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Here at Fantastical Truth, we don’t always review fantastic stories made by non-Christian creators. But when we do, it’s when that story showcases greater cultural trends, break new ground in fantasy worldbuilding, or have such a strange backstory of their own that we simply must comment about it. For Stephen’s personal part, it helps when he has personally invested years in hoping for this story and crusading for it on the internet! Today we’re putting together a heroic team to explore the heroic majesty of the long-awaited super-film Zack Snyder’s Justice League.

Concession stand

• Yes, we don’t often review movies. Other podcasts do that. Here’s an exception.
• That’s because this is an unprecedented movement, bigger than just movies.
• It also crosses into questions about creative integrity, idolatry, even abuse.

The original Lorehaven DC Defense League members

Kerry Nietz

Sci-fi novelist—see KerryNietz.com

Amish Vampires in Space, Amish Zombies from Space

The DarkTrench Saga series, The DarkTrench Shadow series, and beyond

Austin Gunderson

Lorehaven review chieftain

Epic fantasy writer-in-waiting

Initially skeptical about Snyder Cut releasing

E. Stephen Burnett

Lorehaven publisher

Fantastical Truth regular host

Kept the Snyder Cut “faith” longer than any sane adult

1. The age of heroes past: #ReleaseTheSnyderCut’s victory

• Why do us chaps like supposedly “grimdark” stories like this one?
• What did we love about Man of Steel and Batman v Superman?
• By contrast, how did we feel seeing Justice League‘s old theatrical edition?
• What’s it like being a fan of supposedly underappreciated stories?
• How did you feel when Snyder and others began sharing inside info?

2. The present takes root in the future: Zack Snyder’s Justice League

• How did we feel when on May 20 we learned this impossible movement won?
• Listen to our episode 17: What Can Christian Fans Learn from #ReleaseTheSnyderCut’s Success?
• Did we have any skepticism or fears about the final finished film?
• What did we expect? What surpassed our expectations?
• Favorite moments? Plot turns? Heroes?

3. Future timeline: #RestoreTheSnyderCut

• Now we turn to yet another movement to get sequels and spinoffs.
• What do you hope to see in any studio/HBO Max course corrections?
• Affleck’s Batman, Deathstroke, Justice League 2, Martian, Superman?
• Do you think this movement will change how fans view franchises’ creations?
• How can Christian fans best glorify God with meta-stories mixed with idols?

Snyder Cut story sources include:

• “Justice League: The Shocking, Exhilarating, Heartbreaking True Story of #TheSnyderCut,” Vanity Fair, Feb. 22, 2021
• “Justice League: The Untold Story of Cyborg and Deathstroke,” Vanity Fair, March 12, 2021
• “Ray Fisher Opens Up About ‘Justice League,’ Joss Whedon and Warners: ‘I Don’t Believe Some of These People Are Fit for Leadership,'” The Hollywood Reporter, April 6, 2021
• “Justice League Screenwriter Chris Terrio Is Super Pissed Off,” Vanity Fair, April 8, 2021

Fantastic fans

StageGrandma wrote this Feb. 10, 2021 review on Apple Podcasts:

Rich content

This podcast discussing fantastical fiction is not only for writers, but for readers and fans. The hosts go beyond the typical talk about Tolkien and CS Lewis, but dive deeper and encourage the listener to think imaginatively about all genres of entertainment. The podcast is well done. I appreciate the approachable professionalism.

Auroraambria wrote this Feb. 11, 2021 review on Apple Podcasts:

Informative, Faith-based, Smart

The hosts make logical conclusions in an apologist manner toward helping Christian and lay audiences understand how fiction work fits into our lives today.

Next on Fantastical Truth

You’re ready to enjoy that hot new young-adult fantasy, and suddenly all subtlety gets thrown out the window so social agendas can drive. Or you’re excited to sample that new streaming drama, when boom, instead of getting “Jesus juked,” the story gets politics-juked so you can learn your (good) lesson about how racism is bad, or questionable “lessons.” How can Christian fans respond to preachy secular fiction? Here’s a hint: not by accusing, but laughing.