Sign in

Daniel Ambord, PhD

@daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social
84 followers 146 following 98 posts

Independent scholar of philosophy, religion, and culture. Daniel-Ambord.owlstown.net

PostsRepliesMedia
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 1h
I love that Babylon 5 gets two scenes. Completely justified.
030
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
There was a season of Young Justice largely devoted to the wackiness of Atlantean and Martian politics. The latter was especially memorable: monarchy+racialized caste system+“you think social media is bad? Try politics with an entire species capable of forming telepathically-linked hate-mobs!”
040
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
This is one of the things that I love about sequential art: look at how the text is used to show us the exact speed of the depicted sequence of events, just by being split between panels, sort of a still, visual equivalent of the classic slow-motion shot in a film. From #Shredder issue 2.
A six-panel comic spread depicting the Shredder throwing kunai at a trio of gunmen. At the bottom of each panel is a part of the phrase “kill him” (a shouted order from the off-panel boss of the gunmen), showing that the actions depicted all occur in the time it takes to say the phrase.
001
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Haunting. This is one of the things at which comics and comic-derived media excel: taking a thoughtful, even abstract, premise and granting it this sort of emotional immediacy.
020
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Also, this thread is not complete without a reference to Anakin’s Thesis: m.youtube.com/watch?v=sg0S...
m.youtube.com
Anakin has a doctorate in Darth Plageius the Wise Studies
YouTube video by Seals are Good
020
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
“Hard to Digest: Sapiophagic Predation and Cultural Contamination among Ewok Tribal Groups”
130
Reposted by Daniel Ambord, PhD
Gabriel Hardman @gabrielhardman.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
The hardcover collection of BATMAN/GREEN ARROW/THE QUESTION: ARCADIA is in shops tomorrow 9/23! I’d love to write and draw a follow up series so think about picking this up. The collection is beautifully produced and would look great on your shelf.
17922
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Amazing thread by @dandock.bsky.social on the unforgettable villain themes from #BTAS.
010
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
It would be easy to miss a scene like this, yet, in some ways, it captures a lot of what makes BTAS special. I remember watching this as a child and thinking, even then, that Tetch is neither a monster nor a mustache twirling villain but a human being-sick, suffering, worthy of compassion.
010
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
1) Which book? and 2) Would you recommend it (to an interested layperson)?
120
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Can you post any details regarding the talk (was it recorded somewhere or perhaps it is to be turned into a paper)? I am a big fan of how the game approaches these topics and would love to learn more.
110
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
You might find this worth your time (if, indeed, you are not already familiar): www.goodreads.com/series/21312...
goodreads.com
Fence Series by C.S. Pacat
Collected volumes and original graphic novels of the ongoing comic series created by C.S. Pacat and Johanna the Mad. See also list of single issues and t...
110
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
I always liked this one. I found it to be one of the more noir episodes in what was already a great noir television series. Also, Alfred’s description of Bullock as “That detective who looks like an unmade bed” is too perfect: a proper noir ”hero” SHOULD be a bit of a mess. Case in point:
static.klipy.com
The Question in Justice League Unlimited JLU
Alt: The Question in Justice League Unlimited JLU
010
Reposted by Daniel Ambord, PhD
Ray Beckerman @raybeckerman.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
How Octopuses Won a Fight Against Factory Farming www.truthdig.com/articles/how...
truthdig.com
How Octopuses Won a Fight Against Factory Farming
The victory shows what happens when science, advocacy and public outcry converge against an industry before it has a chance to entrench itself.
29721
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
defector.com/humanists-ha...
defector.com
Humanists Have Done Nothing Wrong | Defector
For many years, I’ve held a pet theory that cultural consumers can be grouped into two broad categories: Primary Source People and Secondary Source People. The former are the book lovers, cinephiles, ...
000
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
This episode remains my favorite among many great depictions of the Penguin over the years. “I suppose it's true what they say. Society is to blame… High society.”
BTAS title card, featuring an art deco Pagliacci spotlighted on a stage, for “Birds of a Feather.”
110
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
OP: “Textual reading of things embedded in real material conditions is a problem because we lose track of that embededness.” Response: “…but have you tried GOOD textual readings?”
000
Reposted by Daniel Ambord, PhD
Dr. Johnathan Flowers, Bisexual of the Blade (Alt-text or DIE) @shengokai.blacksky.app · 11/08/2026
To conclude, the issue isn't with "the world is a text," it is with the textual reading not returning to the context of the text itself, the material relations of the world. Similarly, quantification is fine, but not when it fails to account for the actuality of the thing quantified.
151
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
“For a moment there, I thought we were in trouble.”
static.klipy.com
Butch Cassidy & Sundance Kid Shootout
ALT: Butch Cassidy & Sundance Kid Shootout
020
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
I just watched this. Truly a great episode in the finest tradition of Batman storytelling.
100
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
If you watch it as a religious allegory, it really holds up.
100
Reposted by Daniel Ambord, PhD
Julia Is Waving, Not Drowning @booktweeting.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
I saw an actual slapfight at the MLA once
417119
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Had a fantastic time doing scholarship at #SDCC26! Thanks to the organizers of the #ComicArtsConference, particularly Dr. Kathleen McClancy, Dr. Pete Coogan, and @drtravislangley.bsky.social for putting on yet another amazing #comicstudies conference in the beating heart of our shared fandom space.
Daniel Ambord standing in front of a window with an advertisement for “The Rookie” in the background. He is in a black hat that says “Samurai” in gold lettering, and is wearing a ComicCon International print buttoned-down t-shirt and a ComicCon lanyard and entrance pass.
021
Reposted by Daniel Ambord, PhD
Jonathan Loves X-Men @jonathanlovesx-men.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Wanna feel old? House of X 1 released 7 years ago today.
Cover for Marvel's House of X #1 featuring Cyclops, Jean Grey, Charles Xavier, Magneto, and Logan walking through a Krakoan gate
108519
Reposted by Daniel Ambord, PhD
Dave Maass 🔦 @maassive.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Come see Andrew speak on our San Diego Comic-Con panel, “Comics vs. Authoritarianism!” on Saturday, July 25th 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm. Room 10
022
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Here in beautiful San Diego, CA for #ComicCon 2026! If you are at the con, be sure to stop by my panel “How Comics Work” at 11:30am on Thursday in room 26AB. I will be giving a talk on comics, misinformation, and #toxicnostalgia. Part of the #ComicArtsConference!
Xemnu saying “Before the job and the family you hate, before life got so hard, remember Saturday morning television, the smell of a new plastic toy? Remember being happy? Then you remember me.” (With a closeup on his face for the final line).
000
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
This is a really interesting piece and a great example of something that I say often: pop cultural artistic forms can encourage us to think in new and unaccustomed ways and so can be a valuable resource for thinking through philosophical and theological topics.
091
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
It’s ComicCon International Week once again! If you are attending and feel like seeing some #comicstudies scholarship, be sure to swing by my #ComicArtsConference panel on Thursday morning! comiccon2026.sched.com/event/2QWYo/...
comiccon2026.sched.com
Comic-Con 2026: Comics Arts Conference Session #2: How C...
View more about this event at Comic-Con 2026
000
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
I think perhaps one can find enemies this way as well.
030
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Had a blast and did some scholarship at the JAMS Conference at Anime Expo 2026! @animestudies.bsky.social @billytringali.bsky.social
Daniel Ambord standing with Billy Tringali.Daniel Ambord (seated). Billy Tringali (standing with a microphone). In the background, a projected slide reads “Eating Orcs, Rooming with Cats: Ecocriticism and Anime Studies.”
100
Reposted by Daniel Ambord, PhD
Oliver @oliver48.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
".. the small Quebec town ... has become the first municipality in Canada to officially recognize trees as living beings with inherent rights ... declaring that trees deserve protection, including the right to life, natural growth, integrity, and regeneration" www.facebook.com/groups/29053...
2297682234
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
I, of course, love the monster cuisine anime sub-genre (in addition to finding it an interesting subject for academic research). Foodie Rodtrip combines cozy vibes, an interesting premise, and plenty of charm with the sort of comedic pacing that had people rolling in the aisles.
001
Reposted by Daniel Ambord, PhD
HIDIVE @hidive.com · 28/06/2026
Foodies 🤝 Isekai fans The Forsaken Saintess and Her Foodie Road Trip in Another World + a special Q&A with director Atsushi Nigorikawa and host Star Butler is happening at Anime Expo!
021
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Had a blast discussing #ecocriticism and #animestudies with an outstanding crowd at #AnimeExpo.
static.klipy.com
Princess Mononoke: Ashitaka & Kodama in Forest
Alt: Princess Mononoke: Ashitaka & Kodama in Forest
010
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Death-defying escalator selfie at #AnimeExpo! #JAMS@AX
Daniel smiling while traveling down an escalator. The floor below is crowded with anime fans in various costumes.
000
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Day One of #AnimeExpo and the #JAMS Conference!
Daniel Ambord standing in front of inflatable AX cat and rabbit mascots.
010
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
010
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Hey Folks! If you are attending the Los Angeles Anime Expo, be sure to stop by and see my Keynote Address for the Journal of Anime and Manga Studies Annual Conference: Eating Orcs, Rooming with Cats: Ecocriticism and Anime Studies www.anime-expo.org/activity/aca...
anime-expo.org
JAMS@AX Academic Symposium
Anime Expo is the largest anime and manga convention in North America! Join us at the Los Angeles Convention Center, July 2nd - 5th.
000
Reposted by Daniel Ambord, PhD
Open Culture @openculture.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Ian McKellen Reads a Passionate Speech by William Shakespeare, Written in Defense of Immigrants
openculture.com
Ian McKellen Reads a Passionate Speech by William Shakespeare, Written in Defense of Immigrants
The identity of William Shakespeare has been a literary mystery for four hundred years, inspiring theory after theory, book after book.
181113304
Reposted by Daniel Ambord, PhD
Pop Culture & Theology (& Religion, too) @popandtheology.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Any #comicsstudies #religiousstudies or #theology people want to write about the #XMen #Krakoa era?
popularcultureandtheology.com
Call for Papers: Religion, X-Men, and Krakoa
Call for Papers: Edited Volume on Religion and the X-Men’s Krakoan Age Editors: Gregory Jones and Daniel Ambord Beginning with Jonathan Hickman’s House of X/Powers of X limited series, the Krakoan …
034
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Attention X-Fans and Religion scholars! You still have 5 days to submit proposals for the upcoming volume on #religion and the #KrakoanAge of the #X-Men comics! Link to the #CFP can be found below: call-for-papers.sas.upenn.edu/cfp/2026/01/...
Dr. Nemesis asking Nightcrawler what a believer does when all the big questions have been answered. Nightcrawler (responding to Dr. Nemesis) saying that one has to find better questions.
001
Reposted by Daniel Ambord, PhD
Eric Ansley Díaz 🏳️‍🌈 @geekboyeric.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Jonathan Hickman back on X-Men is enough to get me excited, but Hickman doing a “vampires & mutants vying for control of New York” world? Yes please and thank you🩸 www.marvel.com/articles/com...
3153
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Don’t threaten me with a good time.
020
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Why might marriage be exceptional here, in your view? My experience of marriage preparation, in a Catholic context, was very much focused on the married couple’s sustaining and enriching, as a unit, the broader community.
110
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
m.youtube.com/watch?v=PQVk...
m.youtube.com
Homer Simpson Bible Quote
YouTube video by Persadish
000
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Nightcrawler speaking to Gambit: “There is no love without sin, for love is best measured in what we forgive.”
000
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
In brightest day, in darkest night, no evil shall escape my bite…
020
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
The Confessor from Astro City
180
Reposted by Daniel Ambord, PhD
Daniel Dockery @dandock.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
I wrote about the current boom period of battle royale/death game series in anime and how they reflect deep economic and cultural anxieties: www.crunchyroll.com/news/feature...
2215
Daniel Ambord, PhD @daniel-ambord-phd.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
Nightcrawler is not without the occasional dark and stormy night of the soul. Indeed, arguably that is when he is at his most interesting (and most Catholic)! The Krakoan Age stuff has some fun with that (Way of X/The Onslaught Revelation most especially).
130