Author Talk: Dr. Michael Nichols

Fans of Batman are used to seeing the Caped Crusader associate with the likes of Superman and Wonder Woman, but what if one were to put the Dark Knight into the company of figures such as Beowulf, Robin Hood, Oedipus, and Sun Tzu, among others? This is the first book to compare famous Batman graphic novels, story arcs, and films to classic texts of literature and philosophy from around the world. Through this comparison we can see, for instance, how the epic warrior archetype of Beowulf or Roland persists in The Dark Knight Returns, or how the metaphor of the journey, found in such works as The Odyssey, occurs in the story arc Knightfall. By placing Batman stories into conversation with such classic texts, this book sheds light on the deeper meanings of key stories of the Dark Knight, as well as how long-lasting themes of literature and philosophy have persisted in the fiction of this popular character. About the Author: Michael Nichols earned his Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Northwestern University in 2010. His research interests include the interconnection of mythic narratives in Buddhism and Hinduism and the reimagination of mythic figures, ideas, and stories in popular culture. He has published numerous journal articles and is the author of four books: Malleable Mara: Transformations of a Buddhist Symbol of Evil (State University of New York Press, 2019), Religion and Myth in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (McFarland and Company, 2021), Understanding Your Students' Religions (Routledge, 2026), and Batman and the Classics (McFarland and Company, 2026). He is the recipient of a Teaching Excellence award from Purdue University in 2024, where he is Associate Teaching Professor in the Cornerstone Integrated Liberal Arts Program. About In Print at the LibraryDiscover bold ideas, fresh research, and unexpected insights from Purdue University faculty authors. Each speaker has recently published a book and is eager to share the ideas that drive their work. Join us throughout 2026 for learning, conversation, and community.This series is generously funded by the Altschaeffl Family See less