Written by Lois Gresh & Robert Weinberg
SUMMARY:
Published John Wiley & Sons, Inc. in 2002, this 200-page hardcover explores the general physics and scientific reality behind the super-powers for Spider-Man; Superman; Batman; the X-Men; and several others. Playing along with acknowledged comic book explanations for their super-powers, co-authors Lois Gresh and Robert Weinberg put these dubious origins under a critical microscope. In Superman’s case, the authors spell out why his powers don’t make sense, and how the Man of Steel is really a fantasy based on ‘pseudo-science.’ Following a preface and a brief review on frequently-discussed concepts, such relativity and the speed-of-light, the authors designate certain heroes to specific topics:
- Re: Superman – The section discusses the supposed quasi-science justifying Superman’s vast powers; the possibility of alien visitors reaching Earth, including a history of ‘The Drake Equation;’ the possibility of Earth-like worlds; and why neither gravity nor a yellow sun could generate Superman’s powers.
- Re: The Fantastic Four and the Incredible Hulk – It’s explained how cosmic rays, gamma rays, and nuclear radiation would actually ravage human beings. Included is a section describing how a ‘GFP Hulk” might hypothetically exist.
- Re: Batman – The technological realities of his utility belt is analyzed, as is a well-known storyline from his comic book series: the Gotham City Earthquake.
- Re: Aquaman & Sub-Mariner – This section primarily examines the possibility of humans living underwater and aquatic communication.
- Re: Spider-Man – His supposedly spider-like powers are analyzed, as is the scientific possibility of cloning humans.
- Re: Green Lantern – Potential sources for his power ring are examined, including black holes and white holes. It’s also revealed why yellow light really isn’t a logical reason for neutralizing his power ring.
- Re: the Atom and Ant-Man / Giant Man – The realities of humans shrinking to microscopic size and expanding into giants are examined.
- Re: the Flash – The numerous problems with super-speed are analyzed.
- Re: the X-Men – Examining the potential for human mutation and whether or not if ‘real’ X-Men could be created is discussed.
- Re: Sci-Fi Heroes (i.e. Adam Strange) – The possibilities for time travel, Earth’s destruction, and alternate realities (including ‘The Grandfather Paradox’) is analyzed.
- Re: Donald Duck – How much correct science did writer Carl Barks deploy penning a quarter-century of Donald Duck comics? The answer is surprising.
REVIEW:
Though the lengthy analysis of debunking Superman is complex, this intriguing book is still a real treat for super-hero enthusiasts. It isn’t a shocker that most of the included heroes are deemed impossible (with the exception of Batman, of course). However, there are occasional lapses – i.e. re: the Flash, where the authors don’t address basic human limitations (i.e. fatigue; getting one’s body burned or ripped to shreds by friction; or the likelihood of suffering a massive heart attack), as to the impracticalities of super-speed. One can only presume the absence of stating such obvious restrictions is to make clear that, even without them, such super-powers are still pure fantasy.
Exploring other vaguely hypothetical possibilities re: Green Lantern, Aquaman, and the X-Men is certainly worth the read. The section pertaining to a possible ‘Incredible Hulk,’ for instance, is really a great ‘what-if.’ Their ‘GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein) Hulk’ originates through a case of severe anabolic mega-steroid abuse and rage-induced adrenaline, with a GFP gene siphoned from a species of jellyfish. Curiously, the authors don’t mention that this wild concept really isn’t that far off from Lou Ferrigno’s TV Incredible Hulk (at least, as a less toxic substitute for gamma radiation).
For comic book aficionados and armchair physicists alike, the well-written Science of Super-Heroes is a thoughtful and very readable means of crossing the bridge between comic books and real science.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
Sci-fi-horror author Dean Koontz provides an introduction. Appendix ‘A’ explains why various types of characters (i.e. magicians) weren’t selected for this book. Appendix ‘B’ is an insightful interview-discussion with writers Len Wein, Mark Wheatley, Brett Booth, Buddy Scalera, Mort Castle, and Max Allan Collins, linking real science’s importance (or lack thereof) to comic book storytelling. An index, reading list, and bibliography are all included. Mini-biographies of the authors and their acknowledgments are provided.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
