The Science of Supervillains - Hardcover

Gresh, Lois H.; Weinberg, Robert

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0471482056 ISBN 13: 9780471482055

Publisher: Trade Paper Press, 2004

Synopsis

The authors of The Science of Superheroes now reveal the real genius of the most evil geniuses
Ever wonder why comic book villains, such as Spiderman's bionic archenemy Dr. Octopus or the X-Men's eternal rival Magneto, are so scary and so much fun? It's not just their diabolical talent for confounding our heroes, it's their unrivalled techno-proficiency at creating global mayhem that keeps comic book fans captivated. But is any of the science actually true? In The Science of Supervillains, authors Lois Gresh and Bob Weinberg present a highly entertaining and informative look at the mind-boggling wizardry behind the comic book world's legendary baddies. Whether it's artificial intelligence, weapons systems, anti-matter, robotics, or magnetic flux theory, this fun, fact-filled book is a fascinating excursion into the real-world science animating the genius in the comic book world's pantheon of evil geniuses.
Lois Gresh (Scottsville, NY) and Bob Weinberg (Oak Forest, IL) are the authors of the popular Science of Superheroes (cloth: 0-471-0246-0; paper: 0-471-46882-7)

About this title

About the Author

LOIS H. GRESH has written dozens of suspense and science fiction stories, and has been nominated for national fiction awards six times. She is coauthor, along with Robert Weinberg, of The Science of Superheroes (Wiley) and The Computers of Star Trek.

ROBERT WEINBERG’s fiction has been nominated for Hugo, World Fantasy, and Balrog Awards. He is a two-time winner of the World Fantasy Award as well as the recipient of a Bram Stoker Award. Weinberg also writes the comic book series Cable for Marvel Comics. He previously served for twenty-four years as chairman of the Chicago Comicon, the second-largest comic convention in the United States.

From the Back Cover

The science behind the scoundrels we love to hate

From Spider-Man’s bionic archenemy, Dr. Octopus, to Superman’s nemesis, Lex Luthor, to the X-Men’s eternal rival, Magneto, comic book villains have kept us captivated for years–– not just by their diabolical talent for confounding our heroes, but also by their unrivaled techno-proficiency at creating global mayhem. But is any of the science behind their superweaponry based in truth?

The Science of Supervillains separates science fact from science fiction. Renowned authors Lois H. Gresh and Robert Weinberg present a highly entertaining and informative look at the mind-boggling wizardry behind such legendary baddies as Dr. Doom, Poison Ivy, Mr. Mxyzptlk, and more. Whether it’s artificial intelligence, weapons systems, antimatter, robotics, or magnetic flux theory, this fun, fact-filled book is a fascinating excursion into the real-world science animating the comic book world’s pantheon of evil geniuses.

Praise for The Science of Superheroes

"We comics fans have known it for years, of course: somewhere, in some nether dimension or on some alternate world, there is an Earth on which superheroes are real, living, breathing beings . . . and now Lois Gresh and Bob Weinberg have shown us how that’s possible. Mutants . . . aliens . . . scientific geniuses with a penchant for wearing costumes and masks . . . or just plain Joes who’ve trained their bodies within an inch of their lives . . . all are probed, dissected, examined in loving details. To paraphrase an old DC Comics feature: Science says you’re wrong if you believe that The Science of Superheroes isn’t more fun than a barrel of genetically altered winged monkeys."
–– Roy Thomas, writer and editor of X-Men, Fantastic Four, The Incredible Hulk, Superman, Justice League of America, Legion of Superheroes, Star Wars, and many other comic book classics

From the Inside Flap

What sort of damage could an insane supergenius like Lex Luthor do with chemical and biological weapons? Just how close are we to creating robotic appendages for our bodies? Can a human being actually soar through the air just like Spider-Man’s nemesis, the Vulture, by using a giant set of wings? And if not, why not?

In the tradition of its successful predecessor The Science of Superheroes, The Science of Supervillains takes a lighthearted yet penetrating look at the true science that underlies some of the greatest comic book supervillains of all time. From Doctor Octopus and Grodd the Super-Gorilla to Magneto, Brainiac, the Silver Surfer, and many more, renowned science fiction authors Lois H. Gresh and Robert Weinberg explore the background of these fascinating foes, asking intriguing questions that lead to illuminating discussions about the limits of science, the laws of nature, and the future of technology.

Could a suit of body armor like Dr. Doom’s increase a soldier’s strength and speed–– or even help a disabled person to walk? Could an implanted alien computer take control of the human brain? Is it possible to create killer lipstick? From teleportation to time travel, from artificial intelligence to alternate dimensions, each chapter examines the supervillains’ devilish deeds, separating those that retain an aura of scientific believability from the barely plausible and the simply impossible.

You’ll discover the puzzling link between magnetism and the brain; how Venom’s self-aware costume anticipated the development of intelligent textiles; and whether it’s possible that humans, like certain comic book characters, could someday live for hundreds, even thousands of years (the answer may surprise you). Plus, you’ll hear from comic book writers, editors, and artists on how believable science fits–– or doesn’t fit–– into the creative process.

Filled with entertaining tidbits of comic book lore, The Science of Supervillains honors the remarkable talents of the writers and artists who brought these complex criminals to life, seeking out new rationales for what makes the Bad Guys tick (and keeps us reading cover to cover).

Reviews

The authors of The Science of Superheroes turn their attention to the heroes’ spectacular foes in order to uncover just how worried we need to be that some day a Magneto, Dr. Octopus or Lex Luthor may arise to threaten world domination. Considering the science reality underlying the cartoon science fiction, the authors look at Luthor’s youthful harnessing of solar energy and the basis for Brainiac as a form of artificial intelligence. While the idea behind this investigation is undeniably appealing, the authors are unclear about who their audience is. Several chapters, such as the one on Lex Luthor, employ an overly simplistic sentence structure or seem otherwise aimed at middle-schoolers: "be a hero to your class by correcting your science teacher." Other topics are aimed at adults without a science background or "those who have forgotten their high school biology." While this inconsistency may serve to stimulate young readers, it will likely turn off adults—especially since the first chapter is particularly simplistic and underdeveloped. However, later chapters grow in complexity and provide a solid base of information about their topics. Taken as a whole, this primer is a fun way to introduce young adults to a vast range of subjects—from the solar system to the mechanics of flight, bioengineering and beyond—but it may seem patronizing to adults.
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Edition details

• Publisher: Trade Paper Press
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0471482056
• ISBN 13: 9780471482055
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 224