Science hero

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Science hero is an alternative term for superhero coined by Alan Moore in his work for America's Best Comics to describe basically a superhero that has a science fiction explanation for his/her powers, although magical and non-powered superheroes are also described as science heroes. The term is used extensively throughout the ABC titles, especially in his police procedural series, Top Ten, as well as Terra Obscura. The term is a nod to the pulp heroes.

Some known science heroes and their powers:

• Greyshirt - He is a smart, skilled and tenacious fighter who sports a complete bodysuit made of chainmail, walking cane fitted with power grappling line.
• Jack B. Quick - Inventive genius.
• Tom Strong - Super-strength. An inventive genius in peak physical condition, Strong maintains his physical health through the regular consumption of a mysterious herb called the Goloka Root. He is an explorer with a vast personal wealth, and has contributed greatly to the technology available in Millennium City.
• The Five Swell Guys from Promethea
  • Kenneth - Psychic ability
  • Marv - Genius intellect
  • Roger - Super-strength
  • Stan - Mechanical aptitude
  • Bob - No powers, just leadership skills
• Jonni Future - Possesses a universal translator helmet, a fish-shaped spaceship and a ray gun along with other 'pulp style' equipment.
• Promethea - Magic powers.

[edit] America's Best

America's Best is a fictional team of "Science heroes" from America's Best Comics (hence their name). Much like the Avengers or Justice League of America the team is composed of heroes whose individual adventures feature in other books. All the characters were created by Alan Moore with their respective artists, with the exception of Jonni Future, co-created by Steve Moore and Art Adams.

Members have included:

• Splash Brannigan
• Cobweb
• Johnny Future/Jonni Future
• Greyshirt
• Promethea
• Jack B. Quick
• Tom Strong

The team has been mentioned in other ABC comics (especially Tom Strong) and were seen in pages of Tom Strong and Promethea but have never featured in their own title or their own stories.

[edit] Science villain

• Paul Saveen - Tom Strong's archenemy
• Lapis Lazuli - Psychotic murderer
• Ingrid Weiss and her Nazi cohorts - Nazi female super-solders

Captain Nemo is also referred to as "the science pirate" in The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen.