10 Inappropriate Stories You Won't Believe DC Comics Published
7. "Punish Me, Daddy!" - World's Finest #201 (1971)
Superman is often perceived as the definitive protector of Earth. However, Green Lantern has been designated by the Guardians of the Universe to police a sector of space that includes the Solar System. Which begs the question; if the Earth was in imminent peril, is it Superman's job to stop it or Green Lantern?
After the two heroes argued on the dilemma, a Guardian stepped in and created a test to see if the pair could stand against their greatest fear. So what is Superman's biggest phobia? Losing Lois? Having his identity exposed? Humanity turning against him?
Nope. When Superman begins the test, he meets a gigantic version of his father, Jor-El, who berates his son for not becoming a scientist. As punishment, he bends Supes over and repeatedly spanks him. Just to make this whole situation more awkward, Supes screams, "Punish me, Daddy. I deserve it." as tears trickle down his cheeks. This panel is so ridiculous, it was destined to become meme fodder.
In the end, we learn this whole "contest" was a scheme orchestrated by a necromancer called Felix Faust but, by this point, the reader is too traumatised to care.