"Superhero Storytelling: How It Works and Why It Matters"

"Superhero Storytelling: How It Works and Why It Matters" with Mark Hibbett

Summary:

Every day, all over the world, billions of people spend billions of dollars watching, playing, reading and listening to superhero stories... so it might be a good idea to try and understand how they work.

'Spider-man: Brand New Day' has just become the highest-grossing movie of the year, but 'Avengers: Doomsday', starring Robert Downey Jr as Doctor Doom later this year, is likely to be even more successful. With that in mind we'll compare two different characters - Marvel's Doctor Doom and DC's Batman - to look at how superhero storytelling works and how it differs from the kind of storytelling we're used to.

To do this we'll use an evidence-led methodology to show how what we think we know is usually wrong, talk about why this matters in the real world, and why it proves that Doctor Doom is empirically better than Batman.

Bio:

By day Mark Hibbett is the mild-mannered Head of Research Information Systems at University of the Arts London, but by night he is the world's leading (and only) academic expert on Doctor Doom. He's written a book, multiple academic articles, and a one-man rock opera about transmedia characters, but is probably best known for 'Hey Hey 16K', one of the world's first ever viral videos.

Venue:

The Alma, Wandsworth

499 Old York Rd, London SW18 1TF

Event Running Time:
(We recommend arriving at 6:30pm if you're eating, and 7pm if drinks only)
Doors from 7pm
Introduction: 7:25pm
Lecture: 7:30pm
Q&A: 8:10pm
Finish: 8:30pm

FAQs:

What is Pints of Knowledge?

Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond.

What happens at Pints of Knowledge?

At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (approx. 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by an audience Q&A (approx. 20 minutes). The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting.

What if I don't drink alcohol?

No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable.

Can I attend without a ticket?

Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket. There is occasionally the option to purchase a ticket on the door for our sold-out events, but we cannot guarantee this.

Is there food available?

Yes, there is usually the option to purchase food at our events - please see each venue's menu on their website. If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts. In the unlikely event the kitchen isn't open, there will typically be an option to order in food from elsewhere or bring your own food.

Can I get my ticket refunded?

We issue full ticket refunds up to 24 hours before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Can I get my ticket exchanged?

We issue full ticket exchanges if you have requested 48 hours before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Is the event pet/baby friendly?

Yes, we allow pets and babies to attend but reserve the right to request their removal if they are disruptive.

Is the venue accessible?

All of our venues are accessible, besides the following: The Old Queen's Head, The Landor, The Alma, and The Morpeth Arms.