The Arkham Sessions, hosted by Dr. Andrea Letamendi and Brian Ward, is a weekly podcast dedicated to the psychological analysis of pop culture, including Batman: The Animated Series, Steven Universe, the MCU, Star Wars, and Doom Patrol. Nostalgic, humorous, and even a little educational, each episode promises to lend some insight into the heroes, villains, and classic stories of the Dark Knight and more!
The Arkham Sessions, Ep. 240 – Wonder Con 2025: Analyzing Arkham Asylum (Panel Recording)
Is the Joker actually “insane”? Does Two-Face have “multiple personality disorder” by today’s standards? From an ethical perspective, do Gotham’s rogues belong in prison or in rehab? In works like The Penguin, Joker: Folie a Deux, and Batman: White Knight, DC villains have brought “main character energy” to life, proving themselves as enduring figures in media storytelling—but just how well do these baddies depict the mental health landscape of today, and is there anything wrong with celebrating villain vibes?
Media psychologist Drea Letamendi, Ph.D. (Necessary Evil: Super-Villains of DC Comics), screenwriter Ernie Altbacker (Batman: Hush Animated), and comics writer Kyle Higgins (Nightwing, Batman Beyond 2.0, Batman: Gate of Gotham) deconstruct, decriminalize, and debunk Gotham City’s most notorious institution and the stories behind it. Moderated by Brian Ward (The Arkham Sessions Podcast).
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