Super Hero Power Logic..

DeathStar1 · 01-25-2007, 11:08 AM

I thought this would be a fun topic, seeing as folks like to theorize scientific stuff on here every now and then.

I can't believe two folks on the radio just spent about 7 minutes theorizing how Superman could jump out of a window, and then suddenly the flying power kicks in with no visible effort from Superman. 'How does he do it, and does he put his arms out in front to stear his flight, or is it just a cool look?'

So, here's a topic....If Super powers where real, how would science bring them about? Heat Vision, flight, Super Strength, Super Growth 9ala the Atom or Gigantor) etc..

Have there been any real document things where someone has done an amazing feat that could qualify as a super power?

Have fun

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Kirk Tsai · 01-25-2007, 03:57 PM

There's good ol' JC...
-- walking on water
-- healing the sick
-- giving sight to the blind

But that pales against the document known as video chronicling Kobayashi eating 53.75 hot dogs in 12 minutes.

Rob Gardiner · 01-25-2007, 04:03 PM

Superman's ability to fly is a form of telekinesis. He spreads his arms out just for show. His telekinesis allows him to carry heavier weights while flying than he would be able to lift while standing on the ground.

His super-strength, of course, is due to increased muscle density, caused by Krypton's larger size and greater gravitational pull.

Don't ask me where he gets the expandable cellophane "S" logo that he threw at Non at the climax of Superman II. The amnesia-kiss is a mystery to me as well.

His super-ventriloquism isn't really a superpower at all -- he just studied ventriloquism for a really long time. Presumably, that's how he spent the years between the age of 18 (when he left Smallville) and 25 (when he first appeared in Metropolis). Either that, or he was studying journalism in college.

Garrett Lundy · 01-25-2007, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil V

Have there been any real document things where someone has done an amazing feat that could qualify as a super power?

Some people with an medical eye abnormality called aphakia have vision that extends into the Ultraviolet range.

Martin Joe Laurello can turn his head 180 degrees.

I saw a Kung-Fu practitioner bend a spear using his stomach once.

Joseph DeMartino · 01-25-2007, 07:27 PM

SF author Larry Niven considered the scientific implications of Superman's powers in one particular area of his life in the classic essay, "Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex"

By all means read the footnotes, too. The whole thing is a hoot!

Joe

**HTF Ads**

Paul D G · 01-25-2007, 07:31 PM

Why just yesterday the Science Channel had a show called "KAPOW! Superhero Science". DVR'd, but not yet seen.

There was also a special called "The Science of Superman" on Discovery (or sumpthin) over the summer...

-paul

MarkHastings · 01-26-2007, 04:12 PM

The one thing I've always wondered about Super Strength is: Let's take someone (like superman) who can lift a car with his bare hands. Now it's not so much the science behind his strength, but the physics behind the fact that the car weighs more than him.

I don't claim to know much about physics, but if a 200 pound man picks up a 3 ton car....wouldn't that be impossible since the car should (technically) make him tip over?

Does the amount of strength matter when it comes to balance?

...or what about when a car smashes into Superman and the car gets crunched? What? Did Superman all of a sudden become this 10 ton block of steel? Strength can't give you that kind of power.

Patrick Sun · 01-26-2007, 05:00 PM

He's not called the Man of Steel for nuthin'

Matt-Z · 01-26-2007, 05:06 PM

What always used to bug me was when superman would pick up a car by its bumper... I mean why not try to pick it up by its windshield wiper? Then I decided he must be emanating some sort of field, effectively making the stuff lighter, also making it possible for him to not sink into the pavement when lifting tons above his head (and fly too I guess). kind of like in the FF movie, when the Thing stops the truck dead. He doesn't budge an inch! He doesn't scrape up a bunch of pavement or anything, what keeps his feet on the ground? I can't explain that one. Maybe he emanates some kind of field...

Patrick Sun · 01-26-2007, 05:37 PM

They explain that with "tactile telekinesis" as far as Supes being able to handle large objects away from its center of gravity, and counteracting moments generated by a force applied away from the center (around the edge of the object in question). At the end of the day, it's just cartoon physics.