15 things that don't make sense about superheroes

Let's take a look at the intriguing world of superheroes with our revealing look at 15 quirky and often baffling aspects of their stories.

Ray Fisher (Cyborg / Victor Stone), Ezra Miller (The Flash / Barry Allen), Ben Affleck (Batman / Bruce Wayne), Henry Cavill (Superman / Clark Kent), Gal Gadot (Diana Prince / Wonder Woman), Jason Momoa (Aquaman / Arthur Curry) in Zack Snyder's Justice League. Photograph by Courtesy of HBO Max
Ray Fisher (Cyborg / Victor Stone), Ezra Miller (The Flash / Barry Allen), Ben Affleck (Batman / Bruce Wayne), Henry Cavill (Superman / Clark Kent), Gal Gadot (Diana Prince / Wonder Woman), Jason Momoa (Aquaman / Arthur Curry) in Zack Snyder's Justice League. Photograph by Courtesy of HBO Max /
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Let's take a whimsical dive into the quirky and sometimes downright baffling world of our favorite caped crusaders.

Yes, we love them, cheer for them, and maybe even dream of having their powers (admit it, you've tried to shoot webs from your wrists at least once). But let's face it, sometimes the antics of these spandex-wearing heroes leave us scratching our heads in confusion. From their fashion choices (because nothing says "stealth" like a bright red cape) to their mysterious sources of endless wealth (looking at you, Mr. Wayne), some things just don't add up.

And yet, we can't help but be drawn to these charming defenders of justice and their gravity-defying feats. So, in the spirit of fun (and a tiny bit of loving mockery), we're about to explore 15 hilariously perplexing elements about our beloved superheroes that might just have you questioning everything you thought you knew.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME
Marvel Studios' AVENGERS: ENDGAME..Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.)..Photo: Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2019 /

1. Unrealistic disguises: How does a pair of glasses (looking at you, Clark Kent, not even going to question how a simple pair of glasses make him completely unrecognizable) or a simple mask convincingly hide a superhero's identity from their closest friends and family? Does nobody know their loved ones' voices? At least Batman does the grumpy voice, but Peter Parker and the others? Make it make sense, precious.

2. Inconsistent strength levels: Superheroes seem to have fluctuating strength levels that magically adjust to whatever the storyline requires, from lifting cars one day to struggling with a locked door the next. Gotta love that plot armor and conveniences, huh?

3. Unlimited gadget resources: Characters like Batman and Iron Man have an endless supply of high-tech gadgets and vehicles. The question of where all the funding and resources come from is glossed over more often than not. Sure, they're rich and their companies are both making them money left and right, but it can't be an endless supply of money, can it?

jason-momoa-aquaman-arthur-curry-gal-gadot-diana-prince-wonder-woman-ray-fisher-cyborg-victor-stone-
Jason Momoa (Aquaman / Arthur Curry), Gal Gadot (Diana Prince / Wonder Woman), Ray Fisher (Cyborg / Victor Stone) in Zack Snyder's Justice League. Photograph by Courtesy of HBO Max /

4. Secret lairs remain secret: Despite being massive and often technologically advanced, secret lairs (like the Batcave) somehow remain undiscovered by the general public and villains who would love nothing more than to find them. It's pretty chin-scratching.

5. Constant resurrections: Death is rarely permanent in the superhero world, which can lower the stakes of major battles and sacrifices. If everyone can come back to life, does death really mean anything?

6. Physics-defying powers: Many superheroes defy the laws of physics with little to no explanation. While it's a part of the charm, it often doesn't make sense when you think about it too much.

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Marvel's Avengers: Age Of Ultron..L to R: Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Iron Man/Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and Captain America/Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) ..Ph: Film Frame..©Marvel 2015 /

7. Perfect timing: Heroes have an uncanny ability to arrive just in the nick of time to save the day, regardless of logistical challenges or the laws of time and space. Long distance to cover? What distance? Distance doesn't exist in movies and shows - only convenience.

8. Infinite ammo and energy: Whether it's web shooters, energy blasts, or bullets, many superheroes never seem to run out, even in extended battles.

9. Wearing capes: Despite Edna Mode's warnings in The Incredibles, many superheroes still wear capes, which seem impractical and, frankly, dangerous. The only allowable cape is Dr. Strange's Cloak of Levitation. Other than being actually helpful, it has more personality than half of the DCEU characters we've seen so far.

10. The secret identity conundrum: The ability of superheroes to keep their identities secret, even from those closest to them, despite numerous close calls and slip-ups is just downright ridiculous. Seriously. Their closest friends and family members have to be missing a few brain cells in order to truly be this oblivious.

SPIDER-MAN: ™ FAR FROM HOME
Tom Holland is Peter Parker, in Columbia Pictures' SPIDER-MAN:™ FAR FROM HOME. /

11. Universal language skills: Superheroes often travel to different planets or dimensions but can communicate with everyone perfectly, without ever encountering a language barrier. Must be nice, says the writer who was bullied in middle school until she learned enough English and lost her accent.

12. The single city focus: Many superheroes are tied to one city, where all their major battles and stories unfold as if the rest of the world doesn't exist or doesn't warrant their protection. We need more battles in different towns. Maybe consecutive battles that get taken to different parts of the world. One city constantly being targeted is just too boring!

13. Overly complex solutions: Heroes often resort to convoluted plans to defeat villains or solve problems, even when simpler solutions would be more effective and logical. Sure, big plans are often needed, but sometimes simplicity wins.

14. Villains escaping maximum security prisons: No matter how secure, villains always seem to find a way out of prisons designed to hold them, calling into question the competence of these facilities. So convenient for our bored superheroes.

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(L-R) EZRA MILLER as The Flash, MICHAEL KEATON as Batman and EZRA MILLER as The Flash in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure “THE FLASH,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures/™ & © DC Comics. © 2023 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC /

15. Rapid costume changes: Superheroes can change into their costumes in the blink of an eye, often in situations where it would be impossible to do so without being noticed. I wish I knew their secret.

And this is where our lighthearted jaunt through the whimsically wonky world of superheroes that we all can't help but adore ends. From their seemingly bottomless gadget bags to their often-questionable fashion choices (seriously, capes in a jet engine world?), it's clear that the heroes we look up to have their own set of quirks and conundrums. But isn't that just part of their charm? In a universe where the impossible is just another Tuesday and saving the world is a part-time job, these delightful oddities only add to the magic.

Who knows? Maybe one day we'll figure out how they manage to do it all.

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