Superman is part science fiction and comic book fantasy, an enduring icon, but thre is some science in the character found in The Science of Superman (2002)! It is a book by Mark Wolverton that truly merges real science with the fiction of Superman comics. Wolverton is a science writer and his latest book is Nuclear Weapons (2022). It is edited by Roger Stern, Superman scribe and author of The Death and Life of Superman: A Novel (1993), also recommended!
There is a doctumentary, The Science of Superman (2006), that was produced at the time of Superman Returns (2006). It currently streams on YouTube. The documentary features comics writers, Mark Waid and Denny O’Neil, and also Wolverton. There is also a young readers book, Superman Science (2017), by Agnieszka Biskup and Tammy Enz. Plus, Batman Science (2014). I think this book should be required reading for anyone writing about Superman in comics, film, and television. Wolverton mentions in his introduction about childhood speculating about Superman’s powers.
There was in Action Comics #1 (1938) by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, a "scientific explanation" of Clark Kent's powers. Current science has led him to consider “Superman as a fascinating and scientifically plausible biological phenomenon than as a simply a fictional being…” I think over the years, it has just varied how Superman’s powers work, specifically how invulnerable is Superman and how can he fly? Wolverton is in depth in covering all of Superman's powers, how could the full catalog of powers from the comics, work? He is respectful of the comics and science. It is paired with illustrations by John Byrne from his Man of Steel (1986) limited series.
The author speculates how humans could have his powers! I’ve read a few superhero science books, but just became lost in complex math, formulae, and scientific principles. Wolverton is very readable to the regular comics fan and reader to get introduced to fascinating science; astronomy, geology, chemistry, physics, and biology. There is also some important scientists and their discoveries. It begins with Krypton, there are some basic facts about the planet from the comics; it orbits the red dwarf star, Rao, and is around fifty light years from Earth. Wolverton begins discussing stars using our star, Sol, as an example. He mentions the temperatures of stars that is classified by letters.
This is remembered by astronomy students with the mnemonic device, “Oh, Be A Fine Girl, Kiss Me.” Wolverton notes the hottest is O, blue-white, and coolest M, red. This also leads to the life cycle of stars. He notes that red dwarf stars are the most common type of stars that are found. Then, there is an explanation of Habitable Zones, in Star Trek terms, M-class planets. Wolverton explains that Krypton may have a heavy atmosphere to make it suitable for life. The scientific parts mesh well with the ficitional settings and characters. Then, Wolverton brings up evolution through biology, and of course the biological differences of Kryptonians. I also find it fascinating for any writer who wants a basis for sci fi world building.
The second chapter covers Superman growing up on Earth. Wolverton covers radiation and the electromagnetic spectrum. He then brings up a concept of Kryptonians having dense skin, could heal celluar damage, and have a strong “bioelectric field”, all protections from Krypton’s sun! This is just a clever rationalization of a fictional problem. Plus, it is also the basis for Superman’s powers! Kryptonians would essentially be “living solar cells”! They would be able to nourished by sunlight and wouldn’t be forced to compete for food. This in turn would allow them to create an advanced civilization!
I love the puzzle pieces that assemble for an interesting sci-fi world and people. So over time, Clark could adjust to Earth’s gravity and his powers like in Smallville. This would mean new Kryptonians like Zod would not have the same level of power as Superman who has lived his life on Earth. My favorite books are the ones where I can learn at the same time that I’m fascinated by the subject matter. Wolverton treats Superman as depicted in the comics, not at a certain level of power, or medium. The Science of Superman is informative, creative in Wolverton’s ideas on Superman, and a brilliant primer for science and scientists!
Five+ Bio-electric Fields out of Five!
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