Inventing Iron Man: The Possibility of a Human Machine
Like a true costumed hero, Zehr masks learning in the guise of pop culture enthusiasm... a perfect source to learn about the history of Iron Man and the strength and limits of the human body and brain.(www.whatistechnoagain.com)Zehr's university-based research includes neuroplasticity, akin to neural rewiring, associated with exercise training and rehabilitation. This expertise, combined with Zehr's childlike curiosity and proficiency in martial arts, makesInventing Iron Man—along withBecoming Batmanbefore it—a fascinating exploration of human potential.(Christopher WanjekLiveScience.com)A unique and much recommended read for anyone with an interest in the reality of super science.(Midwest Book Review)Highly commended to all who enjoy a look into the world of superheroes—but science nerds will like it, too.(Steven KingThe Pilot)The character of Iron Man represents a compelling and culturally popular interpretation of what may be possible in the future with enhanced prosthetic devices.(Choice)A fine pick for science fiction and science holdings alike.(Midwest Book Review)Back in the sixties, when I first dreamed up the concept of Iron Man, I thought, 'What if a man had a suit of armor, like the knights of old—but modern armor that housed all sorts of miniaturized, technical weaponry? Such a man would seem to be the ultimate superhero.' At first, I didn't give much thought to what that suit of armor might mean to the man inside—how it might affect his body and/or his brain and subtly blur the line between human and machine. But now, almost 40 years later, E. Paul Zehr has tackled that very subject.Inventing Iron Manis his fascinating vision of the real-life implications of my original concept.(Stan Lee, comic icon and creator of Iron Man)E. Paul Zehr, surely one of the coolest of professors, has done something interesting, enlightening, and maybe just a bit quixotic. He has built a bridge between the fantasy science of superhero comics and the eyes-front innovations of real-life technological innovators. It is a primer on what's possible now and what might soon become possible in our world and what Iron Man's been up to in his.(Dennis O'Neil, Iron Man writer and editor)This wonderful book lays out... the only true way to see the Iron Man—as a prosthesis... a book that educates and delights. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.(from the foreword by Warren Ellis)