Superhero Smart

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 (aka 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 a bestselling author, journalist, and educator. His twelve novels for young adults have received 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 multiple nonfiction books for young adults, including The Great G.O.A.T. Debate: The Best of the Best in Everything from Sports to Science, Superhero Smart: Real-World Facts behind Comic Book Characters, and SpongeBob SquarePants: The Unauthorized Fun-ography. Volponi resides in New York City.

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