The latest developments in ulta-strong and light carbon thread, also known as nanotubes or CNT, suggests that thin-skin body armor may be a reality soon. Or maybe it will usher in a new generation of sails and masts for power generation on windmills and boats.

Compared to a steel structure of similar size, explains Lance Criscuolo, of Zyvex Performance Materials, of Richardson, Texas, a nanotube is about 100 times stronger at one-sixth the weight. “Inherently, it’s a much stronger material. It’s the strongest material known to man at this point.”

Just the sort of thing you would want to wear, if safety and durability is your aim. What about CNT skin for automobiles? Flying cars?

Maybe it is time for CNT Man? Iron Man fought Communists and succumbed to alchoholism. Who will CNT Man take on (Terrorists? Polluters?), and what will be his weakness?