Unlike Superman, Flash and other members of the Justice League, Batman doesn’t have superpowers, and that makes him vulnerable to many things, including bullets, lasers and even heat. However, the Batsuit is always there to protect him, and The Science behind Batman’s Uniform explains all that.

Written by Agnieszka Biskup, the all-colour book features everything you need to know about the Batsuit. It explains the mechanism behind the Caped Crusader’s suit and makes you realise that many of the qualities of the Batsuit are now used in the real world. According to this book, the Batsuit isn’t much different from the suits worn by divers, astronauts and cops.

Divides into three chapters, this book takes the readers behind the Batsuit and explains why it isn’t impossible to build in real life. In the first chapter, the readers are told that just like the Batsuit helps the Dark Knight stay warm during cold nights, Neoprene keeps divers and astronauts safe in their varied environment. It carries on and explains that the rubber-like material contains tiny bubbles of gas that stop heat from leaving the diver’s body, whereas in the case of astronauts, similar stuff shields them from heat, cold and flying objects in space.

The author also educates the readers about Nomex, which protects race car drivers and firefighters against burns and is similar to what the Batsuit does to Batman. Hollywood stuntmen also wear Nomex suits to keep safe during dangerous fiery stunts.

If you don’t know what Kevlar is, and why it is important to crime-fighting, this book tells you that it is integral to bulletproof vests and military helmets. Then there is the example of Parabolic microphones which help a lot in spy work. Through these bowl-shaped devices, one can record sounds up to 270 metres, which is enough for someone like Batman who carries small (electronic) bugs in his belt to plant and listen.

Since we are talking about Batman, we can’t rule out night vision lenses and hang gliding which are associated with a real bat. Examples in these pages make it easier to understand since Batman is modelled after bats. The Glossary explains difficult words for young readers, while the engaging illustrations and pictures make it pleasing to the eyes.

If you love Batman, you will love this book too!

Published in Dawn, Young World, June 15th, 2024