Book picks similar to
The Science of Superheroes by Lois H. Gresh
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Our Gods Wear Spandex: The Secret History of Comic Book Heroes
Christopher Knowles - 2007
Occult students and comicbook fans alike will discover countless fascinating connections, from little known facts such as that DC Comics editor Julius Schwartz started his career as H.P. Lovecraft's agent, to the tantalizingly extensive influence of Madame Blavatsky's Theosophy on the birth of comics, to the mystic roots of Superman. The book also traces the rise of the comic superheroes and how they relate to several cultural trends in the late 19th century, specifically the occult explosion in Western Europe and America. Knowles reveals the four basic superhero archetypesthe Messiah, the Golem, the Amazon, and the Brotherhoodand shows how the occult Bohemian underground of the early 20th century provided the inspiration for the modern comic book hero. With the popularity of occult comics writers like Invisibles creator Grant Morrison and V for Vendetta creator Alan Moore, the vast ComiCon audience is poised for someone to seriously introduce them to the esoteric mysteries. Chris Knowles is doing just that in this epic book. Chapters include: Ancient of Days, Ascended Masters, God and Gangsters, Mad Scientists and Modern Sorcerers, and many more. From the ghettos of Prague to the halls of Valhalla to the Fortress of Solitude and the aisles of BEA and ComiCon, this is the first book to show the inextricable link between superheroes and the enchanted world of esoterica.
The Unstoppable Wasp, Vol. 1: Unstoppable!
Jeremy Whitley - 2017
With Jarvis at her side, she's on a mission to bring together the brightest girl geniuses of the Marvel Universe - starting with Lunella Lafayette, the miraculous Moon Girl! But Nadia didn't count on evil scientists, man-eating giant rats or Devil Dinosaur - or the lethal lady wrestlers known as the Grapplers! And even as Nadia's recruiting drive continues, the Red Room is on her trail - and they'll pull out all the stops to get her back! Can the geniuses of G.I.R.L. find a way to save Nadia from being dragged back to the bunker?COLLECTING: THE UNSTOPPABLE WASP (2017) 1-4; ALL-NEW, ALL-DIFFERENT AVENGERS 14
Deadpool, Volume 1: Dead Presidents
Brian Posehn - 2013
The Marvel heroes can't be the ones to stop them...someone is needed with the reputation, skills and plausible deniability to take out these com-monsters in chiefs. Deadpool time is NOW! Be here as Deadpool de-un-deadifies ex-Presidents left and right...matching wits with Tricky Dick Nixon, fighting a grudge match against Honest Abe Lincoln, and battling Ronald Reagan--in space! Do you need more than that?! Fine, then: monkeys! And maybe Dr. Strange if you're good! This is the Deadpool series you will marry someday! In Wade We Trust! Collecting: Deadpool 1-6
The Secret History of Wonder Woman
Jill Lepore - 2014
A cultural history of Wonder Woman traces the character's creation and enduring popularity, drawing on interviews and archival research to reveal the pivotal role of feminism in shaping her seven-decade story.Examines the life of Wonder Woman creator William Moulton Marston and his polyamorous relationship with wife Elizabeth Holloway and mistress Olive Byrne, both of whom inspired and influenced the comic book character's creation and development.-Abstract from WorldCat
The Physics of Star Trek
Lawrence M. Krauss - 1995
Now Lawrence M. Krauss, an internationally known theoretical physicist and educator, has written the quintessential physics book for Trekkers and non-Trekkers alike.Anyone who has ever wondered, "Could this really happen?" will gain useful insights into the "Star Trek" universe (and, incidentally, the real universe) in this charming and accessible volume. Krauss boldly goes where "Star Trek" has gone -- and beyond. He uses the "Star Trek" future as a launching pad to discuss the forefront of modern physics. From Newton to Hawking, from Einstein to Feynman, from Kirk to Janeway, Krauss leads the reader on a voyage to the world of physics as we now know it and as it might one day be.Featuring the Top 10 biggest physics bloopers in "Star Trek," as selected by Nobel Prize-winning physicists and other dedicated Trekkers!"This book is fun, and Mr. Krauss has a nice touch with a tough subject...Readers drawn by frivolity will be treated to substance." "--New York Times Book Review""Today's science fiction is often tomorrow's science fact. The physics that underlies "Star Trek" is surely worth investigating. To confine our attention to terrestrial matters would be to limit the human spirit."--Stephen Hawking (in the foreword)A
Superman: The Man of Steel, Vol. 1
John Byrne - 1986
Along with inker Dick Giordano, Byrne reimagined the look of Superman, Lois Lane, Krypton and Lex Luthor.The relationships between Superman and Lois, Superman and Batman, and Superman and Luthor were reexamined and tweaked for modern readers. Old villains such as Bizarro returned and new ones, such as Magpie, were introduced.It was the dawn of a new age for the Man of Steel that endures today. See how it all began in this collection of the first six stories. Includes a foreword by Ray Bradbury.This volume collects Man of Steel #1-6.
The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Vol. 1: Squirrel Power
Ryan North - 2015
Wolverine, Deadpool, Doctor Doom, Thanos: There's one hero that's beaten them all-and now she's got her own ongoing series! (Not that she's bragging.) That's right, you asked for it, you got it, it's SQUIRREL GIRL! (She's also starting college this semester.) It's the start of a brand-new set of adventures starring the nuttiest and most upbeat super hero in the world!COLLECTING: The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl 1-4
Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
James Tynion IV - 2016
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles face the battle of a lifetime, fighting both the fearsome Foot Clan and their leader, the Shredder, and the alien forces of General Krang...which is exactly Krang's plan. Now a single dimensional warp can rid him of both of his greatest rivals at once.GOTHAM CITY. From the Penguin to Killer Croc to Ra's al Ghul and beyond, the caped crime-fighter called Batman already has his hands full protecting his city. Suddenly, a new enemy emerges--the Shredder and his ninja followers, transported to Gotham and unleashed upon an unsuspecting world. Now they're on the hunt for the technology that will help them return home...and conquer Gotham City in the process, with the help of Batman's deadliest rogues. But heroes come in all shapes, and the Dark Knight does not fight alone.As the Caped Crusader joins forces with Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, Raphael and Master Splinter, can the Bat, the Rat and the Turtles take down the most vicious villains from two dimensions?DC Comics and IDW Publishing proudly present BATMAN/TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES! This deluxe edition collects issues#1-6 and DIRECTOR'S CUT #1, featuring bonus material including all retailer variants, full scripts to each issue, character concept drawings by Freddie Williams III and pencils to issue #1.
Rocket Raccoon, Volume 1: A Chasing Tale
Skottie Young - 2015
Because really, this is the only Guardian of the Galaxy you actually care about, right?Collecting: Rocket Raccoon 1-6
Shuri, Vol. 1: The Search For Black Panther
Nnedi Okorafor - 2019
Now, T’Challa’s techno-genius sister launches her own adventures — written by best-selling Afrofuturist author Nnedi Okorafor and drawn by Eisner Award-nominated artist Leonardo Romero! T’Challa has disappeared, and everyone is looking at the next in line for the throne. Wakanda expects Shuri to take on the mantle of Black Panther once more and lead their great nation — but she’s happiest in a lab, surrounded by her own inventions. She’d rather be testing gauntlets than throwing them down! So it’s time for Shuri to go rescue her brother yet again — with a little help from Storm, Rocket Raccoon and Groot, of course! But when her outer-space adventure puts the entire cultural history of her continent at risk from an energy-sapping alien threat, can Shuri and Iron Man save Africa?Collects: Shuri #1-5
Gwenpool, the Unbelievable, Vol. 1: Believe It
Christopher Hastings - 2016
2015's overnight internet sensation takes center stage in her own series! Gwen Poole used to be a comic book reader just like you...until she woke up in a world where the characters she read about seemed to be real! But that can't be, right? This must all be fake, or a dream or something, right? And you know what that means...NO CONSEQUENCES!Could Gwenpool truly be Marvel's least responsible and least role-modely character to date? She can if she tries!COLLECTING: GWENPOOL, THE UNBELIEVABLE 0-4
Dr. Horrible and Other Horrible Stories
Zack Whedon - 2010
Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, this collection of stories written by Zack Whedon (Deadwood, Fringe) chronicles some of the earliest adventures in the lives of archenemies Captain Hammer and Dr. Horrible.This anthology solves many unanswered questions left over from the show. For instance: What event inspired Dr. Horrible to become the world's greatest criminal mastermind? Why is Penny, the beautiful girl from the Laundromat, still single? How can you, the reader, be like blustering do-gooder Captain Hammer? And why is Horrible's sidekick, Moist, so . . . um . . . well, you'll find out!* Collects the first issue of Dr. Horrible with all three digital comics from MySpace Dark Horse Presents.* Includes a never-before-seen sixteen-page story, about the top secret organization The Evil League of Evil.
Astonishing X-Men Omnibus
Joss Whedon - 2008
Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Whedon and Cassaday (Captain America, Planetary) assembled a tight cast - Cyclops, the Beast, Wolverine, and Emma Frost, joined by returning fan-favorite Kitty Pryde - and set forth a groundbreaking pace, from the opening pages of a Sentinel attack to the unexpected return of a beloved X-Man. Then, building on early momentum, they ratcheted up the danger and drama with a shocking second year, creating a must-read book that can truly be called "astonishing " Collects Astonishing X-Men #1-24, and Giant-Size Astonishing X-Men #1.
Marvel Universe
Peter Sanderson - 1986
Comics insider Peter Sanderson recounts Marvel's main story lines and delves into the lives of major characters, showing how different writers shaped their fates. The illustrations include scenes from ground-breaking stories, showcasing the best work of important Marvel artists.
The Supergirls: Fashion, Feminism, Fantasy, and the History of Comic Book Heroines
Mike Madrid - 2009
The Supergirls is an entertaining and informative look at these modern-day icons, exploring how superheroines fare in American comics, and what it means for the culture when they do everything the superhero does, but in thongs and high heels.Has Wonder Woman hit the comic book glass ceiling? Is that the one opposition that even her Amazonian strength can’t defeat?Mike Madrid, a San Francisco based refugee from the world of advertising, is a lifelong fan of comic books and popular culture. His goal is to inform and entertain readers with a new look at modern-day icons. He’s the creator of the online site heaven4heroes, where comic book fantasies come to life.The Supergirls is a long overdue tribute to the fabulous fighting females whose beauty and bravery brighten the pages of your favorite comics.”—STAN LEE