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The Science of Superman
YOU WILL BELIEVE A MAN CAN FLY!
He is known as the Man of Steel -- the Last Son of Krypton. For more than half a century, Superman has been an American icon and the world's first and most recognizable super hero. From his beginnings as the featured character in his own comic book, through multiple incarnations on radio, newspaper syndication, television, and the movies, Superman has emerged as the flagship hero of a publishing empire. In fact, the Man of Steel has become so ubiquitous, it's as if he were real.
But what if he were real? What if the Kryptonian named Kal-El, a humanoid being whose world orbited a far-off red dwarf star, was actually raised here on Earth? Would, in fact, such a being be capable of achieving the amazing feats of power commonly associated with Superman? And if so, how could his powers be scientifically explained?
In "The Science of Superman," gifted science writer Mark Wolverton takes up the challenge and answers these very questions. Examining Superman's powers through the lens of modern science, Wolverton explains the fundamental biological and genetic differences between Earthlings and Kryptonians that allow Superman to exercise extraordinary abilities on our planet. For the first time anywhere, you'll understand the logic and science that underlie Superman's "super powers." You'll never look at the Man of Steel the same way again.
He is known as the Man of Steel -- the Last Son of Krypton. For more than half a century, Superman has been an American icon and the world's first and most recognizable super hero. From his beginnings as the featured character in his own comic book, through multiple incarnations on radio, newspaper syndication, television, and the movies, Superman has emerged as the flagship hero of a publishing empire. In fact, the Man of Steel has become so ubiquitous, it's as if he were real.
But what if he were real? What if the Kryptonian named Kal-El, a humanoid being whose world orbited a far-off red dwarf star, was actually raised here on Earth? Would, in fact, such a being be capable of achieving the amazing feats of power commonly associated with Superman? And if so, how could his powers be scientifically explained?
In "The Science of Superman," gifted science writer Mark Wolverton takes up the challenge and answers these very questions. Examining Superman's powers through the lens of modern science, Wolverton explains the fundamental biological and genetic differences between Earthlings and Kryptonians that allow Superman to exercise extraordinary abilities on our planet. For the first time anywhere, you'll understand the logic and science that underlie Superman's "super powers." You'll never look at the Man of Steel the same way again.
- GenresScienceComicsNonfiction
256 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2002
1 person is currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Mark Wolverton
9 books14 followersMark Wolverton was a science journalist, author, and 2016-17 Knight-MIT Science Journalism Fellow. He wrote for various national and international publications including WIRED, Nature, Undark, Scientific American, and Air & Space Smithsonian and also worked with the NASA Ames History Project, Argonne National Laboratory, the Franklin Institute, and the NASA ISS Science Office. Mark was a member of the Authors Guild, the National Association of Science Writers and the Pen & Pencil Club of Philadephia. His last book was "Splinters of Infinity: Cosmic Rays and the Clash of Two
Nobel Prize-Winning Scientists over the Secrets of Creation". Previous titles included "Burning the Sky: Operation Argus and the Untold Story of the Cold War Nuclear Tests in Outer Space"; "Nuclear Weapons"; "A Life in Twilight: The Final Years of J. Robert Oppenheimer"; "The Depths of Space: The Story of the Pioneer Planetary Probes"; and "The Science of Superman." He lived near Philadelphia.
Nobel Prize-Winning Scientists over the Secrets of Creation". Previous titles included "Burning the Sky: Operation Argus and the Untold Story of the Cold War Nuclear Tests in Outer Space"; "Nuclear Weapons"; "A Life in Twilight: The Final Years of J. Robert Oppenheimer"; "The Depths of Space: The Story of the Pioneer Planetary Probes"; and "The Science of Superman." He lived near Philadelphia.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 15, 2017
This is a facinating read! I loved the approach of applying the Science to another subject I find fun and entertaining, Superman. This is a science read I couldn't put down! Actually, I might be biased. I'd read anything if applied to Superman. Loved this book.
September 1, 2017
Great fun!
December 9, 2018
As a long time fan of the character in various media, this is the one book, along with The Physics of Superheroes by James Kakalios that I couldn't put down until my eyes went sore. The science in the publication makes one wonder the plausibility of an alien life form such as Kal El with all those astonishingly wonderful abilities, strengths and weaknesses, some of which based on actual modern scientific evidence. To top it off, it is authored by two who have written Superman stories for comics back in the 90s when I was a child growing in the U.S. Highly Recommended.
October 8, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. The author does a great job of applying our current understanding of science into how the mechanics of Superman's powers would have to function on Earth verses his alien home world, Krypton. All the major powers are covered. If I was a science teacher I might just have my kids read this one!
July 21, 2013
AMAZING!!
If you want to know a fantastical scientific explanation toward how Superman powers would work in our reality?
If the man himself was able to jump out of the comic and be forced to deal with our physics affecting how he's able to control those powers here compared to in the infinitely more convenient comic book world.
This is a MUST READ.
If you want to know a fantastical scientific explanation toward how Superman powers would work in our reality?
If the man himself was able to jump out of the comic and be forced to deal with our physics affecting how he's able to control those powers here compared to in the infinitely more convenient comic book world.
This is a MUST READ.
October 19, 2010
A lot of the physics items I knew. It wasn't new but it was an interesting approach to explain Superman which I did find fun. It was "truthful" enough yet insightful enough to be a good read.
August 3, 2012
Really compelling arguments, and excellent source for research.
September 3, 2013
Has some merit for young readers, perhaps those interested in science and comics. Found the text lacking in humor.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews