Inventing Iron Man: the Possibility of a Human Machine
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jord7325
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Inventing Iron Man: the Possibility of a Human Machine
Is it possible to have biological control over a mechanical suit of armor? Author Paul Zehr demonstrates through physics and neuroscience that it would be possible to have a real life, modern day Iron Man. Zehr’s intention is to convince the reader that an Extremis version of Iron Man is possible. He assumes that the original versions of Iron Man, such as the original grey suit or early red and gold variants would be infeasible. However, Zehr does provide several stipulations. In both the comic and the films, it would take a remarkably talented individual to be Iron Man. Also, it would take an extreme amount of time in order to be Iron Man.
The book integrates both science and comic book lore. An introduction to complex biological, neurological, and physics concepts is provided. The author does an excellent job of breaking down complex and complicated science ideas for a layman to understand. However, the book is not written in such a way that those with a science background will be bored. Analogies are used throughout the book in order to simplify and make the science relatable. Zehr uses prosthetics to show how Iron Man’s armor would function.
The book is structured in three parts. The first section of the book discusses the functionality of an interface between man and armor. The second section deals with the long term effects of being Iron Man. The third section explains the problems of being Iron Man. Zehr closes the book out with a perspective timeline of how long it would take to create and be Iron Man. His proposed timeframe is more than forty years.
The primary strength of the book is the clarity with which Zehr writes. A person without a science background will not be confused with this book. He provides photographs and diagrams in order to further clarify biological concepts. The author writes with a conversational style. Some academics may find such a writing style off-putting, however, it aids in the clarity of the book. Additionally, frequent references are made to the Iron Man film series and comic books. He refers to both old and new issues. It is clear the author is a fan of the series, and is well versed.
There are flaws with this book. The first is an editorial flaw. Many times, references will be made to diagrams that are on different pages, requiring the reader to flip pages back and forth. The author frequently refers to his other works within the chapter. This appears to be advertising and grandstanding for his other projects. While these other books he has written are good references for further reading, they would be better served in an appendix. There are chapters of the book that are included; however, the relevance is unclear. Such an example is the ability to pilot the Iron Man suit while under the influence of alcohol, as shown in several issues as well as the second film. It is unclear if these serve as possible objections, or grounding in reality. Lastly, some readers may hold reservations on the conclusiveness of his point. I was not convinced that it would be possible to have a real life Iron Man. The complexities required of the individual piloting the suit, along with the training, and material sciences advancement, render Iron Man still fiction for the foreseeable future.
Despite flaws that exist within the book, I would still recommend it. It was not an overly challenging read. For those readers who wish to pursue the topics discussed within further, Zehr provides a long list of citations to advanced physiological, neurological, and physics journal articles. Furthermore, there is no doubt to the intellect or ability of the author to relate complex ideas to everyday people. This book will particularly appeal to those of a comic and science mindset, as well as comic aficionados and scientists.
The book integrates both science and comic book lore. An introduction to complex biological, neurological, and physics concepts is provided. The author does an excellent job of breaking down complex and complicated science ideas for a layman to understand. However, the book is not written in such a way that those with a science background will be bored. Analogies are used throughout the book in order to simplify and make the science relatable. Zehr uses prosthetics to show how Iron Man’s armor would function.
The book is structured in three parts. The first section of the book discusses the functionality of an interface between man and armor. The second section deals with the long term effects of being Iron Man. The third section explains the problems of being Iron Man. Zehr closes the book out with a perspective timeline of how long it would take to create and be Iron Man. His proposed timeframe is more than forty years.
The primary strength of the book is the clarity with which Zehr writes. A person without a science background will not be confused with this book. He provides photographs and diagrams in order to further clarify biological concepts. The author writes with a conversational style. Some academics may find such a writing style off-putting, however, it aids in the clarity of the book. Additionally, frequent references are made to the Iron Man film series and comic books. He refers to both old and new issues. It is clear the author is a fan of the series, and is well versed.
There are flaws with this book. The first is an editorial flaw. Many times, references will be made to diagrams that are on different pages, requiring the reader to flip pages back and forth. The author frequently refers to his other works within the chapter. This appears to be advertising and grandstanding for his other projects. While these other books he has written are good references for further reading, they would be better served in an appendix. There are chapters of the book that are included; however, the relevance is unclear. Such an example is the ability to pilot the Iron Man suit while under the influence of alcohol, as shown in several issues as well as the second film. It is unclear if these serve as possible objections, or grounding in reality. Lastly, some readers may hold reservations on the conclusiveness of his point. I was not convinced that it would be possible to have a real life Iron Man. The complexities required of the individual piloting the suit, along with the training, and material sciences advancement, render Iron Man still fiction for the foreseeable future.
Despite flaws that exist within the book, I would still recommend it. It was not an overly challenging read. For those readers who wish to pursue the topics discussed within further, Zehr provides a long list of citations to advanced physiological, neurological, and physics journal articles. Furthermore, there is no doubt to the intellect or ability of the author to relate complex ideas to everyday people. This book will particularly appeal to those of a comic and science mindset, as well as comic aficionados and scientists.
