I Can’t Believe Clark Kent Spent 12 Years Training Alone in the Fortress of Solitude!

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For decades, “Superman: The Movie” has been widely regarded as a timeless masterpiece, yet it’s important to note that while other superhero films can benefit from its influence, it does have its own flaws. Having finally watched Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of Superman for the first time, I came across one scene that struck me as questionable and I’m certain would be avoided in future DC or Marvel productions.

Clark embarks on a journey to the Arctic Circle to discover his past, eventually constructing the Fortress of Solitude. He encounters his biological father and learns how to safeguard Earth. Upon returning from an unusual space adventure, we find young Clark Kent has matured into a fully-grown adult.

I found myself puzzled about what I might have overlooked, and was taken aback when I discovered the considerable length of time he had spent within that stronghold. This fact leaves me completely perplexed.

Clark Spent Twelve Years Training In The Fortress Of Solitude, Which Is Complete Nonsense To Me

It took Clark Kent time to transform into Superman, not happening instantly. Guidance from his father Jor-El was crucial for him to grasp his Kryptonian body functions and refine some of his emerging abilities. His impressive strength and speed were already in place when he arrived on Earth, so it’s assumed he’s learning other skills like his vision powers and breathing techniques.

Instead of considering the timeframe as a few months to a year, perhaps with intermittent training due to his commitments in Middle America, consider a scenario where he dedicates twelve years to intensive, uninterrupted training in a relatively isolated environment.

For about twelve years, it’s presumed that he’s been confined to a peculiar, windowless structure, where his routine involves listening to the spectral voice of his father and undergoing training, day after day. From an external perspective, this place appears to lack essential facilities like a bedroom, kitchen, or bathroom, making one wonder about his living conditions. It’s certainly intriguing, but strange indeed!

In the upcoming “Superman” film, it seems as though the Fortress boasts contemporary luxuries and mechanical assistants, unlike in the original “Superman: The Movie.” Instead, the storyline features an alien boy from Kansas living in solitude, with only a digital representation of his father for companionship. Frankly, I can’t imagine anyone managing that without losing their sanity, not even Superman.

Let’s discuss the incredible isolation where Clark resides. I imagine it would be challenging for him to find a grocery store like Walmart, given his location in the Arctic Circle. We don’t know exactly how Clark managed to survive there, but considering my guesses, he likely hunted wild animals, melted icebergs for water, and adapted to life without the conveniences he had back home in Smallville (much like playing Oregon Trail). Needless to say, it wasn’t a walk in the park, yet Clark appears to have persevered quite well.

Clark Left His Mother Shortly After His Father’s Death…And Didn’t Return For Over A Decade?

It strikes me as remarkable that Clark left to find himself so swiftly following Jonathan Kent’s death. Of course, everyone copes with loss differently, and perhaps without his father around, he felt compelled to rediscover the family he had never known. Simultaneously, his mother is at home, suffering, and while she has assistance to manage the farm, it seems to me that seeing her son could have provided some comfort during this difficult time.

In “Superman: The Movie,” Mama Kent isn’t heavily focused on, but it’s hard not to ponder over the fact that she hadn’t seen her son for twelve years straight. What’s more, Clark Kent went from there directly into the busy city of Metropolis, meaning even less time with his mother. Does the story expect us to believe Clark Kent abandoned his mother?

As enthusiasts of Superman, it’s plausible for us to guess he occasionally returned to Kansas amid his rigorous training. However, it’s important to note that the movie “Superman” doesn’t provide any evidence or suggestions that such a journey ever took place.

I find it frustrating that only a brief scene of Marlon Brando talking while traveling through space is shown, when we could have witnessed him visiting his mother, secretly aiding those in distress, and discovering how to help others effectively as Superman. Perhaps the reason is because he didn’t truly engage in such activities, instead spending twelve consecutive years standing still, merely listening.

How Did Clark Transition So Quickly From Solitary Living Back To Normal Society?

After twelve years of Jor-El’s monologues and rigorous training, Superman emerges fully costumed and seamlessly reintegrates himself into the vibrant urban landscape of Metropolis. Remarkably, he secures employment at the Daily Planet, a prestigious newspaper, without any prior journalism education. There, he works alongside Lois Lane, one of the most renowned reporters in the DC Universe. Intriguingly, Rachel Brosnahan, who portrays Lois in the upcoming Superman film, felt it necessary to collaborate with real journalists to convincingly portray her role. Does this imply Clark Kent slipped into his position without raising any suspicions?

In this part of the article, readers might find themselves thinking, “Come on, it’s just a movie.” This thought is entirely reasonable, and I acknowledge different viewpoints and personal interpretations people have employed to address the apparent flaw in Superman: The Movie. However, I believe it’s plausible to infer that a significant amount of events transpired during Clark’s time in the fortress. It’s likely that he had brief respites to visit his mother, pursue education, and engage in other activities to prevent himself from being socially ostracized upon his return to human society.

My concern isn’t about the unrealistic nature of the story, but rather the way it was presented in the film. Instead of the lengthy star sequence, I wished they had used montage scenes to demonstrate his time spent at the cold and white fortress. This would have helped avoid assumptions that he spent as much time there as a typical school student, and also prevented the impression that he became a psychopath after this experience. Despite enjoying the movie, this aspect is difficult to ignore and I believe more attention could have been given in that particular part of the story.

If you haven’t watched Superman: The Movie for some time, you can now stream it on Max. Although I have some criticisms, I genuinely believe it remains an excellent film. It holds up surprisingly well compared to many subsequent superhero movies.

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2025-04-21 18:09