what does superman's capes do?

Answer 1

they fly in the wind and get him all the girls. duh.

Answer 2

Yeah, capes are funny just by existing. Loved that scene in "The Incredibles" where the fashion designer lists all the heroes maimed and mangled by their unfortunate choices of capewear.

Originally, Superman's cape didn't really have any purpose -- his look was patterned on the circus performers of the early part of the 20th c., and capes were just part of the whole look associated with that lifestyle: leotards, sequins, etc.

Superman writers in the '50s and '60s later found an interesting purpose for his cape. Looking for a way to explain where he kept his Clark Kent clothes when he was on duty, they explained that Superman super-squeezes them into small pockets located on the inside of his cape. (No doubt there was another handy pocket for his non-squeezable glasses.) After a while, his cape became his man-purse, capable of holding just about anything the plot required.

Also, since the cape was from Krypton (like the rest of his costume), it was considered indestructible and came in handy when someone like Lois or Jimmy needed a shield from flying debris, explosions, the vacuum of space, etc.

More modern Superman writers (1980s-onward) have pretty much dropped both ideas and his cape has gone back to what it was before -- just a nifty piece of costuming that helps him stand out in a crowd.

- M.

Answer 3

What many people don't realize is Superman's costume is just as bulletproof and indestructable while in the exposure of a yellow sun as Superman. So if Superman covered someone w/ his cape they would be pretty safe. It was a great idea that hasn't gone into a whole lot of use.

Answer 4

Capes have a vital use in the superhero world. If you are falling for some reason, a cape is yet another item in which can be grabbed to keep yourself from hitting the ground. On many occassions both Batman and Robin have been saved from a death dealing plunge when someone grabbed their cape, or their cape caught ahold of something.

Answer 5

littlegrady2001's answer would be correct, IF we were still in the pre-Crisis On Infinite Earths DC Universe.
Today in Superman's case, a cape is just a cape, although it is a nice decorative touch to the costume.

Answer 6

i can not say for the current run but back during the 50's through 70's Superman has used his cape to catch falling debris, shrapnel, to protect lois and or jimmy during high speed flight and it had a secret pocket in which he placed his suit when he changed from clark kent into Superman

Answer 7

The cape is simply a conversation piece. You know "Hey, nice shoes." If your (arguably) the greatest superhero of all time what better way for someone to strike up a conversation. It would get lame always hearing "Thanks for saving the world....again." By wearing the cape people can simply say "Is that a new cape?" and there you have it, instant conversation. Of course, there is always the awkward "Hey, nice belt."

Answer 8

I guess it flaps about behind him, I mean his costume doesn't have super powers, does it?

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? It's Superman's Cape!!!

Answer 9

One thing, its for Superman to waste money on, since hes bullet proof his suit almost never gets damaged, but his cape does, since his bullet proofness doesnt reach that far.

Answer 10

Nothing, his mother made his costume for him, figure out a way to ask Martha why she added the cape.

Answer 11

Just in case he ever has to run interference at a horrible Rodeo accident. That and it keeps his back and legs dry when he's flying through the rain. Nothing worse than Wet red briefs and boots when fighting crime. I can vouch for that.