Why is Superman all Horizontal?

[Two Headed Sex Beast]

So if we can all admit that Superman isn't effected by drag when flying then why the heck does he fly all horizontal? Why not fly in a sitting position with his legs crossed?

For starters he'd have more neck movement. A lot more neck movement. What I'm trying to say is it would be easier for him to take a look around him. Plus I don't know if Supes can suffer from stiff necks but he does then MAN he MUST get stiff necks ALL THE TIME from flying all horizontal.

[Jake V]

Less surface area to run into stuff.

[Two Headed Sex Beast]

Less surface area to run into stuff.

I hear what you're saying but Supes is super fast. Fast enough to evade surface area.

[The Adventurer]

Because you see, when you swim in water... therefore fly in air...

Basically its the least creative, but the easiest way to convey motion in terms a person can quickly understand. Its an artistic short-cut really.

[Two Headed Sex Beast]

Because you see, when you swim in water... therefore fly in air...

Basically its the least creative, but the easiest way to convey motion in terms a person can quickly understand. Its an artistic short-cut really.

Good point thought I think if they had his cape flapping behind him readers would understand that he's flying.

[DonC]

So if we can all admit that Superman isn't effected by drag when flying then why the heck does he fly all horizontal?

We can't all admit that. I don't see why Superman wouldn't be effected by drag when flying. He simply flies through it the way a swimmer swims through the drag created by water. Traveling horizontal reduces drag.

[The Batman]

Because you see, when you swim in water... therefore fly in air...

Basically its the least creative, but the easiest way to convey motion in terms a person can quickly understand. Its an artistic short-cut really.

I don't know about least creative, but it's certainly the most intuitive.

[Retro315]

I always assumed that Superman, since he usually "kicks off" or gets a running/jumping start to his flying (even though I've definitely seen him depicted just hovering up and away), that the momentum keeps him in that forward facing classic pose. It'd be like Thor throwing his hammer and whizzing away without being "dragged behind the hammer".

It's always a pleasant surprise to see Supes come slamming down landing on his feet, as if it was more a "great leap" than a weird hover-power.

[Anthony D]

Well, there was Wayne Boring's Superman in 50s-era stories... who always flew in an upright, "jogging"-like position. :-)

[Two Headed Sex Beast]

We can't all admit that. I don't see why Superman wouldn't be effected by drag when flying. He simply flies through it the way a swimmer swims through the drag created by water. Traveling horizontal reduces drag.

Hey I'm right there with you, but most of people here have argued that because Superman is well Superman nothing can slow him down, not even drag.

[Two Headed Sex Beast]

Well, there was Wayne Boring's Superman in 50s-era stories... who always flew in an upright, "jogging"-like position. :-)

Did he used to move his feet too or was he simply in a jogging pose?

[adkal]

Perhaps because it comes across as less domineering?

Take a look, for example, at the Krypton Man Saga in the 90s or how, for example, characters such as Magneto come across as they move across the sky in an upright position. There's an aspect of arrogance and 'domination' there.

On the flipside, sitting there cross-legged can convey boredom and apathy - see Mxy for examples (sure, the GL in Beyond sometimes sits in a Lotus position, but that actually ties in well with his character).

[Two Headed Sex Beast]

Perhaps because it comes across as less domineering?

Take a look, for example, at the Krypton Man Saga in the 90s or how, for example, characters such as Magneto come across as they move across the sky in an upright position. There's an aspect of arrogance and 'domination' there.

On the flipside, sitting there cross-legged can convey boredom and apathy - see Mxy for examples (sure, the GL in Beyond sometimes sits in a Lotus position, but that actually ties in well with his character).

I hear what you're saying about the cross-legged boredom thing but I can't help but think of Budda and his crossed legs and HE'S certainly not bored. Granted he's not flying but I think you get my meaning. Put simply not everybody with crossed legs looks bored or apathetic.

If I was up to no good and I saw Superman flying at me with legs crossed I'd probably crap my pants and run! If anything I'd be more freaked out at the fact that I'm practically killing myself trying to escape on foot and Supes isn't even breaking a sweat as he cross leggedly floats closer and closer to me.

[Mat001]

He flies horizontally since it allows him the ability to turn, dodge and weave about with far greater efficiency, than sitting and looking like an asshat.

[Two Headed Sex Beast]

He flies horizontally since it allows him the ability to turn, dodge and weave about with far greater efficiency, than sitting and looking like an asshat.

Well I'm going to have to disagree with you there Mat001. Supe being Supes can dodge and weave with great efficiency no matter how he's flying. That's just how it goes. He has that much power and quickness. His efficiency levels are always at the max regardless of his position. Just ask Lois.