Becoming Batman: The Possibility of a Superhero by E. Paul Zehr

Becoming Batman: The Possibility of a Superhero



Download Becoming Batman: The Possibility of a Superhero




Becoming Batman: The Possibility of a Superhero E. Paul Zehr
Language: English
Page: 328
Format: pdf
ISBN: 0801890632, 9780801890635
Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press

From Publishers Weekly

What are the odds that an ordinary billionaire like Bruce Wayne could acquire the physique and hand-to-hand fighting skills to defeat supervillains? Zehr, a Canadian neuroscientist and martial arts black belt, looks at the science of the body's capability to respond and adapt to... extremes. The author draws on Batman comics and movies to glean clues on how Wayne chiseled his body into a fighting machine. As a study of human physiology, this detailed and accessible discussion could appeal to Batman fans and those interested in intensive physical training who are prepared for serious science rather than fantasy. But Batman is only the scaffolding on which Zehr hangs his detailed look at the role of genetic makeup, diet, strength training and development of motor skills in attaining the outer limits of physical performance. Surprisingly, the discussion barely mentions the training of real-life people who need many of the same skills as Batman: special ops forces. Despite the book's strengths, readers may get the impression from the many exclamatory asides of an author still running around the house with a bedspread trailing behind him. 55 b&w illus. (Nov.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Zehr applies his specialised knowledge to quantify how an ordinary person could turn themselves into Batman.

(Flipside August 15, 2008)

As a study of human physiology, this detailed and accessible discussion could appeal to Batman fans and those interested in intensive physical training who are prepared for serious science rather than fantasy. But Batman is only the scaffolding on which Zehr hands his detailed look at the role of genetic makeup, diet, strength training and development of motor skills in attaining the 'outer limits' of physical performance.

(Publishers Weekly August 4, 2008)

Zehr is a scientist, martial arts expert and comic book fan, so he's ideally qualified to write this book... Becoming Batman is an interesting discussion on the science of superheroes.

(Dr JV Chamary BBC Focus Magazine January 2009)

Charming book... There is really nothing more awesome than reading a book that cites obscure neuroscience journals in the same sentence with citations to obscure Batman comics.

(Annalee Newitz io9.com December 22, 2008)

Zehr evaluates what it would take -- physically, psychologically, and scientifically -- to replicate Batman's actions and become a self-made superhero. His conclusions are sometimes surprising, and often fascinating.

(John Lewis Baltimore Magazine February 2009)

A wonderful book that looks at what it would really take to become Batman in today's world.

(The Surfman thesurfman.blogspot.com January 2009)

This is a thoughtfully imagined work that uses escapism to make solid scientific points that can benefit almost anyone. And for those who aspire to don a cape and cowl, it's essential reading.

(Richard Sherbaniuk Edmonton Journal March 22, 2009)

Two black-gloved thumbs way up!

(whatistechnoagain.wordpress.com March 2009)

The author maintains a humorous and enjoyable tone throughout this book while providing general audiences with proven scientific methods and useful facts about the resilience and limitations of the human body.

(Book News March 2009)

A highly researched, very fairly reasoned and considerably factually-supported tome that not only discusses the potential for the most human of super heroes, also educates us in quite some depth about the limit of human existence and physical and mental prowess. That Dr. Zehr manages to add any style to his efforts (and let's be fair, scientists aren't known for their 'suave'), is a credit to the man and a credit to his obvious enthusiasm for his work and interests.

(Kevin Pocock www.denofgeek.com March 31, 2009)

Terrifying mastery of the entire Batman mythohistoriography.

(Steven Poole Guardian 18 April 2009)

Becoming Batman is your next step to supercool.

(Rosemary Counter Toronto Globe and Mail April 4, 2009)

The author knows whereof he writes... written in an accessible and appealing manner.

(Vladimir M. Zatsiorsky Centre Daily Times June 14, 2009)

Not only is it enjoyable as a popular science book for those with even the smallest Batman obsession, it could be an entertaining way to introduce human movement science to potential students.

(M. T. G. Pain Journal of Sports Sciences 5 october 2009)

Becoming Batman takes the escapism of the Caped Crusader and puts it in real-world, grounded, scientific terms that is extremely entertaining and interesting. If you're not careful, you might learn something.

(Louis Fowler www.bookgasm.com December 9, 2009)

As a kid, I wanted to be Batman but always ended up more like the Joker. I only wish I could have read Dr. Zehr's fascinating book then, so that I would have known exactly what it takes to become a real superhero.

(Bradford W. Wright, author of Comic Book Nation www.denofgeek. )

When I walk, every once in a while someone notices they can't hear my footsteps. Do you know why? Dr. E. Paul Zehr knows. I'm training to become Batman. Most of the population wouldn't understand this... but beneath and entwined in the soul of many men is a hero-in-the-making. Training for that moment that will, thankfully, never come. The moment when he must be a hero. The moment he trained for. They'll never hear me coming. In this book Dr. Zehr knows exactly what our giddy souls are doing. Here he tells our secret.

(Neal Adams, Batman Illustrator )

If you really want to become Batman, having a billion dollars in start-up funds and a subterranean lair is just the beginning. Dr. Zehr's thoroughly researched and thoughtfully imagined exploration into the real-life rigors of costumed crime-fighting shows just how DC Comics' Dark Knight -- the original self-made hero -- could realistically transform a mere human body into something no less than superhuman. Consider it required reading for anyone seriously contemplating donning cape and cowl.

(Scott Beatty, author of The Batman Handbook )

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