Free US delivery on orders $35 or over

Superhero Smart

Real-World Facts behind Comic Book Characters

Superhero Smart cover

Superhero Smart

Real-World Facts behind Comic Book Characters

Out of stock
$25.20
Notify me by email when this item is available

For information on how we process your data, read our Privacy Policy

Description

A fascinating exploration of the science, history, literature, and culture behind comic book superheroes’ powers and origins.
How does Superman’s strength allow him to squeeze a chunk of coal into a diamond? What’s the connection between Wonder Woman’s golden Lasso of Truth and a lie detector? Why does the Black Panther speak so many different languages? What does Natasha Romanova (aka Black Widow) teach us about the Cold War?
All this and more is explored in Superhero Smart: Real-World Facts behind Comic Book Characters, written by award-winning author Paul Volponi. In a fast-paced, free-flowing narrative, Volponi reveals that there is so much more to spandex-clad superheroes than meets the eye. To truly understand their origins and powers, one must also understand science, history, literature, and the incredible diversity of people and cultures around us.
The exploits and powers of almost every comic book superhero or villain have a basis in reality, opening the door to learning about so many things from the past and present. And in learning more about these heroes and our world, we can help prepare for and create a better future, just as superheroes strive to do every day in the pages of our comic books.

Table of Contents

CONTENTS
Introduction
Chapter One: Superman (1938)
Profile: DC Comics
Chapter Two: Batman (1939)
Profile: The Orphan
Chapter Three: Captain Marvel/SHAZAM and Green Lantern (1940)
Profile: Marvel Comics
Chapter Four: Captain America, Sub-Mariner and AquaMan (1941)
Chapter Five: Wonder Woman (1942)
Chapter Six: A Scarcity of New Supers and Comics Under Attack (1943-1945)
Chapter Seven: The Rise of Stan Lee and Fantastic Four (1960-1961)
Chapter Eight: Spider-Man (1962)
Chapter Nine: Hulk (1962)
Chapter Ten: Thor and Ant-Man/Wasp (1962-1963)
Chapter Eleven: X-Men and Iron Man (1963)
Chapter Twelve: Black Widow (1964-1965)
The Graphic Novel
Chapter Thirteen: Black Panther (1966-1968)
Collector’s Call
Chapter Fourteen: Shang-Chi (1969-1975)
Unexpected Surprise and Safety Valve
Chapter Fifteen: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1976-1984)
Chapter Sixteen: Rise of the Anti-Heroes (1985-1999)
What is Manga?
Chapter Seventeen: Heroes of Inclusion (2000-2023)
Conclusion: Final Thoughts
About the Author

Product details

Published Jul 12 2023
Format Ebook (Epub & Mobi)
Edition 1st
Extent 178
ISBN 9781538167854
Imprint Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Illustrations 18 b/w photos; 15 textboxes
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Paul Volponi

Paul Volponi is a bestselling author, journalist,…

Related Titles

Environment: Staging