Faith in comics

The Fort Wayne News-Sentinel talks to Dan DiDio, Douglas Rushkoff and Joe Quesada, among others, about religion in comics:

"I think you have to touch upon the aspect of religion, because it is such an important part of people's lives," says DC executive editor Dan DiDio. "We had to show that there is some level of belief that takes place with our characters."

In the foreword to "The Gospel According to Superheroes," a book examining superheroes and religion, legendary comic-book writer and editor Stan Lee says he always scrupulously avoided any mention of specific religions in his stories. "I thought of myself as an `equal opportunity writer,'" he says.

But a few writers have brought religion into the mix when taking on some long-time characters. Frank Miller, for example, established Marvel's blind Daredevil as Catholic many years ago.

"From a story point of view, a guy that dresses up like a devil but is devoutly Christian is interesting," says Joe Quesada, Marvel Comics editor in chief. "Just the same way that the fact that he is a lawyer by day and practices vigilante justice at night is interesting and makes for great storytelling."

The story includes a link to ComicBookReligion.com, a reference to comic book characters and their religious affiliations.