The Superman "L" Conspiracy
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Superman comics are filled with tons of characters whose names have two Ls. Lex Luthor, Lois Lane, Lana Lang, Linda Lee, Lori Lemaris, and even Superman's Kryptonian mother, Lara Lor-Van. Heck, his own birth name is Kal-El! Why are there so many Ls in the Superman mythos? Scott explains this conspiracy theory, and reveals how deep it goes...
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Further reading on the history of double Ls in Superman comics!
www.supermanhomepage.com/comi...
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#Superman #Comics #videoessay
*COUPLE OF THINGS* • This video is kind of an experiment to see if you guys like videos where I cover a large range of topics and trivia under one umbrella. If you liked it, leave a thumbs up or comment! If you have feedback, let me hear it! • HUGE thanks to Ricky from the channel Stewdippin for helping me film this video. You can hear his laugh at the end, haha! Go check out his channel 👉 kzhead.info • That's it.
This is actually something my dad and I, no joke, have had numerous conversations about over many years
i like this new like "format"
NerdSync I'm not sure if it's the cinematography, the acting, or the editing, but it all came together in a delightful way. Was that natural lighting? Very nice touch ✌️ edit: if it's not natural light then it's probably an even bigger compliment haha
Liked this video, literally and figuratively
DAMN DUDE! I've gotta admit, you kinda lost me back when you started focusing on comic book movies that were coming out even though I understand why you did it, but if you were trying to drag me back in MAN did you go above and beyond!
I can't believe you didn't mention that in the Golden Age, and by extension Earth-Two, Superman's family name was literally just the letter L. His birth name was Kal-L, his father was Jor-L, his uncle Zor-L. Not "El", just L
This was something I meant to talk about, but it never made it into the final script. Sorry!
I though original it was "el", but when earth two was invented, they changed the spelling?
Shawn remember, the original golden age Suoes is the Earth 2 man of steel.
Martin Dawson . I don't think that changes his point, I think Shawn is commenting that they retconned it.
And lets not forget that in red son all the L (El) are Luthor desendants
L as in Luminate, as in Illuminate.... as in Illuminati confirmed!!
*[dramatic music intensifies]*
Cease your investigations!
You just blew my mind....
You are ridiculous!!!! it's illuminate not luminate
But wouldn't luminate be the opposite of Illuminate, as legitimate is the opposite of illegitimate?
The while video kinda reminds me of Vsauce for some reason. Not a bad thing tho, I love Vsauce
Any comparison to Vsauce can only be a compliment! Thank you!
oh thank god it wasn't just me.
Hey, Nerdsync, Scott here.
Vsauce3, Jake, to be more specific =)
Glad I'm not the only one. I love Vsauce
"Lone lurking letter".... Nice alliteration!!!!
Part of it's "Literary legacy".
Superman's curse: to take that L.
Bruno Franco lmao
It's not to take an L no it's to take a double L
Well those are the L he takes
So instead of Superman it was Luperman this entire time?!? 🤔🤔🤔 Jokes aside another great video that made my day
• WhereDidYouGohan • Luperman. LMAO
Johnny Dropkicks Acctualy, myamoto just really liked the word donkey...
edgar Proulx - That's just retroactive continuity.
El Uperman
Lo, lest El be in a league of his own.
Kal in Hebrew (קול) means voice And El (אל) means God, there for supermans name means the voice of God (kind of like Moses is a messenger of God to Israel)
I definitely think El meaning God in Hebrew is relevant. It's so fitting for superman. I'm not sure about Kal meaning 'voice' though, because the word for 'voice' is pronounced 'Kol'. 'Kal' קל in Hebrew means easy, or light-weight, and I'm not sure how that fits into the superman lore, unless you think of him as a light version of God, like a demi-God. That could fit. Either way it's fun to speculate ;)
Miriam Asofsky so he’s God Lite?
that's incredible.
House of Taking a lot of Ls
Checks out... Religion: guilty of the majority of ignorance, disparity and genocide in history, AND influenced some pretty cool pop culture characters and stories. Gotta take the good with the bad I guess.
Kal-El just caught the L.
or is it supposed to be "Le Lak" Superman's name is Le Lak!
When your right your right
Henry Cav- El
Holy conspiracy batman!
Whoa! - Bill and Ted
Whoo, that filter during the intro looks cool. Got that detective movie feel to it.
Thanks! I had a ton of fun with it!
10:05 Moses and the House of El new band name I called it
After Effects with Adrian Jensen i love that the version of Moses he uses is voiced by Batman
can i play the Cow B-EL?
Can I play the ELectric guitar?
The double L also appears in "LoL". Coincidence? Yes, surely. Lol
I wish this video was longer! this was a really cool angle to look at the superman mythos and even tho I knew Sups have a LOT of jesus references in him (especially in the movies) I´ve never conected the "el" to the bible, that was really cool. It seems like you really like this kind of scripted content when you talk about smart stuff but it would be really cool if you could make some interviews/podcast thing with some of the writers of the source material you use. Anyhow wow Scott great moves keep it up, proud of you.
The main thing there is differentiating between the bible and the torah as pointed out they were born into Jewish families so where Christianity likes to focus on Jesus a bit more, they wouldn't have, however the Jesus references were more in tune with the fact that America it self is a bit of a Christian country so as time goes on it would be more likely that this person that represents truth, Justice, and the American way would be more steered to a more Christian comparison
Yeah maybe Jesus was the wrong word to use by me, Superman has a lot "saviour" in him, who is a concept that is prevalent in all the Abrahamic religions (prophets, apostles and the like) the likeness Scott mentioned between Sups and Moses could just be that the trope of a son of kings who is sent away due to the risk of death and becomes a leader in a faraway country and later triumphant returns home is a popular story that echoes true almost all religions and societies true history. Siegel and Schuster could just have been inspired by this loose concept.
I understood that reference.
Superman wasn't originally meant to be a Messiah figure. He was more a take on The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells, but Messiahs sell better. The origin story of Moses is copied from the Gilgamesh Epos. It's a good story, but the actual history it is based on is a bit different. Still, considering that it was an oral tradition until it was written down, and considering the circumstances it was written down in, those changes are understandable. They made the story more relatable to the audience. Ultimately it doesn't matter if Kal-El is a metaphor for Jesus or Moses or Emmanuel. He is an alien threat.
The modern (especially cinematic) Christian imagery and references in the depiction of Superman are so blatant and obvious, he has been sitting in my head cannon as (one of oh so very many) "Jesuses of Fiction" (for want of a better phrase). Despite knowing his Jewish paternity (and perhaps as a bi-product of a slightly christiocentric spin generally in Western media) the Moses parallel simply did not occur to me. Unfortunately, in considering whether this initial similarity was deliberate on the part of his creators, the highly suspicious part of my brain wonders the same about his subsequent "jesusification". Certainly interesting, if potentially alarming; but, not, I feel, suitable content for this channel (or, possibly the whole Internet). Besides, there's an argument for the whole Superhero genre as a modern interpretation of the classical hero (hercules/heracles, ulyses/odysseus, perseus, etc) and, I suspect, academics can trace the roots of those to even longer ago, in yet another culture's backyard. There may not be enough string in the world.
The biblical influence is very likely since both of his creators are Jewish and basically created a modern age angel. On top of that, Superman is practically Moses and it's not like it takes away from his character. The rest of the Ls can be explained as a nice little artistic Easter egg since the JoJo author factors in band references with his characters which may sometimes have a huge connection but it is just a fun thing to do with the character and I think it is also there just to make us readers just take a look at these characters and draw up our own conclusions of them. Just like how Lex Luthor's name has its own secret meaning
You can see Henry Cavills chest hair peeking through his coustume.
and it is wonderful.
Really?
He is litterally part of the HOUSE OF EL! So since his family on Krypton was L oriented, so is his family on earth... Makes sense.
Exactly!
NerdSync Aye! You replied!
In the Golden Age and by extention Earth-Two it's the House of L. Seriously, just google Kal-L
EL means GOD in Hebrew.
MakiPcr Nice.
Superman is taking a big “L”
Genuinely, the video was going to end with a joke like that. We had to change it, though. It was too dumb, haha!
I was thinking the same idea. Superman has been taking "L's" for the last two decades.
Interesting video regardless.
Superman steals dead rapper.
Aren't Lex Luthor's fullname is Alex Luthor?
okay but that string board deserves major props ahahahaha ! loved the video !!
Haha, I had lots of fun making it!
Heh props...no pun intended
3:26 lightning lad ... wut
A member of the Legion of Super-Heroes along with Saturn Girl, Cosmic Boy & Brainiac 5.
Don't forget Bouncing Boy and Matter-Eater Lad.
Chad Benjamin now that you mention it I remember i guess it didn't comment to me because how different he looked there , the guy with the weird eye who's "fighting" superman and has an evil brother
Charley Newman and the Karate Kid
davincent98 Oh, yeah.
I've never watched you're content before. This video was very well made, the set looks great, and tbh it really sold me on subscribing.
El: God Micha-el: one like God Rapha-el: remedy of God Gabri-el: strength of God Kal-el
Padre Cocinero yep that is definitely not a coincidence.
Damn, dude. Not only was this really well researched, it was also well produced. Love the “conspiracy wall” talking in the dark setting. Well done. Well freaking done.
As an amateur comic nerd I was like "Oh, the double L story, that's old news!" But, not surprisingly, you proved me wrong. This was excellent. I was genuinely surprised by the alliterative "EL" being on Superman's symbol itself. Well spotted! It *sounds* amazing and I *want* it to be true, but as you point out, it was retconned in much later. If the Marlon Brando story is correct, then it's not some clever design but entirely an accident! I get it, sometimes serendipity happens but I was hoping this story was "more real" in some way. It feels a bit more like an optical illusion.
This is amazing Scott
Thanks!
@@NerdSyncProductions his name is nerdsync
@@NerdSyncProductions his name is nerdsync
Bro. Scott. My dude. This might be my favourite Nerdsync video. I love the tone and the layout. I like how you incorporated a little scenario into it (the detective trying to figure out the significance of LL). You should definitely do more like it!
This might be the greatest episode you have ever created. I've been binging your content over the past few weeks, and this is by far my favorite. Your production quality, style, and even how you managed to work in a storyline while just EXPLAINING the history of this topic! PLEASE make more like this, I need more!
AMAZING vid! Nice work Scott!
Scott, you consistently put out some of the most researched, informative, compelling content about comic books around. It is criminal that you don't have more subscribers. You deserve to be up there with the greats with regards to comic book discourse. As our greater culture comes to realize that these characters are our modern myths, you are making your mark as a part of that grand tradition. Thank you.
Love the cinematography and writing on this one, Scott. This has got to be one of the best videos you've done yet. Hope to see more of this kind of stuff on the channel!
What about Superman: Red Son, where the House of L is actually the Luthor family in the far future?
I recently read Red Son and I was buffled at the ending. Amazing story.
Wow Scott... I love it, I just Love it ❤️❤️
I had that comic as a kid, "Superman's Day of Doom".
I still love that old story. I originally read it circa 1980 in one of those 100-page digests of classic stories.
Thank you. The L thing had been a question for me for years. But you took it further than I ever did and made me think even harder about it.
LOVED this episode! The structure of the video, the transitions, the whole presentation was great. Been a big fan for a long time now, but I really like this style of video and look forward to more like it!
Dude that was undoubtedly your best video yet! PLEASE keep up the great work!
This video was beautifully made, Scott! Such a joy to watch.
I really enjoyed this. Good topic. Great presentation
Thanks so much!
Scott, this video was great! From the jumping around in content and trivia to the fantastically artful presentation, right down to the hilarious self referential at the end. Keep up the great work you wonderful nerd you!
This! This video!!! This video was so damned good. You not only informed me of new things, but changed the way I look at some old things...and thoroughly entertained me at the same time! Thank you very kindly for this...please do keep them coming. Also...I, in fact, did see your video about Supes and the KKK previously, but I will share it elsewhere to make sure it gets some more views. Cheers!
Have not even watch the rest yet but I gotta say, that is an awesome getup Scott. Any time you do some conspiracy or theory based vid, dress as a detective; you pull it off
Hahaha, thank you 😊
Good catch on catching Laraine's LL connection. I recall reading that, IIRC, back in 1968. Glad you also caught the biblical meanings. SOMEBODY that understands the history of comics. Not reading too much into it.
Honestly loved this video man. This formatting, and the production were excellent!
Just got a chance to watch. This video is so great. The editing is on point and the lighting is beautiful. The writing is great. Basically it's a NerdSync video.
Goddamit, that evil laugh at the end was epic! :)) =]] Mua-haha-haha-ha-ha!
One of my new favorite videos of yours. I like the experiment. That ending was amazing. I’m excited to see more! I personally think this thing goes deeper... also I have seen the KKK video. It was also great.
LOVE this vibe, GREAT music choices too! Especially that tug at the heart strings (pun not intended) at the end cue!
This is one some of your best work. Loved every single second of it.
Great vid scott
So good, I watched twice. Haven't watched a NerdSync video in a while and forgot how well they are made. Not just a green screen and some free online editing program, kiddos.
Wow. This was a really interesting video. I also liked the cinematography and music during the sections where you talked and adjusted the conspiracy board. Well made video! I never thought about this stuff before!
This is probably the best video you have. Fantastic work well done
I love this kind of video!!! Very interesting!
7:07 wait that same Mario puzo tha godfather one WHAT , are Brando and him a package deal?
You didn't know about that? There are some great docs here on KZhead about the making of the original superman movie and how it was almost a huge catastrophe
Huge fan of this format and the whole video you made. Thanks for all the hard work and time you give.
Such a good video in every aspect, the writing, acting, filming & editing are all great
WoAh brand new Scott video
That's me!
Interesting as usual, Scott. I wonder if S&S themselves made the El connection consciously or if George Lowther, the writer who changed -L to -El, caught on to their subconscious impulse and decided to make it a bit more obvious.
This was one of your most fun video's yet! You should definitely do more video's with unique atmospheres like this
Scott, this was one of, if not your coolest video! I don't miss your content, keep up the great work 😎
Scott, you’re *my* hero.
😊
Different, but I love this video! GREAT JOB EVERYONE!!
Thanks for the kind words 🙏🏻
One of the best videos on your channel, this was highly enjoyable.
I loved this video so much! The style, how you told it, the info itself, pretty much everything was great
This actually is an incredible video Scott. You do your research well. I do follow Hebrew beliefs, and not to many people know the info you just put out. Very, very good. I'm highly going to recommend this video and the rest you do to people on twitter.
PLEASE do a video about Bart Allen's parents! She's a Thanwne, and he's Barry Allen's son, and we know that Malcolm Thawne is Barry's twin, so...
J. Rodrigues more flash videos!!!
Really well done video Scott!!! Keep em coming
Scott, I love these videos, especially these kind, theyre very interesting so keep it up man!
SUPERMAN IS A *LESBIAN?!* ... guess I should watch the video BEFORE I comment...
Yeah... one bad run with the red K and it becomes a big ol mess.
Your post is not edited so I guess you already did that which makes the question that you asked pretty stupid.
@@oneheckofabanana2016 It's... The point of the joke.
Yay! A video! And I’m early!
Welcome!
wow Scott, this is one of the best videos I've ever watched here on this channel! LOVE IT. MORE!
I absolutely loved this video. Great job Scott!!
Scottttt! So happy to see a new video. I have an unrelated question, what are your thoughts on captain America the first avenger? I love it but I know a lot of people hate it.
I love it a lot!
Luca Z I also loved it
Its one of my favorite mcu movies
Awesome! Didn’t expect to get this much support!
El means god (little g) in hebrew, are superman's creators jewish? It's a more direct connection to the biblical vector.
Yeah, I touched on this in the video
Also not just Daniel, Michael and other names ending in “el” - other names BEGINNING in “el” as well - Elijah “God is YAHWEH” and Elisha “God is salvation”
@queenannsrevenge100: And the big one, Emanuel: God with us
The "el" in all those biblical names means "of god", and El is one of the names for God going back to prejewish roots. Not "little g" by the way. Big g, little g is a modern concept. Great food for thought.
8:02
Dude!! Your videos are always so bloody awesome!! Keep up the good work!!
Scott. This video was shot beautifully. Amazing cinematography, and the topics were really interesting. Great job
Here are a couple of questions that has plagued me since childhood. I know the original idea of Supermans costume is made from his baby blanky (??) but 1. How was it cut and with what was it sewn? His costume is indestructable so...? And also, How does it change size with him from Superboy to Superman? Does it have an integral ability to morph to the correct size? If you've answered these in a previous video, I apologize for my ignorance. Thanks man. Great channel, very informative and fun.
peter blood Originally, Ma Kent sewed it by unraveling blankets found with Clark in his shuttle. They're similarly as tough as he is, so he would cut the string with his heat vision whilst she was sewing.
Okay, that all seems logical although I would still have to wonder what she used for a needle. Also...the size of the baby blanky and it's ability to morph.
peter blood Maybe a sharp piece of metal from his ship.
umm, maybe. The ship could not have been destroyed or even damaged if the story is to remain consistent. I would have to see it in print I think though.
peter blood Maybe the needle was in the ship as a kit option?
*YOU DON'T DENY BRANDO*
Brando was a large, loud, lazy, loony lout.
Love love loved this video!! Super fun, interesting, and informative -- good job!
You really, really are a seriously underrated creator and KZheadr. Congratulations for the video !
L is for lungs, as in why the heck does he have lungs that can breath our air
burning newt well Krypton had a similar atmospheric composition to earth.
Not to mention Superman's birthname is "Cow- L"
He's a cow?
I really should watch the video before making a joke.
Symbol of the truth justice and the American way: Grill Steaks, Hamburgers, the Stockmarket. You know. The American Way.
Are you trying to make a joke about cowls, as in a mask? Which superman doesn't even wear.
Sorry, Batman got there first: dc.wikia.com/wiki/Bat-Cow_(Prime_Earth)
Awesome! I knew Scott would cover this sooner or later.
I love this format! Please do more!
Superman "L" conspiracy? *"L" for like... Losing..* Geddit?... Cause you know, losing in the box office...
Got em
XionaX Gaming That is a terrible joke if you have to explain it.
BRUTAL!!!
Ily Scott
❤️
ur my favorite nerd scott, ice been watching u ever since the first bg u had; i wish u every best thing, keep working and ill be always a fan of u and ur work.
This video was amazing, well done Scott (and everyone else who may have worked on it)
It was an S for nearly 70 years in the comics. It ALWAYS stood for Superman until the Donner films and some subsequent TV shows. Hell, the Man of Steel mini-series had Martha create it AFTER Lois dubbed him Superman. It wasn't until the Birthright mini-series that it became a Kryptonian symbol in comics and even there it varied as to whether it was a symbol for Krypton as a whole or just Superman's family.
Interesting
Thank you!
Love seeing Scott ham it up. Great video my dude
You are one of the biggest nerds on youtube and that is why i subcribed. YOU ARE AWESOME!
HEYOOOO
Hope you liked the video!
hey i love you man
And I love you!
Great video. Keep up the good work, Scott.
The quality in the last copple of vids is just freeking amazing man good work
Yay
lAuRa LaNcE
ThatWrestlingHound It's Laurel. And that's one more L.
Your style, the video and how you say everything is fantastic. Keep up the good job
Great video Scott ,I always wondered the reason for the L reference ,keep up the good work bro.