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Tuesday, 21 June 2016 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
LONDON: The best-equipped superhero of all could be DC’s Superman, followed closely by Marvel’s Wolverine, Mystique and Thor, according to a new research that also suggests that Batman may be the most disadvantaged in terms of special powers.
Students at the University of Leicester in the UK have been using simple calculations to explain the feasibility of the powers behind of some of the most prominent comic book superheroes known around the world.
The student research determined whether or not the seemingly superhuman abilities used by the famous characters in films and comic books are in fact possible.
Whilst Black Bolt, ruler of the ‘Inhumans’, may be the most destructive of the superheroes (capable of planetary annihilation), the study suggests that the ‘Last Son of Krypton’ Superman is likely to be the best equipped to win in an epic clash between all of the studied superheroes.
Boasting a super-powered array of skills, Superman, if obeying the ‘Law of Energy Conservation’, could exhibit a calculated stored solar energy output of over 700 thousand Joules per second for his ‘Super Flare’ attack.
It is also shown that the ‘Man of Steel’, in theory, could have higher density muscle tissue than the average human which could aid in several of his superhuman abilities.
This incredible display of power makes Superman the number one candidate for most powerful superhero.
Honourable mentions go out to X-Men duo Wolverine and Mystique who were close contenders for the title of world’s finest with their multitude of mutant abilities – including increased regenerative capacity and, in the case of Mystique, a mastery of gene manipulation to aid in disguise.
The superhero Thor, based off of the Norse god of the same name, would also be one of the most formidable superheroes, having high energy efficiency and explosive powers.
With strongest superhero determined, the study also shed light on who the most ill-equipped superhero might be – with a seemingly grim end result for Gotham’s ‘Caped Crusader’, Batman.
Though his cape proves to be a vital utility when gliding in comic and media depictions, the student-led research suggests that when gliding Batman reaches velocities of around 80kilometres per hour - which could be fatal upon landing.
This inability to perform even the simplest of superhero feats suggest Batman would struggle to get off the ground.
The research was published in the University of Leicester’s Journal of Physics Special Topics and Journal of Interdisciplinary Science Topics - student-run journals designed to give practical experience of writing, editing, publishing and reviewing scientific papers.
