Summary
- Superman and Supergirl’s X-ray vision has an outward tell.
- Supergirl protects Ruthye from assassination and then uses X-ray vision. The narration leads to a major power revelation.
- Along with super strength, speed, and hearing, Superman’s X-ray vision is one of the Man of Steel’s very first powers, debuting in
Action Comics
#11.
Supergirl has just upended everything fans thought they knew about Superman’s most clandestine power—his X-ray vision. This classic ability, which has been part of the Man of Steel’s powerset for 85 years, turns out to be far from subtle. This revelation not only redefines the power but also settles once and for all that Superman’s X-ray vision is firmly grounded in ‘comic logic’ when it comes to how it works.
X-Ray vision allows Superman to see through normally opaque objects, with the exception of lead.
In Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #3, Tom King, Bilquis Evely, and Mat Lopes continue Kara and her young companion, Ruthye Marye Knoll’s quest to find the murderer Krem of the Yellow Hills. Their search leads them to a seemingly perfect city, which soon attempts to assassinate the two females in their sleep as they start to uncover the people’s dark, genocidal secrets.
The assassination attempt involves gunfire aimed at their hotel room, but Supergirl protects Ruthye with her own body. Afterwards, Kara uses her X-ray vision to check if Ruthye is unharmed, leading to a significant revelation about this classic Superman power.
Supergirl Redefines What Fans Know About Superrman’s X-Ray Vision
During Ruthye Marye Knoll’s narration of the shooting incident, fans learn that people can actually feel when a Kryptonian uses their X-ray vision. This is a major revelation, as it has always been assumed that X-ray vision was a subtle power, with no outward signs indicating its use. Ruthye describes the experience: “Supergirl looked me over, and for the first time—but tragically not the last—I felt the firm tingle that comes when someone’s x-raying you with their eyes.” This confirms that individuals can indeed feel when Kryptonians like Supergirl or Superman are using their X-ray vision on them.
The revelation that Superman and Supergirl’s X-ray vision has an outward tell makes this ability far less subtle than previously believed. While most Kryptonian powers, such as flight and heat vision, are very obvious, X-ray vision was thought to be the most subtle power in the Superman-Family’s arsenal. Although it remains more subtle than many of their other abilities, it now comes with a significant tell. This has several implications, including the wholesome idea that those close to Superman and Supergirl—and aware of their powers—will always know when the Kryptonians are using their X-ray vision out to check on their wellbeing.
Superman’s X-Ray Vision Is One of His Most Classic Powers (& Doesn’t Have a Logical Explanation)
Along with super strength, speed, and hearing, Superman’s X-ray vision is one of the Man of Steel’s very first powers, debuting alongside superhearing in Action Comics #11 (1939). This power allows Superman to see through normally opaque objects, with the exception of lead—a limitation introduced in Action Comics #69 (1944). The workings of this power have always sparked debate. Given that Kryptonian X-ray vision produces a firm tingling sensation, unlike real-world X-rays, it’s clear that this ability of Superman and Supergirl relies on ‘comic book logic’—meaning there is no true scientific explanation for it.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #3 is available now from DC Comics!
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SUPERGIRL: WOMAN OF TOMORROW #3 (2021) |
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Superman
The icon who launched the entire world of superheroes, the last son of Krypton escaped his dying world to crash land on Earth and be raised as Clark Kent. The world knows him better as Superman, the Man of Steel, the leader of the Justice League, and the most well-known hero in the DC Comics Universe. Blessed with the powers of a demigod, Kal-El of Krypton fights enemies both small and cosmic in his endless pursuit of truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.
Supergirl
Supergirl is a popular DC character that made her debut in May 1959 in the pages of Action Comics #252. Many characters have taken on the mantle of Supergirl over the years, but the most popular iteration of the character is Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin. Supergirl has appeared in many comics, video games, movies, and TV shows over the years, most notably the 1984 Supergirl movie starring Helen Slater and The CW’s Supergirl show with Melissa Benoist.