Einstein Vs. Spider-Man: Who's your favorite scientist?

One of my favorite scientists: Spider-Man!
From Amazing Spider-Man #6

What do Einstein, Galileo, and Spider-Man all have in common?  Answer: They are all scientists!

Sure, Spider-Man isn't real, but he may be more well known than Einstein or Galileo.  And he isn't the only spandex wearing scientist from the world of comic books.

Here are just a few superhero scientists: Batman, Spider-Man, Iron-Man (engineer), The Hulk (alter-ego Dr. Banner), and Mr. Fantastic of the Fantastic Four.

Mr. Fantastic uses his brain to solve a problem.

Even if you have never read a comic book, you have probably heard these names.  All of them, except for Batman, have been employed at one time or another as scientists or engineers.  Science is an essential part of these character's identities.  Often their powerful minds are portrayed as being one their greatest assets.

So how can we use our culture's love of superheroes to generate interest in science?  I recommend going up to someone and asking, "What scientist do you like better? Einstein or Spider-Man?"  Imagine the conversations.


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Here is a cool article on how nanoscience might allow us to make a Spider-Man like outfit which would allow the wearer to crawl up walls: http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2007/08/nanotech-discov/

Some people have taken another route in relating comic books to science.  They are trying to explain the science/physics in comic books.  If your interested, here is a good site: http://enterthestory.com/superscience.html