Quote Originally Posted by Traab View Post
Now here is what I wonder. Is it better if your character has an excuse for constantly varying power levels narratively speaking? I mean, when you have guys like the flash taking pies to the face in between dodging light speed attacks on pure reflex it is kinda silly, but then again, if you try to justify it as "Oh, yeah, totally spectre could do this... but god doesnt want him to so he cant" it feels like trying to paper over a plot hole by admitting your character is too strong to do the things the way you want him to without justifying it. On the other hand, ignoring it doesnt make it go away. Having superman NOT speed blitz his enemies when it totally would work because otherwise the comic ends too soon isnt any better when you just ignore that and keep going.
It depends on the quality of the writing. Like you said, it can be paper over a plot hole, on the other hand, it could just be highly specific limitations on the character's power. If the limitations are known and consistent then it works really well. Typically anyways.

Meanwhile just ignoring the problem like the Flash or Superman does just makes you look stupid.