The Joker Psychology: Evil Clowns and the Women Who Love Them (Volume 12) (Popular Culture Psychology) by Travis Langley

The Joker Psychology: Evil Clowns and the Women Who Love Them (Volume 12) (Popular Culture Psychology) Reviews

• 
  Gabrielle

  If you’ve read my reviews for a while, you might know that I have a thing for the Joker. And no, not simply because (as my friend Phil so delicately puts it) I have a Joker fetish (
  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) , but because he’s one of the most brilliant, layered and complicated comic book characters ever created. So obviously, I ferreted out a copy of this book almost as soon as I knew it existed.
  
  Dr. Langley made a brave choice to have edited out this collection: didn’t the last shrink to try and analyse the Joker end up as his side-kick? Bad jokes aside, this is a fascinating little collection separated into 5 sections, one for each era of the character, and each section focuses on one specific psychological trait that defined it. It was written soon after Todd Philip’s “Joker” came out, so it doesn’t really use that version of the character it its analysis, nor does it look into the Valeska twins (should fellow “Gotham” fans out there be wondering) – which is kind of a shame, because I feel like there is a treasure trove of neurosis to look at there.
  
  As much fun as it can be to speculate about the psychology of fictional characters, this book is actually quite academic, and it might be a struggle for people who are not used to the language of psychology. The first section is also a very deep dive into the creation of the character, which was interesting but drawn-out. I appreciate that the character of Harley Quinn is also explored and discussed, as is her relationship with Mister J – and whether or not either of them can hope to get “better”.
  
  A really interesting study of two fascinating characters, but it’s a bit on the dry side.
• 
  Diz

  I felt that this one wasn't as strong as the book on Batman in this series, and the reason for that is the subject rather than the efforts of the writers. The Joker, as a character, is very difficult to pin down. He has multiple origin stories, and any information that he gives about himself has to be taken with a grain of salt. Analyzing a character based on information of questionable validity will lead to a weaker analysis. I still had fun reading it though.
• 
  Suz Jay

  “I think Harley [Quinn] speaks to the audiences right now, and she speaks to a lot of kids out there who are struggling with being different and might not sort of fit the norm, might be labeled nuts or crazy. I think she loves who she loves. We’ve seen that. She doesn’t care. There are no boundaries to her. I think Harley is, in some ways, the truest of all the characters in DC because she’s true to herself.”
  
  This comprehensive book on the psychology of the Joker digs deep inside the brain of the super villain and his relationships with Batman and Harley Quinn. Heavy hitters in psychology such as Freud and Jung are mentioned as is neurology. The book looks at whether Joker would be considered not guilty by reason of insanity and sent to Arkham Asylum, and his chances at rehabilitation. Psychology experts along with those who intimately know the character, such as the creators, weigh in. Each incarnation of the Joker is considered, and his evolution as a character is explored.
  
  My favorite book in the pop culture and psychology series is the one that delves into Batman, but this one is really cool too. I like how serial killers are referenced as are Bonnie and Clyde. One of my favorite characters is Harley Quinn, so naturally the sections about her were the ones I enjoyed most. This is a great book for those who want a peek inside the head of the Joker.
• 
  Nikki

  This isn't the first deep dive into Joker that I've read, but this one is more reader friendly. Generally speaking, every book from Langley has been great so far. He writes very well and he grabs contributors who are fantastic. Everyone writing for this book is talented and can bring insight to the topic of the Joker. I enjoyed that so many versions of the Joker were addressed, too, and each treated as totally valid aspects of this wicked clown. Each version is an important part of the whole. It was also neat to see his relationship with Batman and Harley Quinn looked at more closely, with focus given individually to Harley and how the Joker has impacted her. This was absolutely worth picking up.
• 
  Rowan

  Every single section was interesting. A really nice insight into ALL the Jokers.
• 
  Simeon

  This book was absolutely fun to read. I really enjoyed how real world psychology was embedded into fictional characters, such as the Joker and Harley Quin. If not a character analysis, this book is more along the lines of a basic introduction to psychology and how it is molded by psychopathy and other termed mental illnesses. Overall, definitely an interesting read.
• 
  Christina

  I really enjoyed this book!
  
  My personal background:
  The JOKER movie from last year (2019) re-sparked my interest in the actual structure of this anti-hero's mental landscape. I felt so attracted to him as a character, both mentally and sexually, I felt very understood and free at the same time, watching the character's every move. Also, I could sense that there is a cartharsis waiting to be discovered in this complex labyrinth of normal abnormality.
  
  The book:
  So, this book actually digs deep into that exact matter: why are people interested, attracted, allured, scared, frightened by him - or in love with him like Harley Quinn?
  
  The book retells the history of creation of the comic book villain, also combined with tons of interviews and material from screenwriter, storyboard creators, writers, actors.
  
  Each chapter follows different aspects of the JOKER mystery: Is he actually 'mad' or truly conscious of his deeds? What's up with the Batman-Joker bromance? How became Harley Quinn so addicted to him, how do abusive relationships work? Why is the JOKER so relatable? Why is he scary and why is he perceived as heroic? Would it be actually possible to cure him and if so, how?
  
  The book works with the available 'data' provided by comic books, movies and other material about Joker, making it a fictional 'case' to be solved. I really liked the insights on how therapy actually works (or would work with Joker as patient) and what Quinn did wrong while trying to cure him.
  
  This book truly is an in-depth look onto psychological landscapes and in my opinion very well made. Due to the fact that JOKER is a fictional character, the book becomes a 'gamificaton' of 'what if he were real and we could diagnose him?'... but a truly insightful one. The chapters and writing style are well edited and easy to read, with tons of (in my opinion) well researched references and expert comments. For me: a total win!
  
  If you are into JOKER or feel strangely attracted to this weird, scary, complex character.... go read it and find out why you are! (+ you might learn some new insights about your own personality hereby).
• 
  Alisha Taylor 💋

  This book was candy for my brain. I’m a sucker for anything joker related so throwing psychology into it it was an absolute must for me to read.
  
  Definitely interesting to hear somebody else’s take on the different variations of joker throughout the years as well as exploring the Harley joker dynamic so thoroughly.
• 
  Joe

  A very enjoyable romp into the practical analysis of an impractical joker. Very well written and researched with a smorgasbord of impressive psychological and comic book geek legends. I throughly enjoyed this and highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in psychology, the criminal mind, or any true batman fan. 10/10
• 
  Drake McCrary

  Not as well done the Batman one with many of points being repeated. Some the therapy techniques discussed were interesting especially those used to reform serial offenders.