Through a combination of informed speculation and science fact The Science of the X-Men gives a scientific investigation of the most popular mutant super hero team in the history of comics. Using such cutting edge science as genetic manipulation, biotechnology, quantum physics, string theory, biophysics, and the Human Genome Project you'll learn how the powers of Wolverine, Professor X, Jean Grey, Rogue, Storm, Cyclops and many more X-Men and their adversaries could work in the real world. The Science of the X-Men goes beyond the characters and includes an analysis of their equipment and some of the alien races that have crossed paths with the X-Men. You'll discover how Professor X's amazing computer, Cerebro, can find mutants, the technical specs on the X-Men's specially modified airplane, the Lockheed SR-71, and the amazing robotics and holograms that make up the X-Men's amazing adaptive obstacle course known as the Danger Room.
Amazing book for fans of xmen and science. I did not know about psionic energy and how xmen offers a linkage to that and a host of ways to manipulate physics. I always love the parts in the shows where they train people by describing how the powers work. This is like a catalog of that. The science IMO is very approachable, albeit, you should have some background.
I'd love to see books like this incorporated as a fun way to teach kids sciences. Oh! Thx to the author for a great description of hologram vs holograph. I did not know.
The science here was fascinating. The theories are interesting, well thought out, and well researched.
The biggest problem with this book is that it apparently had no editor or proofreader. There are spelling, punctuation, and grammatical mistakes on every single page. The book doesn't just have one here and there, it has many on each page.
These near constant hiccups in the flow of the sentences made reading the book infuriating and difficult. I thought this was a terrible shame because of how interesting the subject matter is.
There needs to be more books like this. It is the perfect blend of fantasy geekdom and modern understanding of Science. The books basic premise is trying to find a scientifically plausible explination for Some of the X-men's powers and abilities. Total geekfest, When I was reading this in college I actually showed it to my Anthropology professor and she was really interesed in both the book and power granting mutations...Joy
Best read with a pencil in the other hand for correcting grammatical errors (including entirely repeated paragraphs), adding (if you're a meta-babble fan like me) your own personal musings in the margins, or leaving multiple '???' when the 'explanations' ('scientific' explanations) get a mite too baffling and/or totally incomprehensible (I don't pretend to have the greatest grasp of science (biology GCSC about my limit), but then, apparently neither do the authors of this book).
All in all, if all you wanted was interestingly hypothetical ponderings on how mutant powers actually work and affect the rest of the individual's physiognomy catering to the major x-men nerd, then you will doubtless be entertained. And it did, admittedly, broaden my mind to some of the wider applications of science -- I had no idea 'ferromagnetism' vs 'paramagnetism' was a thing, and the idea that Kitty Pryde is 'vibrating' her atoms in time with that of another object in order to pass through it was very intriguing.
Just don't expect it to win any Nobel Prizes. Or Spelling Bees.
The Science of the X-Men was very interesting although difficult to read if you are not familiar with the various sciences. The book uses a combination of informed speculation and scientific fact to provide investigation into a number of X-Men characters including Wolverine, Professor X, Jean Grey, Rogue, Storm, Cyclops as well as a number of others, including their adversaries. The sciences used were: genetic manipulation, biotechnology, quantum physics, string theory and biophysics. I would have given the book more stars if it hadn't been so difficult to read. The explanations of how the X-Men's powers could be explained using science was fascinating, although I felt as though I was back in college, studying a text book. It took quite awhile to get through the book as I had to be able to completely devote my time to studying the book, not just casually reading it. A great book for any dedicated X-Men fan, although be forewarned, it is not an easy read.
Over all this book was poorly written, as in badly constructed sentences that one had to read multiple times before any meaning could be plucked from them,and it did not go into nearly enough scientific detail.
On top of that I learned that Evolution and Quantum physics are magical forces that can do anything to any biological life form, no actual science required. These phrases were constantly tossed out as a non-explanations to explain away un-explainable things.
I was expecting a real life application of Mutant superpowers, what I got was a half proofread book of half explanations. The writers could have typed "It's a comic book you can't explain it," inside the cover and saved some time.
This was a very interesting book. I enjoyed the science and the theories, but it felt like it dragged on occasion. I felt bored during certain sections and had to skip them and come back. There were a TON of grammatical errors though. I would definitely fire their editor and hire a new one. I would definitely recommend this book for hardcore fans of the X-Men series.
Grammar: C Voice: B+ Science: A Overall: B Recommendation: YES.
It is a good read about the science and possibilities of our favorite character's powers. It goes into great detail into the science behind it so it may be off putting to those who don't like to read about formulas, theories, and long the long drawn out reality that is science.
This book is pretty much not meant to be good. The concepts are silly and the editing is atrocious. It sounds like the kind of ridiculous conversation I'd have with friends after a few beers. That noted, it's pretty fun if one grabs a beer and reads it.