A group of University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) academics turned superheroes for the launch of a new book exploring the scientific secrets behind some of our most famous comic strip and movie characters.

Launched specially to help celebrate World Book Day, ‘Unmasked – The Science of Superheroes’ reveals the scientific realities behind famous superpowered legends in a new book entirely created by staff at UCLan.

To help celebrate the launch at the Harris Library and Museum in Preston, local children from 31st Sacred Heart Guides in Preston and 5th Penwortham Guides attended the event and were able to watch special demonstrations of the science behind some of the powers flexed by their favourite superheroes.

Professor Robert Walsh said: “It is our hope that with this book we can show how real-world science can be just as wondrous and jaw-dropping brilliant as the explosive events we see on cinema screens or the pages of comic books.”

Dr Sarita Robinson added: “Unmasked: The Science of Superheroes has been a joy to work on. By bringing together a love of superheroes and our passion for science we have created a science book which is accessible to all.”