The DC Superhero Science, Tech, & Realism Thread

[Lightning Rider]

Although we all enjoy comic books as works of fiction that describe impossible beings with incredible powers and fantastical worlds, it is nevertheless exciting, interesting, and fun when we think of ways that they might come about in the real world. Whether it's through the laws of physics or ever-sophisticating technology, there are small windows of fact that give us glimpses of what just maybe could be and serve as a baseline for our imagination to follow. (It also doesn't hurt the good old suspension of disbelief).

I thought it would be interesting to make a thread about using science and technology to explain the tools and abilities of our favorite Superheroes. It's something that has been talked about a lot by fans, but let's compile some examples.

I'll start (duh):

[Lightning Rider]

[Lightning Rider]

Lars Andersen is a trick shooter who can do some impressive stuff with a bow and arrow (as Ollie might). He pisses a lot of people off by framing his techniques as "reinventing forgotten archery" but regardless, he can shoot arrows very quickly at moving targets or while moving himself. I think it would make sense that, when fighting multiple opponents, Ollie would have multiple arrows in his hand at a time.

[Lightning Rider]

Sharpshooting Archery:

[Lightning Rider]

Preliminary grappling hook:

[Lightning Rider]

This guy tried to recreate batsuit plated armor:

[Lightning Rider]

Bulletproof clothing, useful for capes and some of the less bulky outfits in the DC Universe:

[The Darknight Detective]

I believe the closer technology seen in comics mirrors what can be possible in our own world, the better. Super powers and the supernatural are a different matter, of course.

[Dataweaver]

Of course, some "superpowers" are technology. I'm thinking, for instance, of John Henry Irons, a.k.a. Steel. But he's not alone. Cyborg is another hero who wouldn't fare well under a "make technology as realistic as possible" mandate.

[Vakanai]

Of course, some "superpowers" are technology. I'm thinking, for instance, of John Henry Irons, a.k.a. Steel. But he's not alone. Cyborg is another hero who wouldn't fare well under a "make technology as realistic as possible" mandate.

Not now, but in 20 or 30 years time? We might not be there, but we'll be a lot closer to it (well, the prosthetic/robot arms and legs anyways, if not the weaponry).

[The Darknight Detective]

Not now, but in 20 or 30 years time? We might not be there, but we'll be a lot closer to it (well, the prosthetic/robot arms and legs anyways, if not the weaponry).

Exactly. There are many things found in hard science fiction that may be possible down the road. Besides, I have a good enough imagination that I can buy a non-hard science fiction idea, provided it doesn't conflict with the basic laws of physics of our universe (though I might be okay with a bending here or there ).

[Lightning Rider]

Speaking of Cyborg, this was pretty cool:

[Lightning Rider]

This thread is meant for DC characters but this is awesome, plus it applies to guys like Blue Beetle and Steel and other tech-dependent heroes.

[Lightning Rider]

[Lightning Rider]

Super human reflexes + Katana: