Why does Superman have that curl?
Posted in Insightson Nov 2, 2006
After the recent Superman Movie, one of my friends asked about that little curl in Superman’s hair.
I have done extensive research into Superman’s hair. We learn from the October 1959 Superman comic book that his hair is indestructible and can neither be cut nor can it grow in Earth’s atmosphere. Only Superman’s X-ray laser vision is powerful enough to cut his own hair. Although this fact is somewhat refuted in Superman IV in which Lex Luthor snips a strand of Superman’s hair on display at a museum in order to create a Super-clone.
There may be many reasons why Superman has the curl. One person suggested that the curl was representative of action–that Superman was always springing into action to protect the innocent.
Although the spit curl, as it is called, is closely associated with Superman, only 7 out of 10 superman characters actually wore a curl.
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4 Comments
Sare
November 7th, 2006 at 6:07 pm
I think the curl is to distinguish him from clark kent, who (especially in the newest superman) looks EXACTLY like superman except for the glasses and curl.
Plus, I think they feel obligated to stick to the curl as it was an irremovable trait of the original superman comic-book character, who was drawn first in the (40’s)? When that sort of thing was maybe more ‘cool’ and ’stylish’.
Here’s a cool link I found that is relevant.
Mike W.
June 18th, 2007 at 6:03 pm
The one curl is based on greek mythology. I don’t recall the name for it, but it means you are being honest. Zeus was always lying to and tricking women in some way, shape or form… but when the curl was present, he was telling the truth. Superman was unable to tell a lie… hence the ever present single curl.
I’ve looked through the internet to find something to back this up and haven’t found anything yet. I would suggest asking a mythology professor.
LB
January 4th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Guys I just want to thank you for the info as I won a bargain. Also your comment’s and this blog just made my day, especially the blog’s part about Superman cutting his hair with X-Ray Vision, truly spectacular.
Melinda
December 15th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
I got a chance to speak with Rick Stasi, who got his start as a comic book illustrator drawing Superman. He stated that the original creator (can’t remember his name) was told that all of his superheros looked alike, and how was he going to distinguish this one from the others. His answer was to add the curl. I didn’t realize until speaking with Mr. Stasi that the curl is also in the shape of an S.
Hugs,
Melinda