Becoming Batman: The Possibility of a Superhero [Hardcover]

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. Zehr applies his specialised knowledge to quantify how an ordinary person could turn themselves into Batman. Flipside 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 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 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 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 2009 A wonderful book that looks at what it would really take to become Batman in today's world. -- The Surfman thesurfman.blogspot.com 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 2009 Two black-gloved thumbs way up! whatistechnoagain.wordpress.com 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 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 2009 Terrifying mastery of the entire Batman mythohistoriography. -- Steven Poole Guardian 2009 Becoming Batman is your next step to supercool. -- Rosemary Counter Toronto Globe and Mail 2009 The author knows whereof he writes... written in an accessible and appealing manner. -- Vladimir M. Zatsiorsky Centre Daily Times 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 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 2009 witty and informative, striking an appropriate balance between a pure scientific discourse and ample explanations to keep lesser trained readers intrigued. biblebodynbrains.blogspot.com 2011 If there's one thing that has influenced the new stuff, the "Batman, Inc." stuff, it's a book called "Becoming Batman: The Possibility of a Superhero," which is written by E. Paul Zehr. It's a guy who is a doctor, and looking into the actual possibility of Batman and what it would take to be that person in real life: What it would do to your muscles and what it would do to your head, and how long it would take to learn the martial arts. And it's really quite fascinating, this idea of the real facts behind it. -- Grant Morrison www.comicsalliance.com 2010

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.