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me and js earls has tried to make copies of my artwork off my page on here to put together on a file for

please tell me what to do to get it done

A couple of excellent books about comics are, 'Understanding Comics' and 'Making Comics', both written by Scott McCloud. It should be required reading by anyone serious about the oft-unserious art of comics. I am fortunate that my library has them both, but if yours doesn't, you can get them online. I know that Amazon has them, and I'm sure other sites do as well.

McCloud also has another book, 'Reinventing Comics', though I've not read it. If you have, I'd like to know what you think of it.

I posted an article about the Gideon Media Arts Conference on Clash: http://www.clashentertainment.com/movies/7-movies/4651-so-what-happened-at-the-gideonAt the Gideon we have a pretty good Graphic Novels/Comics Track with workshops from seasoned professionals, Ben Avery, Roland Mann, and Mike Maihack. Art Ayris, CEO and publisher of Kingstone Comics is also part of our faculty. The best thing about the Gideon is the opportunity to network with other Christian Creatives like filmmakers, actors, musicians, authors, screen writers, and more.I hope you will pray about attending next year. The Lord is moving in the media arts world.

I get motivated to draw and create after watching re-runs of star trek , 80 cartoons, and reading certain books of the Bible.

Arizona, 1873. The open plains of the wild west stretch across America, a country that has begun to prosper again after putting itself back together in the wake of the Civil War. Cowboys and other townspeople seek to make a good life for themselves in the land of opportunity, but they face other challenges such as local bullies, criminal gangs, Indian tribes...and alien invasions.

Yes, that's right. Alien invasions. From outer space. In the middle of the wild west.

Welcome to Cowboys and Aliens, the latest of this summer's sci-fi/action films based on comic books or graphic novels. Cowboys and Aliens is an intense but enjoyable adventure that follows a couple of rough, tough wild west heroes as they defend their homes and loved ones from an advanced race of hostile aliens. So hold on to your hats, your horses, and your lasers when you go to the theater, because you'll be in for a wild ride.

Cowboys and Aliens is based on a 2006 Platinum Studios graphic novel written by Fred Van Lente (author of several prominent Marvel titles today) and Andrew Foley. I had never heard of the graphic novel before the movie was made, but being a longtime comics fan and something of a stickler for source material, I wanted to read the graphic novel once I learned that it existed. So on the opening weekend of the movie, I avoided the crowds at the theaters and went instead to my local bookstore to peruse a copy of the graphic novel--and then I made it over to the theater to see the film version a few days later. I was not disappointed with either one.

Both the graphic novel and the movie of Cowboys and Aliens feature humans from the wild west battling off an alien invasion from space--and that is where most of the similarities between the two end. The graphic novel followed the adventures of gunslingers Zeke Jackson and Verity Jones, but the movie has a completely different cast of characters with different names, lives, personalities, and stories. The movie's prominent characters leaves out Zeke and Verity, but does include Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig), a loner with an unknown past, Colonel Woodrow Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford), a wealthy cattle rancher, a mysterious woman named Ella Swanson (Olivia Wilde), a saloon owner called Doc (Sam Rockwell), and Meacham (Clancy Brown), the local preacher. Those who have read the graphic novel will still be able to appreciate the movie, as it is almost a completely different story, neither loyal nor disloyal to the source material. Those who have never read the graphic novel should be able to enjoy the movie as well, because they will be in just the right position to meet new characters and be plunged for the first time into this adventure where worlds will collide.

The plot of the Cowboys and Aliens movie follows the adventures of Jake Lonergan, starting when he wakes up in a field with no memory of who he is or where he came from, and with a mysterious alien weapon strapped to his wrist. Jake wanders to the nearest town, Absolution, where the sheriff identifies Jake as a criminal wanted for theft and murder. Jake also runs into the wealthy and powerful Col. Dolarhyde, who is angry at Jake for having stolen some of his money. But when alien invaders ravage the town and abduct several citizens, Jake and Dolarhyde, along with a ragtag band of other townsfolk, begin to put their differences aside and set out together to track down the aliens in search of answers and their missing loved ones. Jake is able to use the weapon on his wrist against the aliens, and throughout his journey, flashbacks of being taken aboard their ship begin to fill in the gaps in his memory. The heroes' mission takes them through the plains of the wild west, across the paths of old gangs and Indian tribes, and even onto the aliens' ship, complete with plenty of intense action sequences along the way. Younger viewers should be warned that the violence in the film covers everything from fistfights to gunfights to laser battles, complete with plenty of explosions and some occasional blood. However, for those able to stomach the content, the film also contains a good story with dynamic characters and some relevant moral and spiritual themes for any era.

One of the story's prominent themes is that of equality, unity, and tolerance among humans. In the graphic novel version, the aliens' invasion of Earth was analogous to the cowboys' own attempts to take over Indian lands; both scenarios involved a new people group trying to conquer or drive out an old one. The point was made that having better weapons technology--guns over bows and arrows or lasers over guns--does not give someone the right to take others' lives and land, and the cowboys began to realize this once the aliens put them on the receiving end of such hostile treatment. Realizing their error and needing to fight for survivial, the cowboys made peace with the Indians, and both groups united to fight off the threat of the aliens. This theme of unity is downplayed but still present in the film, which also features cowboys and Indians joining forces against aliens, and shows us Jake and Dolarhyde turning from enemies to allies by fighting for a common cause. Both versions of the Cowboys and Aliens story send good messages about the need for unity, peace, and love amongst people, rather than dissention and hatred.

Redemption from past sins is also an important theme in the film, especially in the character of Jake. He has led a life as a dangerous criminal, but by the time we meet him, he has no memories of who he was before, and no apparent desire to be that person again, making him a blank slate with the chance to set things right. I think it is no coincidence that the town Jake comes to find himself in is called Absolution. While there, Jake stands up to a local bully (who just happens to be Col. Dolarhyde's son Percy) and defends the innocent townspeople, especially once the aliens strike and Jake is given the chance to be a hero by setting out to stop them. The preacher tells Jake that whether he goes to Heaven or Hell is his own decision, and that "God don't care who you were, only who you are." Later on, we see Col. Dolarhyde begin to be reconciled with his wayward son, and we see characters who have lost faith and hope start to find it again. Cowboys and Aliens tells us that sins, mistakes, and obstacles in life can be overcome by someone who is willing to change and make a difference.  

There is a definite difference of focus between the graphic novel and the film. The graphic novel does not explore character development very deeply, focusing instead on conveying its theme of peace and unity through the story. While this theme is not as prominent in the movie, the movie gives more attention to characters and their personal journeys, allowing for other important messages about redemption and choosing to do the right thing. Whether you watch the movie or read the graphic novel, Cowboys and Aliens is an enjoyable action adventure about peace, war, loss, and redemption--and, of course, cowboys and aliens (and Indians) shooting each other and blowing each other up for two hours. Though the film's deeper themes and moral messages do take something of a backseat to the raging action, they are still present and can be appreciated by viewers who know to look for them. If this sounds like your kind of movie, then head over to the theater right away and get ready for the exciting and action-packed adventure that is Cowboys and Aliens.

This is an open appeal to Christian Storytellers looking for new ideas: Come to California!!

In 1720 Alta California is a missionary's dream: Your Christian Government opens a portion of a continent untouched by white man, containing over a third of a million unreached but basically peaceful natives, to your faith for unfettered evangelization. Your denomination is experienced and well-financed, your government will provide transportation and initial protection.  This is a culmination of over two-hundred years of prayer, all systems are go-for-launch.

1800 Missionary vindication: Fifty years after the start, the 21st mission is established, most are financially independent. Twenty-six thousand believers have been recorded as baptized. Natives are being trained in ministry and every form of European technology. Forty missionaries have died or been broken in the field of service, but 160 are in place and more are being trained at seminaries in Mexico.

1830 Missionary nightmare: Seventy-five years after the start, three quarters of God's precious converts (over 45,000) are dead or dying. The initial honeymoon between curious natives and Ardent evangelists has long since given way to jaded native workers and disillusioned Friars-forced-to-be administrators: tales of abuse, revolt and even native-abortions are yearly events. The current government lambasts the 'work camp conditions' of the missions, suck away their resources to support its underfunded structures, and talks of breaking up protected Mission lands for settlements. Within five years, all holdings will be seized by the government, all remaining converts dispersed without protection and the Christian faith will stand accused of the genocide of multiple native cultures.

In terms of shear scale, tragedy and pageantry, the 100year tale of California missions eclipses almost any other in the history of Christianity.  It is a ripe field for not just one, or a dozen, but hundreds of Christian storytellers to reach multiple cultures in California.  Romance, beauty and brutality, Knights and ladies and battles on horse back, feudal fiefdoms and wild Fandangos(dances); ...did I mention Pirates? Yes, Pirates! (No Ninjas, sorry*) are part of Christian California's history.  Did I mention that the California Dept of Education mandates the teaching of Missions and different faiths to elementary school students. Yes!  My wife is paid to teach the story of Christ to public school students.

I've been researching for an eventual online Graphic Novel:"Californios 1830" but I feel like the only kid at the beach. This is an All-call to Christian storytellers and artists: "Come to California!"  From my surveys of the internet, the "His-stories" are ripe for harvest and no one is in field. 

Surf California History, people!   

The recent tragic events in Norway remind us again that evil stalks the earth. It should be evident to all that the deranged man, Anders Breivik was under the influence of satanic forces bent on death and destruction.

Unfortunately, it seems that some misinformed members of the media would like to pass the blame of one sick man on to the innocent many… Christians. Breivik's stated in his manifesto that he did not have a personal relationship with Jesus. Nevertheless, the media continues to call him a Christian.

In the wake of such horrific events, people have asked, "What is a Christian?" or "Who is Jesus" or "Where was God?"

The cast of TOAST doesn't claim to have all the answers, but knows where to find them: the Bible does. They lend their voices to the discussion.

I don't visit this site very often, because I agree that there is not much interaction. I was hoping to connect with artists and writers who are actively working to break in or expand their work. Maybe I'm not using the site properly. (if so, a road map would be appreciated) I don't want to preach, I want to reach. Some Christian comics are so preachy, most Christians probably would not want to read them. It should be story and character first and any religious content should flow from there, especially if we hope to reach into the non-Christian comic world. Okay, start shooting those arrows.

joe sarnicola

I’ve become a big fan of digital photography, both still and moving. I was never a big picture taker—oh, I’ve got nothing against it and I’m certainly not one of those who annoyingly always try to hide whenever a camera comes out, but most of the times I just don’t think about taking pictures. I’ve tried to get better about that, and with digital possibilities, I’ve improved some.

Some.

I’d been aware of the power of digital for a while. I’ve used digital files generated by others in my publishing ventures for many years, but it wasn’t until I was editor at The Piggott Times and was required to take a bunch of pictures too that I actually had to use a digital camera. I definitely don’t think of myself as a photographer, but it came with the job so what’r'ya’gonna do? Using one, I think, is what changed my whole thinking about them.

One of the things I really like about digital is the ability to take tons of pictures searching for the “good” one without having the expense (and time issues) of all that film. I can’t tell you the amount of film we’ve saved since we went digital! But the downside is that we have a tendency to NOT delete all those pictures—y’know, even the bad ones. We pick out the ones we like, email them to family, stick them on Facebook, and then save all of them to disk. But why?

Maybe it is this ready availability of digital photography and ease of downloading it to the internet that has caused it so that we get to see all 100 of the bad peace signs and puckered lips (double bad when coupled together)…when just one would be enough. For instance, Brittany took 500 pictures at a recent Camp Electric during the summer. She would have put all 500 of them on there if I would have let her. Multiple images—some of them blurry—of the exact same musician on stage doing the exact same thing. As it is, she still ended up with about 60 and even then I thought some of them were just too similar.

But it’s the same thing sometimes when I’m looking at pictures online of friends and such, people who are not my daughter—there are just so many multiples of bad pictures. I guess the flipside is that at least we get to see SOME of the pictures. This is particularly important when it’s family. Of that we should be thankful.

But what’s the deal with all the pictures of food?

It's 1942. World War II rages across the globe. Hitler rules Nazi Germany and tries to extend his reach even further. American troops are fighting overseas and civilians on the home front are struggling to keep up morale. The various countries at war are all trying to get ahead of each other with new forms of advanced technology that will grant them a decisive victory. You probably know the story: in real life, the war was ended by America's use of the atomic bomb. But in the Marvel universe, the technology that changed the course of the war came in the form of the super soldier serum, a chemical formula that turns the scrawny Steve Rogers into a super-strong fighting machine of physical perfection. Enter Captain America: The First Avenger, the story of the one man whose enhanced muscles, strong morality, and unwavering determination made him the ultimate American hero. It's a story full of action, romance, bravery, self-sacrifice, and inspiration for all of us.

Captain America should be an enjoyable experience for new and old fans alike. Yes, it is a superhero film, and longtime comics fans will be glad to know that the film contains an exciting story and, for the most part, shows great respect for its source material. But it is also a period piece, a war movie, a journey into history and American patriotism. The film's visuals and sets make it truly feel like the 1940s, and the title character's unquenchable idealism is reminiscent of an older, simpler, and possibly happier time in American history. In many ways, Captain America embodies the American dream itself; he starts out as a poor, weak, young man but is able to make something great of himself in the land of freedom and opportunity, and still holds true to his ideals along the way, no matter what challenges he faces. The action scenes may be a bit intense at times (it is a war film, after all), but overall the film shows us a brighter, more hopeful era than the one we usually see in movies today. The film can certainly be appreciated by comics fans, but probably also by action movie fans, history fans, soldiers and veterans, and Americans of all backgrounds and interests. 

Comics fans will appreciate the film's portrayal of familiar characters. I confess that when I first heard that Chris Evans had been cast as Captain America, I was skeptical because he was already the Human Torch, a very different superhero role, in the less-than-superb Fantastic Four movies. However, Evans proved my doubts wrong with his performance of Captain America. He not only looked the part of Steve Rogers, the Captain's alter ego, but he breathed life and personality into the character and made me want to believe that such a true and noble hero really could exist. 

Other familiar characters from the comics include Cap's wartime sweetheart Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell), Cap's friend and partner Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), fellow soldiers Dum Dum Dugan (Neal McDonough), Gabe Jones (Derek Luke), and Jim Morita (Kenneth Choi), Dr. Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci), the scientist in charge of the super-soldier project, and industrialist Howard Stark (Dominic Cooper), the father of Tony Stark/Iron Man. Since Captain America leads into next summer's The Avengers, we also get a cameo from Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), leader of the top-secret organization S.H.I.E.L.D., who appeared in the Iron Man films and Thor as well.

Naturally, no superhero film is complete without a supervillain, and Hugo Weaving offers a compelling portrayal of the Red Skull, Captain America's nemesis and Hitler's right-hand man. The Red Skull is the head of HYDRA, a terrorist organization prominent in the comics, and said in this film to be the Nazis' science division. Also present is Arnim Zola (Toby Jones), a scientist working for the Red Skull and HYDRA, though this film does not see him transformed into the monstrous human/robotic hybrid that he was in the comics. When the Red Skull gets his hands on the Cosmic Cube, a powerful weapon that was seen in the comics and also in the post-credits scene of Thor, it is up to Captain America to stop him from using its power to conquer the whole world.

In my opinion, the film's strongest impression on audiences comes in the form of Captain America himself and his boldly unyielding moral character. In the midst of modern comic book and movie characters growing progressively darker and grittier and blurring the line between good and evil, Captain America shines a beacon of light and hope as a traditional iconic hero with a definite sense of right and wrong. Steve Rogers clearly has the heart of a hero long before the super soldier serum transforms his body. Despite his initially puny physique, he is eager to enlist in the army and fight for what he knows is right. He stands up to a bully who disrespects the war effort and Steve patiently endures quite a beating at the bully's hands. He is smart and resourceful, not relying on physical strength (or lack thereof) alone. He is respectful of women (if a bit tongue-tied and underconfident around them) and says that he has been waiting for the right partner. He bravely endures the process that transforms him into a super soldier, even though it is painful and others want to turn it off. When things in life aren't going his way, he patiently waits for his situation to improve. He is reluctant to kill an enemy (but able to do so when necessary in the time of war). On multiple occasions, both before and after becoming Captain America, he shows willingness to put himself in harm's way and to sacrifice his own life to protect his fellow soldiers. He never shows signs of giving up, even when the odds are stacked against him. Though he does disobey orders at one point to go on a rescue mission (in which he ends up saving the lives of nearly 400 soldiers), he willingly submits himself for disciplinary action upon returning to the military base. SPOILER WARNING: Captain America's heroism and self-sacrifice stay strong through the film's climax, in which he hijacks an enemy plane loaded with a missile headed for America and plunges it into the ocean, knowing full well that the only way to save millions of Americans is by sinking the plane and sacrificing his own life.

Captain America teaches us a very important lesson: that anyone can be a hero as long as they are willing to serve others and determined to do what is right. In the beginning of the film when Dr. Erskine is looking for the right test subject for his super soldier serum, he chooses Steve despite the boy's frail figure, because Steve is "not a perfect soldier, but a good man." Erskine recognizes the potential moral strength of the underdog, whether that underdog is a physically weak young man or, like Erskine himself, a Jewish refugee from the tyrannical leadership of Nazi Germany. His philosophy is somewhat similar to the Christian ideals of finding strength in weakness (II Corinthians 12:10) and of God using the weak things of the world to put to shame the strong (I Corinthians 1:27). Viewers of all shapes and sizes can be encouraged by Captain America's inspirational example.

I am a fan of most superhero movies, and I remember how excited I was a few months ago that so many that I wanted to see would be coming out this summer. But now that I have seen the four major ones of the summer (Thor, X-Men: First Class, Green Lantern, and Captain America: The First Avenger), I can give my honest and heartfelt opinion that Captain America tops them all. I enjoyed the visuals, the action scenes, and the accurate treatment of both history and the comic books. I laughed at some of the dialogue. I felt the sincerity of the romance between Steve and Peggy. I got a little teary-eyed at the movie's tragic twist of an ending, even though I already knew to some extent what would happen from reading the comics. I clapped and cheered for Captain America's heroic moments (and for the post-credits scene--make sure you stay for it). Throughout the entire film, I felt inspired and encouraged by Captain America's strong and uncompromising moral example. Captain America: The First Avenger is an enjoyable, brilliant, and powerful film which I highly recommend. Go see it for yourself and learn what it truly means to be a hero.

Imagine a world that is populated by mutants--people with certain genetic codes that allow them to do amazing things. If you're a fan of superheroes and their movies, then you've probably already seen some or all of the X-Men films, making a world like that pretty easy to imagine. Now imagine that world fifty years ago, during the wild and tumultuous 1960s, when the world was first beginning to learn of the existence of mutants and was living with the threat of nuclear war looming over them. Welcome to X-Men: First Class, the tale of how it all began, and of how two men with common interests gradually went from being allies to enemies. If you haven't yet seen First Class and are unsure of how it will compare to the comics or the previous films, read on to find out.

Diehard sticklers for comics continuity should be warned about X-Men: First Class. If you're looking for a movie that adheres to the story and character details in the comics in every aspect, then First Class is not the film for you. In fact, if you're looking for a movie that completely fits in with the continuity of the previous X-Men films, then First Class is also not the movie for you. But if you're looking for a good summer movie that combines intense sci-fi action with complex characters, strong actors to back them, and intriguing questions about life and morality, then head over to the nearest movie theater and watch X-Men: First Class right now, because you will not be disappointed.

The film focuses on a much younger Professor X (James McAvoy) and Magneto (Michael Fassbender) when they were friends working together, before they became the elderly arch-rivals that they have always been in the comics and other movies. Professor Charles Xavier begins recruiting a team of mutants to fight the Hellfire Club, a secret group of evil mutants. However, Erik, who eventually becomes the villain Magneto, believes that the real enemy is humanity and that mutants would one day rise up to conquer them all. Both McAvoy and Fassbender give life to their characters with strong acting and perform in such a way that truly captures the essential conflict of the film. 

Xavier's recruits come from all different eras of the X-Men comics and include some lesser-known characters; his initial team consists of himself, Magneto, Beast (Nicholas Hoult), Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence), Havok (Lucas Till), Banshee (Caleb Landry Jones), Tempest (Zoë Kravitz; called Angel in the movie), and Darwin (Edi Gathegi). The line-up is quite different from the one in the earliest X-Men comics (and from the one in the comic series X-Men: First Class), and some of the minor characters seem like odd choices and are underdeveloped in the film; others, however, are explored more deeply and showcase some poignant, powerful moments of emotion and character development.

Comics fans will also recognize other familiar names and faces, such as Xavier's ally and lover Moira MacTaggert (Rose Byrne), the villainous Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon), leader of the Hellfire Club, his righthand woman, Emma Frost (January Jones), a villain called Riptide (Álex González), and the demon-like Azazel (Jason Flemyng), who was the father of Nightcrawler in the comics. 

Like the other X-Men films, First Class deals with a group of people who are looked down upon and even persecuted just for being different, and in doing so explores some important moral and spiritual themes as well. Christian audiences and younger viewers should use discretion when watching First Class; it contains some strong language, more than a few shots of scantily clad women, and about as much action violence as one would expect from a typical modern superhero movie. However, for discerning viewers who are able to handle the surface content and analyze the deeper themes underneath, First Class should be a rewarding experience.

We see in many mutant characters a natural desire for love and acceptance which they have rarely, if ever, received in life. This desire presents itself in Hank McCoy, a young boy with enormous feet (who later undergoes some other changes as well), and in Raven (a.k.a. Mystique), a shapeshifting girl whose true form is blue and scaly. However, the reaction against prejudice and persecution is most prominent in Erik, the master of magnetism, who grew up as a Jew in Nazi Germany and has been a victim of hatred and violence all his life. Erik believes strongly in mutants embracing their true identities and flaunting their power for all the world to see. 

Raven longs to feel beautiful and loved for who she is, but she is self-conscious about her true blue form and doubts her own self-worth. Sadly, her teammate Hank does not make things any better for her when he tries to develop a formula to normalize the appearance of mutants, telling Raven that the mutants' unique physical qualities will never be considered beautiful by the world. Erik, however, is more accepting. He makes Raven feel beautiful and encourages her not to hide who she truly is. SPOILER WARNING: It is no surprise, then, that at the end of the movie, when Charles and Erik go their separate ways and the other mutants are forced to choose sides, Raven chooses to go with Erik, who showed her kindness and acceptance. Having sided with the evil Magneto, Raven later goes on to become the villainous Mystique as she was seen in the previous X-Men films.

Unfortunately for the heroes of the film (but fortunately for the quality of the story), Erik's kindness and acceptance to Raven show only one side of his multifaceted personality, and much of what he does is driven not by love but by bitterness and revenge. Though he may be kind and accepting of other mutants, he hates and fears all normal humans just as many humans hate and fear mutants. Being a lifelong victim of hatred and persecution, he responds in the only way he seems to know how: by seeking revenge on those who have hurt him and violently retaliating against humanity with the same kind of prejudice that he has always experienced. Erik is a sharp contrast to Charles Xavier, who desires peaceful coexistence between humans and mutants and tries to make Erik see the error of his ways. While Erik believes that his mutant powers make him inherently better than normal humans, Xavier stresses that mutatns, though hated and persecuted, should strive to be the better men by showing morality, respect, and love, even to their enemies. 

Xavier's model is a good one for Christians to follow, as we are also a peculiar people (I Peter 2:9) in a world that has all but abandoned faith and looks down upon those who still cling to it. Some calling themselves Christians try to fight back against the world, preaching hatred and judgment upon sinners and exclusive rights reserved only for God's holy people. However, this tragic version of Christianity--if it can even be called that--only confirms the negative stereotypes that the world has toward religion, and does not bring peace or satisfaction to either side. Instead, we as Christians should follow the examples of Charles Xavier and of Jesus Christ Himself, both of whom led with gentleness, kindness, acceptance, and love. Instead of being the angry bigots who the world often sees us as, we should be the kind of people who others want to turn to for love and acceptance. If the Ravens of this world have to look to the bitter, angry Eriks to find some semblance of love and self-worth, then Christians are not doing their jobs correctly.

Despite its flaws and inconsistencies in the bigger picture of Marvel continuity, X-Men: First Class is an enjoyable and thought-provoking film that some have called the best in the entire X-Men franchise to date. It gives us a deeper look into the shaping of characters we already know, and challenges us to think about relevant social and moral issues that divide the real world as well as the comic book one. So if you think you can handle it, go watch X-Men: First Class and judge it for yourself. Feel free to evaluate the story, the acting, and the character choices. But more importantly, evaluate your own life in light of the lessons that First Class can potentially teach you. Decide whether you as a Christian will shun others and seek only power and glory for yourself, or whether you will reach out with kindness to a dying world yearning for peace and love, despite whatever differences may separate you and them. Decide whether you will be a Magneto or a Professor X--a bitter hypocrite or a truly loving follower of Christ.

"Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor."

These words, straight from the Marvel comic book, are spoken by Odin, Thor's father and the King of Asgard, towards the beginning of the recent film Thor. Thor, the young, rash, and hot-headed god of thunder, has been cast out of Asgard as punishment for directly defying his father's commands. Stripped of his godlike powers, Thor lands on Earth in the middle of the New Mexico desert, where he must live as a human until he learns to become worthy of his power--and his mighty hammer Mjolnir--once again. If you haven't seen Thor yet, then you'll be in for an epic adventure and coming-of-age tale as Thor gradually discovers the value of humility, self-sacrifice, and love, and rises up to become the hero that both Asgard and Earth need him to be.

Thor is a movie that can be appreciated by casual viewers and avid comics fans alike. It provides plenty of stunning visuals and grandiose action scenes to keep the audience entertained, as well as a good story full of multi-layered characters who change and develop throughout the film. Comics fans will recognize many familiar characters in addition to Thor (Chris Hemsworth) himself: Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Thor's duplicituous brother; Odin (Anthony Hopkins), his father and Frigga (Rene Russo), Odin's wife; Sif (Jaimie Alexander), the Asgardian warrior maiden; Heimdall (Idris Elba), the bridge keeper of Asgard; the Warriors Three, Hogun (Tadanobu Asano), Fandral (Joshua Dallas), and Volstagg (Ray Stevenson); the villainous Laufey (Colm Feore) and his kingdom of frost giants; the Destroyer, an enchanted Asgardian suit of armor; and of course Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), the mortal Earth woman with whom Thor falls in love. There is even some reference to Dr. Don Blake, who was the human alter ego of Thor in the comics. Perhaps the only Thor comics character strangely absent from this list is Thor's longtime friend and ally Balder the Brave, who makes no appearance in this film. Even so, the colorful cast of characters who are present provide enough mighty feats and unexpected twists and turns to keep viewers plenty entertained.

Comics fans will also be aware that, as Thor was a founding member of the Avengers in the comics, the Thor movie is part of a series of films leading up to The Avengers, scheduled for release next May. This film features the super-secret government organization known as S.H.I.E.L.D. and a brief after-credits cameo from S.H.I.E.L.D.'s leader, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), both of which have previously appeared in the Iron Man films. For those with a careful eye and ear, Thor also provides the first glimpse of another member of the Avengers, Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), and of the Cosmic Cube, a powerful weapon which has been used by various supervillains in the comics, and which also appears in this summer's Captain America: The First Avenger. Most likely the Cube will play some part in the plot of The Avengers as well. Though Thor is an enjoyable film for anyone watching, little recognizable cameos and clues such as these make it even more rewarding for comics fans who are always eagerly anticipating the next movie.

In addition to being a fun action movie, Thor also contains underlying spiritual themes for those who are looking for them. Though Thor and the other Asgardians have often been seen as pagan deities, the Marvel comics and the film tend to treat them differently. The comics have described the Asgardians simply as aliens who are so advanced that their technology is indistinguishable from magic, even to themselves. The movie echoes this sentiment when Thor tells Jane that he comes from a place where science and magic are the same thing. Thor and the other Asgardians in this film do not necessarily consider themselves gods; rather, the universe in which they exist tries to blend science and the supernatural together. In this day and age of intellectualism and faithlessness, Jane's fellow scientists are initially skeptical that Thor could actually be supernatural. However, Jane's encounters with Thor stretch the limits of her belief, and at one point she finds herself arguing that the existence of the supernatural isn't such a foolish idea and doesn't necessarily have to contradict intellectualism. She is later proven correct when Thor's full godlike powers return to him on display for all to see. Thor is a film which advocates a reasonable belief in the supernatural and in things or beings which we cannot see or fully explain.

Thor's gradual development into a hero can also be viewed in a moral and even spiritual light. In the beginning of the film he is punished for his arrogance and disobedience, but through his time on Earth, he gradually learns to humble himself and to love and care more for others. It is not until Thor is willing to give his life to save others that he becomes worthy of his powers and his mighty hammer once again. Though the comparisons may be limited, Thor can even be seen as an imperfect Christ figure. Yes, he is flawed and initially selfish, unlike the true Christ. But he is also the son of an almighty father from up in the heavens, and he is also sent to Earth as a human stripped of his divinity. Thor is willing to lay down his life for others just like Jesus laid down his life for the world. Thor's journey to becoming a hero is an exciting adventure that teaches humility, selflessness, and love along the way.

So if you're looking for a good summer movie that combines action, adventure, fantasy, romance, and timeless moral and spiritual values, then Thor is the movie for you. Watch it, enjoy it, and learn from Thor's struggles and his personal journey. Then learn to exemplify love and selflessness in your own life as well, so that you too may become worthy of the power of a god--the one true God.

Christian Comic Arts Society & Chalice Press Deliver The Best In Talent, Themes & Topic Discussions At The Largest Comic Book Convention In The World, Comic-Con International: San Diego

CCAS Member Projects Include The JESUS Film Project’s “My Last Day,” Kingstone Media, “Blue Blazes,” Lamp Post, The Red R, Snokie Stories, Kingdom Comics, Eye Witness and HollywoodJesus

San Diego, CA – Arguably the largest pop-culture, entertainment event in the world, THE COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL: SAN DIEGO 2011 kicks off this week with sellout attendance of more than 125,000.  The CHRISTIAN COMIC ARTS SOCIETY (CCAS) in partnership with CHALICE PRESS will deliver top talent and projects to create impact at the event. Comic-Con International: San Diego (Comic-Con) is the largest comic book convention of its kind in the world.

Christian Comic Arts Society, presented this year in partnership with Chalice Press, is hosting three events as part of the official Comic-Con programming, and will exhibit throughout the convention in a CORNER BOOTH SPACE #P-08.

CCAS will be giving away copies of “MARVELOUS MYTHS: MARVEL SUPERHEROES AND EVERYDAY FAITH,” an outstanding review of the Marvel universe published by Chalice Press.  While supplies last, all CCAS event attendees will receive a copy of the book, and booth visitors can sign up to win copies during hourly drawings on the exhibit floor.  Events include:

Christian Comic Arts Society Open Meeting. Thursday, 7/21/11, 7:30p.m. - 9:30p.m., Room: 24ABC
Hosted by CCAS members Kevin Yong (Ragged Capes) and Ralph Miley (New Visions Anthology) of NewCreationNow.com, fans and creators alike are invited to join an informal after-hours time of Christian fellowship, networking, laughter and prayer as we “talk shop” about the Christian comics movement.

Spirituality in Comics: Is Mass Media Our New Church? Saturday, 7/23/11, 6:00p.m. - 7:00p.m., Room: 4
In comics, movies, and even Broadway musicals like "The Book Of Mormon", spiritual themed work seems to be unexpectedly coming from the least religious of sources.  Join panelists including SERGIO CARIELLO (The Action Bible), RUSSELL DALTON (Marvelous Myths: Marvel Superheroes and Everyday Faith), BUZZ DIXON (Serenity/Hits & Misses), and MIKE SHIELDS (Blue Blazes) as they discuss how a new generation of comics and pop culture are exploring timeless truths.

Christian Comics: The Calling of the Artist, Sunday, 7/24/11, 2:30p.m. - 3:30p.m., Room: 23ABC
What unique challenges do artists face in developing work for both mainstream and religious audiences? How can "Christian media" avoid becoming just a pale imitation of its secular counterparts? Join panelists SERGIO CARIELLO (The Action Bible), ERIC JANSEN (Missions Press), STEVE BLOUNT (Kingstone Media), ROBERT LUEDKE (Eye Witness), JOHN SHORE (I'm OK--You're Not), MIKE SHIELDS (Blue Blazes)  and moderator BUZZ DIXON (Hits & Misses) as they discuss the challenges and rewards of following the call of personal faith and the creative arts.

“MARVELOUS MYTHS: MARVEL SUPERHEROES AND EVERYDAY FAITH” shows us that Marvel superheroes are more like us than we may think.   What really makes someone a hero?  In the early 1960’s, the image of a superhero was someone with a square jaw, a muscular build, and a quick smile whose biggest personal problem was trying to keep their girlfriends from guessing their secret identities.  Then, writer Stan Lee and artists Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko created a group of superheroes who revolutionized comics. These heroes, including The Fantastic Four, The Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man, The X-men, Iron Man, Captain America and others, were not perfect heroes who lived in a perfect world, but fallible people with physical ailments and personal problems like our own.

Each chapter of Marvelous Myths reflects on the heroes’ most famous adventures and discusses the ways in which we are called to overcome many of the same types of obstacles they face as we strive to carry out the ministries to which God calls us. While the authors and artists who created them did not intend to write explicitly religious stories, their tales of imperfect heroes who try to do the right thing despite the many challenges they face provide us with the opportunity to reflect on our own faith journeys as we strive to live heroic lives in the real world.

CCAS members are creating additional impact through Comic-Con related activities:

Created by The JESUS Film Project in association with Brethren Entertainment, Barry Cook (Director of Disney’s “Mulan”), and Tokyo’s renowned Studio 4°C, “My Last Day” is a short film of regret, repentance and redemption.  This 9-minute animé unfolds through the eyes of a criminal who receives the same brutal crucifixion sentence as Christ. The criminal’s own guilt causes him to realize Christ’s innocence. See it at www.tinyurl.com/jfmylastday.

Kingstone Media, a central Florida publisher with three primary imprints, will be exhibiting at the event in Booth #5531.  Kingstone Comics publishes faith based comics and Biblical worldview graphic novels. Galaxy Comics produces sci-fi and action-adventure graphic novels. Bay Forest Books is the cinematic fiction imprimatur with stories that will move you and characters you will never forget. Get more at www.KingstoneMedia.com. See Kingstone’s Steve Blount at the Sunday panel event.

Blue Blazes, a 168 Project 2011 Finalist, will screen their short film at the CCI-IFF July 22nd, and 1140a in the San Diego Marriott Marina. Mike Shields, (Producer, Director), Amber Greenlee (Storyboard Artist) and Blue Blazes himself, Robert Adan will be available to answer questions about this unique speed filmmaking competition, as well as the movie itself. Also see Shields at the Saturday and Sunday panel events.

Hitting up Comic-Con for the first time, Lamp Post can be found at Small Press Table Q-08.  Creators Jerrell Conner (Revelations: The Prophets), Brett Burner (Hand of the Morning Star), and Dan Conner (Heaven Forbid) will be on hand to sign books, give portfolio reviews, and do sketches throughout the show. New books from the following series will be available at the show: Toned: Comics in Black and White, Revelations: The Prophets (featuring a backup of The Cardinal), Heaven Forbid, Finding Elim, God's Love is Like a Conjoined Twin, Pakkins' Land, and Parable. For more, visit Lamp Post, Inc. at www.lamppostpubs.com.

The Red R (also known as Revelations) is a movement of artists who aim to revolutionize how biblically related stories are told to cast a bigger net and reach a wider audience.  The Red R Movement brings the highest level of art (and beyond) to present the world with the Hope and True meaning that only the greatest stories every told can deliver. Their post-apocalyptic graphic novel series “REVELATIONS: The Prophets” has released six books and will debut the NEW 7th INSTALLMENT at San Diego Comic-Con along with a new animated short. Visit them in the Small Press area at table Q-08. For more info, visit http://www.theredr.com/.

He outraged parents, ticked off networks, and delighted young fans with thought-provoking classic episodes of G.I. Joe, Transformers, and Batman.  Now Buzz Dixon is launching a line of Young Adult novels based on his bestselling SERENITY Christian manga series as well as brand new tales of faith and courage in a challenging world.  “The surest way to get into trouble is to speak the truth, and everyone I’ve ever worked with has found me to be a troublemaker!” said Dixon.  Meet Dixon at the Saturday and Sunday panel events. See more at http://www.snokiestories.com/.

New from Kingdom Comics, The Kingdom Zone is a 64 page graphic novel anthology that consists of 7 different short stories with a "Twilight Zone" flair coming from a Biblical perspective. Several Christian artists within the industry have contributed their talents to this graphic novel, which will be an ongoing series with new stories every issue.  Brian Bradley is the publisher of Kingdom Comics which began in 1999. His first publication, entitled THE ANOINTED 7 has been an ongoing series. Additional titles include “The Lucifer Chronicles”, “Pledge Of Allegiance”, “Code:Evolution”, and various anthologies including “God Works” dealing with prison issues and which is a popular resource within the prison system.

Writer/illustrator, Robert James Luedke, will return to Comic Con International after a two year absence to share his award-winning Eye Witness graphic novel series and be a featured member of the CCAS panel on Christian comics and graphic novels.  Luedke will feature his new, limited edition, signed/numbered Eye Witness Slipcase Collection at Comic-Con 2011. Eye Witness, which premiered  at Comic Con in 2004, has won five indy book awards and been named a finalist in  5 others, making it one of the most recognized and decorated series in the brief  history of Christian themed graphic novels.  His book “Unknown God” was named as a finalist in the category of Novella in the 2011 Indie Book Awards. Luedke and the series has been featured in media from coast to coast (both Christian and secular),  including: LA Times, Washington Post, AP, Fox News, Publishers Weekly,  Christianity Today, World Magazine, Comic Buyers Guide, Wizard Magazine and USA Radio Network. See more at http://www.headpress.info/.

From Wonder Woman to Green Lantern to Jesus Hates Zombies, HOLLYWOODJESUS.COM covers it all. The action at Comic-Con is naturally a huge shaping force in what the comic-reading world talks about.  "We continue to be excited about the spiritual conversation the comics world has with our culture," said Greg Wright, Editor-In-Chief. "Arnaldo Reyes, our Comics Editor, is always looking for new talent and new product to showcase the spiritual nature of comics." HJ's latest comic reviews can be found at http://live.hollywoodjesus.com/?page_id=378.

ABOUT CCAS:

The Christian Comic Arts Society (CCAS) was formed in 1984 to locate and link Christians who are interested or active in the comic book/strip medium. It sponsors Alpha Omega, the APA of Christian comics and Christian comic displays at various comic conventions across the country.  The Goal and Purpose of CCAS is to support Christian professionals, hopefuls and enthusiasts within the Comic Book and related industries, accomplishing that by providing opportunities for the following: 1. The sharing of the Christian message and our Christian faith, primarily within and through the comic book industry and art form. 2. Mentoring, training, friendship and networking. 3. The collaboration on and creation of visual storytelling. The CCAS is governed by a volunteer board which includes Eric Jansen (Missions Press,) Scott A. Shuford (FrontGate Media,) Geoff Strout (Artist,) and Kevin Yong (New Creation Now) along with numerous volunteer committee members from the comic industry and the Church.

For more information on the Christian Comic Arts Society, go to: http://www.christiancomicarts.com/, Facebook.com/ChristianComicArts, or Twitter.com/ChristianComics.

For more information on the Comic-Con International: San Diego, go to: http://www.comic-con.org/.

Nope.  That's my answer, but I ain't telling it to my other half.  A wonderful miracle(and I don't use this word lightly) is growing in my wife's womb, and as amazed as I am that this little bundle of personality is so safe from the numerous things a human body goes through each day in sitting, standing, laying down, getting up, rolling, I feel as equally unprepared.  Yes, I'm talking about a baby.

People talk about teaching a baby, a child so much.  After all, that's what all those books everywhere are about.  Teach your baby, teach your child.  It's poppycock.  Your child will do what they see you do.  If you want them to be a good team player, have them watch team sports, like baseball on your lap.  If you want them to read the Bible, read it yourself.  And if you want them to cross the crosswalk instead of jaywalking, do it yourself.  The problem is... this isn't one person, this is husband and wife... and being a great example all the time is something I'm not too sure I am.