# Superman "S" Question

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superman-s-question/206373>\
**Category:** Cafe Society\
**Created:** [October 8, 2003, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superman-s-question/206373 "2003-10-08T22:56:14Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 4

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**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\
**Post date:** [October 17, 2003, 6:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superman-s-question/206373/61 "2003-10-17T06:45:00Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by Scott Dickerson \*  
> \*\*Incidentally, did any other DC heroes from the Golden Age have an initial on their costumes, other than Supie and Aquaman? A symbol, yes–but initial? \*\*

Well, the original Mr. Terrific had the words FAIR PLAY on his chest.

Seriously.

The [modern version](http://www.blacksuperhero.com/exh-dc-mrterrific.html) has a stylized “T” pattern on his shirt (and “FAIRPLAY” written on his sleeves).

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**Author:** ![Fibber\_McGee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/a6a055/32.png) [@Fibber\_McGee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fibber_McGee)\
**Post date:** [October 17, 2003, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superman-s-question/206373/62 "2003-10-17T12:16:59Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by Ranchoth \*  
> \*\*
> 
> In the recent D&K Ultimate Guide to Superman, it’s listed (IIRC) as deriving from a Kent-family crest, which came from an indian “medicine blanket.”
> 
> \*\*

Yep, I believe this is the current official explanation (until the decide to change it again) and that it was introduced in _The Kents_ a twelve-issue mini-series from a few years ago that told the story of the history of thr Kent family in the years before, during and after the Civil War, mixing real history with fictional characters. The series was a great read, but the whole S symbol coming from an indian medicine blanket thing is corny as hell.

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**Author:** ![godzillatemple](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/49beb7/32.png) [@godzillatemple](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/godzillatemple)\
**Post date:** [October 17, 2003, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superman-s-question/206373/63 "2003-10-17T12:34:10Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by ResIpsaLoquitor \*  
> Oh my dear lord… **Godzillatemple** is John Byrne! 😉 \*\*

Shhhh… don’t tell anyone! 😃

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**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\
**Post date:** [October 17, 2003, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superman-s-question/206373/64 "2003-10-17T13:18:23Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by godzillatemple \*  
> \*\*Shhhh… don’t tell anyone! 😃 \*\*

Yeah, it’s not something I’d be proud of, either.

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