polytheism, "The core value of paganism was religious tolerance..." You prefer Superman, I prefer Batman. Someone else warms up to Wolverine. If a rain of new Gods is falling from the sky, at least they aren't demanding singular and supine obedience."
Do comic books feed a unspoken desire for a polytheistic world? Do Thor comics in some manner help lead people to Asatru, or Doctor Strange comics inspire real-life ritual magicians? I'm sure anything is possible. Certainly many comic book creators have tapped into the mythic and magical potentials of the format. Perhaps comic books will become the preferred scripture medium for tomorrow's polytheists.
Labels: Comics, Kelly Candaele, Nietzsche, Polytheism, Spider-Man
2.25.2007
Marvel Gets Mystic
Marvel Comics (home of Spider-Man) has announced a limited series to revive its stable of magic-based characters. Leading up this effort will be David Sexton, creator of the "Winged Spirit Tarot", and the "Tarot of Oz". Unsurprisingly, the series will have a tarot-based theme.
"The series is called Mystic Arcana because the characters all have "mystic and arcane" pedigrees, but also because the Minor Arcana of the Tarot will serve as a unifying "element" to the stories. And we are all working hard to, through this series establish the status quo and ground rules for Magic in the Marvel Universe...The four books will connect to the four suits of the Tarot's Minor Arcana, which in turn correspond the four classic Elements; Air, Earth, Water and Fire."
Sister Grimm (wands), Scarlet Witch (cups)
The Black Knight (pentacles), Magick (swords)
During the interview, Sexton also takes some time to discuss the tarot for comic readers unfamiliar with the concepts.
"Tarot cards are symbols of important kinds of people (like an Empress or a Magician) and important ideas (like "Everything changes" and "It's always darkest before the dawn.") The person who wants to learn something draws a predetermined number of random cards from the Tarot Deck. Then the Tarot card reader puts the people and ideas (on the cards) into special patterns called folds. The way the cards end up fitting into the pattern or fold tells a story to the card reader about the person who drew the cards."
Sexton isn't the first tarot expert to foray into comic books, Rachel Pollack (author of the classic tarot text "78 Degrees of Wisdom") wrote several comics for DC, including "Doom Patrol" and "Brother Power the Geek". Other comic-tarot connections include artist Dave McKean ("Sandman", "Cages"), who has illustrated two tarot decks.
The series will debut in June at your local comic shop.
Labels: Comics, David Sexton, Marvel Comics, Tarot
