UPDATED: Fri, Jul 15, 09:28AM
Unlike classic protagonists, contemporary leading roles are filled with flawed characters who favor their own agendas over society's rules. We're fascinated by sociopathy, but do we really want to cheer for the bad guy? DC's Suicide Squad blurs the lines between hero, anti-hero, and villain beyond distinction. Are these concepts obsolete? Criminal profiler Mark E. Safarik, M.S., V.S.M.,(FBI Ret., Supervisory Special Agent, Behavioral Analysis Unit) will draw distinctions between killers as disparate as Deadshot and the Joker, using examples from real-life cases. Delving deep into the minds of villains and fans alike, forensic psychiatrists Praveen R. Kambam, M.D., and Vasilis K. Pozios, M.D., (Broadcast Thought) will explore fandom's fascination with villains, reveal how real-life criminals may actually view themselves, and share how fictional characters – including villains – can inspire us through life's darkest challenges. Attorney Jeff Trexler (The Beat,The Comics Journal) will moderate, highlighting how fans – and creators – can find inspiration in these characters we love to loathe.