Comments on: Why does Superman have that curl?

By: Melinda

Melinda — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 21:04:13 +0000

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

By: LB

LB — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 05:04:02 +0000

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By: Mike W.

Mike W. — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 00:03:00 +0000

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.

By: Sare

Sare — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 01:07:17 +0000

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.