Discussions on superhero sex lives inevitably prompt people to quote three different authors. Psychiatrist Fredric Wertham rattled the comic book industry with insinuations of homoerotic and sadomasochistic subtext. Sci-fi master Larry Niven wondered whether Superman could reproduce. Through the film Mallrats, Kevin Smith answered Niven’s concerns and raised new questions.
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Ye Olde Masters of Sex: Sexology Before Masters and Johnson
While the Showtime series “Masters of Sex” dramatizes Masters and Johnson’s groundbreaking sex research, it is worth noting that many others preceded them in studying sex. Sexology has many pioneers from Parent-Duchatelet’s report on prostitution in 1837 through the Kinsey Reports of 1948 and 1953, with Krafft-Ebing, Freud, Hirschfeld, Ellis, Mead, and others in between.
The Arkham Sessions Delve Deeper into the Animated Batman
The Arkham Sessions, hosted by Dr. Andrea Letamendi and Brian Ward, is a weekly podcast dedicated to the psychological analysis of Batman: The Animated Series. Nostalgic, humorous, and even a little educational, the 20 episodes (so far) each promise to lend some insight into the heroes, villains, and classic stories of the Dark Knight!
What Is Superhero Therapy?
How can fantastic heroes faciltate healing? Dr. Janina Scarlet uses popular heroes and their stories through movies and television to get clients to open up in therapy and to discuss topics they otherwise might not easily explore. Nearly every treatment modality can incorporate superhero examples to engage clients when real life might be too uncomfortable to discuss.
Joking Matter: Adam West and Colleagues Analyze the Joker
Psychologists, film and comic book creators, and Adam West, the 1960s’ Batman himself, gathered at San Diego Comic-Con International to explore the psychopathy of the Joker. Is the Clown Prince of Crime a psychopath? Is the character psychotic? Is it even possible to get inside the character’s head?
Psychology of Cult TV: Better Living by "Geeking Out"
A team of psychological professionals explore television’s power to encourage, empower, and unite fans. What is a “cult” TV show? Does it bond people in a good way? How might televised examples model perseverence, empathy, recognition of self-destructive behavior, and the drive to make a difference? When can “geeking out” over TV be healthy and when is fanhood detrimental?