close menu
Because Science

How Do THE POWERPUFF GIRLS’ Hands Work?

When you’re a cartoon-watching kid, you get good at suspending disbelief. Sure, characters don’t know what their own ears are, and sure, CatDog doesn’t poop. But when you’re older, that disbelief can come rushing back. That’s exactly what happened to me when I fell down the rabbit hole of what I’m calling “Powerpuff Hand Theory.” Bubbles, Blossom, and Buttercup of The Powerpuff Girls don’t have fingers — they shouldn’t be able to grab or grip anything. Clearly they do, even chopsticks. How is this possible?

In my latest Because Science, I’m establishing some Powerpuff Hand Theory of my own (despite what creator Craig McCracken told me). To me, a theory will only fit the evidence we see in the cartoon if it explains the girls’ gripping ability with minimal anatomical changes, or at least changes that aren’t outwardly visible (who knows how much “Chemical X” mutated them). That leaves in my mind two possible options: the girls either have the kind of skin that lines the feet of one particularly adorable reptile, or their arms are more like robotic limbs than human limbs.

Which theory sounds more plausible to you? Check out the science in the video above, and then let me know in the comments below.

Thanks to Ubisoft and their new melee combat game, For Honor, for sponsoring today’s show! Will you join the Knights, Vikings, or Samurai in the War of The Factions? Go to ForHonorGame.com/War to register for the beta, fight alongside Team Nerdist, and watch as we battle it out. We’ll be streaming through January 29th, so pledge your sword and fight for your faction!


Check out my last video on what’s actually inside the Infinity Stones; subscribe to this playlist to stay current with the show; buy a Because Science shirt, mug, or collectible pin (you know why); and follow me on Twitter to give me a suggestion for the next episode or on Instagram where I’m now posting extra mini-episodes!

THE GOLDEN GIRLS are Heading Off-Broadway—As Puppets!

THE GOLDEN GIRLS are Heading Off-Broadway—As Puppets!

article
Smash Mouth's 'All Star' Made With Windows XP Sounds Might Break Your Brain

Smash Mouth's 'All Star' Made With Windows XP Sounds Might Break Your Brain

article
The Shelf: MONSTERS UNIVERSITY

The Shelf: MONSTERS UNIVERSITY

article