# What's the dorkiest prop used by any superhero or superheroine? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** comic-books-manga\ **Created:** [March 15, 2007, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dorkiest-prop-used-by-any-superhero-or-superheroine/395990 "2007-03-15T02:49:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2007, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dorkiest-prop-used-by-any-superhero-or-superheroine/395990/61 "2007-03-16T12:25:24Z")
> [@](#): > > Dude got the electric freaking chair, for stealing pennies?! That’s harsh. No wonder they were so hard on Two-Face! ---
**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:** [March 16, 2007, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dorkiest-prop-used-by-any-superhero-or-superheroine/395990/62 "2007-03-16T20:38:06Z")
[QUOTE=Ranchoth] \*Eh, it’s a better spin than “-glider.” [/QUOTE] But not as cool as “-fly”. ---
**Author:** ![Marisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/da6949/32.png) [@Marisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marisa)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2007, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dorkiest-prop-used-by-any-superhero-or-superheroine/395990/63 "2007-03-16T21:17:14Z")
I haven’t had a chance to read the comics but I have watched the shows - read one comic where Supes hooks up with WW which pissed me off no end and then it had the Alternate DC universe in the second half which confused me no end so I ended up not getting any more comics. I would like to start from the beginning - the very first one - any idea if anyone has scanned them and put them online for people to read? As for props: WW’s stupid cuffs (did they serve any purpose?), in the 1996 show LAC:TNAOS, Clark Kent’s parents and their hologram of Superman to convince people they were two different people and also H.G. Wells (yes he made an appearance) turned up with a god awful looking time machine that ran on gold and of course it was so easy for Superman to build another one in the space of an hour. Also they introduced red kryptonite which makes Superman apathetic or emotionally weak. And I noticed they used the same ring for every engagement/wedding scenario that came up. How about Batman’s anti gravity boots/clamps - put them on and climb up walls of buildings? ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2007, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dorkiest-prop-used-by-any-superhero-or-superheroine/395990/64 "2007-03-16T21:37:41Z")
Wonder Woman’s cuffs were used for deflecting bullets. They were leftover symbols of her people’s (the Amazon’s) time in captivity. I may have read too many comics as a kid. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Terrifel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c68b51/32.png) [@Terrifel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terrifel)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2007, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dorkiest-prop-used-by-any-superhero-or-superheroine/395990/65 "2007-03-16T22:55:29Z")
One of the most peculiar superheroic accoutrements of all time was the “Spider-signal,” a sort of miniature slide-projector that Peter Parker created with his spiderlike power of invention.\* This was rather transparently inspired by the Bat-signal; however, since Spider-Man was generally hated by the public and thus had no helpful police commissioner to turn the thing on when danger threatened, he was forced to carry the gadget around by himself. Using this device, Spider-Man could project an intimidating spiderweb silhouette onto criminals, thus terrifying them with the knowledge that they were about to be ensnared. Honestly though, it seems like losing the element of surprise would generally outweigh this slim benefit-- not to mention the fact that he could just as easily cover them with a \*real \* web, thus making the whole signal kind of pointless in this respect. The real disadvantage, though, was simply that Spider-Man’s costume is not really configured to carry bulky equipment around. He therefore constructed the signal in the form of a hidden belt buckle. The effect probably did terrify criminals, but for all the wrong reasons: the shock of suddenly being bathed in an eerie, web-shaped glow emanating from Spider-Man’s radioactive groin area. Spidey doesn’t use the gadget that much anymore; possibly due to the resultant bad press, or maybe the bulb just got uncomfortably hot in that sensitive region. Whatever the reason, any superpower that requires you to finger your belt to operate it probably needs to be rethought. \*It makes sense! Spiders invent things-- namely, webs-- and therefore, after being bitten by a radioactive spider, Peter Parker logically gained the ability to invent spider-themed devices. Don’t look at me like that. ---
**Author:** ![furryman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/furryman/32/99_2.png) [@furryman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furryman)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2020, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dorkiest-prop-used-by-any-superhero-or-superheroine/395990/66 "2020-07-04T18:38:18Z")
Never Mind. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2020, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dorkiest-prop-used-by-any-superhero-or-superheroine/395990/67 "2020-07-04T22:15:46Z")
> [@Marisa](#): > > How about Batman’s anti gravity boots/clamps - put them on and climb up walls of buildings? Of course that’s ridiculous. Everyone knows that Batman uses a Batrope to climb up the side of a building where Col. Klink can open a window and talk to him. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2020, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dorkiest-prop-used-by-any-superhero-or-superheroine/395990/68 "2020-07-04T22:38:39Z")
> [@Horatio\_Hellpop](#): > > Starman’s snicker-inducing [Cosmic Rod,](http://my.execpc.com/~icicle/STARMAN.html) which looks like absolutely nothing but a dildo. All things considered, it is probably best that they changed [the design](https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/marvel_dc/images/3/34/Gravity_Rod_01.jpg/revision/latest/top-crop/width/360/height/450?cb=20090215180745) before the _Stargirl_ TV series. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2020, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dorkiest-prop-used-by-any-superhero-or-superheroine/395990/69 "2020-07-04T22:47:06Z")
“Mr. Terrific” – TV show from the '60s; he had a golf-ball-sized power pill (only good for 1 hour) and a short cape that he had to flap like a bird to fly. His take offs and landings resembled a goony-bird’s, as well. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2020, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dorkiest-prop-used-by-any-superhero-or-superheroine/395990/70 "2020-07-04T22:55:34Z")
> [@RealityChuck](#): > > How about Dr. Mid-Night’s owl, Hootie? Hootie lives on… in a secret JSA meeting room. In the new Stargirl series, she has a much improved Cosmic Rod (which isn;t phallic, but it is hilarious; it has a mind of its own and can get its ‘user’ in trouble). But when Stripesy (seriously, they got Luke Wilson to play Stripesy to Joel McHale’s Starman) shows her the antique JSA lair, there’s Hootie! Contendly doing nothing… as he has for 40 years. ---
**Author:** ![Kamino\_Neko](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kamino_neko/32/34_2.png) [@Kamino\_Neko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamino_Neko)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2020, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dorkiest-prop-used-by-any-superhero-or-superheroine/395990/71 "2020-07-04T23:32:20Z")
The design used in the TV series originated with the 1994 Starman series (featuring Jack Knight, the son of the original Starman, Ted, and brother of his recently deceased immediate predecessor, David). It was eventually passed on to Courtney when Jack decided to retire. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2020, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dorkiest-prop-used-by-any-superhero-or-superheroine/395990/72 "2020-07-05T12:21:48Z")
I always admired the Tick’s use of his spoon. Utterly useless, but his cry of “Spoon!” consistently inspired me. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2020, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dorkiest-prop-used-by-any-superhero-or-superheroine/395990/73 "2020-07-05T18:09:44Z")
I don’t think he ever actually carried a spoon around with him, did he? Just shouted the word a lot. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2020, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dorkiest-prop-used-by-any-superhero-or-superheroine/395990/74 "2020-07-05T19:08:50Z")
He deployed it here [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/P51zb968HjM/hqdefault.jpg "SPOON!!!") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P51zb968HjM) ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2020, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dorkiest-prop-used-by-any-superhero-or-superheroine/395990/75 "2020-07-05T19:30:40Z")
I didn’t see if anyone mentioned [Stilt-Man](https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Wilbur_Day_(Earth-616)) yet. His entire schtick was that he had a pair of hydraulic stilts, which could extend up to 290 feet. Because there’s nothing sillier than a guy walking around on a pair of 290-foot-tall legs. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2020, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dorkiest-prop-used-by-any-superhero-or-superheroine/395990/76 "2020-07-05T22:20:04Z")
I alwayd thought that Superman using that giant directional arrow as a super-large Key to unlock the door of his Fortress of Solitude was pretty damned dorky. Even at the time is was a relic of an obsolete system. And it’s just – you know – dumb. The only reason you’d use something like that would be to show off (“Hey, Batman! I’ll bet you don’t have as cool a way to get into the Batcave!”), and most of the time he uses it, there doesn’t seem to be anyone around. [![](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortress_of_Solitude#/media/File:Superman187.JPG) ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortress_of_Solitude#/media/File:Superman187.JPG) > **[Fortress of Solitude](https://superman.fandom.com/wiki/Fortress_of_Solitude)** > > The Fortress of Solitude is Superman's most frequently held headquarters. Its predecessor, Superman's "Secret Citadel", first appeared in Superman #17, where it was said to be built into a mountain on the outskirts of Metropolis. However, the formal... Of course, at least it’s better than the Crystal Cave version from the first few movies. Since there’s no door, just anybody can walk in and screw with your stuff – Lex Luthor, General Zod and his gang… [![](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortress_of_Solitude#/media/File:Fortress_of_Solitude_Action_Comics_Vol_1_846.png) ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortress_of_Solitude#/media/File:Fortress_of_Solitude_Action_Comics_Vol_1_846.png) ---
**Author:** ![E-DUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/e-dub/32/403_2.png) [@E-DUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-DUB)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2020, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dorkiest-prop-used-by-any-superhero-or-superheroine/395990/77 "2020-07-06T01:32:53Z")
Well, I know the OP said heroes but I just couldn’t pass up on “Codpiece” > **[Pin on art-et-culture comics manga ....](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/127367495691604974/)** > > Dec 3, 2016 - Who do u think is the stupidest looking character in all of comicdom? One word: “Recoil”. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2020, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dorkiest-prop-used-by-any-superhero-or-superheroine/395990/78 "2020-07-08T02:10:21Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > He deployed it here > [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P51zb968HjM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P51zb968HjM) I’m pretty sure that’s the scene where he decides that the random object he happens to be holding would be his battle cry, and that object happened to be a spoon. He didn’t carry it around with him after that. Sorry to be so pedantic, but as you can clearly see, sorting this out is _vital_ to national security. ---
**Author:** ![MrAtoz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@MrAtoz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrAtoz)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2020, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dorkiest-prop-used-by-any-superhero-or-superheroine/395990/79 "2020-07-08T03:15:11Z")
In the immortal words of Spider-Man, “He has the powers of a man with a convenient ladder.” ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2020, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dorkiest-prop-used-by-any-superhero-or-superheroine/395990/80 "2020-07-08T17:07:36Z")
> [@CalMeacham](#): > > I alwayd thought that Superman using that giant directional arrow as a super-large Key to unlock the door of his Fortress of Solitude was pretty damned dorky. Even at the time is was a relic of an obsolete system. And it’s just – you know – dumb. The only reason you’d use something like that would be to show off (“Hey, Batman! I’ll bet you don’t have as cool a way to get into the Batcave!”), and most of the time he uses it, there doesn’t seem to be anyone around. In Morrison and Quitely’s All-Star Superman, they revisited that idea. Instead of a key so large only he could lift it, he had a normal-sized house key. [Made of neutronium.](https://comicvine1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/11121/111215009/4807123-key.png) It had the added advantage that it does require a key hole large enough to ride a horse through. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dorkiest-prop-used-by-any-superhero-or-superheroine/395990.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dorkiest-prop-used-by-any-superhero-or-superheroine/395990.md?page=5)