What does "mild mannered" really mean?

[pitbull in a skirt]

I know a lot of people dislike Dean Cain's duel portrayal as Superman in "The New Adventures of Superman" because he "acted and looked the same way" (which is not true, but I digress) but upon renting the first season of the original "The Adventures of Superman" with George Reeves, he played Clark Kent the same way, albeit without the subtle square, farmboy smallville aspect that Dean Cain brought to Clark Kent in the two hour pilot.

The last Superman movie was in 1987 (a very bad bad film) so Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman would be the first Superman medium in 6 years. Everyone seems to be under the impression that the Donner films are the end all be all of how Superman/Clark Kent should be portrayed. Is it just a dislike for post-Crisis, or not? IMO, while Christopher Reeve is the best Superman (by far) I don't think every actor thus far has to copy his style only. (Funny how there's no real prerequisite for the Batman actors).

So that begs the question (and brings the actual topic :redface:) What does "mild mannered" mean? Bumbling, timid, meek man? I always thought "mild-mannered" was more intelligent but square, kind, charming and as the story follows a young man from a small town moving into the big city. I find it hard to believe that a Clark Kent like that was regarded one of the best reporters in Metropolis.

[howyadoin]

What does "mild mannered" mean? Bumbling, timid, meek man?That's how I've been reading it for the last 40-odd years.

[kmeyers]

Nerdy and clumsy, but competent.

http://www.patfullerton.com/superman/pix/clark/clark1978c.jpg

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Mild-mannered generally means Clark really doesn't draw attention to himself too much, isn't remarkable in any way.

Pretty much the opposite of being "Super".

Reeve's version was obviously more broad and comedic, but the idea was the same. Nobody would expect a hopeless shleb like Clark Kent was Superman.

Dean Cain was certainly John Byrne's Clark Kent though, I just don't care for the football jock turned yuppie Clark Kent. With a Clark Kent like that, it's ****ing obvious Clark Kent is Superman wearing glasses.

[pitbull in a skirt]

But see to me, being a clumsy fool is bringing attention to himself, even if its a polar opposite. Personally I think being reserved was fine for me. Interesting comparison clip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UBWa3n5uDg) while browsing the internets I found on the google.

[kalorama]

So that begs the question (and brings the actual topic :redface:) What does "mild mannered" mean? Bumbling, timid, meek man?

As you pointed out, that's not how George Reeves played him and his portrayal is classic. It's not how he was portrayed in the Fleischer cartoons, also classic takes. I never read Superman comics much prior to the Byrne reboot, but he hasn't much been portrayed that way in the 20+ years since then in the comics, either. Really, I think Christopher Reeve's portrayal of Clark is what popularized the notion of Clark as a bumbling milksop and because they reached much wider, more diverse audience than any other medium, it stuck.

But see to me, being a clumsy fool is bringing attention to himself, even if its a polar opposite.

I agree.

[kmeyers]

As you pointed out, that's not how George Reeves played him and his portrayal is classic. It's not how he was portrayed in the Fleischer cartoons, also classic takes. I never read Superman comics much prior to the Byrne reboot, but he hasn't much been portrayed that way in the 20+ years since then in the comics, either. Really, I think Christopher Reeve's portrayal of Clark is what popularized the notion of Clark as a bumbling milksop and because they reached much wider, more diverse audience than any other medium, it stuck.



I agree.

Well there really has to be some other aspect of Clark Kent, other than the glasses, that makes people immediately dismiss the notion that this guy looks a lot like Superman.

[kalorama]

Well there really has to be some other aspect of Clark Kent, other than the glasses, that makes people immediately dismiss the notion that this guy looks a lot like Superman.

Not really, and this was the part of the Byrne reboot that always made the most sense to me. Byrne's take was that, since he didn't wear a mask (and since the idea of trying to hide his identity behind glasses was silly) that people just assumed Superman didn't have a secret identity, that he just hung out in the Fortress or JLA HQ when he wasn't saving the Earth. After all, if you could be a god, why would you want to pretend to be a mortal?

Sure, Superman would say he can't be "on" all the time, that he couldn't live with the constant demands; being "normal" is an escape. But he's speaking from the perspective of someone who is Superman. Most normal boring people with normal boring lives would scoff at that idea. Plus, he's an alien, so in the minds of normal people his idea of "normal" would probably not be the same as theirs.

[mgs]

no, 'mild mannered' does not have to mean how clark is portrayed since the Donner films, but speaking in terms of character, I think this is how Clark is portrayed as an opposite reaction to how Lois is. It creates a nice difference boundary, when reading them. She is so bulldoggish and confident, and obviously, his 'human' character is not.

[Asmith]

I much prefer the accident prone, timid to the point of cowardly Clark Kent, that was the pre-Crisis version. It was the contrast to Superman that made it interesting.

Also I like the theory that bumbling Kent is Supes' impersonation of how ALL simple mortals look to god-like Superman. Kent is what Superman thinks of you, us, everybody else. An ineffectual bundle of timidity.

The innate arrogance of the Superman character has been lost in recent decades as the Kent persona has been 'beefed-up'. Till they now meld into a tepid middle ground of same old same old, indistinguishable from each other or any other comic book character.

[Alan2099]

I much prefer the accident prone, timid to the point of cowardly Clark Kent, that was the pre-Crisis version. It was the contrast to Superman that made it interesting.

That I agree with.

Also I like the theory that bumbling Kent is Supes' impersonation of how ALL simple mortals look to god-like Superman. Kent is what Superman thinks of you, us, everybody else. An ineffectual bundle of timidity.

That I disagree with. I think it's more an exact opposite of how he thinks people see Superman. The guy that can do no wrong becoming the guy that can do nothing right.

[Radical]

I read somewhere that Clark Kent is actually the "real" personality, and Superman is the pretense.

As for me, I think "mild-mannered" just seems to be a guy who doesn't want any trouble, doesn't make waves unnecessarily, and isn't a "tough guy".

[Utility Belt]

I read somewhere that Clark Kent is actually the "real" personality, and Superman is the pretense.

As for me, I think "mild-mannered" just seems to be a guy who doesn't want any trouble, doesn't make waves unnecessarily, and isn't a "tough guy".

Yes, that's exactly how I understand "mild mannered". NOT as timid. weak or bumbling. And yes, it has been stated by Superman himself that Clark Kent is his real personality.

[UserIDGoesHere]

I read somewhere that Clark Kent is actually the "real" personality, and Superman is the pretense.
I think this leads to the right question.

It seems to me that if you believe Kal-El is Clark Kent, first and foremost, in that he grew up as Clark Kent for his whole without ever realizing he'd need a 'cover' then you should like the confident, but quiet Clark.

If you believe he is Superman, in that he had to hide his abilities from his earliest age, so Clark Kent became an exaggerated cover, then the bumbling Kent is probably more appealing.

I don't think either are wrong, but the first makes more sense for me.

[Mat001]

Clark Kent is who he is. He creates a faux persona as seen currently, because he's around the Daily Planet staff all the time and a good reporter would notice the similiarities. Especially Lois and Jimmy, who have been around both personas on a regular basis. So the idea is that Clark has to take verbal abuse from either Perry or Steve Lombard, in order to keep them from thinking about it too hard. We've seen Clark, in the last couple of years, revert to the more John Byrne style of Clark Kent when he is alone with Lois or the Kents.

In terms of actors, I've found that four of the six major live action actors have interesting takes. Looking up the term mild mannered online it means "behaving in or having a mild or gentle manner". Meaning that they are not agressive, balls to the walls type of person. They don't take charge and don't look like football players. Each one of the actors took it to a different extreme. Reeves was just an average city guy who was a father figure, but when it came to the news, he didn't back down. Reeve chose to play it as Cary Grant, adding a stammer and a nervousness in the first two films. He tended to be a bit of a clutz. In the last two films, this was played down. The third film started out the same, but then once he left Metropolis to go to Smallville, Clark wasn't as clumsy or awkward. He was just a good natured fellow. Not as timid. The fourth film had him more as a shy person with polite manners and more calm and rational than ever. Cain went for the nice guy who went to work, but was not as stern as what Reeves did in his potrayal. Routh did use some of Reeve in his take, but he wasn't doing an 100% take. He was reserved and not as agressive. He was only unsure of his relationship to Lois.

So putting it in perspective, each one was mild-mannered. It just all varied in how they made Clark different from Superman. I don't really have a favorite in terms of both films/television and comics.

[Xybernauts]

Matt001, where'd you get your definition of mild-mannered ? It sounds about right. I haven't been able to find an official definition though. I don't think mild mannered means yo're clumsy, but I prefer clumsy Kent. Specifically the Allstar Superman take. I think the idea that Kent uses his clumsiness to cover up his superheroic feats as Kent is a facinating idea that should be further explored. Another interesting take that was never fully explored was the Smallville (TV Show) version of Kent's clusiness which was the result of exposure to kryptonite. I also like the Superman TAS version of Kent which wasn't clumsy.



Not really, and this was the part of the Byrne reboot that always made the most sense to me. Byrne's take was that, since he didn't wear a mask (and since the idea of trying to hide his identity behind glasses was silly) that people just assumed Superman didn't have a secret identity, that he just hung out in the Fortress or JLA HQ when he wasn't saving the Earth. After all, if you could be a god, why would you want to pretend to be a mortal?

Sure, Superman would say he can't be "on" all the time, that he couldn't live with the constant demands; being "normal" is an escape. But he's speaking from the perspective of someone who is Superman. Most normal boring people with normal boring lives would scoff at that idea. Plus, he's an alien, so in the minds of normal people his idea of "normal" would probably not be the same as theirs.

That's an interesting point, but as was already mentioned, someone close to both Kent and Superman like Lois or Jimmy should have put two and two together.

[pitbull in a skirt]

Well, to be honest...would you really suspect that one of your co-workers at a newsroom was secretly an alien from another planet who goes off to save people wearing tights in the primary colors whenever there's someone in dangerous?

I wouldn't :redface:

[Xybernauts]

Well, to be honest...would you really suspect that one of your co-workers at a newsroom was secretly an alien from another planet who goes off to save people wearing tights in the primary colors whenever there's someone in dangerous?

I wouldn't :redface:
Let's say Ice Cube was a Superhero. Ice Cube is a really big celeb, but when he's not Ice Cube he's mild mannered Craig Jones who works with you wherever you work. His disguise is basically comprised a pair of glasses he wears and you've met Ice Cube and Craig Jones. You mean to tell me you wouldn't recognize that Ice Cube and Craig Jones are the same person?

[Bored at 3:00AM]

It really is all a matter of preference, but I prefer the clumsy shlub Clark simply because it's more entertaining and emotionally resonant.

The Clark Kent who is this generally cool dude with a hot wife and great job bores me stupid. There's dozens of other super-heroes like that, Superman should stand alone.

I do, however, think the marriage has more possibilities with Clark playing the shlub and being viewed as "Mr. Lois Lane". It allows for more fun and playful commentary on gender roles and the relationships between men and women.

Tom Welling & Dean Cain both essentially play the jock turned yuppie version of Clark Kent, more or less, and the courtship of Lois Lane is the only time that character is interesting. Once they're together, the show's over. That version of Clark Kent hits a creative wall as soon as they're married.

[Mat001]

Matt001, where'd you get your definition of mild-mannered ? It sounds about right. I haven't been able to find an official definition though. I don't think mild mannered means yo're clumsy, but I prefer clumsy Kent. Specifically the Allstar Superman take. I think the idea that Kent uses his clumsiness to cover up his superheroic feats as Kent is a facinating idea that should be further explored. Another interesting take that was never fully explored was the Smallville (TV Show) version of Kent's clusiness which was the result of exposure to kryptonite. I also like the Superman TAS version of Kent which wasn't clumsy.

The free dictionary website. That's where I found it.

That's an interesting point, but as was already mentioned, someone close to both Kent and Superman like Lois or Jimmy should have put two and two together.

Byrne's take makes sense in relation to the general public, it was difficult with other characters. Specifically those who were around Clark a lot. That's where Supergirl/Matrix and J'onn J'onzz came in. They provided that cover and Clark has had his picture taken with Superman twice, while J'onn covered for him a few times. But anyone who doesn't know about those characters will wonder why they couldn't see it, which is why we have Clark back to being more of a mild-mannered, air-headed type of character.

[TuPeT]

Whatever Christopher Reeve did, it's the definitive Superman. Johns and Gary Frank know that too.

[kalorama]

That's an interesting point, but as was already mentioned, someone close to both Kent and Superman like Lois or Jimmy should have put two and two together.

And, as the point you highlighted already points out, there'd be nothing to put together if they had no reason to believe that Superman had a civilian identity.

[MythicBrawn]

Not really, and this was the part of the Byrne reboot that always made the most sense to me. Byrne's take was that, since he didn't wear a mask (and since the idea of trying to hide his identity behind glasses was silly) that people just assumed Superman didn't have a secret identity, that he just hung out in the Fortress or JLA HQ when he wasn't saving the Earth. After all, if you could be a god, why would you want to pretend to be a mortal?

Sure, Superman would say he can't be "on" all the time, that he couldn't live with the constant demands; being "normal" is an escape. But he's speaking from the perspective of someone who is Superman. Most normal boring people with normal boring lives would scoff at that idea. Plus, he's an alien, so in the minds of normal people his idea of "normal" would probably not be the same as theirs.

I like this explanation for joe-citizen not realizing Clark and Superman are the same person. Clark Kent is some reporter working for a paper in Metropolis. The average person that encountered the two could think there was a resemblance but would never think the two were one and the same. Although, SOMEONE at the Daily Planet should have figured it out. Anybody that encountered Clark and Superman on the regular should have been suspicious. Lois (especially her), Perry, Jimmy, even Cat should have put 2 and 2 together.

I feel that mild-mannered means he doesn't draw undue attention to himself. He did his job and avoided conflict. I look at Samaritan, at Homage, as an example. His secret identity is a fact checker at a newspaper where he has limited face to face contact with his coworkers. He was adept at the job and amiable with every one around him.

[kalorama]

I like this explanation for joe-citizen not realizing Clark and Superman are the same person. Clark Kent is some reporter working for a paper in Metropolis. The average person that encountered the two could think there was a resemblance but would never think the two were one and the same. Although, SOMEONE at the Daily Planet should have figured it out. Anybody that encountered Clark and Superman on the regular should have been suspicious. Lois (especially her), Perry, Jimmy, even Cat should have put 2 and 2 together.

Suspicious about what? They fact that they looked similar? Again, if they're operating under the belief that Superman is a god-like alien being, the idea that he'd be masquerading as a newspaper reporter would be the last thing that'd occur to them. On the flip side, it they were inclined to see through the sham, it's not likely that Clark showing up late and sleepy eyed for work a few days a week, slinking away from a fight like a coward, or spilling coffee in his lap like a schmuck would do much to throw them off the trail.

[Mat001]

And, as the point you highlighted already points out, there'd be nothing to put together if they had no reason to believe that Superman had a civilian identity.

Sure they would if they start to notice that there isn't much difference between Clark Kent and Superman. Same eye color, hair color, square jaw, same build and that they're rarely seen together. And a good reporter would notice these things. Same way a good cop would.

On the flip side, it they were inclined to see through the sham, it's not likely that Clark showing up late and sleepy eyed for work a few days a week, slinking away from a fight like a coward, or spilling coffee in his lap like a schmuck would do much to throw them off the trail.

Acting less like Superman would draw attention to the disguise that Clark presents to the world. That he would be the last person you'd suspect of being Superman, because you would be focusing on his weaknesses rather than the strengths.

[kalorama]

Sure they would if they start to notice that there isn't much difference between Clark Kent and Superman. Same eye color, hair color, square jaw, same build and that they're rarely seen together. And a good reporter would notice these things. Same way a good cop would.

Except there's one huge difference between Clark and Superman (in the eyes of his coworkers) : One is an omnipotently powerful godlike alien, the other is a guy who works at the desk a few rows over. Unless they're predisposed to look for Superman masquerading as an average human (and why would they?) then the Superficial physical similarities would be written off as coincidence.

Acting less like Superman would draw attention to the disguise that Clark presents to the world. That he would be the last person you'd suspect of being Superman, because you would be focusing on his weaknesses rather than the strengths.

All of which presumes that people are predisposed to consider the idea that Superman is masquerading as an ordinary human. Which, again, they have no reason to. Moreover, that theory flies directly in the face of what you said in the first paragraph. Because if he behaves in a way that draws attention to his "disguise," wouldn't the first thing they notice be that there isn't much difference between Clark Kent and Superman. Same eye color, hair color, square jaw, same build and that they're rarely seen together. Nothing about the "Clark as meek schlep" act does anything to alter the fact that he looks just like Superman. But by acting in way that makes him stand out (even if it's for his clumsiness and inadequacy), all he's doing is drawing attention to that fact.

And wouldn't the "good reporters" of the Planet figure out that if Superman were to masquerade as a human, the first thing he'd try to do is throw people off by acting not-like-Superman?

[Mat001]

Except there's one huge difference between Clark and Superman (in the eyes of his coworkers) : One is an omnipotently powerful godlike alien, the other is a guy who works at the desk a few rows over. Unless they're predisposed to look for Superman masquerading as an average human (and why would they?) then the Superficial physical similarities would be written off as coincidence.

Too many coincidences bear investigating. Hence a good reporter wouldn't dismiss it. Especially when said reporter was the first to nail the interview with Superman, when he wasn't even working for a newspaper yet. Othewise, Lois and Jimmy are morons. And since they're not, there is a need for a disguise to fool people into thinking that there's no way in hell a farmboy turned reporter is Superman. Said farmboy has a reputation for being mild-mannered. For being clumsy and airheaded. People see the disguise, they don't see the coincidences.

All of which presumes that people are predisposed to consider the idea that Superman is masquerading as an ordinary human. Which, again, they have no reason to.

Having said disguise prevents people from even thinking about it. Take the second film, with the material Donner filmed. Lois figured it out by noticing Clark standing the same way that Superman did in a picture. She had been so fooled by how Clark acted, that she dismissed the notion that they looked the same.

Moreover, that theory flies directly in the face of what you said in the first paragraph. Because if he behaves in a way that draws attention to his "disguise," wouldn't the first thing they notice be that there isn't much difference between Clark Kent and Superman. Same eye color, hair color, square jaw, same build and that they're rarely seen together. Nothing about the "Clark as meek schlep" act does anything to alter the fact that he looks just like Superman. But by acting in way that makes him stand out (even if it's for his clumsiness and inadequacy), all he's doing is drawing attention to that fact.

It's slight of hand. Clark puts on an act which makes people see one thing, but not the other. They see Clark acting un-Superman like, they believe it without really stopping to think about it further. Spilling mustard on his tie, having stomach problems, letting Lombard hit him with crap, etc.

And wouldn't the "good reporters" of the Planet figure out that if Superman were to masquerade as a human, the first thing he'd try to do is throw people off by acting not-like-Superman?

That's why Clark doesn't spend too much time with the other reporters. He doesn't go to lunch with them or to a ball game. He only interacts with Jimmy and Lois and sometimes Ron. Perry, meanwhile, has gotten upset with Clark for his tardiness and other things, that he doesn't notice beyond the surface.

[Augusto]

Not noticing those diferences is leaded by other facts: IIRC, in "Birthright" its said the glasses change a bit Clark eyes color. The perfect ocassions to show Clark is not Superman is everytime when he lose his powers (most of the times, this happens and its unknown to Earth population)and Clark get some bruises, those photographs with Superman and Clark side by side, Clark walking with a hunch...

[Toonimator]

I thought for sure, a few years back during the "Clark Kent: Fired!" era, that they were gonna have Perry be 'in the know'. I seem to recall hints to that effect, and the impression I was left with was he'd figured it out--just as Lois had--but just chose not to say anything about it, figuring Clark had his reasons. I don't know if I misread the hints, or if they really weren't there, but it never really went that way.

I don't like Clark being overly clutzy, just... an average straight-laced guy. So he'd still be the butt of Lombard's jokes, but not be a complete screw-up. He's gotta be a good reporter still, and the complete clutz version never says that to me.

[Alan2099]

Same eye color, hair color, square jaw, same build and that they're rarely seen together. And a good reporter would notice these things. Same way a good cop would.
My God! BRUCE WAYNE IS SUPERMAN!

[pitbull in a skirt]

It really is all a matter of preference, but I prefer the clumsy shlub Clark simply because it's more entertaining and emotionally resonant.

The Clark Kent who is this generally cool dude with a hot wife and great job bores me stupid. There's dozens of other super-heroes like that, Superman should stand alone.

I do, however, think the marriage has more possibilities with Clark playing the shlub and being viewed as "Mr. Lois Lane". It allows for more fun and playful commentary on gender roles and the relationships between men and women.

Tom Welling & Dean Cain both essentially play the jock turned yuppie version of Clark Kent, more or less, and the courtship of Lois Lane is the only time that character is interesting. Once they're together, the show's over. That version of Clark Kent hits a creative wall as soon as they're married.

What version is that?

That said, I completely agree with your last statement. Once Lois and Clark got married on the show, both characters no longer were interesting to watch; especially Lois, now that she's lost all her spunk, wit and her 'dislike' for Clark. They really should have ended it there, for the show was already jumping the shark anyhow.

Let's say Ice Cube was a Superhero. Ice Cube is a really big celeb, but when he's not Ice Cube he's mild mannered Craig Jones who works with you wherever you work. His disguise is basically comprised a pair of glasses he wears and you've met Ice Cube and Craig Jones. You mean to tell me you wouldn't recognize that Ice Cube and Craig Jones are the same person?

Not a very good analogy. A celebrity alter ego and an alien from another planet cannot really be compared, ya know.

I like this explanation for joe-citizen not realizing Clark and Superman are the same person. Clark Kent is some reporter working for a paper in Metropolis. The average person that encountered the two could think there was a resemblance but would never think the two were one and the same. Although, SOMEONE at the Daily Planet should have figured it out. Anybody that encountered Clark and Superman on the regular should have been suspicious. Lois (especially her), Perry, Jimmy, even Cat should have put 2 and 2 together.

I feel that mild-mannered means he doesn't draw undue attention to himself. He did his job and avoided conflict. I look at Samaritan, at Homage, as an example. His secret identity is a fact checker at a newspaper where he has limited face to face contact with his coworkers. He was adept at the job and amiable with every one around him.

Precisely.

Except there's one huge difference between Clark and Superman (in the eyes of his coworkers) : One is an omnipotently powerful godlike alien, the other is a guy who works at the desk a few rows over. Unless they're predisposed to look for Superman masquerading as an average human (and why would they?) then the Superficial physical similarities would be written off as coincidence.



All of which presumes that people are predisposed to consider the idea that Superman is masquerading as an ordinary human. Which, again, they have no reason to. Moreover, that theory flies directly in the face of what you said in the first paragraph. Because if he behaves in a way that draws attention to his "disguise," wouldn't the first thing they notice be that there isn't much difference between Clark Kent and Superman. Same eye color, hair color, square jaw, same build and that they're rarely seen together. Nothing about the "Clark as meek schlep" act does anything to alter the fact that he looks just like Superman. But by acting in way that makes him stand out (even if it's for his clumsiness and inadequacy), all he's doing is drawing attention to that fact.

And wouldn't the "good reporters" of the Planet figure out that if Superman were to masquerade as a human, the first thing he'd try to do is throw people off by acting not-like-Superman?

You also bring up a good point.

I think the problem actually, with both [of them] is that Reeves had the same exact hairdo as Superman and as Clark, just with glasses (literally) and while Cain did have the different hairstyles (but for whatever reason, in reverse) he still stands out irregardless. I mean, how many people in Kansas look like Dean Cain? Its like Smallville's Lana Lang trying to pass off as a secret identity. Not too many Eurasians in Smallville.

http://www.patfullerton.com/superman/pix/clark/clark1954.jpg http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o279/richard_potter17/Clarkwinking.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a150/tuesdayweld/GeorgeReeves.jpg http://www.supermanhomepage.com/images/george-reeves-biopic/s-cost.jpg

I thought for sure, a few years back during the "Clark Kent: Fired!" era, that they were gonna have Perry be 'in the know'. I seem to recall hints to that effect, and the impression I was left with was he'd figured it out--just as Lois had--but just chose not to say anything about it, figuring Clark had his reasons. I don't know if I misread the hints, or if they really weren't there, but it never really went that way.

I don't like Clark being overly clutzy, just... an average straight-laced guy. So he'd still be the butt of Lombard's jokes, but not be a complete screw-up. He's gotta be a good reporter still, and the complete clutz version never says that to me.

I feel the same way.

[Mat001]

My God! BRUCE WAYNE IS SUPERMAN!

Heh. Except Clark is two inches taller than Bruce, I believe. Bruce Wayne also creates a public persona to fool people into thinking that he wouldn't be dressing like a bat and he wears a mask, mind you.

As to today, in the comics, Clark hasn't really been clumsy. He's only crashed into Jimmy once. He's just mostly be the type who has stomach issues and occassionally a weak consititution.

Of note, in "The Wedding Album", Lois mentioned that Clark had to be clumsy at times to cover up his strength. Mind you, this was back when Clark was still written as he was from MOS on. So, it hasn't been completely abandoned post Crisis.