Batman researcher looks at link between hero and psychology

For almost 80 years, Batman, has captured the imagination of fans around the world through comic books, films, radio dramas, TV shows and video games.

And Travis Langley, a psychology professor at Henderson State University in Tennessee has spent his career asking why that is.

"Batman has always been a hero interesting to me. The popularity of the character is a reason to talk about it and to use it to real people," he told On The Coast host Stephen Quinn.

"His origin itself is very human. Superman is an alien from another planet and has these powers. Batman became a larger-than-life figure because his parents got murdered in front of him in an alley, and that taps into the most primal fears we have."

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Langley isthe author of Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight and is visiting the U Victoria for a panel discussion called An Evening with Batman's Brain.

He says Batman is an area of scholarly interest because he's defined by his psychology.

"And because he is defined by his psychology, his enemies are defined by their psychology," he said. "With Superman, when a writer creates a new enemy, they have to start out with what challenges his powers, likewise with most other superheroes."

"With Batman, you start with what challenges him as a character. So you get a richer rogue's gallery and richer stories with more depth very frequently."

Langley says Batman is a character many people aspire to be and are inspired by. He's also changed to meet changing social needs. For example, in the 1980s, the character addressed societal fears about violent vigilantism.

"Psychologically, Batman is who he is because of his self-control killing the Joker would be giving up that self-control," he said.

With files fromOn The Coast

To hear the full story, click the audio labelled:UVic event looks at what really makes Batman tick