Take Two

Last week, the comic and pop culture world converged in San Diego for Comic-Con 2012. I attended and am still recovering from all the excitement (i.e., excellent panels, long lines, and camping out). So for this week, Take Two highlights previous posts that touch on comics, pop culture, and, as always, how they relate to the Christian faith. (more…)

The other day a few of us on staff took a break to discuss an urgent topic:

Who is the best* super hero in the Marvel universe?

Tolerant observers in this roundtable discussion shared their opinion and shrugged off opposing views with indifference. But the longtime, diehard fans clung to their views like Spidey to a wall. (more…)

In continuation of the Marvel Comics movie franchise, Thor: The Dark World hit theatres this autumn. As Thor is my personal favorite of the Avengers heroes, I went to see the film for the sheer enjoyment of it (and enjoyable it was), but while taking in the entire spectacle, something in the film’s opening monologue piqued my curiosity.

Odin, Thor’s father, explains that before the present universe began to exist there was darkness. From that darkness arose the Dark Elves, bad guys who have returned for revenge. This little tidbit got me thinking about the beginning of the universe.   (more…)

In case you missed it, last week the world’s nerds were drawn to San Diego like metal to Magneto for the city’s international Comic-Con. I, too, made the annual trek to nerd mecca to get my fandom on. While the reveals (read: announcements) from the Warner Brothers and Marvel panels were spaz worthy, there’s certainly more to do at a con than just scream at screens.

The long lines provide ample time for attendees to spark up conversation with fellow fan boys and girls. (more…)

Bust out the party hats because today Take Two celebrates its fourth birthday. In celebration of our big day, we’ve compiled some of your favorite posts—consider it a“regifting” of sorts.

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In case it’s not already on your radar, the highly anticipated reboot Man of Steel releases next week. Most are familiar with who Superman is—understandable considering this cultural icon (and first comic book superhero) has been around for 75 years.

For nonnatives to the comic book world, here’s a quick recap: Young Kal-El is placed in a rocket ship and transported to Earth just before his home planet of Krypton explodes. Taking the name Clark Kent, the child grows to become Superman. With his superpowers, Superman protects the earth and its people.

What might be less familiar to some are the religious analogies drawn from Superman. (more…)

Songs of Joy to Come

Lunchtime conversations at RTB run the gamut from comics to Christian doctrine to the qualities of a good churro. Recently, we shared what our favorite Christmas carol is. Digital Outreach Director Phil likes “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” even if its lyrics are a bit creepy. Copyeditor Elissa admits N Sync’s “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” is her favorite because it brings back wonderful childhood memories. And blogging cohort Maureen likes “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” In particular, she loves the third verse, which declares that Christ was “born to raise the sons of earth.”

My favorites are “O Holy Night” and “Someday at Christmas.” The latter doesn’t mention the first Christmas specifically, yet both songs hint at the joyful hope we have in Christ. (more…)

“Sure Superman was faster than a speeding bullet. But could he fly fast enough to reverse the Earth’s rotation and travel back in time?” (more…)

This summer is a good one for movie fans, with major blockbusters opening nearly every week. Though most movie-goers don’t walk into action-adventure/superhero films expecting more than spectacular special effects and epic battles, I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find quality storytelling in this season’s fare. (more…)

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Invisibility? The ability to fly? Have stretchy limbs? How ‘bout heal yourself?

Well then, run at an incredible speed to the nearest costume store because recent research shows that we do—in a sense—have the ability to heal ourselves. (more…)