Power Up

"A superhero does not have to worry about the same limitations be they bureaucracy, human endurance, or the laws of physics. However, back in the reality-verse readers can use Power Up to draw on superheroes’ lessons of leadership, character, and team building to form empowering institutions for very average and frail, but very real, humans to do great things." ~Diplomatic Courier

"...this is an engaging and fascinating read, with something for everyone. It offers an eclectic menu of treats that serve up a new and fresh look at a genre we rarely connect directly to the demands of the real world, much less plumb for key lessons about leadership. It should be consumed like a buffet meal, with the reader picking and choosing among the stories and characters that resonate." ~ARMY Magazine

"...a phenomenally entertaining-yet-informative read, and will be enjoyed by those looking to learn about leadership, organisational ethics, trust building in military and international relations, among many other important topics. " ~Encyclopedia Geopolitica

"...there is ample breadth in the book for those who have not seen the latest Marvel cinematic universe release to find substance and enjoyment. Different superhero examples cover the spectrum from the big screen to the small screen to the comics panel to general pop culture." ~Military Review

"...an outstanding anthology of relevant and timely essays written by a collection of some of the brightest military-connected writers of the post-9/11 generation. By examining military leadership through the lens of the superhero genre, this collection provides a fun and insightful vehicle to explore important topics through popular stories to which a broad audience can relate." ~Aether: A Journal of Strategic Airpower & Spacepower

“In Power Up, one of the contributing authors tells us that ‘In our own way, we’re all Batman.’ And more than we often realize, it’s true. This collection of thoughtful essays shows us how the popular heroes of comic books and movies are actually culture carriers of leadership and values. Where generations once quoted Shakespeare’s Henry V, today we echo the words of cape-wearing crime fighters, but the lessons are no less powerful or relevant.” ~General Stanley McChrystal, U.S. Army, Retired

"Power Up accomplishes what the best superhero stories set out to do: it both entertains and makes you think." ~P.W. Singer, NY Times bestselling author of "Wired for War" and "Ghost Fleet"

"Power Up is a captivating book that merges the world of superheroes with leadership and character development. By examining the traits of beloved superheroes, the remarkable group of authors offer valuable insights on resilience, integrity, empathy, and accountability. This book empowers readers to unleash their inner hero and cultivate essential leadership qualities for the ever-changing world." ~Mike Erwin, Founder and Executive Director of Team Red, White & Blue

“A talent-packed anthology takes a thoughtful and thoroughly entertaining look at the role of superheroes in our culture. A true pleasure to read. Highly recommended!” ~Ande Parks, comic book writer and artist, and the creator and writer of the Extraction film series

“Power Up is a terrific example of the dynamic creativity of military professionalism in the West, as well as its fundamental anchoring in our dominant cultural narratives. These essays – using superhero stories and attributes as their guiding lights – prove why to bet your money on Western militaries winning wars (as well as what nerds all these authors are!)." ~Kori Schake, Director of Foreign and Defense Policy at the American Enterprise Institute and author of "Safe Passage: The Transition from British to American Hegemony"