Nice!

This,

NOT take into account gender or even size differences.I'm really hate "more muscle so more stronger"concept It is completely unreasonable, especially Superman has contempt physics, why do we still have to use our perception to think Superman do?

i really don't get why superpowered powerhouses like supes have tonnes of muscles. their strength is genetically wired..he does not need weights to lift a planet..infact batman shuld be more buff than him..main reason my bro never reads superman..too much muscles

lol This is great, Awesome story!

Cool. I think this story, apart from the comic-related matters, is awesome and sweet. Long live Dads.

Thumbs up to you & ya pops now when when new 52 superman reaches like 35 I think he is at least between twenty one and twenty five since he is crashing with jimmy and also thanks to ya pops I have that issue with the battle with h'el tell him I said thanks for making superman train harder! Lol

Thats pretty cool to see your Dad in the letter columns :-)

Those old letter columns are funny. In reading them you can see that the fans were just as obsessive and anal over little details as they are today.

As for muscularity I think it reflects a change in public perceptions. While society is way more obese than back the physical ideal has shifted to a more athletic, low bodyfat physique and we've been exposed to a generation of roided up athletes/movie stars etc.

Perhaps he was just on steroids? Lol

For those stating that Batman's physique can't be achieved in reality, take a look at Olympic wrestlers. They're very muscular, strong, fast, agile, flexible, and enduring. Not truly "peak" in all respects, but well-rounded in terms of all around abilities and conditioning. As for Superman, who would want to read a comic with a 98-pound Kal-El? Lol.

@hawkguy: all u can eat buffets rule

I like the idea of solar energy being used by Kryptonian metabolisms to achieve a variety of effects, including resistance to injury and super strength. It makes sense to me because of Kal's ability to sense and manipulate electromagnetic energies. Plus even slender Kryptonians like Faora have immense strength.

You don't need big muscles to be super strong look at spiderman but he picks up 10x his original weight

I have always loved the idea that Superman didn't really need to by "muscular" in the sense of a bulky physiology because his powers came from the yellow rays of our Sun. It also helps to hide his identity because if we all remember the "Justice League" animated series from Cartoon Network, Superman as Clark Kent was kind of obvious...

I think purely based on the fact that he is such an active individual, he should has a "cut" physique, but to exaggerate his muscles is really just more to play on sexual attraction to draw in an audience.

Regardless, I loved this topic and enjoy discussing these issues on my blogComically Cultured. I discuss the various aspects of culture portrayed throughout the comic book industry in an attempt to legitimate the industry as a source of cultural text from which we can better understand both American and global societies. My posts will review various comics, graphic novels, and any subjects related to show how enjoyable and relevant comics are in our everyday lives.

I would LOVE for you to have a guest post sometime. Please feel free to email me about it! mfnunez828@gmail.com

I know it was from your dad when he was young but isnt Supermans strength from his muscle density being denser due to his physiology rather then the yellow rays of light?

That. Is. AWESOME.

Spider-Man can lift upto 25 tons, with his arms up straight. At most he can lift 40 tons ( with release of epinephrine) epinephrine is adrenaline

who gives a damn about a character's muscularity?

who gives a damn about a character's muscularity?

Lets not also forget Flashpoint Superman, eh?

Loved the article by the way, I'd be proud of my dad if he sent in a letter like that.

Oh, really? OMG.

It's been said several times already on this thread, but seriously, that was way too cool.

What a nice story, bro! I'm laughing hard at this, your dad is a visionary and must be an awesome guy!

Maybe the audience saw the wrong version of superman? Like a thinner one.

Nicely Done, Speed up your workflow