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.
- English
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eBook - ePub
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Edition
1Table of contents
- Introduction
- 1 Superman (1938)
- Profile: DC Comics
- 2 Batman (1939)
- Profile: The Orphan
- 3 Captain Marvel/Shazam and Green Lantern (1940)
- Profile: Marvel Comics
- 4 Captain America, Sub-Mariner, and Aquaman (1941)
- 5 Wonder Woman (1942)
- 6 A Scarcity of New Supers and Comics under Attack (1943–1959)
- 7 The Rise of Stan Lee and Fantastic Four (1960–1961)
- 8 Spider-Man (1962)
- 9 Hulk (1962)
- 10 Thor and Ant-Man/Wasp (1962–1963)
- 11 X-Men and Iron Man (1963)
- 12 Black Widow (1964–1965)
- The Graphic Novel
- 13 Black Panther (1966–1968)
- Collector’s Call
- 14 Shang-Chi (1969–1975)
- Unexpected Surprise and Safety Valve
- 15 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1976–1984)
- 16 Rise of the Antiheroes (1985–1999)
- What Is Manga?
- 17 Heroes of Inclusion (2000–2023)
- Conclusion: Final Thoughts
- Notes
- Acknowledgments
- About the Author