This week’s entry from (or, as you will see, into) the Astro City universe is the Pale Horseman.
He is a spectral character whose imagery is somewhat reminiscent of Ghost Rider from the Marvel universe, but their back stories are quite different.
Like something out of the book of Revelation in the Bible, he comes riding through an interdimensional rift to invade Astro City in The Dark Age series. He rides on a skeletal horse surrounded by fire as they gallop through the air and up the sides of buildings.
Invisible except for the hooded cloak he wears, the Pale Horseman seeks out transgressors and eradicates them in shafts of fire. His bent toward retribution is one more similarity he shares with the Ghost Rider. The main problem is that his judgment of sin is not tempered with mercy. He indiscriminately punishes the smallest offenses along with the greatest. There is no chance for rehabilitation of the offenders. There are no second chances.
I am intrigued by this character because he has the citizenry of Astro City questioning their own motives and actions. Everyone becomes paranoid and aware of his or her own faults until the inner beast is unleashed in all. Christians and philosophers alike can reflect on what this says about human nature and the fallibility of both saint and sinner. When it comes to assessing ourselves and others, where do we draw the line of distinction? Is it valid to draw it at all? My father used the term, “purity barriers” to describe the criteria by which we try to elevate ourselves above others, and Jesus warned against judging the faults of our neighbors while ignoring our own.
Let me conclude by quoting a common saying:
“Don’t look back. Something might be gaining on you.”
This is a great reflection!
I have found that our ability to see good and evil in others helps us manage our relationships in a most (or negative) way.
Jesus made us a nation of “prophets, priests and kings.”
We have been a divine gift to lead and inspire others, by example, to be better and better.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is obviously a balance between avoiding the judgment of others and upholding standards of behavior. We can’t just throw people away. It’s a good challenge. Thank you for your comment.
LikeLike
Fascinating character. I’ll be slowly posting some reviews of graphic novels eventually on my Friday “Weekend read.”
LikeLiked by 2 people
I look forward to reading your posts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very interesting post – thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Did you ever read Maus?
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, I haven’t. But you’ve made me curious.
LikeLiked by 1 person