Superman, one of the most iconic superheroes in comic book history, is renowned for his extensive array of superpowers, which have evolved and been adapted across various media over the years. Despite numerous adaptations, some of his more peculiar abilities, particularly one of his most unsettling powers, have made their way into movies and comics alike—sometimes with unexpected results.
The relationship between Superman and Lois Lane has been a focal point throughout their narrative. While they are happily married today, their romance was often teased in earlier comic storylines. One particularly memorable instance involves Superman being playfully coerced into standing under mistletoe with Lois Lane, culminating in a kiss that carries some rather eerie implications.
This notorious “super-kiss”first appeared in Action Comics #306, penned by Robert Bernstein and illustrated by Al Plastino. In this issue, Clark Kent kisses Lois Lane with such intensity that it leaves her dizzy and disoriented—an unsettling aftermath that is capped off by Clark’s oddly casual comments afterward.
The Illogical Memory-Erasing Kiss
Reiterated in Superman II
Interestingly, Action Comics #306 wasn’t the first instance of Superman’s unique kissing capabilities. In the film Superman II, the plot took a bizarre turn when Clark Kent kisses Lois Lane and uses his powers to erase her memory, causing her to forget substantial parts of the story. Although the films directed by Richard Donner had their fair share of whimsical moments, this particular instance was seen as absurd by many fans. It reflected a departure from the internal logic that governed other aspects of Superman’s feats. Instead of providing a plausible explanation for his powers, this memory-erasing kiss came across as a convenient plot device.
A Darker Element to the Super-Kiss
Superman’s Complex Personality
In the cinematic portrayal, the kiss might have been seen as innocuous. However, the original comic twist takes on a much creepier tone. After the super-kiss, Clark insists that it was not Clark Kent who kissed Lois, but rather Superman himself. While this could be interpreted as Clark asserting his true identity, it raises concerns given Superman’s historically complex relationship with multiple personalities. Unknown to many, Superman has struggled with alternate personas in the past, hinting at a deeper psychological complexity that is overlooked.
Though Superman is usually characterized as a hero of utmost virtue, there have been darker chapters in his narrative. For instance, he once adopted a more violent alter ego known as the Demolisher, a persona that led him down a dark path that nearly caused catastrophic harm to Metropolis. This troubling affiliation with violence and multiple identities casts a shadow over his character and makes the implications of his super-kiss all the more unsettling.
Superman’s Surreal Powers: A Long-Standing Theme
The Case Against Adapting Creepy Powers
While the notion of Superman using a kiss to erase Lois Lane’s memory is undeniably ludicrous, it aligns with the long history of Superman exhibiting outlandish powers intended to resolve narrative challenges. For example, who can forget when he supposedly gained the ability to grant Kryptonian powers to his father through a unique vision? Or the outrageous moments when he could shoot miniature versions of himself from his fingers? Superman’s track record of peculiar powers has always hinged on the whims of the writers.
However, the distinct creepiness associated with the memory-erasing kiss raises questions about what elements of Superman’s lore are appropriate for film adaptations. Although absurdity may indeed be an intrinsic part of Superman’s essence, some of the more unsettling aspects of his powers—like this particular super-kiss—might best remain on the comic book page rather than transition to the big screen.
Action Comics #306 is currently available from DC Comics!