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, a.k.a. 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.
Paul Volponi is an author, journalist and educator. His twelve novels for young adults have been the recipients of a dozen American Library Association honors and his novel Black and White was a winner of the International Reading Association Children's Book Award. Volponi is also the author of three nonfiction books for young adults: That's My Team: The History, Science, and Fun Behind Sports Teams' Names; Streetball is Life: Lessons Earned on the Asphalt; and The Great G.O.A.T. Debate: The Best of the Best in Everything from Sports to Science. He lives in Flushing, NY.
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
An homage to the superhero genre. Teens will come away with history lessons without even realizing it. Excellent read!--Mary Rose Bernas, high school media specialist Paul Volponi takes the reader on an excursion into the world of superheroes. It's necessary reading for anyone who has marveled at their exploits and reveled in a thrilling, greater reality.--Lenny Shulman, author, journalist and Superman aficionado Superhero Smart is a perfect combination of history, pop culture, science, and mythology--a fun and educational read.--Allen Stewart, director, The Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum The evolution of this creative genre in historical context... Bravo!--R. Robert Pollack, comic art historian
