Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex

Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex
A panel from Curt Swan's adaptation of "Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex".

"Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex" is an essay in which science fiction author Larry Niven details the problems that Superman would face in having sexual intercourse and reproducing with "a human woman designated LL for convenience", using arguments based on humorous (yet logical) reconciliation between physics, biology and the abilities of Kryptonians as presented in Superman comic books. It was first printed in Niven's 1971 collection, All the Myriad Ways. It was also reprinted in the Niven compilation N-Space; as well, a comic book adaptation - illustrated by classic Superman artist Curt Swan, and with all identifying logos and names removed - was published in Penthouse Comix.

In 1986, the essay was reposted onto Usenet; this led to what is thought to be the very first online report of copyright violation.

In 2007, a YouTube video adaptation of the essay was made, with the permission of Niven. It was adapted by "JackDanyells" and starred him as Superman, Rachel Gorton as LL, and VenetianPrincess as Supergirl.

Other uses

Many of the points given in this essay are reused and paraphrased in Kevin Smith's 1995 movie Mallrats.

In Frank Miller's comic Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again, Superman touches on the theme of the essay when asked about sex by Lara, his teenage daughter by Wonder Woman.

In issue 6 of The Boys, Butcher mentions that his human wife was killed when, after being impregnated by a super-human, the super-powered fetus kicked its way out of her stomach.

The TV series Smallville also cited the same argument to explain why Clark refused to sleep with Lana Lang when he was in possession of his super powers. They were, however, able to have sex when she as well as he was (intermittently) super-powered in Seasons 7 and 8. In the Season 9 episode, "Escape," Clark tells Chloe that part of his training in the Fortress of Solitude included learning how to control his powers to such a degree that he wouldn't harm a human woman during sex.

In the 2008 movie Hancock, the 'dangerous ejaculation' scenario is illustrated in a deleted scene when, at the point of climax, he throws his partner aside to save her, blowing three large holes in the roof of his trailer.

Tom Smith's "Superman Sex-Life Boogie" recounts the problem from Superman's perspective.


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем сделать НИР

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Man of Steel — may refer to: Superman, the comic book superhero, whom the nickname The Man of Steel commonly refers to The Man of Steel (comics), a six issue comic book limited series about Superman released in 1986 by DC Comics Superman: The Man of Steel… …   Wikipedia

  • Man-Kzin Wars — Cover of Man Kzin Wars III. The Man Kzin Wars is a series of military science fiction short story collections (and is the name of the first collection), as well as the eponymous conflicts between mankind and the Kzinti that they detail. They are… …   Wikipedia

  • Superman character and cast — Superman, given the serial nature of comic publishing and the length of the character s existence, has evolved as a character as his adventures have increased. Initially a crime fighter, the character was seen in early adventures stepping in to… …   Wikipedia

  • Superman — This article is about the superhero. For other uses, see Superman (disambiguation). Superman …   Wikipedia

  • Супермен — Супермен …   Википедия

  • Superman — Para otros usos de este término, véase Superman (desambiguación). Superman Personaje de DC Comics …   Wikipedia Español

  • Superman in other media — Adaptations of Superman in other media Actors who have portrayed Superman: (top) Kirk Alyn, George Reeves, Christopher Reeve (bottom) Dean Cain, Tom Welling, and Brandon Routh …   Wikipedia

  • Superman — Pour les articles homonymes, voir Superman (homonymie). Superman Personnage de fiction apparaissant dans …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Kryptonite — This article is about Kryptonite, the element from the Superman mythos. For other uses, see Kryptonite (disambiguation). Kryptonite Lex Luthor in front of a display of kryptonite and holding green kryptonite. From a panel in Action Comics Annual… …   Wikipedia

  • All the Myriad Ways — is a collection of short stories and essays by science fiction author Larry Niven, originally published in 1971. It contains: * All the Myriad Ways * Passerby * For a Foggy Night * Wait it Out * The Jigsaw Man * Not Long Before the End *… …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”