Introduction: Finding Thanos in "Thanatology" and the Transformative Power of the Visual Arts Part I: Historical Backgrounds: Grief, Loss and The Creation of Superheroes
1. The Rippling Effects of the Holocaust: The Jewish Influence on the Development of Superheroes.
2. And Then Came Superman: Parallels with the Man of Steel and His Creators Part II: Understanding Superhero Grief Through Post Modern Grief Theory
3. Transformations in the Field of Grief and Bereavement: From Clark Kent to Beyond Kubler-Ross
4. Loss and the Heroic Quest for Meaning: A Conversation with Robert A. Neimeyer
5. Continuing Bonds Across the Universes: Superheroes and Enduring Connections.
6. Understanding Grieving Styles: Batman on the Couch
7. Bruce Wayne, Batman and Attachment-Informed Grief Work Part III: Types of Grief: Brief Case Studies of Superheroes
8. Deadpool and Anticipatory Grief
9. Superman and Secondary Losses
10. Magneto and Ambiguous Loss
11. Batman and Masked Grief
12. Wonder Woman and Delayed Grief
13. The Flash and Disenfranchised Grief
14. Iron Man and Chronic Grief
15. Avengers Infinity War and Endgame: Cumulative and Collective Grief Part IV: Grief and Culture: Cultural Influence in the Superhero Universes
16. A Tale of Two Funerals: Funeral Rites, Rituals and Customs Across the Superhero Universes
17. Black Panther: Exploring Grief, Ancestral Connection and the Duty to Carry-On Part V: Grief and Family Systems: Superheroes and Relationship Types
18. Observations on a Hero’s Response to Homicide
19. What Drax the Destroyer and Cable Help Us Understand About Grieving Fathers and Survivors of Familial Homicide
20. Parents and Caregivers: The Everyday Heroes Behind Superheroes
21. Katana: Spousal Bereavement and Continuing Bonds
22. Sibling Grief and Complex Relationships: Thor and the Death of Loki Part VI: Challenges in Bereavement: Facing Adversity
23. Deadpool 2 and Suicide After Bereavement: Lessons Learned from the Merc with a Mouth
24. Complicated Grief, Bruce Wayne and Batman: A Conversation with M. Katherine Shear
25. Traumatic Loss and How the Flash Could Benefit from Restorative Retelling Part VII: Posttraumatic Growth, Superheroes and Personal Stories Addressing the Five Factors
26. Posttraumatic Growth, Superheroes, and the Bereaved
27. Relating to Others: In the Aftermath of Loss, I am STORM
28. New Possibilities in Life: Superman and Finding Hope after Loss
29. Personal Strength: Combat Death, Love, Loss and the Emergence of the Wonder Woman Within
30. Spiritual Growth After Loss: Dr. Strange and My Spiritual Journey Amidst Profound Loss
31. Appreciation for Life: We Rise Like the Dark Knight Part VIII: Superheroes, Grief Leadership, Social Justice, and Advocacy
32. Grief Leadership: Examples from the Life and Service of Captain America
33. Parental Grief and Activism: On Becoming Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-man
34. X-Men: What They Teach Us about Oppression and Marginalization of the Bereaved Part IX: Superhero-based Strategies of Care: Interventions and Creative Approaches
35. Avengers Endgame: What It Can Teach Us about Individuals and Families Facing the End-of-Life
36. Childhood Grief and the Healing Power of Superheroes
37. Using Superheroes in Grief Counseling with Children and Adolescents
38. The Superpower of the Expressive Arts
39. Grief and the Masks We Wear: Secret Identities are Not Only for Superheroes
40. Art Therapy Superhero Dolls: Totems of Strength and Remembrance41. Mindfulness as Your Grief Superpower Part X: Conclusion
42. Finding Super Heroes All Around Us