The article explores the long-running question of how a simple pair of glasses can disguise Superman, tracing the various explanations DC Comics has provided over the decades.

Initially, in the Golden Age, there was no complex explanation. It was a simple comic book trope where Clark Kent's timid personality, slouching posture, and different hairstyle were enough to fool people. The glasses were just a prop.

The most famous and literal explanation came in the Silver Age with #330 (1978). This issue revealed that the lenses were made from the glass of his Kryptonian rocket ship. They continuously emitted a low-level "super-hypnotic" signal that subconsciously convinced people that Clark Kent and Superman were two different individuals, effectively preventing them from making the connection. This is the origin of the "hypno-glasses" theory.

After the Crisis on Infinite Earths reboot in the 1980s, writer John Byrne abandoned the "hypno-glasses" concept. His more grounded explanation focused on Clark Kent being a master actor. Inspired by Christopher Reeve's film performance, this version of Clark intentionally changes his posture, raises the pitch of his voice, and acts clumsy and meek. He also uses his super-control to subtly vibrate his face, blurring his features for photographs.

Modern comics often blend these ideas, with writers like Grant Morrison suggesting Clark creates a "perceptual field" with his body language that makes people see him as frail and unremarkable. Ultimately, the explanation for Superman's disguise has evolved from a simple plot device to complex sci-fi and psychological justifications, reflecting the changing tone of the comics themselves.

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