The Science Of Superheroes

The truth about superpowers . . . science fact or science fiction? Superman, Batman, The X-Men, Flash, Spider Man . . . they protect us from evildoers, defend truth and justice, and, occasionally, save our planet from certain doom. Yet, how much do we understand about their powers? In this engaging yet serious work, Lois Gresh and Robert Weinberg attempt to answer that question once and for all. From X-ray vision to psychokinesis, invisibility to lightspeed locomotion, they take a hard, scientific look at the powers possessed by all of our most revered superheroes, and a few of the lesser ones, in an attempt to sort fact from fantasy. In the process, they unearth some shocking truths that will unsettle, alarm, and even terrify all but the most fiendish of supervillains.

Superhero stories may be fictional, but many are based in scientific principles. The Science of Superheroesexamines the science that comic book and movie-script writers build upon when creating their most fantastic stories. Easy-to-read text and vivid images bring this subject to life. Features include a table of contents, fast facts, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Essential Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

A complete update to the hit book on the real physics at work in comic books, featuring more heroes, more villains, and more science Since 2001, James Kakalios has taught "Everything I Needed to Know About Physics I Learned from Reading Comic Books," a hugely popular university course that generated coast-to-coast media attention for its unique method of explaining complex physics concepts through comics. With The Physics of Superheroes, named one of the best science books of 2005 by Discover, he introduced his colorful approach to an even wider audience. Now Kakalios presents a totally updated, expanded edition that features even more superheroes and findings from the cutting edge of science. With three new chapters and completely revised throughout with a splashy, redesigned package, the book that explains why Spider-Man's webbing failed his girlfriend, the probable cause of Krypton's explosion, and the Newtonian physics at work in Gotham City is electrifying from cover to cover.

Packed with quizzes, sidebars, trivia, and more, this book reveals the science behind your favourite superheroes and supervillains and their ultracool devices and weapons, as well as other awesome technologies from the science fiction realm.

In this book, see how things work with fun experiments and uncover the answers to questions such as How does Batman see in the Dark? Can science explain why Wonder Woman's plane is invisible? Or How can the Flash run on water?

Forget the special powers of comic book heroes. Some of the most famous scientists have greatly affected the world as we know it using just incredible intelligence, hard work, and a little luck. From Louis Pasteur's medical discoveries to Stephen Hawking's exploration of the universe through theoretical physics, these scientists challenged the ideas of the past and bravely fought to bring new facts to the scientific community and the public. Through detailed biographical information, readers are introduced to Sir Isaac Newton, Rachel Carson, and more. Historical images and full-color photographs make even the scientists of the distant past seem present. - Explanations of each scientist's work help readers understand its relevance - Biographical lens engages readers in many science topics in an interesting way - Addresses STEM through introduction to the technology, scientific ideas, and mathematical concepts discovered by important scientists

The truth about superpowers . . . science fact or science fiction? "An entertaining and informative guide to comic book wonders bound to come." —Julius Schwartz, Editor Emeritus, DC Comics Superman, Batman, The X-Men, Flash, Spider Man . . . they protect us from evildoers, defend truth and justice, and, occasionally, save our planet from certain doom. Yet, how much do we understand about their powers? In this engaging yet serious work, Lois Gresh and Robert Weinberg attempt to answer that question once and for all. From X-ray vision to psychokinesis, invisibility to lightspeed locomotion, they take a hard, scientific look at the powers possessed by all of our most revered superheroes, and a few of the lesser ones, in an attempt to sort fact from fantasy. In the process, they unearth some shocking truths that will unsettle, alarm, and even terrify all but the most fiendish of supervillains. Lois Gresh (Rochester, NY) has written eight novels and nonfiction books as well as dozens of short stories and has been nominated for national fiction awards six times. Robert Weinberg (Oak Forest, IL) is a multiple award-winning author of novels, nonfiction books, short stories and comics.

"Account of how comic book heroes have helped their creators and fans alike explore and express a wealth of paranormal experiences ignored by mainstream science. Delving deeply into the work of major figures in the field - from Jack Kirby's cosmic superhero sagas and Philip K. Dick's futuristic head-trips to Alan Moore's sex magic and Whitley Strieber's communion with visitors - Kripal shows how creators turned to science fiction to convey the reality of the inexplicable and the paranormal they experienced in their lives. Expanded consciousness found its language in the metaphors of sci-fi - incredible powers, unprecedented mutations, time-loops and vast intergalactic intelligences - and the deeper influences of mythology and religion that these in turn drew from ; the wildly creative work that followed caught the imaginations of millions. Moving deftly from Cold War science and Fredric Wertham's anticomics crusade to gnostic revelation and alien abduction, Kripal spins out a hidden history of American culture, rich with mythical themes and shot through with an awareness that there are other realities far beyond our everyday understanding."--Jacket.