By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)
To spend “An Evening with Batman’s Brain” is a perfect way to prepare for next week’s ultimate grudge match in Zack Snyder‘s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The UVic Centre for Biomedical Research presented this discussion March 16, and the two hours went by rather quick. Normally, at a comic convention, these discussions get one hour to get the point across. Two hours are not that common. To add an appearance of The Joker, Two-Face and Scarecrow corralling Batman onto center stage only helped set up the night and provide audiences with a bit of entertainment in what the Clown Prince of Crime exclaimed as “Nerds on parade. Boring!”
I was wide awake and soaking as much of the discussion in. The information presented was jam-packed with fact-filled insights into the psychology of Bats, the dilemmas he faces and the punishment he takes as a man in his prime. The comics and movies (mostly Chris Nolan’s) are referenced, and a bit of the animated series (where my knowledge comes from) is referred to. Dr. Travis Langley (Psychologist at Henderson State University), Dr. Mark D. White (Philosopher at College of Staten Island), and Dr. E. Paul Zehr (Neuroscientist at University of Victoria) each gave their presentations examining this character. Noted CBC Radio personality Shelagh Rogers moderated this panel. She opened the floor for audiences to ask questions and if only this event lasted three hours, I’m sure fans will get more than a general sense of what makes Batman tick.
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