Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A panel from Curt Swan's adaptation of "Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex".

"Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex" is an essay in which science fiction author Larry Niven details the problems that Superman would face in having sexual intercourse and reproducing with "a human woman designated LL for convenience", using arguments based on humorous (yet logical) reconciliation between physics, biology and the abilities of Kryptonians as presented in Superman comic books. It was first printed in Niven's 1971 collection, All the Myriad Ways, and is now available at Larry Niven's web site. It was also reprinted in the Niven compilation N-Space; as well, a comic book adaptation - illustrated by classic Superman artist Curt Swan, and with all identifying logos and names removed - was published in Penthouse Comix.

In 1986, the essay was reposted onto Usenet; this led to what is thought to be the very first online report of copyright violation.

[edit] Other uses

Many of the points given in this essay are reused and paraphrased in Kevin Smith's 1995 movie Mallrats.

In Frank Miller's comic Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again, Superman touches on the theme of the essay when asked about sex by Lara, his teenage daughter by Wonder Woman.

The TV series Smallville also cited the same argument to explain why Clark refused to sleep with Lana Lang when he was in possession of his super powers. They were, however, able to have sex when she as well as he was (intermittently) super-powered in Seasons 7 and 8.

In the 2008 movie Hancock, the 'dangerous ejaculation' scenario is illustrated when, at the point of climax, he throws his partner aside to save her, blowing three large holes in the roof of his trailer.