One of Superman’s most underrated and rarely used superpowers is his “super hypnosis” (also known as “hypnotic suggestion”). This power is part of his original Golden and Silver Age abilities but has been rarely utilized in modern comics. Here’s a detailed explanation:
Super Hypnosis: A Forgotten Kryptonian Power
What is Super Hypnosis?
Super hypnosis is the ability to control, influence, or manipulate minds using hypnotic suggestion. Superman can focus his gaze and voice to hypnotize individuals, often to make them forget or believe certain things.
Origins and Canon Use
This ability was introduced in early Superman comics (especially during the Silver Age, 1950s–70s), when writers gave Superman a wide array of superpowers. Writers often used super hypnosis as a plot device to help preserve his secret identity.
🔹 For example, if someone saw Superman changing into Clark Kent, he could hypnotize them into forgetting it.
How It Works
Superman’s Kryptonian brain and super-intelligence allow him to use his eyes and voice in tandem to emit low-frequency waves or a mesmerizing gaze that can cloud human thoughts. While it doesn’t work on beings with strong willpower or mental resistance (like Batman or Martians), it easily affects average humans.
Examples in Comics and Media
- “Superboy” Comics
In several issues, Superboy (young Superman) used this power to convince people that Clark Kent and Superboy were not the same—sometimes even projecting illusory doubles of himself. - “Action Comics” #306 (1963)
Superman uses super-hypnosis to create a false memory in Lois Lane’s mind, convincing her that she didn’t see him transforming. - Pre-Crisis Stories
He used it to implant memories, induce sleep, or control aggressors non-violently.
Why Doesn’t He Use It Anymore?
- Overpowered and Controversial
Writers and fans felt it gave Superman too much control, making him seem manipulative or even unethical. - Modern Moral Standards
Today’s Superman is portrayed as a paragon of consent and integrity. Mind control, even for good reasons, is considered morally grey. - Character Balance
Modern storytelling prefers to focus on Superman’s core powers—strength, speed, flight, heat vision—while dropping his stranger abilities.
Super hypnosis is one of those forgotten god-like powers that showcased the creativity (and at times, absurdity) of early comics. While it’s mostly retired now, it’s a fascinating part of Superman’s legacy—a reminder of how even the strongest hero must choose which powers not to use.
Superman isn’t just about flight and strength—he once had some truly bizarre powers in old comics. From super-ventriloquism to shooting mini-Supermen from his hand, the Man of Steel’s abilities were wild. He could even hypnotize people or knit faster than a machine! These forgotten powers show how creatively strange the Golden and Silver Ages really were.
Here’s a list of rare or weird Superman powers from Golden and Silver Age comics that are almost never used today—but were canon at some point:
1. Super-Ventriloquism
- What it is: Superman could throw his voice across vast distances, even into sealed rooms.
- Use: He used it to distract enemies or speak to people from far away without being seen.
- Why it’s weird: Ventriloquism… but super? It made stealth scenes way too convenient.
2. Super-Mathematics / Super-Intelligence
- What it is: His Kryptonian brain allowed him to solve impossible equations instantly, even in alien languages or dimensions.
- Use: Solving interdimensional puzzles, understanding unknown physics.
- Why it’s rare now: Writers focus more on his heart than his brain these days, leaving that role to Batman.
3. Miniature Superman (from his hand)
- What it is: He once projected a tiny version of himself out of his hand.
- Use: The mini-Superman had all his powers and helped him fight crime.
- Why it’s weird: It made the real Superman jealous that the mini version was better liked. This was real. (Seen in Superman #125, 1958.)
4. Face Shaping / Super-Facial Muscles
- What it is: Superman could reshape his face like a master disguise artist.
- Use: He occasionally impersonated other people.
- Why it’s rarely used: Too close to Martian Manhunter’s shtick, and unnecessary with modern tech.
5. Super-Weaving / Super-Knitting
- What it is: Using his super speed, he could weave complex patterns, ropes, or even capes instantly.
- Use: Shown in humorous or filler panels.
- Why it’s rare: More of a gag power, but it did happen.
6. Super-Construction
- What it is: Superman could build entire structures—like bridges or cities—within seconds, with architectural precision.
- Use: Rebuilding after battles or natural disasters.
- Why it’s rare: Downplayed now to keep stories grounded in realism.
7. Super-Breath Variants (Ice, Wind, Even “Memory” Breath)
- What it is: Besides his famous freeze breath, older comics gave him other breath variants:
- Memory-wiping breath
- Shaping air currents into objects
- Use: Disarming enemies, erasing tracks, cooling volcanoes.
- Why it’s rare: Only freeze breath stuck around.
8. Super Singing / Voice Manipulation
- What it is: He could sing so powerfully and beautifully that it could shatter glass, hypnotize enemies, or soothe wild beasts.
- Use: Used in whimsical stories or when calming panicked crowds.
- Why it’s rare: Doesn’t fit the more serious tone of modern Superman.
9. Immortality / Super Regeneration
- What it is: In some stories, especially in “All-Star Superman”, he is either immortal or regenerates indefinitely under a yellow sun.
- Use: Implied that he might outlive everyone.
- Why it’s rare: Writers prefer the idea of a mortal Superman with limits and vulnerability.
10. Time Travel (without tech)
- What it is: By flying fast enough, Superman could travel through time barriers.
- Use: Visiting the past/future before the Time Bubble or tech was used.
- Why it’s rare: Conflicts with time-travel rules of the DC Universe now.
While many of these forgotten powers may seem odd or even ridiculous by today’s standards, they reflect a time when comic storytelling embraced limitless imagination. As Superman evolved, so did the need to ground him in more relatable challenges and defined limits. Yet, these quirky abilities remain a fun reminder of his long, mythic history. Whether or not they return, they’re part of what makes Superman truly super—not just in power, but in creative legacy.
