Strike A Pose

October 14th, 2009

Filed under: Comics, Medicine

scene from X-Men Forever #7

When and why did placing the hands on either side of the forehead become the official pose of telepaths and other comic book psychics?

I figure there are several possibilities why:
1. The brains of psychics are heavier than normal — especially when using their powers — and they need the extra support.
2. It’s an aiming device.
3. Psychic powers cause migraines and they’re massaging the sensitive spots.
4. It increases downforce, in case one of those pesky psychic winds comes along. It also helps them in cornering on banked tracks.
5. They close their eyes when concentrating and it prevents them from bumping into anything if they start walking around.
6. It prevents a psychic nosebleed.

As for when , as far as I can find (in my admittedly brief search), it goes back to X-Men #3 (January 1964):

scene from X-Men#3

X-Men Forever

The first image is from X-Men Forever #7 (by Claremont and Scott), and I chose it not only because it features the classic psychic pose *twice*, but because it also screams “irony!” For a series that features two of the strongest telepaths in the Marvel Universe (if not in all comics), they have been utterly useless in the comic. Every enemy they’ve faced has been impervious to psychic powers because they’re a robot, they’ve been trained by Xavier, they’ve been trained by Nazis, or due to static electricity. Yes, apparently static electricity defeats high-level telepaths. So the next time someone’s trying to read your mind or take over your brain, just shuffle your feet on some carpet and you’ll be safe.
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12 Responses to “ Strike A Pose ”

  1. Dean
    October 14th, 2009 at 11:42 pm

    It’s so that the bad guys can render a telepathis hero helpless by tying his/her hands.

  2. Seth Finkelstein
    October 15th, 2009 at 1:00 am

    Antennae! They’re making psychic “rabbit ears” as best they can. Presumably they’d want a “V” shape, but can’t form that anatomically, so make do with an “A” shape.

  3. Dr Archeville
    October 15th, 2009 at 6:57 am

    They’re manipulating pressure points that activate/control their abilities?

  4. Meagen
    October 15th, 2009 at 9:04 am

    It’s called the Pstandard Psychic Pstance.

  5. Strike A Pose | Internet-D
    October 15th, 2009 at 10:08 am

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  6. Chris Arndt
    October 15th, 2009 at 2:20 pm

    I just get hacked off when telekinetics apparently can exude stuff from their hands.

    I think the psychics cap theirs fingers on heads like that as a dumb reflex, like hand talking over the phone.

  7. Barb
    October 15th, 2009 at 9:48 pm

    Interesting that it first showed up in the comic books in 1964, as the page on TvTropes mentions that Uncle Martin did it on My Favorite Martian which went on the air in 1963. I’ wondering whether it was originally from stage mentalists, like Alexander, The ManWhoKnows; or Mandrake. From the standpoint of a stage performer, adding a very clearly visible gesture to indicate “I’m using my powers now” would simply be good showmanship.

  8. Michael A. B.
    October 15th, 2009 at 10:34 pm

    It is possible that they do it as a signal to those who are not telepathic that they are contacting someone. Like holding up the one finger when someone walks up and you are on your bluetooth. I guess that would make it a dick move if you weren’t the most powerful telepath in the world.

  9. Alberto
    October 15th, 2009 at 10:48 pm

    Another possibility: when you place your hands like that you block your peripheral vision, and that might help concentrating. You see, most of the time the telepaths also close their eyes, so it gets easier to concentrate without the visual noise.

    And what about an involuntary reflex, like the “forehead slap” you make when you just remembered something you forgot, or holding your head with your hand when you reflect about something you are worried?

    I mean, maybe it just human nature, after all.

  10. Bash
    October 16th, 2009 at 10:59 am

    I can see it playing out like this…..

    Professor X – “I take him out using my psychic powers! UGH! There’s too much static, I can’t break thru!”

    Person Being Targeted by Prof X – “That’s right Professor! It’s the fool proof rubbing balloons on my head defense! HA!”

  11. Agatha Rights
    October 17th, 2009 at 12:05 am

    I always assumed it was because using psychic powers took focus and concentration, and like how I rub the bridge of my nose when I have to concentrate, they’ve simply picked up the trait as an unconscious response by working with other psychics. Since they all imitate each other, it’s just an accepted motion now.

    Alternatively, that psychic powers create a symptom similar to sinus pressures or pressure in the forehead (I get this a lot with allergies) and they’re trying to relieve the pressure.

  12. EL
    October 17th, 2009 at 12:41 am

    The pose seems to have evolved some. The guy in the x-man comics looks as though someone is holding a gun on him.

    By the way, excellent and very funny post and comments. Thank you!

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