The Physics of Superheroes: Spectacular Second Edition [Paperback]

James Kakalios (Author)

Book Description

Release date: November 3, 2009

A complete update to the hit book on the real physics at work in comic books, featuring more heroes, more villains, and more science

Since 2001, James Kakalios has taught "Everything I Needed to Know About Physics I Learned from Reading Comic Books," a hugely popular university course that generated coast-to-coast media attention for its unique method of explaining complex physics concepts through comics. With The Physics of Superheroes, named one of the best science books of 2005 by Discover, he introduced his colorful approach to an even wider audience. Now Kakalios presents a totally updated, expanded edition that features even more superheroes and findings from the cutting edge of science. With three new chapters and completely revised throughout with a splashy, redesigned package, the book that explains why Spider-Man's webbing failed his girlfriend, the probable cause of Krypton's explosion, and the Newtonian physics at work in Gotham City is electrifying from cover to cover.

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

James Kakalios is a professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Minnesota, where he has taught since 1988, and where his class "Everything I Needed to Know About Physics I Learned from Reading Comic Books" is a popular freshman seminar. He received his Ph.D. in 1985 from the University of Chicago, and has been reading comic books for much longer.

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Gotham; 2 Original edition (November 3, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592405088
• ISBN-13: 978-1592405084
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #42,099 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

James Kakalios is the Taylor Distinguished Professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Minnesota, where he has been teaching since 1988. His research projects in experimental solid state physics range from the nano to the neuro. In 2001 he created a Freshman Seminar course at the University of Minnesota entitled "Everything I Know About Science I Learned from Reading Comic Books." When the first Spider-Man film was released in May 2002, media attention about this class inspired him to write The Physics of Superheroes - now in its Spectacular Second Edition. He was the science consultant for the Warner Bros. film Watchmen. In Feb. 2009 he filmed a video on The Science of Watchmen for the University of Minnesota's youtube page which, to date, has been viewed over 1.6 million times, and in Sept. 2009 won a regional Emmy award and in 2010 was nominated for a Webby. His latest book - The Amazing Story of Quantum Mechanics - explains the basic quantum physics principles behind the laser, transistors, light emitting diodes, computer hard drives and magnetic resonance imaging. He has been reading comic books longer than he has been studying physics.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun for the physics, fun for the comics June 17, 2010

By Craig MACKINNON

Format:Paperback

"Back-of-the-envelope" calculations are near and dear to scientists' - and physicists' in particular - hearts. These are arithmatically simple estimations to give a feel for the right answer. James Kakalios takes this idea to a whole new level in this book, using simplifications and estimations to determine such widely diverse phenomena as the density of the planet Krypton (Superman's home world) to the strength of Spider-man's webbing. There is, of course, a healthy dose of physics, but it's very palatable, and not at all required for understanding the points made or conclusions drawn. In fact, this book derives from a course at the University of Minnesota that uses superheroes to demonstrate physics, rather than a course to verify (or vilify) the physical realities/possibilities of the characters in the comic books.

This distinction is important - Kakalios obviously has a great affection for both comics and physics, and refuses to automatically denigrate the efforts of the comic book writers. His modus operandi is to grant each hero a "one-time miracle exception" to the laws of physics, which is generally used to account for the superhero's powers. For example, it's granted that Superman can fly, or that Sue Richards (of the Fantastic 4) can turn herself invisible. Given the miracle of the superpowers, Kakalios then delves into the details or consequences of the power. What force of lift does Superman require to get himself into the air? Could Sue Richards see while invisible? (Answer: not in the visible region of the spectrum, but perhaps her eyes change to see in the UV or IR regions of the spectrum.) This method is very welcome - we all know that superheroes are absurd (yes, even Batman and others that don't technically have superpowers), so what's the point of dwelling on it?

Instead, we learn a little physics and a lot of comic book history. (Well, that was the division for me - being too young to remember the Silver Age of comics, and having taken three university-level physics courses.) It's written in the style of your favourite high-school science teacher: the one that knew what s/he was talking about but was prone to making extremely goofy (and geeky) science-related jokes. These teachers are obviously enthusiastic and made it fun to be in class, and you learned the material (perhaps in spite of yourself!). An added bonus: if you are a science teacher/professor, this book will likely give you some good ideas for new and fun examples in your classes.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Physics simplified - not dumbed down December 5, 2010

By P. Radcliffe

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I have searched for a book that would help me and my ten year old son learn about physics - and thisbook certainly hits the mark. The author's lighthearted approach and his linking the principles to comic book heroes makes for a brilliant read. Okay, so my boy might not get the whole picture first off - neither does his dad - but the examples Kakalios uses help to visualise the concepts and therefore help you to understand sometimes quite difficult concepts. Also makes for some interesting "mind-bending" musings 'twixt boy and man :)

Well Done Mr. Kakalios!

By the way - all the equations are in an appendix for those that need 'em

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Read May 8, 2011

By Wes

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I've been absolutely addicted to this book. I love physics! This book makes learning about physics fun and entertaining. It also gives real-life examples of physics principles which makes it easy to understand, and even makes for conversation material!