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By Avi Weinryb
December 13, 2006 - 09:15
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of touring the Marvel Super Heroes Science Exhibition. It is currently located at the Ontario Science Centre, in
With all the science terminology sprinkled throughout the Marvel universe, it was truly only a matter of time until Marvel Entertainment Inc. decided to capitalize on it by opening up a science exhibit. And why not? A Marvel science show has the potential to please both comic fans and science enthusiasts alike. I intend to provide a complete breakdown of the exhibit, with my own observations and commentary. I have sprinkled exclusive photos throughout this feature as well.
If you have been paying attention to your comics all these years, you would know that science and Marvel Comics go together like peanut butter and jelly. Over the years, scientific experiments that have gone awry have produced the powers of Spider-Man, the Hulk, and the Fantastic Four. Doctor Octopus wasn’t born with tentacles popping out of his back – he developed them after engaging in a botched science experiment.
By using real scientific facts and fun experiments, the Marvel Super Hero Science Exhibition provides a unique look at both science and comics. When I first arrived at the entrance to the exhibit, I did not know what to expect. Would I be forced to hear a mind numbing lecture about genetic structure in order to better appreciate the mutant gene in the X-Men, or would I get to interact with various character pavilions and learn while having fun? Thankfully, it was the latter of the two.
The Entrance
After traveling on a wonky fake elevator ride, I reached the entrance chamber. A sign welcomed me to the super hero lab, and I knew there was no turning back.
The adventure begins!
Inside the darkened chambers of the exhibit grounds, I was treated to a wide variety of sounds and sights. Visitors could be heard screaming in the background (in the sound pavilion) while a life-sized Spider-Man looked on. The snapping claws of Doctor Octopus could be seen and heard, and bright lights blasted from the Human Torch’s heat sensitivity pavilion. The first thought that came to mind was “This is going to be fun!”
To enter the exhibit, I had to cross this spooky bridge.
The Exhibit
The press materials provided to me organize the various exhibition areas by character. I intend to use this method as well. Here’s the breakdown:
Daredevil –
The ‘blind alley’ is a dark cavern which is meant to simulate blindness. By closing their eyes and making noises, visitors can attempt to navigate the alley without walking into the padded walls. Cheaters can feel their way through. Younger kids will get a kick out of this, but older folks won’t be too impressed.
Visitors can test their sense of smell on a number of scents. A balance platform is provided as well. It’s fun for a few minutes, but with so many other exciting attractions, why stop here? Let’s keep going!
Doctor Octopus
– When you enter Doc Ock’s lair, there is no turning back! By gripping a joystick and hitting the trigger button, visitors can control one of the doctor’s tentacles. The goal is to shine a light at a Spider-Man target. This is one of my favourite attractions. It’s fun playing the villain for a change, and controlling tentacles has always been high up on my ‘to do’ list.
I controlled Doc Ock's arms!
There is also a fascinating mini-exhibit about the history of prosthetics. But before you completely give in to the power of the evil Doctor Octopus, why not swing by Spider-Man for a bit?
Spider-Man
– Marvel’s flagship superhero is famous for the webs he glides around on. Spiders have been flying around on webbing a lot longer than he has, and this pavilion teaches you how it all works. Visitors get the opportunity to place all their weight on a small swing, suspended from the rafters by synthetic fibers. The swings are fun for a bit, and children will appreciate them more than anyone.
Spider-Man was on stand-by in case the villains got out of control.
The Incredible Hulk
– If the Spider-Man pavilion is about physical feats, The Hulk explores the more mental side of things. Visitors can learn about how emotions work, and even get all green-faced and angry in a mirror.
The brain map is nothing extraordinary, but learning how to identify an angry face is a handy life lesson that could prove to be invaluable.
The Invisible Woman
– Although true invisibility is still within the realm of science fiction, an exploration of optical illusions provides a fun way to learn about how our eyes and minds can play tricks on us. The chief optical illusion, featuring a disappearing Invisible Woman is fun to witness. But it is nowhere near as fun as lifting a car as you pretend to be…
Iron Man
– Once you place your hands inside the mechanized exo-suit arm, you can multiply your strength in order to lift an SUV. Visitors are free to take photographs of themselves lifting the car. It makes a great picture for the refrigerator at home.
This boy can lift a car with the help of Iron Man style hydraulics.
A nearby interactive display case permits the use of various levers and pulleys.
Banshee
– The X-Men’s Banshee blasts villains with his sonic waves, and visitors can too. After entering the ‘Danger Room’ environment, shouts aimed at an onscreen Sentinel will display their volume level. If you hit the right level, you defeat the baddie. This display explains the screams I heard when I first entered the exhibit.
Professor X
– Everyone’s favourite professor plays host to a display about genetic mutations. A word game allows visitors to see what happens when minor changes are made to a ‘genetic recipe.’
The DNA comparison flaps are a little more fun. By lifting some flaps, visitors can find out the genetic similarities between human and various other creatures. Younger children will find this portion of the exhibition boring.
Visitors can get upclose with Wolverine's adamantium skeleton.
Wolverine – A sliding scanner allows visitors to give this X-Man an X-Ray! It’s fun to see a reproduction of Wolverine’s skeleton. You will only spend two minutes on this portion of the show, but it is still memorable.
Magneto
– Playing with the provided magnet display is fun for a bit, but it is the huge magnetic shield that makes this portion of the show top notch. Just try holding the shield against the image of Magneto! You can’t!
Iceman
– An oversized replica of Iceman’s hand is provided for a tactile experience. This cold handshake goes well with the next display, which would be…
The coolest handshake ever! Ice cold.
Storm – One of those ‘Spencer’s Gifts’ style electricity touch pads fails to impress, but the lightning game is rather fun. By counting the distance between seeing lightning and hearing thunder, you can zap some villains in a 2-D alleyway.
What Else is There
?
I tested out the infrared display at the Human Torch pavillion.
The Marvel Super Heroes Science Exhibition also includes a delightful film featuring Stan Lee discussing science in his comics, and there is also a ‘match the sound effects’ game and a comic book creation workshop space for aspiring artists.
On the way towards the exit, a historical timeline walks visitors through the annals of Marvel Comics history. This area also includes some oversized Marvel artwork, featuring some really sizzling Miller and
Quesada prints. Upon exiting the exhibit, visitors are led into the Marvel gift shop which is loaded with clothes, colouring books, and yes, even some comics.
This handy timeline provides an overview of the history of Marvel Comics.
The Verdict
The Marvel Super Heroes Science Exhibition is a fun attraction fit for both children and adults alike. A lot of the individual character pavilions can be enjoyed by anyone with a sense of adventure and a desire to learn something new. The exhibit explores real questions of science while providing fun activities and displays.
If you are ever in
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