Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight (2nd Edition)

This updated edition of Dr. Travis Langley's beloved Batman and Psychology takes readers into the psyches of Batman and the characters of Gotham City-exploring what makes them tick, and why they have fascinated fans for decades.

ISBN-13: 9781684428564

Media Type: Hardcover

Publisher: Turner Publishing Company

Publication Date: 03-01-2022

Pages: 388

Product Dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.00(d)

Series: Popular Culture Psychology

Dr. Travis Langley, distinguished professor of psychology at Henderson State University, is best-known as the author of the acclaimed book Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight. He has edited 12 Popular Culture Psychology anthologies. Documentaries such as AMC Visionaries” Robert Kirkman’s Secret History of Comics, Morgan Spurlock’s Superheroes Decoded, and Necessary Evil: Super-Villains of DC Comics have featured him as an expert interviewee; Legends of the Knight spotlighted how he uses stories such as Batman’s to teach real psychology; and Batman & Bill on Hulu presented him among those who helped see Bill Finger finally recognized as Batman’s co-creator. Dr. Langley regularly speaks on media and heroism at universities, conferences, and conventions throughout the world. Psychology Today carries his blog, “Beyond Heroes and Villains.” He was also an undefeated champion on the Wheel of Fortune game show even though none of the puzzles were about psychology or superheroes.

Table of Contents

1. Beneath the Cowl: Who Is Batman?
   
2. Which Batman?
3. The Trauma
   
4. Why the Mask?
   
5. Why the Bat?
   
6. The Gun: Why Not?
   
7. The “Superstitious, Cowardly Lot”: Criminal Nature
   
8. The Halloween Party: Why All the Costumed Crooks?
   
9. The Madhouse: What Insanity?
   
10. The Psychodynamic Duo: Freud and Jung on Batman and Robin
    
11. The Kids: Why Robin?
    
12. The Women: Why the Cat?
    
13. The Fathers: Why Do We Fall?
    
14. The Signal: Who Will Rise?
    
15. The Assessment: Bats in His Belfry?