CMRC - Warrior Nuns in Spandex

Comic books have come a long way since I read Batman and Green Lantern. Today's graphic novels are, as Stephen Garner writes, "rich in imagery and characters drawn heavily from existing religious and spiritual traditions." Now religion has always been present in comics, from allusions in mainstream comics (Batman was Episcopalian and Green Lantern was Jewish Catholic) to explicitly religious publications. Some of today's superheroes are much more explicit about their religious beliefs.

In Garner's "Symbols, swords and spandex" he explored comics where the supernatural (angels, demons) mixes freely with fictional characters such as Superman. Sometimes religious issues such as judgment, and suffering are explored. He considered the idea of the "warrior nun" (Warrior Nun Areala, The Magdalena, and The Sisterhood.) These characters grapple with their religious callings, as well as various evil villains. The imagery and "theology" is drawn from Catholic traditions. They both challenge and claim faith.

Other religious traditions have found their own superheros. Pax Avalon is a heroine who defends the city of Avalon. She has the ability to absorb others injuries, and has rejected weapons as a means to bring peace to the troubled city. Steven Reece Friesen comes from the Mennonite Christian tradition. He wrestled with his love for comics and his own personal faith. Pax is his attempt the work this out; embodying his Christian values and our love for the crime fighting hero. Pax prays "Guide my aim, Lord...that there be no injuries or property damage by my hand." OK she is not always successful but she tries.

Islam also has its comic book superheroes ("The 99"). Naif Al-Mutawa, a clinical Psychologist, was concerned about the kinds of role models his children would have. He writes "Today, through THE 99, this proud Muslim is using the lead of his pencil to take a stand. For all our sakes, I hope the pencil really is mightier than the sword."

Some would find this a trivializing of faith; others a contextualized theological discussion. I guess in the end most people just want to enjoy a good comic book. But I think I'll skip the Warrior Nuns; back to Looney Tunes for me.