“Heroes, Villains, and Me” is a periodic article on Geeky KOOL by Larry Litle about the world of comic books and my reaction to it. “Heroes, Villains, and Me” is not a comic book review article. I will write about current events, speculation and rumors, or my own wacky thoughts about the world of comic books.
I have never been a big Superman fan but I have always been a fan of Supergirl. Supergirl’s insecurity and newness made her character more interesting me even as a kid. But lately, there has been something bothering me about both Superman and Supergirl. My problem is with the use of their Heat Vision.
At times, I feel like Superman and Supergirl are glorified flying versions of the X-Men’s Cyclops. They use Heat Vision like Cyclops uses his Optic Blast. It has become their go to power in a fight.
Historically, their heat vision was a minor ability. It was used by Superman to heat or melt things in a pinch. Sometimes during the Silver Age, it was almost a story gimmick like Batman’s utility belt.
I understand Heat Vision has grown since the Silver Age. It is more powerful than it used to be. They increased the potency from a minor ability to a useful power. They removed Superman’s “super ventriloquism” and gave him a more powerful heat vision.
Heat vision seems to have gone from a minor ability to a go to weapon for the Kryptonians. When a rogue Kryptonian shows up to cause problems, you can beat there will a battle with their laser eyes, oh I mean heat vision.
This appears more true in certain types of media than others. Video games like the “Injustice” series focus on his heat visit. I have seen numerous cartoons, videos games, and even television episodes where they use Superman’s heat vision over his numerous other powers.
On the Supergirl television show, she goes to the Heat Vision early and often. During the Invasion Crossover, she uses her heat vision to show how “super” she is instead of using her super strength. She fires heat vision at Green Arrow and Flash when Supergirl is being mind controlled. During last season’s battle with Non (Kryptonian villain), they battled to death by out blasting each other with heat vision.
I realize the comics don’t use Heat Vision as much as these other forms of entertainment. But they do use it much more than they used to use it.
I don’t hate the use of Heat Vision by the Super family. I just wish it wasn’t always the go to power for our heroes. They have so many powers, cannot they use other powers sometimes? Firing lasers from their eyes seems to solve everything for our characters.
Stay Geeky My Friends!
