With The Marvels in theaters this month, I wanted to take a look at a similar story line that focuses on female leads and entanglement. For a great breakdown and information about the newest movie, I highly recommend New Rockstars (Spoilers).

Comic books offer a treasure trove of powerful narratives and compelling characters, making them a valuable resource for high school classrooms. Two stories that stand out in this regard are the Dark Phoenix Saga and the journey of Captain Marvel in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Not only do these stories provide engaging content for students, but they also open the door to discussions about complex themes, character development, and empowerment.

Classroom Lessons with the Dark Phoenix Saga

1. Exploring Morality and Power: The Dark Phoenix Saga is an excellent vehicle for discussing moral choices and the concept of power. Encourage students to analyze Jean Grey’s transformation and her internal struggle between good and evil. Use specific comic panels to explore her decision-making process, allowing students to discuss and debate the consequences of wielding ultimate power.

2. Literary Analysis: Incorporate the saga into your literature curriculum. Ask students to dissect the narrative structure, character development, and themes within the comics. They can compare it to classic literature or analyze how the story breaks or adheres to traditional storytelling conventions.

3. Ethics Discussions: The Dark Phoenix Saga offers rich material for ethics discussions. Ask students to consider the ethical implications of Jean Grey’s actions and the accountability of characters like Professor Xavier. This can lead to engaging debates on responsibility and the consequences of one’s choices.

Resources for Teaching: Utilize resources such as Marvel’s official website, which often provides discussion guides and character profiles. Additionally, consider the X-Men animated series (Currently on Disney+), which adapts the saga and can be a valuable visual aid in the classroom. Be sure to watch the episodes that include Rogue and Ms. Marvel’s entanglement.

Bringing Captain Marvel into the Classroom

1. Character Evolution: Captain Marvel’s character journey is an ideal entry point for discussing character development and self-discovery. Have students analyze her transformation from a pilot named Carol Danvers to the formidable superhero Captain Marvel. Encourage them to compare her character arc with traditional hero journeys.

2. Identity and Empowerment: Initiate discussions around identity and empowerment. Explore how Captain Marvel grapples with her past, amnesia, and self-doubt to become a powerful hero. Use her journey to encourage students to reflect on their own paths of self-discovery and empowerment.

3. Critical Media Literacy: When discussing Captain Marvel’s adaptation into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, address the topic of representation in media. Analyze how this character challenges traditional gender roles and the portrayal of female heroes. Discuss the impact of Carol Danvers as a strong, independent character.

Resources for Teaching: Share articles and interviews with Brie Larson, who portrays Captain Marvel in the MCU, to provide insights into her approach to the character. Additionally, explore educational resources provided by Marvel, including discussion guides and character profiles. (Omnibus reading recommendation)

Celebrating Empowering Stories

Incorporating the Dark Phoenix Saga and Captain Marvel’s journey into your high school classroom provides opportunities for students to explore complex themes, character development, and empowerment. These stories challenge stereotypes and inspire meaningful discussions on morality, identity, and the representation of female heroes in the world of comics and film. By leveraging available resources and encouraging critical thinking, educators can foster a deeper understanding of these narratives and empower students to find their own strengths.

This is part of my Comics in the Classroom series where I look at the importance of the comic book industry and how to use them as resources in the classroom. To read more check out my other posts. (Link)