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 implications. Matthew and Riki then explore the character of Monkey D. Luffy, the protagonist of One Piece, and his unique brand of piracy that challenges traditional notions of right and wrong.Can Luffy's altruistic goals and strong moral compass justify his actions as a pirate? Is he redefining what it means to be a pirate, or is his behavior ultimately misguided? The hosts engage in a lively debate, drawing parallels to other fictional characters like Captain America, Captain Jack Sparrow, and Batman.Key topics covered in this episode include:The definition of piracy in various cultural contextsLuffy's moral code and its implicatio

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 discussion points:How can we analyze media both in its original context and through the lens of modern perspectives?What role does the struggle between money and creative vision play in shaping the media we consume?How has the accessibility of anime and manga changed over time, and what impact does translation have on the viewing experience?Matthew and Riki also explore their own personal journeys through various fandoms, from Star Wars and Star Trek, to horror and beyond. They emphasize the importance of fostering open, respectful conversations and inviting diverse voices to contribute to the discourse.Other topics covered in this episo

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 own into their writing room and process.Member Bonus content on Max and John’s other projects. We’ve started the conversation. Now we want to hear from you!Want to continue the discussion with us? Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or add your own thoughts? We’ve got options for you!Email: ✉️ Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.com

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 Denis Villeneuve's vision continuing to unfold in Dune: Part Two, The Film Board, including Pete Wright, Steve Sarmento, and our own Matthew Fox, gathered to dissect the intricate layers of prophecy, power, and the dangers of messianic zeal.As they ventured through the dunes of Arrakis, the conversation delved into the blurred lines between hero and conqueror, mirroring the mirages that haunt the desert planet. They explored Paul Atreides' struggle with his destiny against the backdrop of religious manipulation, a theme that echoes Herbert's foresight into the weaponization of belief systems.Under Villeneuve's direction, the narrative

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 the big screen? Jessica shares her insights on the previous Fantastic Four movies and why they failed to capture the essence of the characters. She discusses the importance of embracing the optimistic and adventurous nature of the Fantastic Four.How will Reed Richards be portrayed in the MCU? Matthew and Jessica analyze the casting of Reed Richards and what it means for the character's representation. They discuss Reed's intelligence, arrogance, and the potential for character growth in the upcoming movie.Jessica explores the importance of Ben Grimm's Jewish identity and how it has been portrayed in the comics. She shares her thoughts

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 the Meiji Restoration.Key Points:Can violence be justified in the pursuit of peace? We examine Kenshin's internal struggle as he wrestles with the idea of killing to usher in a new era of tranquility.Is Kenshin a true martial artist or simply a highly skilled swordsman? We debate the philosophical differences between fighting styles and the deeper meaning behind the art of the sword.How does the film portray the historical context of the Meiji Restoration, and what implications does this have on our understanding of Kenshin's journey?Other Topics Covered:The tragic romance between Kenshin and TomoeThe role of prequel storytelling in e

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 discussion points from the episode:Weathers left a strong impression and built substantial goodwill through memorable supporting roles rather than as a leading man. His intelligence and charisma allowed him to excel as both a hero and a villain.Weathers portrayed a convincing boxer and helped ground the racial portrayal in the original Rocky film. His friendship with Sylvester Stallone hit some bumps but recovered over time.In Predator and other action films, Weathers stood out with an athletic build and physicality equal to stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger.Later acting projects showed Weathers' versatility, including comedic work like Ar

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 to the various film and TV adaptations, examining how the nuance and messaging has often been lost or skewed over the years.Key TakeawaysThe popular "white savior" conception of Paul Atreides as a destined superhero leading the Fremen to freedom distorts the narrative and critiques at the heart of Dune. Herbert warns against putting faith in such messianic figures.The Bene Gesserit religious order manipulates beliefs across the galaxy over generations to pave the way for their envisioned super being, the Kwisatz Haderach, to emerge. This illustrates the insidiousness of cultural and religious control.Charismatic leaders often start

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 Questions:Does Ken Leung deliver one of the all-time great villain performances as Admiral Zhao?Does condensing Katara's waterbending mastery arc shortchange her character growth?Do strong performances help the show transcend uneven writing at times? Is Dallas Liu's Prince Zuko a standout?Did shaping the show for a wider Netflix audience undermine quirks of the original that niche fans loved?Other Questions Tackled:Is the Zuko/Iroh dynamic enhanced by the tearful funeral scene?Was incorporating Northern Water Tribe sexism necessary?Should the missing backstory between Master Pakku and Gran Gran have been included?Will season two deviate mo

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 the original animated series?Does the portrayal of Princess Azula make sense given her early introduction?Is the show over-explaining events compared to the subtlety of the animation?Other topics covered:Great moments with Aang and Monk GyatsoContrasting parental relationships of Zuko vs. AangEffective action scenes balanced with emotionNitpicking fantasy physics and fight scene lethalityThe power of Zuko's non-verbal actingHow bingeing vs. weekly release impacts perceptionsWith plenty of laughs, thoughtful criticism, and Avatar fandom analysis, this is a lively discussion you won’t want to miss! Tune in to hear Matthew, Riki, and Paul’

"Secret Tunnel," Bumi, Cabbages - the whimsy is back!Riki Hayashi and Paul Hoppe join host Matthew Fox to talk about episodes 3-4 of Netflix's live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender.Topics we discuss include:The show is starting to capture more of the original's whimsy and charm while still being a bit darker and more "grimdark."Zuko's characterization and his relationship with Iroh.The writers cram a lot of story arcs from multiple episodes into just two.Side characters like Teo are given strong representation and well-acted emotional moments.Is this portrayal of Jet more or less sympathetic than the original?Introducing Azula, Ty Lee, and Mai this early undercuts tension and menace later on.The challenges of adapting animation to live-action and child actors growing up over a long production.Possibilities for extending the story past the original three seasons.We’ve started the conversation. Now we want to hear from you!Want to continue the discussion with us? Agree or disagree with what we ta

The release of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of the beloved animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender has finally arrived. Join hosts Matthew Fox, Riki Hayashi, and Paul Hoppe for a spoiler-filled discussion of the first two episodes.After initial skepticism and comparison to the original animated series, the hosts agree there is promise but an overall different tone, mood and portrayal of some key characters like Aang and Iroh. However, strong performances shine through from actors like Dallas Liu as Prince Zuko, Ian Ousley as Sokka, and the surprise chemistry between Sokka and Suki. The episode also explores deeper moral issues not introduced in the animated series until much later.Key topics covered:Initial reactions, disappointments and skepticismComparing essence and tone to the original animated seriesDarker, more mature approach including difficult themes and violenceChanges and omissions to Aang’s backstory and personalityStandout performances from Zuko, Sokka and Commander Zhao actorsChemistry be

In this episode of the Superhero Ethics podcast, Matthew Fox, Paul Hoppe, and Riki Hayashi continue their in-depth discussion of the beloved animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender. They dive deeper into the complex characters and themes that have made the show a timeless classic, exploring the nuances that have inspired fans for decades, and how they will translate into the Netflix live action version, coming out soon.Key Points:The hosts delve into the character of Sokka and his journey of overcoming sexist attitudes, highlighting the importance of his growth and how it resonates in the martial arts and geeky communities.Katara's role as both a student and a teacher is examined, as well as her choice not to bloodbend, showcasing her moral development and the agency of her decisions.Toph's representation of disability in science fiction and fantasy is praised, highlighting her relatability and the show's understanding of disability representation.The discussion explores the Ba Sing Se storyline and its re

The animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender, which originally ran from 2005-2008, captured the hearts and minds of viewers around the world with its groundbreaking storytelling. With the live-action Netflix adaptation on the horizon, now is the perfect time to revisit the original series and rediscover what made it so special, as well as discuss hopes and concerns about how those aspects will translate to live-action. Riki and Paul join Matthew in exploring the show’s profound redemption arcs, compelling characters, and deep moral resonance.Note: there was so much to say, we had to split the episode into two parts! Special bonus content for members on the romances in the show will come at the end of part 2.Key points:The panelists share their personal connections to the show and how they first experienced it, emphasizing its humor, heart, and weighty themes.An in-depth discussion of Zuko's redemption arc, one of the best ever portrayed, diving into his relationship with his uncle Iroh.Iroh as a model of wi

Who is the true monster in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein? Who was Mary Shelley, what was she saying in this novel, and why is the novel so different from how it is remembered and portrayed in popular culture? 19th-century English literature student extraordinaire Danielle WrittenInTheStars joins us to dissect the book, the author, and how to understand it in the context in which it was written. Plus, we debate which film adaptation we think is most faithful.Member Bonus content: Danielle and I delve into the upcoming final season of Star Wars: The Bad Batch! We’ve started the conversation. Now we want to hear from you!Want to continue the discussion with us? Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or add your own thoughts? We’ve got options for you!Email: ✉️ Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.com

The final episode of the Disney+ TV show Percy Jackson and the Olympians is out, and we're discussing it. We talk about what we loved about the books and what did and didn't work in the show.Topics covered include:Was Luke right? Was Luke a Magneto/Killmonger-style villain with a valid point?How were the gods portrayed in the show compared to the books? Is Percy right to want the gods a chance to be better parents?How was Medusa portrayed in the show versus the books?Which actors worked or didn't work and why is it so hard for live-action to portray kids not belonging in a casino?Bonus content for members:We share our thoughts on potential future seasons and whether the story would be better told in an animated rather than live-action format.We’ve started the conversation. Now we want to hear from you!Want to continue the discussion with us? Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or add your own thoughts? We’ve got options for you!Email: ✉️ Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.com

Matthew Carroll of the MCUCast joins me to talk Marvel's Echo TV series and its connections to the wider MCU. We dive deep into the characters, the morality, the show's groundbreaking representation, and the implications for upcoming MCU stories.Topics we cover include:Where Echo and Kingpin each fit on the scale of heroes and villainsConnections to the Netflix "Defendersverse" shows and debates around canonicityHopes for the future of the Echo character and MCU's approach to interconnectedness vs standalone storiesThe authenticity of how the various parts of Maya’s identity are portrayed and why so many  members of indigenous, amputee, and deaf communities are loving this character and this show.Matthew Carroll (Biped) asks Matthew Fox (Unipod) about the logistics of Maya's prosthetic leg and how the damage/repair process was portrayed accuratelyWe’ve started the conversation. Now we want to hear from you!Want to continue the discussion with us? Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or add your own th

How does a Japanese pilot—and his nation—come to terms with survivor's guilt after WWII? What is the legacy of the kamikaze in Japanese culture, and how is it seen in America? And can these issues and more be explored in Godzilla Minus One, a movie about a fire-breathing monster directed by Takashi Yamazaki? Riki Hayashi joins me to discuss these questions and more! We’ve started the conversation. Now we want to hear from you!Want to continue the discussion with us? Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or add your own thoughts? We’ve got options for you!Email: ✉️ Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.com

As an amputee, Echo holds a special place in my heart, so I’m excited to have comics expert Will Freeland join me to discuss this meaningful new MCU show.Seeing a superhero who shares some of my experiences is incredible. Maya Lopez immediately enters the pantheon of disabled representation done right.In this episode, Will and I analyze the show’s triumphs. We discuss Maya’s thoughtful portrayal as a deaf, Indigenous American amputee. We appreciate the respect given to Choctaw culture. And of course, we analyze the return of Wilson Fisk.As always, Will provides insightful context from the comic books. Meanwhile, I share my personal reactions as an amputee seeing myself represented on screen.Echo recaptures the spirit of the Netflix Marvel universe. It delivers an uplifting, kick-ass story centered on a new deaf indigenous hero. This show resonates with so many people. I can’t wait for you to hear our perspectives. We’ve started the conversation. Now we want to hear from you!Want to continue the discussion wit

What are the different ways we can find meaning in the midst of suffering? What is the nature of myth, and can we find it in the most mundane of places? And how did Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 and a Thanksgiving podcast tradition of the McElroy brothers and friends lead us to these topics? We’ve started the conversation. Now we want to hear from you!Want to continue the discussion with us? Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or add your own thoughts? We’ve got options for you!Email: ✉️ Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.com