# Silliest Super Origin **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [December 9, 2004, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silliest-super-origin/278864 "2004-12-09T03:00:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2004, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silliest-super-origin/278864/61 "2004-12-10T02:17:56Z")
> [@CalMeacham](#): > > There was a Fly Girl, too. I don’t know their origins.) “In Living Color?” 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Mearl\_Dox](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/65b543/32.png) [@Mearl\_Dox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mearl_Dox)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2004, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silliest-super-origin/278864/62 "2004-12-10T02:48:39Z")
The original Brainiac was an evil robot built by the Computer Tyrants of Colu. Post-Crisis, he’s an evil Coluan genius who escaped being killed by the Computer Tyrants by projecting his mind into the mind of a sideshow mentalist named Milton Fine. Which somehow resulted in Milton turning green. On the Superman Adventures cartoon show, he was a supercomputer built on Krypton which went rogue and didn’t warn the Kryptonians of the coming disaster. Frankly, I think the evil robot origin is the least silly. ---
**Author:** ![Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/earl_snake-hips_tucker/32/3269_2.png) [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2004, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silliest-super-origin/278864/63 "2004-12-10T13:06:11Z")
> [@Already in Use](#): > > Not to mention Matter-Eater Lad. Who was from the planet “Bismoll”. ---
**Author:** ![Cliffy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/59ef9b/32.png) [@Cliffy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cliffy)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2004, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silliest-super-origin/278864/64 "2004-12-10T14:40:50Z")
> [@jayjay](#): > > Anyone remember “Dial H for Hero”? The H-Dial was updated by Will Pfeifer in his excellent but now sadly defunt series **H-E-R-O**. The book, which ended last month at #22, followed the H-Dial around from person to person, showing how different people approached and were affected by becoming a temporary superhero. It was one of the most thoughtful and adult book that the DCU has included in a long time. Robby Reed was a character in the series. Chris, Vicki, Lori and Hero Cruz weren’t mentioned, although I think I saw an interview with Pfeifer where he said he had plans for them (which he didn’t get to implement because of the cancellation). –Cliffy ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2004, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silliest-super-origin/278864/65 "2004-12-10T15:28:14Z")
> [@Scylla](#): > > I find **The Word** to be an ironic kind of supervillain. He’s also realistic. > > He gained abilities by studying hard. I, for one, find him entirely realistic and really, really cool. But that’s just me. ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2004, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silliest-super-origin/278864/66 "2004-12-10T15:33:33Z")
Now that I think about it, I am stunned - stunned I tell you - to see that no one has posted about [Johnny Quick](http://www.hyperborea.org/flash/johnny.html) who, working with a professor discovered a _formula_ that gave him superspeed. His formula: 3X2(9YZ)4A Yep - reciting that numeric sequence gave him superspeed. I’m lovin’ it. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2004, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silliest-super-origin/278864/67 "2004-12-10T18:51:25Z")
Who was it that said the basic message of Marvel Comics during the 60s is that radiation is good for you? My favorite example was the Leader, a green fellow with a giant head who battled the Hulk. He got his super-intelligence by peeking into a container filled with radioactive waste. He thought they were smuggling money in it. If there was ever someone who needed a brain boost… Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2004, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silliest-super-origin/278864/68 "2004-12-10T19:54:09Z")
I thought the Leader got enhanced by the same gamma bomb explosion that created the Hulk _AND_ the Abomination. Wasn’t the “stupid crook” story how DC’s Parasite got started? ---
**Author:** ![rjung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/45deac/32.png) [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2004, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silliest-super-origin/278864/69 "2004-12-10T20:42:48Z")
For once in a great while, 😉 **Shodan** is right – the Leader’s origin was that he was a janitor/custodian at a military base, peeked inside a container with radioactive gamma matter, and got sooper-smart as a result. ---
**Author:** ![Binarydrone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3da27b/32.png) [@Binarydrone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Binarydrone)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2004, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silliest-super-origin/278864/70 "2004-12-10T21:13:46Z")
> [@rjung](#): > > For once in a great while, 😉 **Shodan** is right – the Leader’s origin was that he was a janitor/custodian at a military base, peeked inside a container with radioactive gamma matter, and got sooper-smart as a result. That sounds very similar to the origin of the Parasite (although with him wasn’t it “space” radioactive waste that Superman brought back or something?) ---
**Author:** ![Cliffy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/59ef9b/32.png) [@Cliffy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cliffy)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2004, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silliest-super-origin/278864/71 "2004-12-10T21:26:09Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > Who was it that said the basic message of Marvel Comics during the 60s is that radiation is good for you? Well, don’t forget about Iron Man – he gave himself super-strength, armor, repulsor rays and the power of flight through the magic of that miracle of modern technology, the _transistor_! –Cliffy ---
**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2004, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silliest-super-origin/278864/72 "2004-12-11T15:11:58Z")
> [@rjung](#): > > For once in a great while, Shodan is right I’m gonna let this one slide, **rjung** , with a mild admonition. That’s dangerously close to an insult, I’m going to be kind and interpret the smiley face as meaning that this is a “friendly joke”. Without the smiley face, I’d be less generous. As a reminder to all: personal insults are not permitted in this forum. There can be a fine line between a “friendly joke” and a personal insult; and, just to be clear, the presence of a smiley face does NOT always negate an insult. In this case, the insult was pretty mild and I’m in a generous mood. If I’d seen this before I had my coffee this morning, I might have ruled otherwise. ---
**Author:** ![Master\_Wang-Ka](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/master_wang-ka/32/3325_2.png) [@Master\_Wang-Ka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Master_Wang-Ka)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2004, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silliest-super-origin/278864/73 "2004-12-11T16:23:41Z")
One of the reasons I never could get into \*Legion Of Super-Heroes \* was the idea that “most planets have a humanoid race where each and every inhabitant has the same super-power.” Even as a kid, I had trouble with that concept. Durned if I can really zero down “silliest super-origin,” though. There are so many. All I can do is point out some that haven’t yet been pointed out… like the early Daredevil foes, the Matador and Stilt Man. MATADOR: former bullfighter who uses his amazing… um… bullfighting skills… for crime. Yeah, I can see the connection there. No, wait, I can’t. STILT MAN: Nebbish lab tech steals the secret of super-hydraulic lift tubes from his boss and turns them into legs on an armored suit. The suit allows him to vary his height from about 7’ to over 200 feet tall. This suit is also bulletproof, and contains a gyrobalance gadget that keeps him from falling on his can when he gets especially tall. As I recall, his first holdup involved using a revolver to rob a helicopter. The pilots were so astonished they gave up without a fight. They also rather obligingly hovered in place to allow Stilt-Man to complete the holdup. On a related note, how many different super-origins are directly related to the attempts of various people and organizations to re-create the Captain America Super-Soldier formula? You’d think after enough people died, exploded from sheer muscle mass, or sprouted tentacles out their ears or whatever, they’d give up… ---
**Author:** ![Chairman\_Pow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/838e76/32.png) [@Chairman\_Pow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chairman_Pow)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2004, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silliest-super-origin/278864/74 "2004-12-11T16:56:04Z")
> [@Master Wang-Ka](#): > > On a related note, how many different super-origins are directly related to the attempts of various people and organizations to re-create the Captain America Super-Soldier formula? You’d think after enough people died, exploded from sheer muscle mass, or sprouted tentacles out their ears or whatever, they’d give up… But the original was such a success, there was no reason to stop. Besides, they did synthesize various “close enoughs” that also got lost (IIRC, Nick Fury got a half-strength recreation). Guys like the Power Broker seemed to be able to make guys stronger than Cap, although they lacked his moral fortitude and determination which is what makes that character great. Unless you’ve read any of the MK or reboot series… ---
**Author:** ![tracer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tracer/32/20578_2.png) [@tracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tracer)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2004, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silliest-super-origin/278864/75 "2004-12-12T17:04:46Z")
And let’s not forget [8-Man, who got his super powers from smoking cigarettes](http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/m8man.html). ---
**Author:** ![Master\_Wang-Ka](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/master_wang-ka/32/3325_2.png) [@Master\_Wang-Ka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Master_Wang-Ka)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2004, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silliest-super-origin/278864/76 "2004-12-12T20:23:27Z")
> [@tracer](#): > > And let’s not forget [8-Man, who got his super powers from smoking cigarettes](http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/m8man.html). Well, yeah, but they weren’t ORDINARY cancer sticks – they were specially made for his robotic (or whatever) chemistry, and powered 'im up. I also find myself thinking about Captain Strong, a guy who used to show up to kick Superman around from time to time… and he was right up there with Terra-Man when it came to general silliness. Now, listen closely: we have a squinty-eyed sailor man, right? Big bell bottom English Tar pants, forearms as big as his biceps, always has a corncob pipe stuck in his mouth and a little captain’s hat on, right? He discovers a variety of seaweed – “Sauncha” – which increases his strength and durability to superhuman levels for a short period of time when he eats the stuff. Its side effect, however, is that it tends to lower his intelligence, curtail his judgment, jack up his testosterone levels, and increase his general aggressiveness. So… when Strong eats Sauncha, and someone looks at his (oddly skinny) girlfriend funny, there’s going to be a fight happening, and Strong’s punch can shatter brick walls. Plainly, Superman has to step in before someone gets hurt… I always wondered why Elzie Segar or King Features Syndicate didn’t sue. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2004, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silliest-super-origin/278864/77 "2004-12-12T20:35:39Z")
Oh. My. God. I thought **Wang-Ka** was pulling our leg, but I googled it and came up with [this](http://www.supermanhomepage.com/comics/who/who-intro.php?topic=strong-captain)! Not only did they lift Popeye wholesale, they stole Olive Oyl, Wimpy, and Poopdeck Pappy, too! This actually beats the Squadron Supreme/JLA and Shi’Ar Imperial Guard/Legion of Superheroes plagiarism I referenced in the Marvel vs. DC thread… ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2004, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silliest-super-origin/278864/78 "2004-12-12T20:36:49Z")
[Captain Strong](http://www.internationalhero.co.uk/c/capstrong.htm) No resemblance to Popeye whatsoever. Nope. Not a bit. Nuh-uh. How can you imagine? ---
**Author:** ![Master\_Wang-Ka](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/master_wang-ka/32/3325_2.png) [@Master\_Wang-Ka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Master_Wang-Ka)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2004, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silliest-super-origin/278864/79 "2004-12-12T20:51:30Z")
Ah, here we go. [This link](http://www.quarterbin.net/recycleb/rb19.html) provides several more images of the Captain and his Sauncha, as well as a glimpse into his personal life… ---
**Author:** ![JThunder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e95f7d/32.png) [@JThunder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JThunder)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2004, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silliest-super-origin/278864/80 "2004-12-12T21:24:44Z")
Captain Strong was an obvious parody of Popeye – a wink to the reader, so to speak. There would have simply been no grounds for a lawsuit against DC on that basis. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silliest-super-origin/278864.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silliest-super-origin/278864.md?page=5)