Continuing Bonds Across the Universes

Abstract

This chapter explores two superhero characters – Iron Man and Batman and how the construct of continuing bond is expressed within their narratives. Klass, Silverman, and Nickman’s model of “Continuing Bonds” gave voice to an emerging consensus in the field – that although death ends a life, it does not end a relationship. Grief is actually about managing a changed relationship to the person, who has died, rather than letting go, disconnecting, or finding some kind of “closure”. The 2008 origin film introduces “Iron Man” to audiences. The central story arc is one of redemption and concerns the evolution of Tony Stark, the glamorous head of a weapons manufacturing company, into Iron Man. In May 1939, DC comics introduced Bruce Wayne, who was human, was vulnerable, and possess no superhuman powers – Batman. The death of his parents inspired new ambitions and goals in the figure of Batman.