Unmasking superhuman abilities and double lives, this
analysis showcases nearly two dozen psychologists as their
essays explore the minds of pop culture's most
intriguing and daring superheroes, including Spider-Man, Batman,
Superman, and the X-Men. Exposing the inner thoughts that these
reclusive heroes would only dare share with trained professionals,
heady experts give detailed psychoanalyses of what makes specific
superheroes tick while answering such questions as Why do
superheroes choose to be superheroes? Why is there so much
prejudice against the X-Men mutants? What makes
Spider-Man so altruistic? and Why are supervillains so
aggressive? Additionally, the essays tackle why
superheroes have such an enduring effect on American
culture.