Spend an evening with Batman’s brain

Who or what is Batman? How did he come to be? Why does the Batman legend endure? And what can Batman tell us about how our bodies work and the potential of our own physical abilities?

Find out the answers to these and many other questions about this enigmatic superhero at a special event at the University of Victoria on March 16— “An Evening with Batman’s Brain: A Comic Con Mash-Up of Popular Culture, Art and Science.”

The event brings together three renowned Batman authors—E. Paul Zehr, Travis Langley and Mark White— to muse on the psychology, philosophy and neuroscience of Gotham’s Dark Knight Avenger. The evening will be moderated by UVic Chancellor and CBC journalist Shelagh Rogers and will include discussion about Batman vs Superman, an upcoming worldwide movie release.

Zehr, a UVic neuroscientist and author of Becoming Batman, teaches the only Batman science course in the world. He’ll address how the feats of Batman and Batgirl are achieved by neuroplasticity through rigorous training and mental discipline, as well as the physical downside of constantly battling super-villains—concussion and injuries.

Langley, a Henderson State University psychologist and author of Batman and Psychology, teaches a course titled “Batman.” He’ll talk about why a superhero without superpowers fascinates us and what it says about us as a society. He’ll also explore whether Batman has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

White, a College of Staten Island philosopher and author of Batman and Philosophy, will speak about the moral dilemmas Batman confronts to keep Gotham safe and how he measures up against the teachings of Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Kierkegaard and Lao Tzu.

“This event brings for the first time an authentic comic con panel experience to Victoria,” says Zehr, referring to the comic book convention phenomenon popular around the world. “Each of us have done lots of panels at lots of cons—including San Diego, New York and Anaheim—but this is the first time we get to do one together in one place on one stage. It should be a fantastic and energetic event.”

What: “An Evening with Batman’s Brain: A Comic Con Mash-Up of Popular Culture, Art and Science”
When: Wednesday, March 16 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Farquhar Auditorium, University Centre, UVic

This is a free, ticketed event and is open to all ages. For ticket information, contact 250-721-8480, ticket@uvic.ca or visit https://tickets.uvic.ca/.

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