Psych Ward: Moonstone
The Dark Avengers’ would-be Ms. Marvel matches wits with a peer
Posted Jun 8, 2009 12:00 am
Updated Jun 11, 2009 10:44 am
By Tim Stevens
Karla Sofen is an adult female of seemingly above average physical condition. Over the years, Sofen has possessed several super powered aliases, including Moonstone and Meteorite; she currently serves as part of HAMMER Director Norman Osborn's team of Avengers as Ms. Marvel. In her various alter egos, Sofen has previously been a part of the Masters of Evil, the Corporation and the Thunderbolts.
Prior to her life as a super villain and ostensible super hero, the client was either a practicing psychologist, psychiatrist or, possibly, both. Records on this matter are incomplete and the client is often inconsistent in her own descriptions of her work. In any case, it seems highly unlikely that the client is currently licensed in either field given her numerous ethical violations including convincing the original owner of the Moonstone—which gives the client her power—to give it to her while he was under
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her care and inciting individuals to suicide to satisfy her voyeuristic interests on the subject. However, her training in the area of psychology remains worthy of note because she makes extensive use of it to gain access, trust, and power in her interactions.
Throughout her mandatory Avengers evaluative session, Sofen repeatedly attempted to connect with the writer and "win him over." Her intent in doing so was unclear. It seemed that it was something almost as natural as breathing. The client did it not because she had to, but rather because it was her dominant form of interpersonal interaction. This writer's hypothesis is that she considered the idea of being evaluated by a psychologist insulting and set out to prove her superiority in the field by gaining the upper hand.
Because of behaviors like this, while she seems to work well in the confines of a team, the writer would warn that the client should not be considered a strong team player. She has proven to be useful despite her personality and motives, not because of them. It is very apparent that Sofen views teams as a chance to try out her manipulation skills and gain more power.
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She has an investment in the team's success only in so far as it helps her realize her own personal goals. The failure of the team matters very little to the client unless it interferes with her plans.
Given this data, a diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder initially seemed obvious. However, in reviewing her file, the writer concluded that some of the client's actions could be interpreted as evidence of a conscience. These are most present in her relationships with Clint Barton—once Hawkeye, now Ronin—and Hallie Takahama—Jolt. Because of this, without further sessions to diagnosis the client, this writer cannot make a definitive diagnosis of this disorder.
Therefore, it is recommended that Sofen also be evaluated for Narcissistic Personality Disorder, which would manifest itself in many similar ways and allows for the possibility of feeling guilt or remorse.
Overall, however, this writer warns that the client may be amongst the few for whom therapy should not be attempted. Given her talents and interests in manipulation, her
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ego, and possible lack of conscience, she is unlikely to commit to any treatment plan and therefore unlikely to show any improvements.
A full report, as prepared by Doctors Brian Reed and Sana Takeda, will be available on July 8 and found filed under MS MARVEL #41.
Tim Stevens is a Mental Health Supervisor currently pursuing his Psy D who has experience working with individuals with personality disorders.
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The analysis o f the comic character is quite well. But it was much harder me to understand the technical terms though I got it. The comic character seems much stronger and intellect. The author of this page must post more analysis of popular comic character so that reader get knowledge about psychological analysis and these characters. Keep it up!!Regards,AUTHOR @Travel Health Insurance
I am a Mental Health Professional so seeing someone write up a case report on a comic book character is really interesting to me. I have to admit that since I am a mnetal health professional I did get caught up in critiquing the way the case report was written and almost forgot that this is not to be taking so seriously, its just for entertainment purposes. I do want to give the writer kudos ...
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I am a Mental Health Professional so seeing someone write up a case report on a comic book character is really interesting to me. I have to admit that since I am a mnetal health professional I did get caught up in critiquing the way the case report was written and almost forgot that this is not to be taking so seriously, its just for entertainment purposes. I do want to give the writer kudos for such a synopsis and run down of the character without getting bog down into too much psychological words that the regular reader wouldn't be able to understand it. It actually made me want to go pick up MS Marvel #41! I look forward to seeing how this Dark Avengers story arc plays out!
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Fitting, but I quite look forward to the end of her Ms. Marvel 'impersonation' (not a real impersonation, more an usurping, because she doesn't seem to be trying to pretend to be Carol under there, but is still clearly neither deserving nor had been endorsed to be the new Ms. Marvel. Also quite sure she's not the fondest of having to fit into someone else's identity to do her 'job').While ...
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Fitting, but I quite look forward to the end of her Ms. Marvel 'impersonation' (not a real impersonation, more an usurping, because she doesn't seem to be trying to pretend to be Carol under there, but is still clearly neither deserving nor had been endorsed to be the new Ms. Marvel. Also quite sure she's not the fondest of having to fit into someone else's identity to do her 'job').While that's the case, I do enjoy her character though and only 'dislike' her in the sense that she is inherently still villainous. Writers have been doing a good job with her as a 'fake hero' with a consistent and fitting personality for someone faking heroism. It's also interesting how she side-remarks, ever so often, things that if heard all together, would indicate that she is no hero.Marvel, continue these Psych Wards, they are quite witty and fun to see.P.S. Artists have also been doing a great job of visually making two 'busty blonds' not look like the same character even when one is wearing the other's costume (albeit not a currently used one, but with that, she's visually distinct from Ultra-Girl too, who, shoehorned as it was, was most recently in that costume). I got it down to the smaller hips and more spaced cleavage giving Karla the slimmer appearance to immediately distinguish them even when facial features cannot apply and aren't as successful. On mentioning Ultra-Girl, I was more set to War of the Marvels being the return of Carol, but it would propel UG a fair bit if she gets a four or six part stint hunting down and clashing with Karla, then mainlining the book, before ultimately searching for Carol, finding her, and returning her the title... strictly because Carol needs to be back in this title, that (minor) death (scene) shouldn't stick.
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