Graphic Mythology: Astro City Pantheon

Actually, I have described a partial pantheon of Astro City characters I cherry-picked for the purposes of my blog. Though I have praised this series in the past, I need to emphasize that this does not mean that I approve of everything it contains. Their are some characters and stories that I find objectionable due to my Christian orientation, but I this has not prevented me from reading them and at least learning how another writer thinks about various topics. Various people have various levels of tolerance when it comes to this sort of thing, and part of the reason I have read the graphic novels to which I am alluding in this series is that I want to know how a growing segment of our population thinks and what it likes. Anything should be read critically and with discernment as to quality of thought. Having said this, here is a visual review of the characters about whom I have posted:

Winged Victory

The Crossbreed (Noah, Mary, Peter, Daniel, David, and Joshua)

The Confessor

The Hanged Man

Hellsignor

Cleopatra

The Pale Horseman

This list is far from complete, and further reading of the series fills in more back stories in bits and snatches. There are other prominent characters who have superpowers but who do not seem to fit the mythological theme of my blog. More next week…

Graphic Mythology: The Hanged Man

This character is, for me, a close second to the Confessor. If I knew more of his back story, he might well be my favorite. I may be at odds with myself on this one, though, because a large part of his appeal is wrapped up in the mystery which surrounds him. He has a spirit-like quality and rather undefined powers. He requires no food or water and receives no bodily injuries. He can change size as he floats in mid-air.

He is the guardian of Shadow Hill, an Astro City neighborhood beset by supernatural forces.

He appears to those in need, communicating with them telepathically and comforting them in the process.

“I go where I am needed – and tonight, one of the places I am needed is here.”

The Hanged Man is centuries old. Sightings of him extend back into the Middle Ages. He makes significant cameo appearances in a number of stories, including Life in the Big City,  Confession, and an award-winning short story titled The Nearness of You which is added to the end of the latter. Look him up. This good fellow knows how to take care of business.