Sex Lives of Superheroes by Diana McCallum

Is sex with The Hulk technically a threesome? Does The Flash do everything faster? Has Wonder Woman really never faked an orgasm? 

Explore these questions and more with this collection of speculative, comedic essays on how superpowers might affect the sex lives of famous superheroes. Based on genuine scientific research and both Marvel and DC comic book and movie canon (and more!), Sex Lives of Superheroes is a refreshingly frank and fun deep dive into the pros, cons, and plot twists of superpowered sex.

Drawing from biology, physics, psychology, and more to play out (wild, fictional) scenarios about superheroes' sex lives, this in-depth analysis will definitively answer your burning questions, How does sex ed from the 1930s and 1940s stack up to today’s (and what does that mean for Captain America’s love life)? Can Spider-Man do whatever a spider can . . . in bed? Do factors like radiation, psychological stress, and tight spandex affect Batman’s sperm count? Does Green Lantern prove that sex is better in space? Would Wolverine’s healing factor make his sperm immortal? What would sex be like with Daredevil’s enhanced senses? Why did Dr. Strange's girlfriend cheat on him with Benjamin Franklin? Wait, Superman made a porno?! With interludes detailing some of the strangest sexcapades in superhero history, and the closest sexual equivalents we have in the real world, Sex Lives of Superheroes is a testament that sometimes life is even stranger than fiction (though not by much—comics are weird!). Stimulating in more ways than one, this provocative supplement to your favorite heroes’ lore is a hilarious and thought-provoking glimpse under the covers revealing everything you ever wanted to know about the Sex Lives of Superheroes.

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Sex Lives of Superheroes by Diana McCallum is a clever and entertaining exploration that dives into the quirks and questions surrounding the intimate lives of some of our favorite superheroes. The book takes a tongue-in-cheek approach but backs up its humorous speculations with genuine scientific research and an impressively deep dive into comic book lore.

What sets this book apart is its commitment to blending the ridiculous with the real. McCallum draws on biology, physics, psychology, and even historical sex education to imagine how superpowers might impact these heroes' love lives. It's fascinating to read about real-life equivalents and studies that give the wild scenarios a surprising touch of credibility—scientists study some truly bizarre things!

The interludes detailing the strangest moments in superhero history were especially eye-opening. As a casual comic reader, I hadn't come across many of these bizarre plotlines, and learning just how weird comics can get was a delight!

While the subject matter may sound suggestive, it's not designed to be titillating. The focus is on how seriously and scientifically McCallum can analyze these scenarios while still keeping the tone light and entertaining. It’s an easy read that balances fun with facts, giving comic book fans and science enthusiasts plenty to enjoy.

Book recommendation: The Physics of Superheroes by James Kakalios for its scientific look at superhero abilities and explains them using real-world physics.

Movie recommendation: Deadpool, for its irreverent humour, fourth-wall-breaking, and willingness to poke fun at superhero tropes that match the playful tone of the book.

Sex Lives of Superheroes publishes on the 19th November, 2024. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.