This latest installment in the Psychology of Popular Culture series turns its focus to superheroes. Superheroes have survived and fascinated for more than 70 years in no small part due to their psychological depth. In The Psychology of Superheroes, almost two dozen psychologists get into the heads of today's most popular and intriguing superheroes. Why do superheroes choose to be superheroes? Where does Spider-Man's altruism come from, and what does it mean? Why is there so much prejudice against the X-Men, and how could they have responded to it, other than the way they did? Why are super-villains so aggressive? The Psychology of Superheroes answers these questions, exploring the inner workings our heroes usually only share with their therapists.

This provocative collection, edited by acclaimed media psychology writer Travis Langley and with a foreword by the legendary Stan Lee (!), examines the complex psychological and political choices made by Captain America and Iron Man throughout their careers, culminating in Marvel's superhero civil war which spreads far beyond the Avengers themselves. Why do Steve Rogers and Tony Stark see things so differently? What are their motivations? Is either one truly in the right?

Why didn’t Peter Parker stop the burglar who killed Uncle Ben? Are Spider-Man’s foes inherently evil, or are they victims of circumstances beyond their control? What do the many web-slinging superheroes across the Spider-Verse tell us about the choices we make in the world(s) we inhabit? And who really wants to date a superhero, anyway? Especially an underdog like Spider-Man . . . Spider-Man has been ranked among the best-selling superhero characters since the 1960s, often as the best-selling superhero of all time. Much of his popularity lies in his humanity and his status as the poster boy for neurotic superheroes. In Spider-Man Psychology: Untangling Webs, Travis Langley (author of the acclaimed Batman and Psychology and Stranger Things Psychology) is back with his team of expert contributors to plumb the psychological depths of our favorite friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Drawing examples from comic book stories, motion pictures (including the animated blockbuster Spider-Verse movie series), and a few well-known video games or TV cartoons, Dr. Langley and his team will untangle a variety of sticky psychological issues found throughout the famed web slinger's time-tested saga to help readers better understand psychology.

This book features 20 essays and an exclusive interview with Rod Roddenberry, son of 'Star Trek' creator Gene Roddenberry. In a fun and accessible way, 'Star Trek Psychology' delves deep into the psyches of the show's well-known and well-loved characters. It uses academic and scientific theories to analyze and answer such questions as 'Why do Trek's aliens look so human?' and 'How can the starship's holodeck be used for therapy?' This compilation examines alien neurobiology, discusses identity formation for shape shifters, explores the importance of emotion for artificial intelligence, and much more.

Why are we interested in characters like Daredevil? Do we have conscious will or not? With so many positive forces in the comic book world, why do people cheer for a mass murderer? This compendium of 18 chapters offers a fascinating look into the psychology behind the complicated superhero Daredevil. Book jacket.

From its very first frame, the Star Wars series created a compelling universe, with complex characters and engaging storytelling. In advance of the highly anticipated new movie, "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens," this essay collection offers a fascinating and unauthorized psychological analysis of every aspect of George Lucas's richly rendered world. A group of expert contributors, edited by Travis Langley, examines such topics as family ties, Jedi qualities, masculinity, girl power, and the values embodied in both the "dark" and "light" sides of this spellbinding world.

A journey behind the mask and into the mind of Gotham City’s Caped Crusader, timed for the summer 2012 release of The Dark Knight Rises Batman is one of the most compelling and enduring characters to come from the Golden Age of Comics, and interest in his story has only increased through countless incarnations since his first appearance in Detective Comics #27 in 1939. Why does this superhero without superpowers fascinate us? What does that fascination say about us? Batman and Psychology explores these and other intriguing questions about the masked vigilante, including: Does Batman have PTSD? Why does he fight crime? Why as a vigilante? Why the mask, the bat, and the underage partner? Why are his most intimate relationships with “bad girls” he ought to lock up? And why won't he kill that homicidal, green-haired clown? Gives you fresh insights into the complex inner world of Batman and Bruce Wayne and the life and characters of Gotham City Explains psychological theory and concepts through the lens of one of the world’s most popular comic book characters Written by a psychology professor and “Superherologist” (scholar of superheroes)

This thought-provoking anthology offers fans a close examination of the psychology behind the intricate narrative and compelling characters in the popular HBO TV series, Game of Thrones, based upon author George R.R. Martin's bestselling work A Song of Ice and Fire. With no moral boundaries honored, the psychological games played by the series' conniving protagonists are seemingly limitless. War, murder, violence, and rape are only a few of the weighty issues explored in these 19 analytical essays--along with personality disorders, post-traumatic stress, and psychopathy. Game of Thrones Psychology will become a fan favorite.

Since he first fought Batman in 1940, The Joker has evolved into one of pop culture's most complex, chaotic, and confounding psychological creations. In The Joker Psychology, Dr. Travis Langley, author of the bestselling Batman and Psychology, explores the twisted psyche of this great supervillain, as well as the personalities who are inexorably drawn to it. Through 15 chapters, including special interviews with the people who have brought the Joker and Harley to life in comics and onscreen, this collection analyzes: Why a bright, laughing monster who looks like a clown could be the ultimate antagonist to a grim, brooding hero who looks like a monster. The relationship between a therapist and her patient--and what happens when a therapist crosses the line, as Harley Quinn does when she falls for The Joker. How a smart person could fall for the most dangerous of criminals. Why so many fans find Harley Quinn inspirational. How different kinds of therapy could (or could not) help twisted minds like Mister J and Harley Quinn. The development of a fictional character that so completely embodies psychopathy (including interviews with creators who have shaped The Joker's character over the years).