Batman Science

"Explores the real-world science and engineering connections to the features of Batman's Batsuit, Utility Belt, road vehicles, and aircraft"--

Battling bad guys. High-tech hideouts. The gratitude of the masses. Who at some point in their life hasn't dreamed of being a superhero? Impossible, right? Or is it? Possessing no supernatural powers, Batman is the most realistic of all the superheroes. His feats are achieved through rigorous training and mental discipline, and with the aid of fantastic gadgets. Drawing on his training as a neuroscientist, kinesiologist, and martial artist, E. Paul Zehr explores the question: Could a mortal ever become Batman? Zehr discusses the physical training necessary to maintain bad-guy-fighting readiness while relating the science underlying this process, from strength conditioning to the cognitive changes a person would endure in undertaking such a regimen. In probing what a real-life Batman could achieve, Zehr considers the level of punishment a consummately fit and trained person could handle, how hard and fast such a person could punch and kick, and the number of adversaries that individual could dispatch. He also tells us what it would be like to fight while wearing a batsuit and the amount of food we'd need to consume each day to maintain vigilance as Gotham City's guardian. A fun foray of escapism grounded in sound science, Becoming Batman provides the background for attaining the realizable—though extreme—level of human performance that would allow you to be a superhero.

Batman depends on his Batsuit to protect him. But are the high-tech features in his body armor real? The answer may surprise you. Look inside to explore how the Batsuit's features are rooted in real-world science and engineering.

"Explores the real-world science and engineering connections to the features of Batman's Batsuit"--

Batman’s life depends on the gadgets he stores in his Utility Belt. But is any of that gear real? The answer may surprise you. Look inside to learn how the tools in Batman’s Utility Belt are rooted in real-world science and engineering.

"Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger."

"Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger."

Batman rules the streets of Gotham City. But are the high-tech features in his road vehicles real? The answer may surprise you. Look inside to explore how the features in the Batmobile and Batcycle are rooted in real-world science and engineering.