Superman Returns and the Man of Steel's Other Religious Interpretation

This summer, Bryan Singer's Superman Returns is destined to break all known box office records. A very modern, very expensive and very clever look at a familiar story.

The voiceover says it all. "I sent my only son." A child raised by simple parents in a rural village, who would grow up to save the human
race and provide a beacon of hope. The religious parallels are all over the Superman myth, and the new movie "Superman Returns" even
brings in aspects of the Second Coming. Where has Superman been? What has he been doing? Why did he forsake us?

But a very different take on the story was published earlier this year. Called "The Flying Friar," it retold the true story of 17th century and Catholic Saint, St Joseph of Copertino. Born in a rural village to simple parents, he grew up with extraordinary abilities, the most reported was his ability to fly through the air. The comic book retelling gave Joseph a young friend, Lux Luther, great grand nephew of Martin Luther, the man behind the Protestant Reformation. This religious difference and conflict gave a familiar story another lift, and saw the comic book featured worldwide in newspapers, TV and radio. The comic book sold out instantly, but too late to save the publisher from closing.

Flying Friar has now been rescued, now published as a comic book download from the author's own website, http://www.richjohnston.com

Mr. Johnston recently returned from a trip to Copertino, Italy, where he was a guest of the mayor and participated in a public theological and philosophical debate on the modern relevance of St. Joseph.


Media Contact:
Todd Allen
Indignant Media
(p) 646-435-0068
(e) todd.w.allen@gmail.com

Author contact:
Rich Johnston
richjohnston@gmail.com