I’m sure I speak for Ernie and Paul when I say thanks for writing in to E-Verse about the “Superheroes” episode. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

I’m certainly still a fan of your book. I’ve been plugging it whenever possible — I’m the same Mike Poteet who wrote the issue of religious education curriculum (LinC, United Methodist Publishing House), around the time of the premiere of “Heroes” in 2006, that used a simplified version of your “Motivation–Powers–Identity” scheme as one of the activities. I think I sent you a copy at the time, but if not, and you’d like to see one, let me know and I will be happy to send one on.

Do you have any upcoming books? I enjoyed your recent interview on “Comic Geek Speak” about superhero fashion. ]

I lurk (mostly) on the Comics Scholars list, so I will “see” you there. Thanks again for writing to E-Verse. I don’t know exactly what plans Ernie and Paul have in the works, but I’m sure they’d love to involve you in any future episodes about topics that are “up your alley.”

Best wishes,

Mike Poteet

PS. I must admit I haven’t watched the episode recently, but if I mischaracterized your take on Popeye, my apologies! I do remember that your book mentions him as at least a prototype of the superhero. And surely those anchor tatoos on his impossibly large forearms can count as a chevron!

I was googling myself yesterday, and oddly your show came up in the image search, so I finally got to watch your superhero episode in which you mention my book (Superhero: The Secret Origin of a Genre), which I appreciate. If you’re ever going to do anything on superheroes again, or if you’re ever going to do a show from Comic-Con (or any comic book convention), I’d be happy to be a guest if I’m in the area.

And, by the way, Popeye is not a superhero–check out pages 166-167 and 178-179.

Thanks,

Peter Coogan