Battling bad guys. High-tech hideouts. The gratitude of the masses. Who at some point in their life hasn't dreamed of being a superhero? Impossible, right? Or is it? Possessing no supernatural powers, Batman is the most realistic of all the superheroes. His feats are achieved through rigorous training and mental discipline, and with the aid of fantastic gadgets. Drawing on his training as a neuroscientist, kinesiologist, and martial artist, E. Paul Zehr explores the question: Could a mortal ever become Batman? Zehr discusses the physical training necessary to maintain bad-guy-fighting readiness while relating the science underlying this process, from strength conditioning to the cognitive changes a person would endure in undertaking such a regimen. In probing what a real-life Batman could achieve, Zehr considers the level of punishment a consummately fit and trained person could handle, how hard and fast such a person could punch and kick, and the number of adversaries that individual could dispatch. He also tells us what it would be like to fight while wearing a batsuit and the amount of food we'd need to consume each day to maintain vigilance as Gotham City's guardian. A fun foray of escapism grounded in sound science, Becoming Batman provides the background for attaining the realizable—though extreme—level of human performance that would allow you to be a superhero.

A journey behind the mask and into the mind of Gotham City’s Caped Crusader, timed for the summer 2012 release of The Dark Knight Rises Batman is one of the most compelling and enduring characters to come from the Golden Age of Comics, and interest in his story has only increased through countless incarnations since his first appearance in Detective Comics #27 in 1939. Why does this superhero without superpowers fascinate us? What does that fascination say about us? Batman and Psychology explores these and other intriguing questions about the masked vigilante, including: Does Batman have PTSD? Why does he fight crime? Why as a vigilante? Why the mask, the bat, and the underage partner? Why are his most intimate relationships with “bad girls” he ought to lock up? And why won't he kill that homicidal, green-haired clown? Gives you fresh insights into the complex inner world of Batman and Bruce Wayne and the life and characters of Gotham City Explains psychological theory and concepts through the lens of one of the world’s most popular comic book characters Written by a psychology professor and “Superherologist” (scholar of superheroes)

Why doesn't Batman just kill the Joker and end everyone's misery? Can we hold the Joker morally responsible for his actions? Is Batman better than Superman? If everyone followed Batman's example, would Gotham be a better place? What is the Tao of the Bat? Batman is one of the most complex characters ever to appear in comic books, graphic novels, and on the big screen. What philosophical trials does this superhero confront in order to keep Gotham safe? Combing through seventy years of comic books, television shows, and movies, Batman and Philosophy explores how the Dark Knight grapples with ethical conundrums, moral responsibility, his identity crisis, the moral weight he carries to avenge his murdered parents, and much more. How does this caped crusader measure up against the teachings of Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Kierkegaard, and Lao Tzu?

"The Batman Files" begins with Wayne's childhood drawings and continues along a time line of significant events in Batman's life. Completely outlining Batman's war on crime, "The Batman Files" includes in-depth computer files, news articles, crime scene photos, blueprints, schematics, and actual maps of Gotham City.

"E. Paul Zehr physically deconstructs Iron Man to find out how we could use modern-day technology to create a suit of armor similar to the one Stark made"--Jacket.

Based in the world of the Dark Knight but with real-world expert advice, The Batman Handbook teaches all of the skills of the world's most mysterious superhero. Covering such essentials as throwing a batarang, constructing a Kevlar suit and withstanding poisoning, this ultimate guide is produced in partnership with DC Comics and features all original artwork from David Hahn, a DC comics illustrator.Batman comics ranked top in comic book sales for seven out of 12 months last year. The book will be published in time for the June 2005 release of Batman Begins, a movie focusing on how a young Bruce Wayne obtained the skills and abilities necessary to become Batman. With real-world advice about fantastical skills, The Batman Handbook will appeal to all superhero wannabes.

Boost your confidence and become a hero! If you're looking to find a new mission in life, create the perfect cave-based hangout, or update your wardrobe, channel your inner Super Hero and ask yourself: "What would Batman do?" With his strength, sophistication, razor-sharp wit, and unrivaled gadget collection, Batman has all the advice you'll need to become a legend! All DC characters and elements © & (TM) DC Comics. (s21)