The Art and Science of Superheroes

In this talk I’ll review some of the ways that comic books and graphic novels have combined words and pictures to not just entertain but also to educate. From classical mechanics to electricity and magnetism, to quantum mechanics and materials science – accurate physics concepts and principles have often found their way into the exploits of costumed heroes. Starting with their first appearance in comic books (back in Action Comics no. 1 in June 1938) and continuing on to the latest movie at the local multiplex, science has often been integral to superheroes’ adventures.