George R.R. Martin and physicist Ian Tregillis recently co-authored a groundbreaking paper that combines superhero fiction with real-world science. The paper, focused on the Wild Cards universe, uses mathematics to explain the dynamics of the virus at the heart of the series. This unexpected collaboration brings science and superhero stories together like never before.
For those unfamiliar, Wild Cards is a shared universe that explores what happens when a virus mutates people into powerful beings—Aces—and grotesque mutants—Jokers. This world, which Martin has been developing for decades, is now the subject of a new scientific study. Martin teamed up with Tregillis, a physicist, to model the virus’s spread and its long-lasting effects.
The study, titled “Ergodic Lagrangian dynamics in a superhero universe,” uses mathematical models to explain how mutations occur within the Wild Cards world. The collaboration between Martin and Tregillis offers an exciting way to explore complex scientific ideas through the lens of superhero fiction. The duo’s work shows how storytelling and science can come together to explore new concepts.
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George R.R. Martin co-authors a physics paper
Credit: Amy Sussman
In a unique collaboration, George R.R. Martin worked with physicist Ian Tregillis to apply mathematical modeling to the Wild Cards universe. The paper, “Ergodic Lagrangian dynamics in a superhero universe,” uses physics to explain the fictional virus that causes people to become “Aces” or “Jokers”. The virus’s effects are analyzed using real-world mathematical techniques, providing a scientific framework for the events of the Wild Cards series.
The paper blends Martin’s world-building with Tregillis’s scientific expertise. They use the Lagrangian method to describe the virus’s spread, giving fans a new way to view the world of Wild Cards. The collaboration is an exciting blend of fiction and science, showing how these two seemingly separate worlds can intersect in interesting ways.
What’s especially interesting about this paper is how it takes a complex, fictional virus and models it as if it were real. By using physics to describe the behavior of the virus, Martin and Tregillis offer readers a more grounded, scientific understanding of the story’s events. It’s a perfect example of how storytelling and science can work hand in hand.
What is Wild Cards?
Credits: Orion Publishing Group
Wild Cards is a shared universe created by George R.R. Martin, where a virus released in 1946 causes mutations in its victims. Those who survive become Aces, gifted with superhuman abilities. Others turn into Jokers, disfigured and mutated beyond recognition. The world is divided between these two groups, with tensions running high.
The virus in Wild Cards doesn’t just create physical mutations. It has deep societal implications as well, with Aces often being revered as heroes while Jokers are marginalized or feared. The series explores the personal and social consequences of these mutations, giving it depth and complexity beyond just the superhero genre.
In addition to Aces and Jokers, there are also crypto-jokers—individuals whose mutations are subtle or hidden. These characters add another layer of intrigue to the Wild Cards universe, as they navigate a world where their differences are not always apparent. This adds a unique dynamic to the story’s exploration of identity and belonging.
The Wild Cards universe is full of compelling characters and stories. Whether they’re Aces struggling to live up to their powers or Jokers fighting for acceptance, the series presents a complex and engaging world. The story explores themes of power, identity, and social inequality, making it more than just a superhero tale.
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Why did Martin work on this paper?
George R.R. Martin has long been fascinated by the intersection of fiction and science. His collaboration with Tregillis to apply mathematical models to the Wild Cards universe is the latest example of this interest. By combining his creative storytelling with Tregillis’s scientific expertise, Martin has created a new way to view the Wild Cards series.
The goal of the paper was not just to explore the virus in the Wild Cards world, but also to show how fictional scenarios can be modeled using real-world science. The collaboration highlights the potential for superhero stories to offer insights into scientific principles, making complex ideas more accessible to the general public.
Martin’s desire to explore science through storytelling is also reflected in the broader themes of the Wild Cards universe. By using the virus as a metaphor for societal division, he explores how science and technology can impact society in both positive and negative ways. The collaboration with Tregillis adds a new layer to this exploration.
