Secret Origins: You

The origin story of every superhero is always a much-sought-after issue for comic book collectors. How did Daredevil get his superhuman senses? What gave Spiderman his wall-crawling ability? How’d the Hulk get so big and green anyway? In the Marvel Universe, Stan Lee always had a crazy explanation based on scientific (or pseudo-scientific) principles for the genesis of his superheroes (and it often involved radiation, as shown in the three heroes mentioned by name). But now that scientists are actually working with principles of nanotechnology, cloning, nuclear medicine and other ideas that even ol’ Stan once thought were too far-fetched, could we see super-powered humans in the near future? A.J. Trujillo, owner of Star Clipper Comics, discusses the possibilities and ramifications of a world where normal people could have super powers at this evening’s Science Café at 6:30 p.m. on the CenterStage of the Saint Louis Science Center (5050 Oakland Avenue; 314-289-4424 or www.slsc.org). The $20 admission fee includes complimentary beverage and light snacks, as well as fascinating conversation. There’s also a cash bar, but remember – with great power comes great responsibility.