Wolverton, who has put aside a promising career in live theatre, script writing and authoring science fiction stories to write about science does an astounding job with this book. He takes the reader through each step of the super process; the probability of a world like Krypton existing, the science and geographical problems which resulted in its destruction, the ship that sent young Kal-El to earth and all the differences that would arise from a Kryptonian living on our world.

Each chapter is concisely written, giving an overview of the super power, the science and biology behind it, then the theoretical application of this power being brought to life. True, this is not a hard-core science book but it is entertaining in such a way that it could definitely be used to coerce stubborn school kids to enjoy science. Wolverton's research is thorough, his ideas sound and his asides quite humorous.

Just to give some examples, Wolverton postulates that Superman possesses a bioelectric field which protects him from most subatomic particles and that his skin absorbs and retains heavy elements like iron, making his cell walls stronger; hence his invulnerability. He even uses Einstein's abandoned theory of cosmological constant (a negative force or pressure throughout space that offsets gravity) as a possible explanation of flight. Super hearing, super speed, super strength, super vision and even the weakness to Kryptonite are all equally laid out and explained.

Overall, The Science of Superman is a true homage to the Man of Steel and his contribution to our culture. It cements his scientific legacy and goes a little further in bringing the imaginary to life. Check it out and "Up, up and away" may just seem a little more feasible.