Superhero Thought Experiments: Comic Book Philosophy

by Chris Gavaler, Nathaniel Goldberg

Examining the deep philosophical topics addressed in superhero comics, authors Gavaler and Goldberg read plot lines for the complex thought experiments they contain and analyze their implications as if the comic authors were philosophers. Reading superhero comic books through a philosophical lens reveals how they experiment with complex issues of morality, metaphysics, meaning, and medium. Given comics’ ubiquity and influence directly on (especially young) readers—and indirectly on consumers of superhero movies and video games—understanding these deeper meanings is in many ways essential to understanding contemporary popular culture. The result is an entertaining and enlightening look at superhero dilemmas.

Genres: Philosophy

231 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2019

About the author

Chris Gavaler’s novel-in-stories SCHOOL FOR TRICKSTERS was published by Southern Methodist University Press (2011) and his romantic suspense novel PRETEND I’M NOT HERE by HarperCollins (2002). His short fiction appears in over three dozen national literary journals, including PRAIRIE SCHOONER, NEW ENGLAND REVIEW, HUDSON REVIEW, and WITNESS. He is also a four-time winner of the Pittsburgh New Works Festival’s Outstanding Playwright award. He received an MFA from the University of Virginia and is an Assistant Professor of English at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA.

Reviews

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been intrigued by the focus of many academic books that are simply looking at the effect pop culture has on a population. That is one reason I requested to read this through NetGalley, and while it took me longer than I had planned to get to it, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
The authors examine numerous comic book characters and story arcs against the philosophical theories of common and uncommon philosophers. Many of the philosophers I have studied, but even some I had not paid attention to before. Understanding the philosophical theories prior to reading the book didn't really affect the ability to read and understand because the authors explain their thought processes so well. The connections from early comics through modern iterations to different theories of ethics was intriguing and worth the read. Looking not only at the characters themselves as thought experiments but also the individual and collective authors, as well as the objective/selective point of ethical morals by the Comics Code Authority that influenced what could and could not be in comics until the 1980s was an interesting perspective that many readers, comic book readers, academics, and any other readers would find worthwhile to put a little time into reading this easy to follow, easy to understand, and easy to read book that makes a reader not only think about the morality represented in pop culture but also to consider their moral philosophy and how it is shaped.

[Diane Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comic book blogger and a philosopher walk into a bar—actually they shared a college copier—and Superhero Thought Experiments was born. They have got to stop meeting like this...

What is the difference between philosophers’ thought experiments and comic book plots? Surprising little. Take this short quiz and select the real comic book plots.
1. “What if lightning struck a dead tree in a swamp and transformed it into The Swampman?”
2. “What if trying to travel to the past transported you to a different universe instead?”
3. “What if a time traveler returned to his childhood and told his past self about the future?”
4. “What if a mad scientist removed your brain and is keeping it alive in a vat?”
5. “What if you and all the universe were just the thoughts of a small child?”
Not as easy to distinguish as you thought, right?

The comic book plots are item number three and five (from 1975’s The Defenders and 1997’s Heroes Reborn: The Return, respectively). The rest were thought up by philosophers. The book’s “goal is to use superhero comics to illustrate philosophy, and in turn use philosophy to analyze superhero comics.” It does that by using the What If questions from above plus five more.

First up, for those of you partial just to DC or only to Marvel, both are used to illustrate the authors’ points.

It is hard to explain why I liked this book but let me try. I’ve only taken an introductory class in philosophy. My favorite philosopher is Kant, who basically believed if your intention is good, you are morally good regardless of any unintended consequences. According to this book, that is also the attitude of my favorite superhero, Batman. Coincidence or my subconscious mind looking for matching belief systems? Who knows but it is definitely thought-provoking.

I can totally see this book being a textbook for an introductory philosophy course. Conversely, if you liked your philosophy course and read comics, this is an engrossing book that will deepen your understanding of both. Finally, I believe any writer or fledgling writer of superhero comics must read Superhero Thought Experiments. It will encourage compelling plots that reflect enduring questions about the human condition. 4 stars!

Thanks to University of Iowa Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Paul Sutter]

Comics have long been considered more than escapist reading for teenagers. They did at one time appeal to a younger crowd. That changed in the 1960’s when companies like Marvel became the thinking person’s comic company.
SUPERHERO THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS looks at comics from a philosophical viewpoint, that has much to do with the world around us and how we observe it. Authors Gavaler and Goldberg are both Professors, at Washington and Lee universities.
The book first studies the earliest comics. Even then there was a philosophical approach to Superman and Batman being crusaders for justice and fairness. Bruce Wayne AKA Batman, watched his parents being gunned down during a robbery. He made the statement, “I swear by the spirits of my parents to avenge their deaths by spending the rest of my life warring on all criminals.”
As comics progressed, the idea of doing good for the world and ridding evil at all costs, seemed a pledge and promise, that has not always been easy. Many manifestations of evil have taken place on this world and parallel worlds. It makes the battle against evil endless and timeless.
Many key moments in comics are noted here, such as the famous Bizzaro world that Superman ends up in occasionally. There is the also the menace of Dr. Doom, plus the time machine where heroes can enter during their quests.
The book takes note of key events and characters who have elevated comics from simple reading. This makes for an intriguing work for the serious and casual comic fan of all ages.

[Joelendil · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Superman vs. Batman: consequentialism vs. deontology! Within these pages you will find this and other astounding speculations as our intrepid authors perform feats of daring philosophy.

Okay, this isn’t actually a high-action book, but if you enjoy philosophy it’s a lot of fun. Gavaler and Goldberg treat superhero comic as thought experiments to explore the nature of doing good, existence, time, identity, communication, etc. (or morality, metaphysics, meaning, and medium if you prefer the alliteration of their section titles). Fodder for philosophizing includes Bizarro world, Dr. Doom’s time machine, Scarlet Witch’s imaginary twins, retcons & reboots, and much more. To me, the first three sections that focus on characters and stories were much more interesting than the last section that focused on comic books as a medium.

If you’re the kind of person who when confronted with someone asking “how do I know I’m really here?” gets annoyed by anything more theoretical than pinching/punching them and asking “did that hurt,” this isn’t the book for you. If you enjoy thought experiments and speculating on the nature of life, the universe, and everything give this a shot.

[Nicki Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superhero Thought Experiments is an interesting work that looks critically at the stories in superhero comics, as seen through the lens of philosophical thought. Since each topic is explained at the start of each section, you don't have to have studied philosophy to read this book; however, I would suggest that having a basic overview of some major figures like Kant and Descartes would help, in particular in regards to terminology. Likewise, each comic plot is outlined, so you don't need to have read all the relevant comics to follow the lines of thought, but again, a basic knowledge of major DC and Marvel characters will benefit you. This is not what I would call a light read, but it is an intriguing one, and if you are a superhero fan, there'll be plenty to captivate you in these essays.

I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Gene · Rating 4 out of 5]

So mind-blowing and full of deep ideas that my brain kept breaking. Had to read this in small doses because either I’d fall asleep or my brain would leak out of my head. This makes me look at comics more seriously than before.

[· · Rating 4 out of 5]

(11 October, 2025)

This is a really cool book, it makes one just think and think! Never thought I would ever read something so awesomely awesome like:

"And the only thing that’s really within our control, in Kant’s and Batman’s views, is our will. The things we will to do—the maxims according to which we choose to act—are the only things that morally count."

Kant and Batman together in a single sentence - are you freaking kidding me?!? I love it!

In the 70s, 80s and early 90s, I read comic books for the stories, for fun (even if the more serious ones make me think a bit). Then, in the mid 90s, I discovered philosophy and everything changed, comic books became catalysts for deep thoughts and big ideas. These two authors, Gavaler and Goldberg, have produced a highly readable book on two superficially unconnected subjects.

Consequentialism, Deontology, Referentialism and Descriptivism (just to name a few) are interesting topics on their own but linking them to Superman, Batman, Drs. Manhattan and Doom et alia in such an insightful way is so satisfying. Briefly discussing Descartes' failed proof of his god, and his ridiculous counter argument to Burman, is music to my ears, what a wonderful extra! There's also the idea of alternate timelines as, really, alternate branches of reality... finally!

A small comment on Referentialism: I fail to see how a reference to someone, aided by some description (called 'not definitive'), is not Descriptivism. Either it's a direct reference or not (aided by context).

Finally, Davidson's Swampman and Moore's Swamp Thing are so intriguing: are we not all living our own personal 'as if' scenarios anyway? Acceptance of any kind of ontological certainty is up to each individual, I am unsure of Swampman but Swamp Thing accepting 'his' memories as truly his is right. It's sad he decided to change his mind about it all.

Non-fiction books rarely rate above three stars for me, but this one is just so much fun.

[Shomeret]

This former graduate student is unintimidated by academic studies. The idea that superheroes can provide insights into philosophy may sound strange to some. Yet I have an interest in quirky academic works that make forays into popular culture, and would like to encourage this behavior. I hoped to make some useful discoveries when I agreed to read and review Superhero Thought Experiments by Chris Gavaler and Nathaniel Goldberg. I received a digital copy free of charge from the publisher.

The main benefit of this book is that it gave me the opportunity to reflect on my own views of the superheroes that the authors discuss.

In his introduction, Gavaler attempts to define superheroes. He says that "there is no single necessary or sufficient condition, but only a list of potential ones". I would start from the word superhero, and would ask two questions. How is this individual a hero? How is the individual super? If the individual is not a hero, he, she or they might be a villain. It could also be that he, she or they might be someone who wants to live an ordinary life, and doesn't want to be involved in saving anyone. If the individual has no superpowers he, she or they might be a costumed vigilante. This is a category for some of the greatest most legendary heroes such as Robin Hood and Zorro. I have no trouble categorizing Batman and Green Arrow as heroes who aren't superheroes. I still love them.

Even though I didn't always agree with Gavaler and Goldberg, I did consider Superhero Thought Experiments interesting and thoughtful.

For my complete review see https://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/2...

[Ashleigh Spicy Geek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed how it paired philosophy with comic books and superheroes. I'd never really thought that much about it but this book made some great points and comparisons. Unfortunately, there were many parts that felt like a bunch of rambling and at parts, things were repeated but just using different phrasing.