In this time of crisis, tabletop role-playing games (TRPGs) not only help us cope but get stronger and ready for the future. Here's the science behind how.
Read More »Panther’s wisdom: Religion should inspire more compassion, not more prayer
During this crisis, it may be worth revisiting the topic of prayer vis-a-vis action, and the Black Panther is an inspiring model for how to balance these two things.
Read More »It always fits: Take a leap of faith and become Spider-Man
The idea that "anyone can wear the mask" or "anyone can be Spider-Man" is a central motif to 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.' But is it just a nice thing to say? Or can you really become Spider-Man? I say it's the latter.
Read More »The Light Side of the Dark Side: Sithism as a path for good
The 21st century saw the rise of Jediism as a cultural movement aspiring to legitimate religiosity. But if there's a Jediism, can there be a Sithism? And can it be a positive, good force? This post, the first in a series, argues yes.
Read More »The cyclical rise and fall (and rise again) of the superhero archetype in America
Throughout their relatively short history, superheroes (and by extension the comic book medium which popularized the superhero archetype) have gone from being loved and appreciated to maligned and forgotten, and then loved once again.
Read More »Steve Ditko, Spider-Man, and how fighting for others makes us stronger (literally)
In tribute to the work and legacy of Steve Ditko, Pop Mythology style, let us look closely at on one of the best sequences that Ditko ever created for his greatest character, Spider-Man, which is also one of the greatest moments in comics period. And let us mine it for the Hero Wisdom it offers us.
Read More »Your Superhero Origin: The works of the Superhero Origin Canon
Let’s imagine, for a moment, that Your Superhero Origin is a class or course in school. Now, what does every course need? Why, a syllabus or list of required texts, of course. And this class is no different.
Read More »Why MPR Raccoon captivated the world, and what it tells us about myth and ourselves
For two days the world was captivated by images of a tiny raccoon clinging for life to the side of a tall building. What does it tell us about ourselves?
Read More »Your Superhero Origin: Introduction
Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of interlinked pieces that will be posted under the unifying title and category of Your Superhero Origin. Originally, it was intended to a book, and essentially it still is. I initially had plans to self-publish this book, both for the desired speed …
Read More »Thanos, Taoism, ‘Infinity War’ and the road towards true sustainability
'Avengers: Infinity War' and the compelling nature of Thanos's argument, has left many fans wondering, "Is Thanos right?" But aside from the question of whether he is right or wrong, there is an altogether problem: his plan just wouldn't work the way he wants it to.
Read More »The 10 best Hero Wisdom articles on Pop Mythology (so far)
These are 10 of the best or most popular Hero Wisdom articles on Pop Mythology so far. Some are here because they got the most clicks or comments. Others are here because they're the best quality (in my opinion). Together they make a case for supporting this site on Patreon.
Read More »Be a Superman and donate a copy of ‘Superman’ #39 to kids with cancer
Back in Jan. of this year, our comic reviewer, Captain John K. Kirk, wrote a review of Superman #39 written by Patrick Gleason and Peter J. Tomasi and drawn by Barry Kitson (with a beautiful cover by Chris Burnham). It was titled "Goodnight, Moon."
Read More »Black Panther: It takes a false myth of millions to hold you back
In this article I discuss the Black Panther phenomenon and suggest the ways in which, despite some legitimate criticism towards it, it is a profound and beautiful example of what I call a 'counter myth' which can inspire people who feel excluded from dominant myths or threatened by destructive myths.
Read More »The ‘Blade Runner 2049’ replicant’s guide to being human in an inhuman world
We are all replicants. Or rather, sooner or later we all likely to become replicants just by virtue of living in this world. In this article, I will discuss the journey of Officer K in 'Blade Runner 2049' as an allegory for a path out of slavery towards personal liberation.
Read More »‘Wonder Woman’ and the transformative power of undeserved compassion
'Wonder Woman' has people everywhere feeling pumped up and ready to fight like few films in recent years have. But as you don your battle armor and prepare to hit the battlefield, here is something to think about.
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