The human psyche is an incredible phenomenon. According to the incipient visionaries, the Greeks, human behavior is controlled by entities within the mind: the soul, the self, and the mind. Few things can arouse such emotions as seeing the extremes of the human psyche. Psychology, the study of the psyche and the mind, can tie in to a plethora of other studies, and when properly manipulated, can even be used to magnify the effects of entertainment. Demonstrations of such are included in movies, books, plays; in virtually any type of media. However, one of the forms of media that is infamous for its psychological attributes is comic books. Comic books, especially the ones largely notable for their dark, artistic style are driven to unbelievable heights, using psychology to ensnare the readers and tear them into the plot. The characters of these comic books, depending on the circumstances, can even steal the limelight for some readers. Countless awards have been given to comic books that would not have been possible without the immense support of some characters. In the following paragraphs is a list that extrapolates upon some of the most psychologically captivating comic book characters to date.
Rorschach
Rorschach is a masked vigilante from the comic book "The Watchmen". Wearing his signature inkblot mask, he hunts for criminals and escapes from the grasps of the police under the recent anti-vigilante law. However, throughout the cours
e of the Watchmen books, readers begin to realize that Rorschach has extreme sociopathic and psychological problems. These problems are generally manifested by the amorality he expresses toward criminals, but readers can also sense this in even his everyday conversation. No one knows why Rorschach's mind works the way it does; perhaps the severe child abuse he suffered, or the bullying in school, or the endless atrocities that happened around him. Psychologists have attempted to engage with him, to only give up to their dismay. Some describe Rorschach's decision-making as black-and-white; either you are a completely trustworthy friend or a criminal deserving death, with people much more prone to the latter. Rorschach is indeed one of the many perplexing characters in comic books.
