Superman’s Bulletproof Skin Has a Surprising Flaw
Superman, the iconic superhero, is known for his incredible abilities, including his invulnerability. But as powerful as he is, even Superman’s bulletproof skin has a surprising weakness rooted in real science. In My Adventures with Superman #3, we see just how this flaw can be exploited, turning his greatest strength into a potential vulnerability.
Bullets Can’t Penetrate, But They Can Push Superman Around
Superman’s invulnerability has always been one of his most formidable powers. Bullets, no matter the caliber, bounce off his skin like pebbles off a steel wall. However, in this issue, we discover that while bullets can’t pierce his skin, they still have the power to move him. Agent DuBois, one of Superman’s adversaries, cleverly uses this knowledge to his advantage.
When bullets are fired at Superman with enough force, they don’t injure him, but they do push him around. This concept relies on the basic laws of physics: even if an object isn’t damaged, the force still needs to be transferred somewhere. In this case, the bullets push Superman backward, effectively using his own invulnerability against him. It’s a smart tactic that highlights how even Superman’s strengths can be manipulated by those who understand the science behind them.
The Downside of Invulnerability: A New Weakness Exposed
Superman’s invulnerability, while seemingly perfect, comes with its own set of challenges. One of the major issues is that his unbreakable skin makes it nearly impossible to perform emergency surgeries. There are few tools on Earth that can even scratch him, let alone penetrate his skin to perform life-saving operations. This aspect of his invulnerability isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s a potentially life-threatening weakness.
Moreover, when bullets hit Superman, the force behind them doesn’t just disappear. It’s transformed into concussive force, turning every impact into the equivalent of a powerful punch. While smaller bullets might be a mere annoyance, a weapon with enough power could theoretically break Superman’s bones purely through the force of the impact. This idea isn’t far-fetched; after all, Superman was beaten to death by Doomsday, showing that his invulnerability has limits.
The Intrigue of Superman’s Strength: Exploring New Vulnerabilities
Superman’s immense power often leads to the criticism that he’s too strong, making him uninteresting. However, it’s precisely his power that makes his stories so compelling. The challenge isn’t just in showing off his abilities, but in discovering new ways that villains can outsmart or overcome him.
In My Adventures with Superman #3, Agent DuBois finds a unique method to exploit Superman’s invulnerability. By understanding the science behind Superman’s strength, DuBois uses the sheer force of bullets to push him around, proving that even the Man of Steel isn’t invincible to everything. This revelation adds a new layer to Superman’s character, showing that despite his god-like powers, he’s still vulnerable to the very laws of nature that govern our world.
As Superman continues to face new challenges, it’s clear that his invulnerability is both a blessing and a curse. While he remains one of the strongest heroes in the DC Universe, this story reminds us that even Superman has weaknesses—some of which are more surprising than others.
Read this article and more at August Tales Comics. Your go-to site for trade paperback exchanges and comic book news! Trade. Read. Repeat.
#comics #comicbooks #graphicnovel #graphicnovels #augusttales
Image credit: dccomics.com