Superhero Ethics

Matthew Fox and Riki Hayashi dive into the question of whether a pirate can truly be a hero. Using the popular anime, manga, and live-action series One Piece as a focal point, they examine the complex nature of piracy and its relationship to morality.The discussion begins by defining the term "pirate" in both English and Japanese contexts, considering its historical and cultural im

We welcome Riki Hayashi as the new co-host alongside Matthew Fox. Riki brings a wealth of knowledge and fresh perspectives to the show, promising engaging discussions on fandom ethics, media analysis, and much more. Join Matthew and Riki as they unveil their plans to take the podcast in new directions, diving deeper into the fascinating world of superhero and geek culture.Key discu

While writing season 2 of Superhuman Public Radio (SPR), Maximilian Clark and John Dorsey reached out to Matthew to talk about a disabled character they were planning to include. In this episode, the three of them talk about that discussion – and the resulting episode – along with how Max and John made a point to bring voices and perspectives from communities other than their o

Matthew recently participated in an in-depth analysis of Dune: Part Two on The Film Board podcast, also part of the TruStory FM entertainment podcast network. We're thrilled to share this discussion here, originally recorded for The Film Board, with our audience.In the vast expanse of cinematic storytelling, few tales grip the imagination quite like Frank Herbert's "Dune." With Den

The Fantastic Four are finally joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe! With the recent casting announcement, fans are eagerly anticipating how these beloved characters will be portrayed. Matthew and Jessica explore the significance of this movie and why the Fantastic Four are such an essential part of Marvel's history.Why has it been so challenging to adapt the Fantastic Four for th

Matthew, Riki, and Paul dive deep into the prequel film Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning in this episode of the podcast Superhero Ethics. We explore the complex themes of violence, redemption, and the pursuit of peace in a tumultuous era of Japanese history. Join us as we unravel the moral dilemmas faced by Kenshin, a skilled swordsman grappling with his past as an assassin during th

The recent passing of beloved actor Carl Weathers was a sad loss that left many fans reminiscing about his storied career. In this episode of Superhero Ethics, host Matthew Fox brought in frequent guests Paul Hoppe and Ashley Coffin to remember Weathers' varied roles across film and TV, and how an actor who almost never was the top star is still so fondly remembered.Some key discus

Matthew Fox is joined by Dr. Steven Cox to dive deep into the classic sci-fi novel Dune, and how it is often portrayed on screen and in other media. They analyze the complex themes around religion, politics, colonialism, and the dangers of charismatic leaders that author Frank Herbert weaves throughout his epic saga. Matthew and Steven compare and contrast Herbert's original vision

Matthew Fox reunites with guests Riki Hayashi and Paul Hoppe to wrap up their deep dive into Netflix's live action take on Avatar: The Last Airbender. Did the last two episodes stick the landing or fall short?In the intro, Matthew notes rising excitement across the four days while Riki felt genuine disappointment. Did Paul land closer to one side or the other?Key Discussion Questio

In this episode of Superhero Ethics, Riki Hayashi and Paul Hoppe join host Matthew Fox and have an insightful discussion about the latest two episodes of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender.We explore questions like:Is the show improving overall, despite ups and downs of individual storylines?How does Iroh’s characterization and backstory differ from