The ongoing debate surrounding the piercing of Supergirl's ears has sparked an intriguing discussion among DC fans, with Dean Cain's recent comments adding fuel to the fire. While Cain's tirades against liberal Hollywood and his stance on various pop culture topics are not uncommon, this particular dig at Milly Alcock's portrayal of Supergirl has ignited a long-standing debate. The question of how Supergirl's ears are pierced, and by extension, how her cousin Superman shaves his presumably indestructible beard, has been a topic of fascination for fans for decades.
One of the earliest attempts to resolve this grooming mystery was suggested in Action Comics No. 262, published in 1960. It proposed that under Earth's yellow sun, Superman's hair simply didn't grow. However, this theory was challenged just months later in Superman No. 139, where Kal-El enlists the help of his cousin and Krypto to burn off his whiskers using their heat vision. This idea was further solidified by legendary DC writer-artist John Byrne in his 1986 series, The Man of Steel, where he favored the heat vision method, this time with a twist - using a metal reflection from Superman's rocket.
Despite this seemingly conclusive answer, the debate was reignited when Henry Cavill portrayed a bearded Superman in the 2013 Man of Steel movie. Gillette even launched a campaign titled "How Does Superman Shave?", inviting experts like Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman from MythBusters to weigh in. Their theory? Superman uses the Large Hadron Collider to generate tiny wormholes that remove his stubble.
Enter James Gunn, who, in response to Cain's question about Supergirl's piercings, offered a simple yet intriguing explanation: "She goes to a planet with a red sun." This theory not only explains the piercing but also how Supergirl gets drunk and, presumably, how Superman could achieve a clean shave.
Of course, there's always the possibility that Supergirl's earrings are clip-ons, a more practical solution that bypasses the need for Kryptonian physics. But the real fascination lies in the deeper implications of these discussions. They showcase the intricate world-building and attention to detail that goes into creating these iconic characters, and the lengths to which fans will go to unravel these mysteries. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of these superheroes and the imaginative worlds they inhabit.
In my opinion, these debates, while seemingly trivial, reveal a lot about the dedication and passion of fans. They also highlight the creative challenges faced by writers and creators in maintaining consistency and logic within these fantastical universes. It's a delicate balance between adhering to established rules and introducing new, intriguing elements that keep the stories fresh and engaging. Personally, I find it fascinating how these seemingly small details can spark such intense discussions and theories, showcasing the power of storytelling and the human imagination.
