Superman’s first appearance in Action Comics #1 (1938) proclaimed that the character would “reshape the destiny of the world.� The advent of the first superhero initiated a shared narrative– the DC superhero universe– that has been evolving in depth and complexity for more than 80 years. Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman have become key threads in the tapestry of the American mythos, shaping the way we think about life, right and wrong, and our relationship with our own universe. Their narrative world is enriched by compelling stories featuring lesser-known characters like Dr. Fate, the Doom Patrol, John Constantine, and the Legion of Super-Heroes. Stories set within this shared universe have explored questions of death, rebirth, the apocalypse, the nature of evil, the origins of the universe, and the destiny of humankind. This volume brings together the work of scholars from a range of backgrounds who explore the role of theology and religion in the comics, films, and television series set in the DC Universe. The thoughtful and incisive contributions to this collection will appeal to scholars and fans alike.

From his earliest stories, Philip K. Dick's science fiction had strong religious and philosophical themes. In Pink Beams of Light from the God in the Gutter, Gabriel McKee gives an overview of Dick's religious experiences and his attempts at communicating them in published works, drawing on Dick's fiction as well as his private journals and personal correspondence.

A complete catalog of Susan Jaffe Tane's Edgar Allan Poe Collection, considered to be the finest in private hands, Evermore encompasses over 400 rare, original items, as well as secondary materials. It offers an in-depth look at Poe's life, his world, and his influence into the present day, through original manuscripts and letters by Poe, daguerreotypes, artifacts, first edition books, and unique material related to Poe's family and friends, some of which are recent discoveries. Included in the collection, which was exhibited at the Grolier Club in 2014, are a number of items that show Poe's influence on American and world culture after his death, including artwork, comic books, movie posters, sound recordings, and toys.

In this thorough and engaging book, Gabriel McKee explores the inherent theological nature of science fiction, using illustrations from television shows, literature, and films. Science fiction, he believes, helps us understand not only who we are but who we will become. McKee organizes his chapters around theological themes, using illustrations from authors such as Isaac Asimov and H. G. Wells, television shows such as Star Trek and The Twilight Zone, and films such as The Matrix and Star Wars. With its extensive bibliography and index, this is a book that all serious science fiction fans--not just those with a theological interest--will appreciate.