In comics, novels and films, the modern cult of the 'New Gothic' reveals a keen hunger for non-religious rebirth.

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Independent Crossword

LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes trailer goes “open world”

Watch as Batman and his friends drive, climb and fly their way through Gotham City.

If you think you're more of a Hulk than aDeputy Dawg, take the test at angermanage.co.uk

You wouldn't like me when I'm angry

"Your anger leaks out in different ways such as sarcasm, withholding affection and support, bitching, and undermining the person you are angry with."

Jennifer Lawrence in ‘The Hunger Games’

Movies reflect and inspire teen archery craze

Adolescents are finally putting down their Xboxes in order to get all a-quiver. By John Walsh

Avengers film sets new record at box office

The superhero movie Avengers Assemble has set a new record for the biggest-grossing opening weekend at the US box office, becoming the first film to break the $200m (£123m) mark.

Bafta-winning Misfits actress Lauren Socha sentenced for racist attack on taxi driver

A taxi driver said he has been left "distraught" after a drunk Bafta-winning actress racially abused him and punched him when he picked her up in his cab.

Captain America gets down to some heroic deeds in <i>Avengers Assemble</i>

Avengers Assemble, Joss Whedon, 142 mins (12A)
Albert Nobbs, Rodrigo Garcia, 113 mins (15)

A little less conversation, a little more mighty superhero action, please

Avengers Assemble

Observations: How to play the Incredible Hulk

When Mark Ruffalo won his role as the Incredible Hulk for this month's mega-blockbuster Avengers Assemble, he made one fatal mistake: trawling the internet for reactions. Comic-book fans – particularly those obsessed with the Marvel superhero universe – can be an unforgiving bunch. "It was pretty brutal," he laughs. "It definitely hurt my feelings and scared me." How could it not? Insults ranged from "Ruffalo is a tool" to "That guy is barely awake. How is he going to be pissed off as the Hulk?"

Video: Batman pulled over by police

Police in the US pulled over a motorist dressed as Batman, but the caped crusader escaped - legally - without a ticket.

<b>7 March 2012</b><br/>
Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his fifth goal of the night as Barcelona thrashed Bayer Leverkusen 7-1. The diminutive Argentine made history, becoming the first player to score five goals in a Champions League fixture and taking his season’s tally to 53 in 49 games for club and country.

Lifting the lid on Leo, Barça's most reluctant superstar

'Normal' off the pitch, a genius on it, club's new record scorer has changed little. But will it always be this rosy? By Pete Jenson

Hungry for a hat-trick: Lionel Messi celebrates one of his record-breaking Barça goals on Tuesday

Lifting the lid on Leo Messi, Barça's reluctant superstar

'Normal' off the pitch, a genius on it, club's new record scorer has changed little from the shy 12-year-old who first arrived. But will it always be this rosy?

Career Services

Day In a Page

Countdown's rudest ever moments

Yesterday a contestant spelt the word 'minge'.
Special report: Tamil asylum-seekers to be forcibly deported

Special report

Tamil asylum-seekers to be forcibly deported
The problem with social mobility

The problem with social mobility

Politicians who say they want to break down Britain's social barriers have been told to unlock closed-shop professions – starting in their own backyard
France's sixth biggest city* goes to the polls (*that's London, by the way)

France's sixth biggest city* goes to the polls (*that's London, btw)

Next month expats in the stronghold of South Kensington will have a big say in who is returned as the first French overseas MP
Aftershock: How Haiti's quake hit the whole of Hispaniola

Aftershock: How Haiti's quake hit the whole of Hispaniola

Two years on from the disaster that shook the Caribbean state, its eastern neighbour, the Dominican Republic, fears a new wave of illegal immigrants could hurt its economy
Mean streets at the movies

Mean streets at the movies

Plan B's new film explores the urban tensions that led to last summer's riots – and he's not the only one finding cinematic inspiration in social unrest
Romney hits the magic number, but his smartphone app fails crucial spelling test

Romney hits the magic number...

... but his smartphone app fails crucial spelling test
Car-crash TV: Ferrari quits news after gaffes, rows and poor ratings

Car-crash TV: Ferrari quits news after gaffes, rows and poor ratings

Weeks after the demise of Sarkozy, the TF1 star he's said to have dated finds herself out of office too
Meet your doctor (please don't unplug it)

Meet your doctor (please don't unplug it)

Can a network of hi-tech terminals and online medics make the connection?
The 10 Best cycling gear

The 10 Best cycling gear

It’s summer, it's sunny... it’s the perfect time to get on your bike.
Song of the suicide bomber: How 'Babur in London' negotiated a cultural minefield

Song of the suicide bomber

Daring new opera 'Babur in London' features British terrorists planning an attack.
The school that brought the International Baccalaureate to the East End

Bringing the IB to the East End

The International Baccalaureate is not just for pupils in leafy suburbs.
England must beware brilliant Belgium

England must beware brilliant Belgium

They may have missed out on the Euros but the Belgians have a rash of young players who, thanks to the unifying skills of their coach, look to have a bright future
James Lawton: Liverpool must show new man the respect he needs to do the job

James Lawton

Liverpool must show new man the respect he needs to do the job
2012: the year when England's support decided to stay at home

2012: the year when England's support decided to stay at home

Three Lions will play their Euro 2012 games in front of only a few thousand of their fans