Black Panther Psychology: Hidden Kingdoms

by Travis Langley (Editor), Don McGregor (Foreword), Alex Simmons (Editor)

A captivating analysis of the psychology behind Black Panther .
 
T'Challa the Black Panther won over audiences with one of the most popular comic book movies of all time. The film's success shines a spotlight on hopes and values across cultures and throughout the world because, in spite of the fantastic details and royal intrigue, the hero's story is deeply human. In Black Panther Hidden Kingdoms , Dr. Travis Langley brings together a variety of experts to examine the character both in motion pictures and throughout his rich comic book history. Among the topics they

Genres: Comics, Nonfiction, Psychology

336 pages, Paperback

Published June 4, 2019

About the author

Dr. Travis Langley, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Henderson State University, is best-known as the author of the acclaimed book BATMAN AND PSYCHOLOGY: A DARK AND STORMY KNIGHT. He is also editor and lead writer for the Popular Culture Psychology series of 12 books looking at the psychology of characters and stories such as THE WALKING DEAD PSYCHOLOGY: PSYCH OF THE LIVING DEAD, CAPTAIN AMERICA VS. IRON MAN: FREEDOM, SECURITY, PSYCHOLOGY, and most recently THE JOKER PSYCHOLOGY: EVIL CLOWNS AND THE WOMEN WHO LOVE THEM. PsychologyToday.com features his blog, “Beyond Heroes and Villains.” A popular speaker internationally, he has given talks at universities and has led or joined hundreds of convention panels (especially at Wizard World shows) and on the Comic Con-Fusion YouTube channel. He also happened to be an undefeated champion on the Wheel of Fortune game show. As Stan Lee described him, “This man is a genius!”

Reviews

[Tara]

Great Character Study

Definitely helpful to explore the unaddressed relational nuances of the Black Panther story. I will be using this in practice.

[Lisa J]

Black Panther Psychology is the third book from this series that I read this month. I've also read Batman Psychology and Wonder Woman Psychology. This is by far amongst those 3, the best one I’ve read. As I stated with the other two books this is a psychology book. For that reason, I feel that if anyone does not like psychology is not interested in a discussion about psychology you won't like this book. If you are interested in psychology and psychological theory and concepts with a dose of comic book magic especially Black Panther magic, then this book is for you. Therefore, as previously explained this is a nonfiction book about a fictional character

Unlike Batman Psychology, which focused on psychological diagnoses and the criteria for different disorders or conditions which may be applicable to Batman and the cast of characters in his life; this book really focused on psychological theories and models. Black Panther Psychology looked at not only the Black Panther but the impact of his family (especially Killmonger), Wakanda, and what the Black Panther movies and comics have meant to an entire race of people.

I loved reading about the creation of the character and the SUCCESSFUL struggle to bring a black starring comic book to fruition. The stories, the interviews, and the psychological examinations helped improve my understanding of T’Challa and the Black Panther. It was interesting how Killmonger’s life was frequently used to compare and contrast T’Challa’s. These dueling viewpoints of the theories and concepts they explored added so many layers to an already complex character. I would definitely recommend this book to those who are interested in PSYCHOLOGY with a Black Panther filter.

[Conrad]

This book gives me a different view on psychology because it isn't necessarily aimed at me. It goes over the importance of representation and how it feels seeing someone like you, as a leader or superhero, rather than a criminal or joke. It talks about gender roles as T'Challa's secret service is made of strong, warrior women and his sister, Shuri, is a genius with technology.