'batman' syndrome

This post is sort of a continuation of thoughts that began to develop in a Facebook conversation. However, I needed more room to expound on those thoughts.

I often struggle with how to handle what I've dubbed my "batman" syndrome — my tendency to feel like I want to defend the weak and innocent by exacting revenge on whatever or whomever it was that victimized or oppressed them. It seems like a natural reaction that a lot of people I know have to problems in the world, from child abuse to murder to acts of terrorism — let's put on our cape or our holster and go kick some tail. Not only do I find myself wanting to do this but in some cases feeling like it's what I should do.
At the same time, I'll also be the first to say, "violence is not the answer," or "the cycle of violence has to end somewhere." I'm also convinced these statements are true. Yet, they conflict with my aforementioned syndrome.
To get to the point without much delay, in the end, I'm left asking myself that question that's become a cliche at this point — What would Jesus do?
I've tried to come to terms with the Batman syndrome and the unhealthy influence it has over me, and analysis takes me back to my childhood. One of my favorite, if not my favorite, childhood action hero was Zorro. Dressed all in black, including his black mask, which allowed him to do his good deeds anonymously, Zorro swept in to save the day. He'd draw his sword, out-do his foe and leave his trademark "Z" cut into their clothes, skin, or whatever else happened to be handy. Dating back to the early years of the last century, and making his theatrical debut in silent films, Zorro was pretty mild compared to superheroes who followed. His cause was indeed a noble one, as he often defended the poor against the tyranny of the upper class. Also, I don't recall Zorro actually killing an enemy. He hardly hurt them, mainly sending them to jail. He was more like a shadow of an assistant to the bumbling law enforcement in his village than a Rambo or Terminator.
The 70s featured heroes like Superman hit the big screen, as well as space cowboys like Luke Skywalker - both relatively harmless compared to today's. Some superheroes have even evolved with generations. Again, Batman is a good example - from Adam West to the dark, complex hero most recently depicted by Christian Bale. I am by no means a superhero expert, so I'll put the brakes on my tendency to examine the genre in more detail. The point being that the superhero is depicted as a much more violent, complex being than years ago, and that superheroes are a huge part of our influence growing up. Superheroes are more violent, more vengeful, exacting justice in much more harsh, gruesome ways, showing no mercy.
At the same time, I grew up in church, going almost every Sunday from the time I was about 10 on.
The Bible is filled with verses that tell us to do the opposite of what our on-screed heroes were doing.
"Vengence is mine" or "If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also," are just a couple that come to mind.
On the whole, I believe the non-violent approach is the best. It's how I want to feel inside. Hate and anger destroy the person in whom they reside. At the same time, when someone attacks or hurts someone else on purpose, I've got an easy target at which to aim my rage. I find myself wanting to mount up and eliminate the problem.
How does a person genuinely make the anger turn to a more positive, constructive emotion? Is it ever ok to react violently?
Also, with all the influences we are all bombarded with throughout our lives, why is it that the Batman syndrome seems to win out so often? Why is our response so often more violence?
I would love to hear how others feel about these things.