Seeing Through Walls is the fourth and the last book from the Superman Science series, where the ‘Man of Steel’ teaches the readers about the science of sight. We have already reviewed books where Superman explains the basics of speed, flight and strength; it’s time for the fastest and mightiest superhero to lecture on the basics of sight.

Like his speed and strength, Superman is also famous for his vision. As an alien from Planet Krypton, he can see through walls and melt metals with heat vision; however, if we look around, those powers will not seem new, even in this world.

The 32-page book is full of such examples; we have devices that can alter our sight, living things that have sharp eyesight, and rays that can see through anything. With a mix of pictures from Superman animated series and real-life images, the reader gets to know significant things.

In the introduction, a timeline of Superman’s ‘vision power’ is provided. X-Ray vision was first used in 1939, microscopic vision in 1939, and heat vision in 1949. The next four chapters teach about sight, step-by-step.

Beginning from the eye, its basic function is described, followed by the difference between ultraviolet light and infrared light. ‘What are the basic parts of an eye and how do they see colours’ are there for the next few pages.

In the second chapter, one would be astonished to see the devices that can enhance sight. One gets to know about convex and concave lenses and their uses. Microscopes and telescopes come later in the chapter which concludes after taking us to the Great Canary Telescope.

The next chapter is full of examples of animals who have Superman-like powers. Despite being humans, Scallops have over a hundred eyes, while many other animals have compound eyes. Eagle is quite close to Superman as it can fly and has very sharp eyesight. An owl has got huge eyes and can swivel their heads for about 270 degrees. Nocturnal animals are active at night as if using Superman’s night vision.

In the last chapter, one could read about X-Ray vision and heat vision. One also gets to know about the ‘Bionic eyes’, which have made blind people see in a unique way. The glossary at the end gives out the meaning of all the difficult words one has gone through, while references make the reader go for more reading stuff. Surely, it does have a ‘Super’ effect.

Published in Dawn, Young World, April 13th, 2023