I think it’s safe to say that most fans of science fiction are also fans of science. This week, one of the true stars of the American scientific community, Neil deGrasse Tyson, is drawn into the pages of Action Comics #14, woven right into the Superman story!
And it’s not just a celebrity likeness. DC Comics actually consulted with the eminent astrophysicist to get the science right in this issue, and his “character” helping to pin Krypton to the actual star map. Another famous astrophysicist/geek and friend of Dr. Tyson, Dr. Phil Plait (the “Bad Astronomer”) was given an advanced copy and explains the scenario (as well as comments on the science) in his blog, Bad Astronomy.
Few look to superhero tales for accurate science, but it’s great to see writer Grant Morrison and the editors at DC Comics taking it seriously when they clearly didn’t have to. In a time in America where it seems science itself is under attack, Dr. Tyson, Dr. Plait, and others can use all the allies they can get, and if Action Comics can help get people excited about real science, all the better!
