The Walking Dead Psychology Review Excepts

December 27, 2015 | Author: Travis Langley

“The Walking Dead Psychology is the perfect blend of insightful scholarship, pop-culture savvy and bloody good fun. Highly recommended!” – Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of Patient Zero and Rot & Ruin.

“One of the most fascinating books I read this year: @Superherologist’s THE WALKING DEAD PSYCHOLOGY. Required read for zombies with brains.” – Brian Keene (@BrianKeene), New York Times bestselling author of The Rising, Ghoul, and The Last Zombie.

“Anyone who’s a fan of the show or comic and who’s at least slightly interested in psychology would find much to take away from this book. Not only will it enrich your appreciation of The Walking Dead, but the way it uses entertainment to explain the importance of psychological concepts…is quite simply good for your braaaains!” – The Pop Mythologist.

“‘Walking Dead’ fans, this one’s for you. Travis Langley examines what living in a post-apocalyptic world actually does to one’s psyche. As a fan, it’s easy to just get caught up in the drama of the show without really thinking about what living in such a stressful, violent environment can do to a person. But Langley really gets into it, which helps you understand the characters even better…. You’ll be even more pumped to watch the show after reading.” – Metro.

“It gave me a completely new understanding for the series and made me really appreciate the work the writers put into truly developing these characters… Don’t stress out thinking that you need to know a good bit about psychology before picking up this book… Thankfully, each contributor is great at breaking down their topic in understandable terms… this book should be next in your to To-Read list. It’s an enjoyable and informative read. And once your finished reading the book, you can go back to your zombie survival plans.” – All Geek to Me.

“I absolutely loved this book. It takes a serious look at the psychological aspects of the show, both why viewers watch and the toll the Zombie Apocalypse (or any other type of apocalypse) takes on survivors and affects their behaviors…. Highly recommended for anyone who is a fan of the show, comics, or novels.” – Nutwood Junction.

“Those interested in #TWD and/or psychology, check it out.” – actor Andrew J. West (@AndJWest), Gareth on The Walking Dead.

AndJ

 

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“Beyond Heroes and Villains” at Psychology Today First 50

August 5, 2014 | Author: Travis Langley

Since August 1, 2012, I’ve posted 50 articles at PsychologyToday.com in my ongoing “Beyond Heroes and Villains” column. (I know it’s called a blog, but look up the word’s origin. It’s still not a log of my life, so online column is more accurate.) Some of these have the advantage of time, having accumulated views for two years. Some of the newer ones are rapidly changing ranks, like the most recent post (“Singing Those Comic-Con Blues: How Do We Return to ‘Normal’?”) but here’s where things stand today.

1 A Dark and Stormy Knight: Why Batman?
2 Does Iron Man 3’s Hero Suffer Posttraumatic Stress Disorder?
3 The Dark Knight Rises: What Motivates Bane?
4 The Avengers Teach Psychology: Class Assemble!
5 A Clinical Perspective on Panic and PTSD in Iron Man 3
6 Twitter Takes on Iron Man 3: Why Can’t Tony Stark Sleep?
7 Are Batman’s Enemies Insane? Sounder Minds—Part 1
8 Batman at 75: The Psychology of Why the Dark Knight Endures
9 Doctor Who: The Man Who Regrets and the Man Who Forgets
10 Are Batman’s Enemies Insane? Unsound Minds—Part 2
11 Doctor Who: Fear the Weeping Angels and Don’t Blink
12 Super Sex Theorists: “Hung up on Superheroes’ Sex Organs”
13 Are Olympic Athletes Heroes?
14 Why Stick to a PTSD Diagnosis Based on Lies by Jodi Arias?
15 Superman’s True Disguise: The Power of Social Invisibility
16 Star Trek: The Mental Frontier
17 Batman’s Case Files: Bane, the Man Who Broke the Bat
18 Batman’s Case Files: Immortality versus Extinction
19 What Is Superhero Therapy?
20 Ye Olde Masters of Sex: Sexology Before Masters and Johnson
21 Heroes of Cosplay, Part 1: Can We All Play Together?
22 Necessary Evil Documentary: Exploring Super-Villainy
23 Aurora Judge Rules “Truth Serum” Can Test Suspect’s Insanity
24 Who Are Your Heroes?
25 Superheroine Recovery: An Interview With Batgirl’s Therapist
26 Misremembering Batman
27 The Bat of the Shadow: Batman’s Role Models
28 Superheroes, Supervillains, and Ourselves upon the OCEAN
29 Psychology of Cult TV: Better Living by “Geeking Out”
30 Joking Matter: Adam West and Colleagues Analyze the Joker
31 Weddings, Funerals, Reboots–Capes and Cognitive Dissonance
32 Comics Arts Conference Brings Psychology to Comic-Con 2013
33 Westboro Baptist Church: Modeling Empathy on the High Road
34 Haunted by Sigmund Freud: Adaptation or Defense Mechanisms?
35 Freud: The Secret Casebook, Tell Me About Your Profiler
36 Orange Is the New Black: The Prisoner’s Dilemma Compounded?
37 Spectacular Tragedy in a Just World: The Power of “Why?”
38 Legends of the Knight Documentary Explores Power of Stories
39 The Arkham Sessions: Batman, Man-Bat, and that Killer Clown
40 Sole Survivor Finds Hope in a Hogwarts Wizard’s Words
41 “Legends of the Knight” Video Chat on Batman and Psychology
42 The Arkham Sessions Delve Deeper Into the Animated Batman
43 Risky Sessions: Superheroes on the (Steel-Reinforced) Couch
44 WonderCon Psych 2013: Comics and Zombies and Sith! Oh, My!
45 San Diego Comic-Con Program 2014: The Comics Arts Conference
46 WonderCon: Batman vs. Jason! Kirk vs. Vader! Who vs. Holmes!
47 Heroism Conference: The Hero Round Table with Phil Zimbardo
48 Cortex Crusaders Put Comic-Con on the Convention Couch
49 Singing Those Comic-Con Blues: How Do We Return to “Normal”?
50 Super Skinners or Fantastic Freuds? Psych at Comic-Con ’14
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“Beyond Heroes and Villains” at Psychology Today 1-33

March 28, 2014 | Author: Travis Langley

Since August 1, 2012, I’ve posted 33 articles at PsychologyToday.com in my ongoing “Beyond Heroes and Villains” column. (I know it’s called a blog, but look up the word’s origin. It’s not a log of my life. Online column is more accurate.) Some of these have the advantage of time, having accumulated views for a year and a half. Some of the newer ones are rapidly changing ranks, like the most recent post “Superman’s True Disguise: The Power of Social Invisibility,” but here’s where things stand today.

1 A Dark and Stormy Knight: Why Batman?
2 Does Iron Man 3’s Hero Suffer Posttraumatic Stress Disorder?
3 The Avengers Teach Psychology: Class Assemble!
4 The Dark Knight Rises: What Motivates Bane?
5 Twitter Takes on Iron Man 3: Why Can’t Tony Stark Sleep?
6 A Clinical Perspective on Panic and PTSD in Iron Man 3
7 Are Batman’s Enemies Insane? Sounder Minds—Part 1
8 Doctor Who: Fear the Weeping Angels and Don’t Blink
9 Are Batman’s Enemies Insane? Unsound Minds—Part 2
10 Are Olympic Athletes Heroes?
11 Why Stick to a PTSD Diagnosis Based on Lies by Jodi Arias?
12 Batman’s Case Files: Bane, the Man Who Broke the Bat
13 Star Trek: The Mental Frontier
14 Doctor Who: The Man Who Regrets and the Man Who Forgets
15 Batman’s Case Files: Immortality versus Extinction
16 Aurora Judge Rules “Truth Serum” Can Test Suspect’s Insanity
17 Who Are Your Heroes?
18 Necessary Evil Documentary: Exploring Super-Villainy
19 Misremembering Batman
20 Superheroine Recovery: An Interview With Batgirl’s Therapist
21 Superman’s True Disguise: The Power of Social Invisibility
22 The Bat of the Shadow: Batman’s Role Models
23 Superheroes, Supervillains, and Ourselves upon the OCEAN
24 Weddings, Funerals, Reboots – Capes and Cognitive Dissonance
25 Comics Arts Conference Brings Psychology to Comic-Con 2013
26 Westboro Baptist Church: Modeling Empathy on the High Road
27 Spectacular Tragedy in a Just World: The Power of “Why?”
28 “Legends of the Knight” Video Chat on Batman and Psychology
29 The Arkham Sessions: Batman, Man-Bat, and that Killer Clown
30 WonderCon Psych 2013: Comics and Zombies and Sith! Oh, My!
31 Legends of the Knight Documentary Explores Power of Stories
32 Risky Sessions: Superheroes on the (Steel-Reinforced) Couch
33 Cortex Crusaders Put Comic-Con on the Convention Couch
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Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con 2014

March 25, 2014 | Author: Travis Langley

At Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con, visit Athena Finger and me at the explosive C4 table next to current Batman artist Greg Capulllo.

My panel schedule:

FRIDAY, APRIL 4

5:30 – 6:15PM GETTING RESPECT: COMICS GO TO COLLEGE
Comics and graphic novels have come into their own as subjects worthy of—indeed, demanding—attention from academia. Historians and cultural theorists teach courses, hold conferences, and publish books on various aspects of sequential art colleges and universities teach courses in comics as literature and social history as well as how to make them. Here, to give an overview of various ideas about and approaches to comics studies are a cross-section of comics scholars and teachers, including: Dr. Travis Langley (Henderson State University; Batman and Psychology), Eric Bailey (Henderson State University), Peter Coogan (Superhero: The Secret Origin of a Genre,) Rob O’Nale(Comics Through Time) and David Schuman (Washington University St. Louis). The panel is moderated by Danny Fingeroth (The Rough Guide to Graphic Novels) (ROOM 144)

SATURDAY, APRIL 5

11:30 – 12:15PM 1939: THE YEAR THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
75 years ago, as fateful events that would lead to the outbreak of World War II in September 1939 were coming together in Europe, the U.S.A. was experiencing, in the same year, an explosion of popular culture. In 1939, Batman debuted in Detective Comics #27; Timely (later Marvel) Comics released Marvel Comics #1, showcasing the first Marvel superheroes, Sub-Mariner and the Human Torch; and Hollywood produced classic films including The Wizard of Oz, Gone With the Wind and Stagecoach. Discussing historical and cultural factors that made that year so important is a panel including Athena Finger (granddaughter of Bill Finger, the co-creator of Batman,) Dr. Travis Langley (author of Batman and Psychology,) Eric Bailey (Henderson State university,) Peter Coogan (Superhero: The Secret Origin of a Genre) and Danny Fingeroth (Disguised as Clark Kent: Jews, Comics, and the Creation of the Superhero.) (ROOM 151)

12:30 – 1:15PM BILL FINGER AT 100: WHO REALLY CREATED BATMAN?
2014 marks the 100th anniversary of Batman co-creator Bill Finger’s birth, 75th anniversary of Batman’s debut, and 25th anniversary of the Tim Burton motion picture that proved audiences could take Batman seriously. Who really created Batman? How much of the Dark Knight’s design and defining qualities came from the character’s uncredited co-creator, Bill Finger? How many of his enemies thrill us thanks to Finger, and how many of Batman’s adventures, supporting characters, and wonderful toys as well? Not only did he enrich the Dark Knight mythos, but Bill Finger also co-created Wildcat, came up with Superman’s other girlfriend Lana Lang, and wrote the very first Green Lantern tale. To discuss the Cape Creator’s life and work, Dr. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight) has assembled a truly super team: Danny Fingeroth (Superman on the Couch,) Robert O’Nale (@The The Cape Creator: A Tribute to Bill Finger, the Secret Co-Creator of Batman) and – making her very first convention appearance anywhere – Bill’s only heir, Athena Finger. (ROOM 144)

1:30 – 2:15PM BATMAN AT 75
While other creators scrambled to cash in on Superman’s sudden popularity by creating more bright, impossible heroes, Bob Kane and Bill Finger gave us Gotham City’s dark and improbably possible Batman. Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 (1939) and has gone on to become one of the most recognizable figures in the world. 2014 also marks the 25th anniversary of Tim Burton’s Batman motion picture, the 50th anniversary of Batman’s “New Look,” and the 100th birthday of uncredited Batman co-creator Finger. We’ve assembled an all-star anniversary panel to discuss the Dark Knight’s history and legacy: Dr. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight,) Athena Finger (granddaughter of Bill,) Gregory Capullo (Batman; Spawn,) Rob O’Nale (working on an upcoming Bill Finger documentary) and Danny Fingeroth (Superman on the Couch.) (ROOM 144)

6:00 – 8:00PM LEGENDS OF THE KNIGHT SCREENING
LEGENDS OF THE KNIGHT weaves together the uplifting true stories of individuals who have overcome devastating obstacles, unselfishly given to the community, and embraced their inner superhero because of their love of Batman. Through the deeply personal tales of Batman fans, writers, and filmmakers, this feature-length documentary explores the power of heroic stories and encourages viewers to find their own path to heroism. Funded by over 1,100 contributors from around the world, Legends of the Knight is a return to our childhood dreams of being a hero. Put on your cape, and be inspired! (ROOM 160) [I introduce it, then rush to my next panel.]

6:30 – 7:15PM SEX, LOVE AND SUPERHEROES
Would a superhero’s love life be like that of a real world soldier, firefighter, undercover detective, or rock star? Frankly, who wants to date a superhero? They show up late for dates, they run out on you at random times just to go save the world, and they bring danger into your life simply by knowing you. Dr. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight (Wiley & Sons, June, 2012)) explores superheroes’ relationships, the human and superhuman nature of sex and love in capes and tights. (ROOM 144)

SUNDAY, APRIL 6

3:00 – 3:45PM: SUPERVILLAINS AND PSYCHOLOGY
Every great superhero faces a rogues gallery full of colorful supervillains. What makes a great supervillain? How evil do they have to be? Do they resemble real criminals in any way? Are they truly insane or just having fun? Dr. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight) assembles of super-team of experts to explore what it means to be a supervillain and what kind of person could become one: Danny Fingeroth (@Superman Superman on the Couch), Eric Bailey (Henderson State University,) Peter Coogan (Superhero: The Secret Origin of a Genre) and maybe a villain or two. You’ve been warned! (ROOM 142)

Join us as we and great folks like Adam West, Burt Ward, and Neal Adams as we all celebrate the 75th anniversary of Batman’s debut way back in April, 1939 (cover date May, 1939), and the 100th anniversary of Batman co-creator Bill Finger’s birth.

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Demazette Book Review

July 29, 2012 | Author: Travis Langley

Here are a couple of excerpts from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette book review by Philip Martin. The complete article is online if you’re subscribed to their website, the third review in this article:  http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2012/jul/29/jacobs-breathes-life-zombies-20120729/

Martin did not know I was a regional author when he started reading. “I didn’t figure that out until halfway through this exceedingly readable (and fun) discussion of the psychological landscape of the Batman universe. Langley is extraordinarily well-versed in the lore and characters, and scrupulous about the questions he chooses to address.”

Final sentence: “I got the feeling it would be fun to take one of Langley’s classes.”

 

 

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NerdBastards Interview: The Blame Game

July 22, 2012 | Author: Travis Langley

From NerdBastards:

I spoke to Dr. Travis Langley yesterday afternoon about information overload, the media’s need to keep feeding us information about the killer, and those who try to blame movies, TV, video games, and comics for this tragedy. Dr. Langley is a psychology professor from Henderson State University and the author of Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Night.

Read the full editorial and hear the interview:
http://nerdbastards.com/2012/07/22/editorial-the-blame-game/

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The Atlantic: How the Dark Knight Became Dark Again

July 18, 2012 | Author: Travis Langley

Quoted in The Atlantic’s article on Michael Uslan, p. 1:

While the makers of Superman “played with the bright and impossible, Bob and Bill expanded that meme by adding the coin’s other side, the dark and improbably possible,” writes Travis Langley, a professor of psychology at Henderson State University. “Duality and obsession, his enemies’ and his own, fill his stories.”

Page 2:

Director Joel Schumacher’s subsequent films strayed from the noirish direction Burton had set—”the worst thing to do with a serious comic book is make it a cartoon,” Akiva Goldsman, Batman & Robin’s screenwriter, later admitted—but Christopher Nolan installed Batman back into a gritty place, filming on the streets of London and Chicago to create what the psychologist Langley refers to as a “post-9/11 allegory for how terror breaks down reassuring moral categories.” …

“I realized that I had been thinking of my job as producing fiction for a publishing backwater—comic books—and that I was wrong: my job was being in charge of postindustrial folklore,” writes longtime Batman comics editor Dennis O’Neil in Langley’s new book, Batman and Psychology. “Batman…had been around so long, in so many media, that [he was] embedded in our collective psyches.”

 

 

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