Crack open a good comic book lately? If not, you’re missing out on some interesting geologic themes. Let’s explore how geoscience meets fiction in the world of comics!
Creative Geoscience Fiction
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From valuable natural resources to men made of rocks, comic books are full of unique, imaginative takes on geoscience. Let’s look at some examples from the Marvel and DC franchises!
Powerful gems:
Kryptonite is Superman’s one true weakness. Taking radioactive elements to a whole new level, it gives off a massive amount of radiation that incapacitates Kryptonians.
The Infinity Stones are six ancient gems with immense power. Combined, they grant god-like control over space and time. Keep them away from Thanos!
Ores and metals:
Vibranium is a rare metal mined in Wakanda, a fictional African country. Known for absorbing and storing energy, it’s a key element in Captain America’s shield and in Black Panther’s suit.
Adamantium, a vibranium-steel alloy, is extremely dense and virtually indestructible. It can cut through almost any material, making Wolverine's adamantium claws a formidable weapon.
Geologic superpowers:
The Thing of the Fantastic Four, with his rocky orange exterior, boasts superhuman strength and durability that drive this clobberin’ powerhouse.
Sandman, a Spider-Man villain, can transform into sand, manipulating his shape and density. He can flow through small spaces, harden to withstand attacks, or disperse to avoid capture.
Geo-Force, a DC superhero, manipulates rock and lava to create earthquakes and control terrain. His powers come from an experiment with selenium gone wrong.
Notable geologists:
The Marvel villain Vibro was a geologist studying the San Andreas fault when he fell into a trench and gained the ability to emit powerful seismic waves.
Calvin “Cave” Carson doesn’t need superpowers to save the DC universe… His PhD in geology gives him extensive knowledge of how to tackle geo-related adversaries and prevent disasters.
Geoscience Influence in Comics
It’s no surprise that comic creators are nerds who enjoy some good science in their fiction. But how does real geoscience influence their work?
Natural resources and technology:
In the Marvel universe, vibranium is crucial for advanced tech such as Iron Man's armor, mirroring the real-world need for rare earth elements in modern technologies such as smartphones, batteries, and aerospace components.
The indie series Saga features a ‘Rocketship Forest’ where trees grow into sentient spaceships. This concept, though not geologic, is a metaphor for our reliance on Earth’s natural materials to make space travel possible.
Geologic principles:
Charles Lyell revolutionized our understanding of Earth’s history through his work on stratigraphy and deep time. His principles have inspired comic book storylines about Earth’s processes and new worlds.
In Marvel’s Secret Wars, scientists on a mysterious world notice inconsistencies in geologic features that lead them to believe the planet is man-made.
Art imitates life:
Legendary comic book artist Jack Kirby was fascinated by the concept of ancient astronauts and deep history. This interest influenced his creation of the Eternals, a race of ancient beings tied to Earth’s geological and mythological history.
Kirby’s work often featured landscapes shaped by geological processes, with the Eternals interacting with ancient, monumental structures resembling those found in real archaeological sites.
Ages and timescales:
The history of comic books is separated into ages: the Golden Age, the Silver Age, the Bronze Age, and the Modern Age. Each is marked by significant events that changed comics as we knew them, just like the major changes that define geologic time periods.
Some comic enthusiasts argue we MUST be in a new age of comics by now, just like how some geoscientists argue we are indeed in the Anthropocene. I think this parallel is just too funny not to mention!
Thank you for reading this week’s GeoLifestyle, made possible with help from my comic-nerd boyfriend who explained lots of things for me 😅
Next week is the long-anticipated IMAGE ’24, which I’m so excited to attend and participate in all the cool activities mentioned in last week’s edition. I hope to see you there! If you can’t make it, don’t fret because I’ll be sharing highlights and information in next week’s edition.
Speaking of next week’s edition, it saddens me to inform you that it will be my last… Starting 5 September, GeoLifestyle will be led by retired geologist and novelist Sharon Lyon. Don’t get sad too soon, because I’m going out with a bang! Stay tuned ✌😁
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