Originally posted by Thorion...to use them creatively (ie, to achieve results that a simple straighforward use of a limited powerset wouldn't otherwise be able to do).
Yes, because it takes intelligence to use a brick powerset and occasional HV.
Thor and the Surfer especially often seem to forget 90% of what their powersets can really do.
Originally posted by psycho gundamNo, they just prefer to stick to different aspects of his character in their stories sometimes. It's not that he's UNABLE to do it, they just don't write about it, because there's so many directions that can be taken with a character with a rich history like Superman. You can tell a story about Superman the greatest hero, you can tell a story about Superman the scientist. You can tell a story about the Man in Superman. You can tell a morally charged story of consequences. You can tell spacey sci-fi stories. There's simply so many directions to go, it's almost endless. Although fan reaction was mixed about For Tomorrow, it's clear that DC holds in regard as one of the better Superman stories to hit his main books in some time, being why it's getting an Absolute Edition.
it's PIS then isn't it? that's a super high feat that like you said, most writers are like "not in my book he's not". i agree that superman is pretty intelligent and has an eidetic memory to boot, but the writers have a point wanting to "forget" that feat.
Originally posted by skygunner41I can't speak for Thor (so to speak), but the Surfer is "dumbed-down" regarding how he uses his powers so writers can place him in peril w/o having to constantly stretch their imaginations.
both were not that bright.
It's kind of like, "What do you get for the guy who has everything? You take away some of what he already has so you can get him something.
This is one of the problems with open powersets.