Interesting Take on Super Heroes

Recently my son has become enamored with the super heroes. He has been watching every movie I will allow. He also has this uncanny ability to find godly comparisons in these types of things, not limited to super heroes. Recently, I read a book about a boy whose fascination with super heroes helped him overcome struggles he faced with some disorders such as OCD, ADHD, etc..., so to be frank, this book totally caught my attention when it became available.I always find out ironic, possibly even providential, when things kind of come together. With the impeccable timing, I couldn't resist the opportunity to see what the author has to say.

He begins by giving us a little super hero comic background and history lesson, which considering my son's infatuation with super heroes was very insightful. Personally, other than an admiration for Superman and Wonder-woman growing up, I haven't had much interest in getting to know much
about the lives of the Super heroes. But this author does a very awesome job of making it interesting and bringing to light things I may not have ever considered. He also includes his viewpoint on the role of Christianity in superhero comics.

Personally, I wouldn't really call this a devotional. At least it's not really my ideal of one. I view it more as an analysis, a commentary, or a compare contrast of super heroes and bible characters. As the author is comparing and contrasting, he does use scripture and scenes from the movies or comics. I think my son is really going to enjoy this because it is a reflection of how he thinks.

On the flip side,  my biggest reservation is that the super heroes are figures of someone's imagination, make believe characters, who seem at times to be quite realistic; while the Bible is nNOT make believe. It is God's Holy Word, inspired, and the characters in it are not fictional. They are real people with the same passions and desires as we have. And Jesus was NOT a super hero with super powers. He was God incarnate! He never sinned or used his powers for selfish reasons. The gods of mythology do not compare to the one true God.  The author, however, does stress this in most of the devotionals, so I was thankful for that!

I am not sure what age this would be for. My son, who is finishing up the 6th grade and has a love for superheroes and researching will enjoy it for sure. I think older teens and young adults will also enjoy this devotional. My recommendation is that all things in life can point us to Christ if allowed to do so, but it is important we learn the TRUTH from God's Word. We are reading this with open discussion between my son and I, so I can understand what he is thinking as he reads it.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher to read. I was not required to review or talk about it positively. All opinions are my own.

Book Synopsis:
In Superheroes Devotional by Ed Strauss features 60 inspirational readings that are perfect for superhero fans. Superheroes have captivated our imagination---filling our senses with heart-pounding adventures, riveting plots, and spectacular special effects---and sometimes they have profound messages woven into them. Often the underlying themes reveal a Judeo-Christian influence, and even when it isn't intentional, you can still draw deep lessons from them. Whether it's the self-sacrifice and humility of Captain America and the Hulk's struggles with anger or the parallels between Superman and Jesus or between Black Widow and a ruthless Bible heroine, your favorite heroes and heroines (and even villains) have much to teach.

About the Author:
Ed Strauss is a freelance writer living in British Columbia, Canada. He has authored or coauthored more than fifty books for children, tweens, and adults. Ed has a passion for Biblical apologetics and besides writing for Barbour, has been published by Zondervan, Tyndale, Moody, and Focus on the Family.