Packed with more superheroes and superpowers than an Avengers-Justice League crossover, this title takes a lively look at the physics behind the superpowers of comic-book heroes.

"The Physics of Superheroes"applies the reality of physics to the fantasy of comic books. James Kakalios explores the scientific plausibility of the powers and feats of the most famous superheroesaand discovers that in many cases the comic writers got their science surprisingly right. Along the way he provides an engaging and witty commentary while introducing the lay reader to both classic and cutting-edge concepts in physics, including:
a What Supermanas strength can tell us about the Newtonian physics of force, mass, and acceleration
a How Icemanas and Stormas powers illustrate the principles of thermal dynamics
a The physics behind the death of Spider-Manas girlfriend Gwen Stacy
a Why physics professors gone bad are the most dangerous evil geniuses BACKCOVER: Praise for "The Physics of Superheroes"
aSurprisingly enough, according to Kakalios, comic books get their physics right more often than youad think.a
a"The Boston Globe"
aWriting with tongue firmly planted in cheek, Kakalios looks at classic comics with a physicistas eye. . . . Outstanding.a
"aThe Orlando Sentinel"
aKakalios, a University of Minnesota physicist and unrepentant comics nerd, offers up jovial, largely equation-free deconstructions of Ant-Manas shrinking ability, the centripetal acceleration of Spider-Manas swing, and the strength of his silk web.a
"aDiscover"
aWildly entertaining, yet scientifically accuratea] Comprises a fairly solid introductory education in physics, sweetened with a history lesson in classic comic book superheroes.a
a"Metro"
aOffers a droll but sincere look at what Superman and Spider-Man can teach about physics. . . .Entertaining. . . . His explanations are lucid and smooth.a
a"Science" magazine