Batplanes and Batcopters: The Engineering Behind Batman's Wings

by Tammy Enz

No one rules the streets of Gotham like Batman. His road vehicles are tricked out with rocket boosters, weaponry, and so much more. But Batman is a fictional superhero none of his gear is real, right? Think again! Look inside to explore how the amazing features in the Batmobile and Batcycle are actually rooted in real world science and engineering.

Genres: Nonfiction, Technology, Childrens, Graphic Novels

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[John Yelverton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though it's correct information and interesting information, this really was not a very kid appropriate book because the information is just too advanced.

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read the reviews from other individuals, and I understand where all of them are coming from with their five star postings; however, for me this short-story was very boring and drawn out. I couldn't get my son to sit still long enough to even begin to understand what this story was even about. Eventually, we just looked at the pictures and I described to him what they were and how they related back to the Batman.

With that being said though...

Batman novels by Super DC Heroes are clean and wholesome. I never have to worry about what my child my hear and learn when reading these novels to him, they never disappoint and I am always able to say that justice prevails through every trial that the hero must face.

[Clarence Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

ReedIII Quick Review: Informative children's book that is also a no nonsense enlightening presentation for adults.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Speculative fiction has inspired the creation of more than one real-life counterpart. “Waldos,” (artificial arms/hands used to remotely manipulate toxic substances) were prompted by a Robert Heinlein short story. Batman fans have, for decades, longed to own their own batmobiles and/or batcycles. The tricked out vehicles depicted on screen and in the pages of comics have so many amazing features, and are distinctive, unique rides. Fans will be delighted to discover that the batmobile and the batcycle have real-life counterparts as well. This is the inspiration for the four-part series, “Batman Science.” It is also an excellent example of graphic style nonfiction.

Readers will be drawn to the exciting blend of graphic illustrations from the Batman comics and the colorful photographs complementing the text describing the connections between fact and fiction. Even readers with little interest or background in science will soon be absorbed in the fascinating explanations of power-boosting turbo and atomic engines, true-life land vehicles that break the sound barrier, and the president’s bulletproof limo nicknamed “The Beast.” Readers will not be able to put the book down, and Batman fans and budding engineers and scientists will be clamoring for more. Buy the whole set, but don’t expect the books to stay on the shelf!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Using a Batman connection to explore new technology behind today's vehicles, this book will have readers wondering what in the world will they think of next. From ejection seats to vehicles that can fly and be driven on a highway, the book is filled with amazing innovations that help Batman fight crime but could also make life easier for the rest of us. One of the coolest is a driverless car that functions similarly to Batman's since he can summon his with a remote control. This is pretty impressive stuff, and it's a cinch that fans of Bruce Wayne will enjoy it.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a neat approach to science and engineering--it looks at modern transportation technologies through a Batman-shaped lens. Heavily illustrated with plentiful sidebars and defined vocabulary words, this is a great offering for upper elementary students, or younger kids who want to share it with an adult.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kid-approved

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to my 5 y.o. grandson & we both really enjoyed it. I even learned a few things I didn't know before or at least didn't remember knowing.