Superman on the Couch: What Superheroes Really Tell Us About Ourselves and Our Society
by Danny Fingeroth
book data
21 ratings, 3.48 average rating, 5 reviews
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published
April 17th 2004
by Continuum International Publishing Group
binding
Hardcover, 192 pages
isbn
0826415393
(isbn13: 9780826415394)
description
Why are so many of the superhero myths tied up with loss, often violent, of parents or parental figures? What is the significance of the dual identity...more
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 47)
From my blog: Reviewing Comics
n his 2004 volume Superman on the Couch comics industry veteran Danny Fingeroth aims to go beyond the history of superhero comics and analyze the reasons for our persistent fascination with them and what this can tell about our societies.
For his analysis, Fingeroth identifies certain key elements that are common amongst superhero comics starting with their dual identity and their orphanage, moves on to their built-up anger and the values they repre...more
n his 2004 volume Superman on the Couch comics industry veteran Danny Fingeroth aims to go beyond the history of superhero comics and analyze the reasons for our persistent fascination with them and what this can tell about our societies.
For his analysis, Fingeroth identifies certain key elements that are common amongst superhero comics starting with their dual identity and their orphanage, moves on to their built-up anger and the values they repre...more
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Read in January, 2006
Although not stellar, this is a very good introductory book for understanding the psychology and social importance of superheroes. This book covers the well-tread idea that superheroes' popularity is due to the fact that they are the new mythology. But there are other interesting insights such as the Punisher being a reaction to the violence of the eighties and the addictive nature of Batman's war on crime.
Not as long or in-depth as I would have preferred but certainly a fun read.
Not as long or in-depth as I would have preferred but certainly a fun read.
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Read in December, 2008
As a big comic-book geek, I found this book very interesting. It's pretty neat to see the thought someone's given to the meaning behind some of the major superhero themes.
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Read in June, 2007
This is secular version of Who needs a superhero? and about as good, again I only got through a few chapters, mostly on momentum. Danny Fingeroth's approach definitely isn't Socratic, but he asks a lot of questions anyway. In one stretch he goes a page and a half just asking questions -- literally (and not literarly.) Alternate recommendation: Superheroes and Philosophy: Truth, Justice, and the Socratic Way.
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Read in January, 2007
Superheroes aren't just a reflection of some childlike need to have a savior, but more so a reflection of what we want to and wish to be. That society, as fucked up as it is, can be 'saved' by some fool prancing around in tights.
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Read in June, 2005
recommends it for:
Superhero fans, psychologists, sociologists
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