UCLan academics go superhero with new book

2 March 2020

‘Science of Superheroes’ to unmask the truth behind secret superpowers

Don a super-suit, boot up your artificial brain and grab your alien sidekick as seven academics from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) explore the astounding world of science and superheroes! 

‘Unmasked – The Science of Superheroes’ reveals the scientific realities behind famous comic book legends and blockbusting movie in a new book entirely created by staff at UCLan.

As part of the project each of the seven UCLan writers have been spectacularly turned into superheroes themselves across the pages of the book, which each character reflecting different types of superpowers and their scientific basis.

The book draws on Computing, Engineering, Maths, Physics, Biology and Psychology to explore the world of superheroes like never before. For example, what are the ingredients in Captain America’s super solider serum that make him amazingly strong, how did the Black Widow develop her supercharged combat skills or is it likely that we will find Guardians of the Galaxy style alien life on distant planets.

This supercharged new book will be officially launched to help celebrate World Book Day at an invitation only event on Thursday March 5 at the Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library in Preston.

"It is our hope that with this book we can show how real-world science can be just as wondrous and jaw-dropping brilliant as the explosive events we see on cinema screens or the pages of comic books."

The UCLan-assembled superpowered team of authors consists of Professor Robert Walsh (who last year won acclaim for his work on a 3-D recreation of the Sun seen by thousands of visitors to Blackpool and Lancaster), alongside Dr Sarita Robinson, Principal Lecturer Nicky Danino, Dr. Catherine Tennick, Dr Sylvy Anscombe, Dr Matthew Dickinson and Senior Demonstrator Adam Wilcox.

During the special launch event at the Harris Library, there will be special demonstrations of the science behind some of the powers flexed by our most famous superheroes.

Professor Robert Walsh said: “It is our hope that with this book we can show how real-world science can be just as wondrous and jaw-dropping brilliant as the explosive events we see on cinema screens or the pages of comic books.”

Dr Sarita Robinson added: “Unmasked: The Science of Superheroes has been a joy to work on. By bringing together a love of superheroes and our passion for science we have created a science book which is accessible to all.”

‘Unmasked: The Science of Superheroes‘ is published by UCLan Publishing and available to order via: uclanpublishing.com, the book is available through Amazon.co.uk, WHSmith and Waterstones.