Esplora Science Centre is set to be transformed into a hub of activity as the most popular superheroes and villains from the cinematic universe take over. Adam Brimmer catches up with organiser Justin Camilleri to find out more.

How was the idea born?

2012 was a ‘Marvel-lous’ year, and the idea of holding a massive superheroes and science event has been in the pipeline since then. At the time, we had already started organising small events for the general public, titled Science Fiction vs Science Fact. Most of these focused on the science behind The Avengers, Batman and Spiderman.

 From there, we started organising superhero science events in schools, where we sought to identify and draw together the large number of superhero and science enthusiasts on the island. All these have now built up to this two-day event being organised at Esplora Science Centre.

This is your second event at Esplora, if I am correct? How was the first one received?

The first event was Science Meets Star Wars in November 2017, and the response we got exceeded our expectations. The Force is certainly strong on the island.

What should visitors to the event expect?

It’s going to be a weekend with activities for all ages, and we are bringing together education and information through a number of science shows, dioramas, life-size figures of the most popular characters (perfect for selfies), a Superhero digital art exhibition, hands-on workshops, superhero vs super villain duels, The Hulk vs T-Rex Challenge and more. There will also be surprise appearances by Spiderman, Super Girl and Arrow. 

Among other things, visitors will discover how Spiderman web-slings across New York City; there will be Thor’s thunderous hammer from Asgard on display; talks about how Flash whizzes to light speed until he warps the fabric of time and space, and about how Daredevil, the blind superhero, engages in combat with his enemies using only echolocation to guide him in the deadly darkness...

What can you tell us about the exhibition?

We will be showing works by both up-and-coming and established artists who have a passion for superheroes. These have given their unique interpretation and re-created scenes from superhero comic books and films. We also have a digital artist and a published comic book illustrator who will be exhibiting their works. Also part of the exhibition is a project where students will be exhibiting and talking about works based on the actual science behind superhero powers.

The Incredible Hulk on set in New York.

Which do you think will be the biggest superheroes at the event?

Definitely the Incredible Hulk, of course! But, joking aside, the biggest super hero in this event will actually be science. Now, more than ever before, cutting-edge science and technology belongs to the world of superheroes, where science enthusiasts and comic book fans are discovering how real life laws of physics underlie some of the greatest superhero comic books of all time. Do Spiderman’s amazing powers really mimic those of a spider? Could a person ever breathe underwater emulating a fish like Aquaman? Can people or objects be shrunk to molecular size like Antman?

The science behind the creation of superheroes is proving worldwide to be a fascinating educational tool, engaging the public in discussions about science, laboratory experiments and the future of technology. The event will look at the mind-boggling wizardry and technology behind the comic book’s legendary heroes and villains, while visitors will explore the creative fusion between science fiction and science fact and see who might win the struggle – will it be Einstein or Spiderman? Or is today’s science fiction on its way to becoming science fact in the future?

There used to be a perception that superheroes are very niche and ‘nerdy’. Does this still hold true?

With the release of so many blockbuster movies and TV series, superheroes have become very accessible, from the most popular to the least known. They are not just a current cultural phenomenon; one must look at the evolution of the comic book superhero from the early Egyptian, Greek and Roman myths to the modern era.

The mythical, mystical and for some, even religious themes that superheroes and villains embody are constantly the focus of a number of panels at international comics’ conventions. Superheroes speak to the deepest aspirations and challenges of mankind, where with great power comes great responsibility as Spiderman’s uncle Ben would say.

The Superheroes in Science event wants to convey another dimension to what was considered niche and nerdy in the past; it aims to prove that super heroes, gadgets and vehicles are not just scientific jargon but offer both a factual and a fictional aspect to the world we live in or could live in in the near future.

The event is organised by Euro-Media Forum and takes place on November 10 and 11 at Esplora Interactive Science Centre, Kalkara.