As for whineyness overpowering a bioelectric field, I must agree. Superman always seems to be at his weakest when surrounded by angst. This has historically been blamed on the writers, but it may be that adolescent ennui has a deleterious effect on his Kryptonian metabolism. See any appearance of Superman in a Frank Miller Batman book.
(Incidentally, I *love* The Dark Knight Returns and recommend it to everyone here. Just in case you haven't already read it and been overpowered by its greatness.)