The Secret Science of Superheroes

by Mark Lorch (Editor), Andy Miah (Editor)

Ever wondered what a superhero eats for breakfast? Do they need a special diet to feed their superpowers? The odd metabolisms of superheroes must mean they have strange dietary needs, from the high calorie diets to fuel flaming bodies and super speeds, to not so obvious requirements for vitamins and minerals. The Secret Science of Superheroes looks at the underpinning chemistry, physics and biology needed for their superpowers. Individual chapters look at synthesising elements on demand, genetic evolution and what superhero suits could be made of. By exploring these topics, the book introduces a wide range of scientific concepts, from protein chemistry to particle physics for a general scientifically interested audience. With contributions from leading science communicators the book hopes to answer some of these important questions rather than debunk or pick holes in the science of superheroes.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science

243 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2017

Reviews

[Kam Yung Soh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun book that looks at what it would take in the real world to have the powers and abilities of superheroes (and the occasional supervillain) that can be found in the various comic universes. From the amount of eggs a real Spider-Man would need to produce all the webbing naturally, to how the Flash could run at super-speed without overheating, the book treats the idea of such super abilities as real and see what it would take to keep and maintain them in real life.

The 'toys' and suits of Batman or Iron Man are also considered in the book; you will get an interesting look at what current material science can do to try to duplicate their abilities. The properties of Captain America's Vibranium shield also get examined to see what combinations of material could duplicate its properties. There is also a chapter on Wonder Woman's Lasso of Truth that comes with a look at how such a lasso could be armed with biological chemicals that could induce people to tell the truth.

Of course, the abilities and materials featured in superhero comics are fictional. Yet, by treating them as real objectives, the writers of the various chapters have been able to let their imagination run wild and imagine how they could have come about, knowing what we know now about the physical, chemical and biological materials that exists in the real world.

Definitely an interesting book to read. Even those who don't really follow the comic books will get an interesting look at what real science has to say about their abilities.

[Saampie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoyable book but took me a long time to finish. Not too many new things for a scientist.