2014 Merchandise & Miscellaneous News Archives
July 31, 2014: Physics Students Doubt Validity of Superman's Powers
Physics students at London's University of Leicester undertook a study to see if Superman's powers could be accomplished under the laws of physics.
- University of Leicester physics students showed that Superman is able to use 6,560 times more energy than he would feasibly be able to absorb from the sun's rays.
The superhero gets his energy from the electromagnetic radiation contained in the light from our sun - giving him various super powers here on Earth, including superhuman strength and the power of flight.
The students therefore decided to test his solar cell efficiency - the measure of how much energy output solar cells give out for each unit of energy they absorb from the Sun.
This equation is used to calculate the efficiency of regular solar cells - such as photovoltaic panels on the roofs of buildings.
The most efficient solar cells on Earth have a 44.7 per cent efficiency, according to this equation.
Using a rough estimate of the area of Superman's body in contact with the sun's rays, the team was able to work out that he absorbs 1096 joules per second from the sun.
The team then needed to calculate the amount of energy Superman actually uses in flight to overcome drag forces. They found that - for an eight hour flight at an altitude of 30 km - he would use 207 billion joules of energy to overcome drag forces and stay in the air over the course of the journey.
Based on the two figures, the students calculated that Superman has a solar cell efficiency of 656,000 per cent - in other words, he used far more energy in flight than he can possibly absorb from the Sun.
According to the law of conservation of energy, energy cannot be created or destroyed within a closed system - it can only be converted. It would therefore be impossible for him to be getting all of his energy from the Sun.
The students note that he must be obtaining energy from alternate sources. Alternatively, they said it is possible that instead of immediately using all energy he obtains, he stores the energy for future use.
The findings were published in the Journal of Physics Special Topics, a peer-reviewed student journal run by the University's Department of Physics and Astronomy.
2014 Merchandise & Miscellaneous News
Listed below are all the Merchandise & Miscellaneous News items archived for 2014.- January 3, 2014: Ohio Superman License Plate Funds to Help Needy Clevelanders
- January 7, 2014: Predictions for 2014 - Poll Results
- January 8, 2014: Hutchinson Aiming for Bigger Smallville Festival
- January 8, 2014: Shopping - Superman Fleece Throws, Blankets and Snuggies
- January 11, 2014: Fan-Created Manga-Style “The Daily Planet Files”
- January 14, 2014: Mattel Releases New “DC Total Heroes” Action Figure Line
- January 15, 2014: Shopping - Superman Luggage, Bags and Backpacks
- January 21, 2014: Appeal Hearing Denied in Superman Copyright Battle
- January 22, 2014: Superman Legal Battle Clarification
- January 22, 2014: Superman Joins “Infinite Crisis” MOBA Video Game
- January 22, 2014: Siegel and Shuster Society Opt for Name Change
- January 22, 2014: Shopping - Superman Clocks
- January 23, 2014: Superheroes Get a Native American Makeover
- January 25, 2014: Making the Superman 75th Anniversary Animated Short
- January 27, 2014: Making the Superman 75th Anniversary Animated Short
- January 29, 2014: Police Warning Over Superman “Ecstasy” Tablets
- January 29, 2014: Troy Baker Voices Superman in “Infinite Crisis” Game
- January 29, 2014: Superman & Wonder Woman Vintage Phones
- January 29, 2014: Shopping - Valentine's Day
- January 31, 2014: Making the Superman 75th Anniversary Animated Short
- January 31, 2014: “Injustice: Gods Among Us” Free In-Game Credits
- February 4, 2014: Superman Homepage Shows - Poll Results
- February 4, 2014: Superman Helps Sick 4-Year-Old Boy on Shopping Spree
- February 5, 2014: Earliest Superman Cover Art to Sell at Auction
- February 5, 2014: Al Plastino JFK/Superman Artwork Arrives at Museum
- February 5, 2014: General Mills and DC Comics Bring More Comics to Cereal Boxes
- February 5, 2014: Shopping - iPhone 5 Superman Cases
- February 6, 2014: Medicon Toys Announces Superman and Bizarro Sofubi Figures
- February 11, 2014: Superman vs. Voldemort - Game Avatars Affect Real Life Behavior
- February 12, 2014: QMx Adds DC Characters to Line of Collectible Figures
- February 12, 2014: Lazy Superman Fails to Foil Crime in LA
- February 12, 2014: Shopping - Superman Socks
- February 12, 2014: “Help Your Heroes” Giving Sick Kids Hope
- February 13, 2014: DC Unveils New Collectibles at ToyFair
- February 13, 2014: Kiss Like a Hero with Hot Topic and DC Comics
- February 13, 2014: JL8 Comic Strip Creator Writing a Superman Series of Kids Books
- February 14, 2014: Send a Super Valentine's Day Virtual Greeting Card
- February 16, 2014: 30th Anniversary Super Powers Collection Action Figures Revealed
- February 19, 2014: Shopping - Superman LEGO
- February 20, 2014: Joe Shuster's Life Story as a Living Comic Book
- February 25, 2014: Superman Fan - Poll Results
- February 26, 2014: “This is Joe” - Short Fan Film on the Life of Joe Shuster
- February 26, 2014: Shopping - Sports and Outdoor Activities
- February 27, 2014: Digital First Comic and Mecha Superman for “Infinite Crisis” Video Game
- February 27, 2014: Rare Superman Items on Auction at Hakes
- March 1, 2014: GraphicAudio Presents “It's Superman!” by Tom DeHaven
- March 4, 2014: An Interview with England's First Singing Superman, Craig Berry
- March 5, 2014: Shopping - Go Super Green for St. Patrick's Day
- March 7, 2014: Darkseid Arrives For “Injustice” Mobile Game
- March 11, 2014: Accessing Superman Homepage Content - Poll Results
- March 12, 2014: Shopping - Superman for the Garden and Garage
- March 14, 2014: Open Beta for “Infinite Crisis” - What Do You Fight For?
- March 15, 2014: Cryptozoic Announces DC Comics Epic Battles Trading Cards
- March 17, 2014: Superman Wears a GoPro
- March 19, 2014: Superman Bob Holiday Website Updated
- March 19, 2014: Shopping - Superman Pencils, Pens and Markers
- March 20, 2014: How They Filmed “Superman With a GoPro”
- March 20, 2014: Al Plastino's Superman/JFK Artwork Now on Display
- March 26, 2014: Superman Celebrations Celebrities Announced
- March 26, 2014: Shopping - Denim Superman
- March 26, 2014: Ideas for Throwing a Superman-Themed Party
- March 26, 2014: Nightmare Superman Joins “Infinite Crisis” Video Game
- March 27, 2014: Nooka Creates DC Comics Watches
- April 1, 2014: Our April Fools Day News Pranks
- April 2, 2014: Study Shows Superman's Appeal is Weak in Gen Y
- April 2, 2014: Shopping - Mr. Mxyzptlk/April Fools Day
- April 7, 2014: Sideshow Collectibles Previews Superman Sixth Scale Figure
- April 7, 2013: Justice League Showbag at Sydney Royal Easter Show
- April 8, 2014: “The History of Invulnerability” Lands in Milwaukee, WI
- April 8, 2014: Our April Fools Day Pranks - Poll Results
- April 9, 2014: QMx Unveils DC Comics Bombshells Art Prints
- April 9, 2014: Shopping - Neck Ties and Bow Ties
- April 10, 2014: Pre-Order the Superman Sixth Scale Figure from Sideshow Collectibles
- April 13, 2014: Highlights from London's Superman Musical
- April 13, 2014: Man in Superman Shirt Saves Baby from Burning Building
- April 14, 2014: Dance Theatre Adapts “The Adventures of Superman” Radio Story
- April 16, 2014: A Look at “The History of Invulnerability” in Milwaukee, WI
- April 16, 2014: Shopping - DC Bombshells: Supergirl
- April 17, 2014: Elliot S! Maggin to Attend Superman Celebration
- April 23, 2014: WB Announces Live-Action Digital/Streaming Shows
- April 23, 2014: Shopping - Superman Mouse Pads
- April 27, 2014: New “Injustice: Gods Among Us” Mobile Game Multiplayer Mode
- April 28, 2014: Lois “Lane” Amster Dies, Aged 97
- April 29, 2014: Superman Figure Gives Hope to Arkansas Tornado Victims
- April 30, 2014: Square Enix Variant Static Arts Mini Superman Figure
- April 30, 2014: Shopping - Super Mother's Day
- May 4, 2014: Super-Mini Con 3 at 2014 Superman Celebration
- May 6, 2014: Jasco to Produce DC Comics LED Night Lights
- May 7, 2014: Entertainment Line-Up for 2014 Superman Celebration
- May 7, 2014: Dressing Gown Superman Stops Burglar
- May 7, 2014: Fan-Created Superhero Beers
- May 11, 2014: Top 10 Superman Villains
- May 13, 2014: Superman Hall of Heroes Launch
- May 13, 2014: Superman Celebration - Poll Results
- May 14, 2014: Shopping - Flying Superman Toys
- May 15, 2014: DC Entertainment Joins Forces with Hendrick Motorsports
- May 20, 2014: Superman Hall of Heroes - Video Interviews
- May 21, 2014: Shopping - Superman Playing Cards
- May 21, 2014: Superhero Facelift for Singapore Cable Cars
- May 22, 2014: Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Drive Superman Car
- May 26, 2014: DC All Access Ready to Launch NASCAR Giveaway
- May 26, 2014: Super Flappy iOS Game - Superman Edition
- May 27, 2014: “LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham” Video Game Announcement
- May 28, 2014: Old Time Radio Theater - “An Evening of Superheroes”
- May 28, 2014: Shopping - Super Dad Gift Ideas
- May 28, 2014: New Giant Superman Balloon Available for Parades
- May 29, 2014: Funko Announces New DC Cubed Vinyl Figures
- May 29, 2014: Superman/Wonder Woman Kid's Meal Comic and Toys at Wendy's
- June 1, 2014: Wearing a Superman T-Shirt Boosted Student's Test Performances
- June 2, 2014: Superman Celebration Hosts Super Pow Bam Bash!
- June 3, 2014: Make-A-Wish Helps Sick Luke Fly Like Superman
- June 3, 2014: Metropolis Postal Service to Honor Life Saving Heroes
- June 4, 2014: Supergirl Featured in “DC Universe Online” Game Update 37
- June 4, 2014: Superman Homepage “Meet & Greet” in Metropolis, Illinois
- June 4, 2014: Shopping - Superman Swimming Gear
- June 5, 2014: Personalized Superman Jerseys Now Available!
- June 9, 2014: Wendy's Superman/Wonder Woman Kid's Meal Comic Online
- June 10, 2014: Celebrate Superman with Sideshow Collectibles
- June 10, 2014: Superman Celebration “Daily Planet” Special Section Available
- June 11, 2014: First Look at QMx Q-Pop Superman Figure
- June 11, 2014: Help Fund the “Siegel & Shuster: Legend & Legacy” Documentary Kickstarter
- June 11, 2014: Shopping - Superman Watches
- June 12, 2014: Warner Bros. Extends Alliance with Mattel
- June 13, 2014: Video - Superman Homepage “Meet & Greet” from Metropolis, Illinois
- June 13, 2014: “Adventures as Superman” New Online Comic Book
- June 15, 2014: Closing Ceremony for the 2014 Superman Celebration
- June 15, 2014: Photos and Video from Superman Celebration in Metropolis, Illinois
- June 15, 2014: Costume Contest and Parade from Superman Celebration
- June 15, 2014: Hendrick Motorsports Dale Earnhardt Jr. Superman Store
- June 16, 2014: Hutchinson to be Called “Smallville” for Two Days
- June 17, 2014: “Infinite Crisis” Reveals Supergirl Champion
- June 17, 2014: Comic Convention Attendance - Poll Results
- June 18, 2014: Warner Bros. Partner with Party City
- June 18, 2014: “Girl of Steel” Wins Superman Celebration Fan Film Festival
- June 18, 2014: Shopping - Planet Krypton
- June 19, 2014: Fan-Made Superman Breakfast Cereal Designs
- June 23, 2014: Smallville ComicCon Exceeds Expectations
- June 23, 2014: Video Interview with Tattooed Superman - Jesus A. Ceballos, Jr.
- June 25, 2014: Factory Entertainment Announces DC Comics WriteEms Comic Con Exclusive
- June 25, 2014: Shopping - The American Way
- June 27, 2014: Get Saved in Singapore by a 3D Superman Painting
- June 27, 2014: Rare Superman Items on Auction at Hakes.com
- June 29, 2014: Shuster Family Petition US Supreme Court Over Rights to Superman
- June 30, 2014: Australian College to Perform Superman Musical
- June 30, 2014: Kids Celebrate Superman's Birthday at Museum of Houston
- July 1, 2014: Examining the Shuster Estate Petition to Supreme Court
- July 2, 2014: Supergirl Now Available in “Infinite Crisis” Video Game
- July 2, 2014: Exclusive Comic-Con 2014 Superman Collectibles
- July 2, 2014: Shopping - Paperweights and Busts
- July 3, 2014: Superman Unchained 2015 Wall Calendar
- July 7, 2014: DC Denies Request to Use the Superman Symbol on Toronto Boy's Memorial
- July 8, 2014: Bear Cottage Launches Superhero Week for Terminally Ill Children
- July 9, 2014: DC Reverses Decision to Allow “S” Symbol on Murdered Boy's Memorial
- July 9, 2014: Shopping - “Man of Steel” Watches
- July 10, 2014: New Superman Book App Reimagines Storytelling Experience
- July 13, 2014: Superman Panels at San Diego Comic-Con
- July 15, 2014: Superman Fans Most Susceptible to Computer Viruses
- July 15, 2014: Barnes & Noble to Celebrate DC Comics Superheroes
- July 15, 2014: Supergirl Pro Returns to Oceanside, California
- July 16, 2014: Shopping - Superman Mugs
- July 18, 2014: People Stuck as Superman Tower of Power Ride Breaks Down
- July 24, 2014: The Day I Saved HALL H at the San Diego Comic-Con
- July 24, 2014: Holding Kryptonite
- July 28, 2014: New Video Trailer for “LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham”
- July 30, 2014: Superman Fan Preference - Poll Results
- July 31, 2014: Physics Students Doubt Validity of Superman's Powers
- August 5, 2014: Plano, Illinois All Set for Smallville SUPERFEST 2014
- August 5, 2014: Superman/Batman Exhibition in Rosario, Argentina
- August 5, 2014: Real-Life Superman Arrives in Time at Crash Scene
- August 6, 2014: Shopping - New Merchandise for August 2014
- August 12, 2014: “LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham” - Poll Results
- August 13, 2014: Shopping - Superman School Supplies
- August 14, 2014: New “LEGO Batman 3” Characters and Level Unveiled at Gamescom
- August 19, 2014: DC Hero Superman and Bizarro Sofubi Figures
- August 19, 2014: Life Lessons and Motivations Inspired by Superman
- August 20, 2014: “LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham” Brainiac Trailer
- August 20, 2014: Superheroes the Focus of “My Hero II” Art Exhibition
- August 21, 2014: Superman vs. Batman - DC Collectibles Wood Figures
- August 26, 2014: “LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham” Release Dates Announced
- August 26, 2014: Lois Lane Young Adult Novel Coming in January
- August 27, 2014: New Superman Coins from Royal Canadian Mint
- August 27, 2014: Shopping - Superman Straw Cups and Bottles
- August 28, 2014: Video - Superman Sixth Scale Figure from Sideshow Collectibles
- August 28, 2014: Six Flags Introduces “Justice League: Battle for Metropolis” Ride
- August 29, 2014: New Superman Coins from Royal Canadian Mint Unveiled
- September 1, 2014: Superman Musical Comes to Sydney, Australia
- September 1, 2014: Superhero Art Auction Raises Money for Scholarship
- September 2, 2014: Bandai's SpruKits Poseable Superman Model Kits
- September 3, 2014: New Nightmare Superman Costume Available for “Infinite Crisis”
- September 3, 2014: Shopping - New Items for September
- September 8, 2014: DCU Signature Series Doomsday Action Figure is Coming!
- September 9, 2014: “Man of Steel” Downloadable Content in “LEGO Batman 3”
- September 9, 2014: Royal Canadian Superman Coins - Poll Results
- September 10, 2014: Shopping - Superman: Football Season
- September 11, 2014: Superman-Themed Portrait Wins Archibald Prize
- September 16, 2014: Superman Costume Statue of Murdered Boy Almost Finished
- September 17, 2014: Shopping - Superman Birthday Party Supplies
- September 17, 2014: Infographic - The Ultimate List of Superhero Lairs
- September 21, 2014: Teacher to Run Half-Marathon as Superman for Sick Kids
- September 22, 2014: J. Bone's Sun-Friendly Superman Costume
- September 24, 2014: Shopping - Halloween Costumes
- September 25, 2014: Exhibition - Superman: The Jewish Roots of America's Super Hero
- September 30, 2014: LEGO Unveils DC Super Heroes Justice League 2015 Sets
- September 30, 2014: Tonner NYCC Exclusive “Lady Action as Supergirl” Outfit
- September 30, 2014: DC Comics Responds to Sexist Merchandise Criticism
- October 1, 2014: Shopping - New for October 2014
- October 2, 2014: Monogram Announces DC Comics 3D Figural Key Rings
- October 6, 2014: Supreme Court Denies Review of Superman Case
- October 6, 2014: Superman Musical on Stage at Lakewood Theatre Company's Side Door
- October 7, 2014: DC Collectibles Previews Jae Lee “Batman/Superman” Action Figures
- October 7, 2014: Mattel Previews “Super Powers” and New Doomsday Action Figures
- October 8, 2014: Shopping - DC Collectibles Superman Statues
- October 9, 2014: Halloween Inspired Superhero Body Paint Project
- October 12, 2014: Superman Pesters Batman in “LEGO DC Comics: Batman Be-Leaguered”
- October 13, 2014: The Voice Actors Behind “LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham” Video Game
- October 14, 2014: First Introduction to Superman - Poll Results
- October 15, 2014: Shopping - Superman Wet Weather Gear
- October 18, 2014: Superman Costume Statue of Murdered Boy Unveiled
- October 20, 2014: Flying Man Spotted by Plane Pilots and Passengers
- October 21, 2014: Superman Honey Mustard Chicken Burger at McDonalds Hong Kong
- October 22, 2014: Schleich Unveils Its DC Comics Figurines
- October 22, 2014: Funko DC Super Heroes Mystery Minis
- October 22, 2014: Shopping - Superman USB Flash Drives
- October 23, 2014: Stand Like Superman to Increase Your Chances of Success
- October 28, 2014: Rare Superman Items on Auction at Hakes.com
- October 29, 2014: Play as Krypto and Other Characters in “LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham”
- October 29, 2014: Superman and Doomsday Coming to “Puzzle & Dragons”
- October 29, 2014: Shopping - Superman Jigsaw Puzzles
- November 3, 2014: Biscuiteers Celebrates Licensing Deal With Warner Bros.
- November 4, 2014: An Amazing Array of DC Characters in “LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham”
- November 4, 2014: Superman Action Figure Goes to Edge of Space
- November 4, 2014: Superman Homepage Celebrates 20 Years Online!
- November 5, 2014: Shopping - Superman Posters
- November 6, 2014: “LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham” Developer Diary - Gameplay
- November 6, 2014: Jerry Siegel's Typewriter Purchased by Collector
- November 10, 2014: DC vs. Marvel Battle in Parma, Ohio
- November 10, 2014: Superman Boat Wins Hawkesbury Bridge to Bridge Event
- November 11, 2014: “LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham” Now Available!
- November 11, 2014: Halloween Dress-Up - Poll Results
- November 12, 2014: “Infinite Crisis” Reveals Arcane Supergirl Champion
- November 12, 2014: Premature Baby Survives After Being Named Kalel
- November 12, 2014: Happy 82nd Birthday Bob Holiday!
- November 12, 2014: Review - “Man of Steel” Superman Sixth Scale Figure
- November 12, 2014: Shopping - Superman Bath & Shower Items
- November 17, 2014: Art Exhibit Puts Superheroes in Renaissance Clothing
- November 18, 2014: Infinite Crisis - Behind the Voice of Arcane Supergirl
- November 18, 2014: Six Flags Unveils “Justice League: Battle for Metropolis 4D” Ride
- November 19, 2014: Shopping - Superman Gift Wrapping Paper
- November 20, 2014: Free DC Comics Scribblenauts Figures at Hungry Jacks Australia
- November 20, 2014: LEGO Batman vs. Superman
- November 24, 2014: Top 10 Superman Songs of All Time
- November 25, 2014: Happy Birthday Noel Neill! 94 Years Young!
- November 25, 2014: Batman Tries to Save Superman from Darth Vader
- November 26, 2014: “LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham” Season Pass Trailer
- November 26, 2014: Create Your Own Custom Superman Figure Cremation Urn
- November 26, 2014: Shopping - Superman Christmas Decorations
- November 27, 2014: Icon Heroes Debuts DC Comics Office Accessories
- November 28, 2014: Super Black Friday Blu-ray/DVD Sales
- December 2, 2014: “LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham” New Season Pass Additions
- December 2, 2014: Top 10 Superman Songs - Poll Results
- December 3, 2014: Shopping - Superman Tables and Chairs
- December 7, 2014: Art Contest to Celebrate Montegrappa DC Heroes & Villains Pen Set Release
- December 8, 2014: Unlock Superman and Other Characters in “LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham”
- December 10, 2014: Shopping - Superman Stocking Stuffers
- December 12, 2014: Police Chief Dresses as Superman to Make Kids Feel Safe
- December 16, 2014: Win $2000 Cash by Designing a Justice League Case
- December 17, 2014: Shopping - Superman iPhone Cases/Covers
- December 19, 2014: 'Superman' Ecstasy Pills Seized in Dublin
- December 23, 2014: Christmas Presents - Poll Results
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