Welcome to the first Earth Company discussion thread! Join us every other Wednesday to discuss predictions, fan theories, observations and more relating to Bobke’s newest comic!
Firstly, the name of the deer, Pnuel, has biblical origins—Pnuel is the place where Jacob wrestled with an angel, before being renamed “Israel,” or “he who strives with god.” Interestingly, the protagonist is seemingly renamed this chapter. Along with this, the name Pnuel is often interpreted as “facing god,” which may imply this deer is a deity of some sort. Further, there’s the obvious Genesis reference: “Lights!” and the Noah’s Ark-esque imperative of the Earth Company as a whole (compounded by mention of the protagonist’s supposed mate).
It’s too soon to tell what all this means, but I think it’s worth looking for allusions like these in coming weeks.
I see it as also sort of a futuristic retelling of Adam and Eve. In a world where a man is selected to live with “his mate” in what already appears to be a garden of sorts nestled in the depths of a spacecraft. When Pnuel speaks of a figure “He” in the first panel, it’s underlined AND capitalized. This is common with texts about God. The “He” spoken of also seems to have one stipulation about “Marcus’s” ability to stay in the “garden”, much like the fruit in Adam and Eve’s tale. However, this is not the perfect Adam “He” wanted. Interesting stuff!
A very good point. “He” may be referring to the actual god, for whom Pnuel is a prophet. But indeed, this is a twisted version of The Garden of Eden, for while man was created in God’s image, here He asks for man’s image, instead. Certainly a lot of Genesis here; I wonder if as the story progresses, it will branch out into other books.
Sensing some serious biblical subtext this week:
ReplyDeleteFirstly, the name of the deer, Pnuel, has biblical origins—Pnuel is the place where Jacob wrestled with an angel, before being renamed “Israel,” or “he who strives with god.” Interestingly, the protagonist is seemingly renamed this chapter. Along with this, the name Pnuel is often interpreted as “facing god,” which may imply this deer is a deity of some sort. Further, there’s the obvious Genesis reference: “Lights!” and the Noah’s Ark-esque imperative of the Earth Company as a whole (compounded by mention of the protagonist’s supposed mate).
It’s too soon to tell what all this means, but I think it’s worth looking for allusions like these in coming weeks.
I see it as also sort of a futuristic retelling of Adam and Eve. In a world where a man is selected to live with “his mate” in what already appears to be a garden of sorts nestled in the depths of a spacecraft. When Pnuel speaks of a figure “He” in the first panel, it’s underlined AND capitalized. This is common with texts about God. The “He” spoken of also seems to have one stipulation about “Marcus’s” ability to stay in the “garden”, much like the fruit in Adam and Eve’s tale. However, this is not the perfect Adam “He” wanted. Interesting stuff!
ReplyDelete* “He” is referenced in the third panel, my apologies,
DeleteA very good point. “He” may be referring to the actual god, for whom Pnuel is a prophet. But indeed, this is a twisted version of The Garden of Eden, for while man was created in God’s image, here He asks for man’s image, instead. Certainly a lot of Genesis here; I wonder if as the story progresses, it will branch out into other books.
Delete