Superhero Universe - Powers and Abilities

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Developing Powers and Abilities of a Superhero Universe

In comic books, superheroes and villains have special powers that let them do things normal people cannot, or are highly skilled in real world abilities. Also, there is usually a story of how they got those powers and skills.

The origin and history
Their powers and abilities
Their challenges and weaknesses
Their weapons and/or equipment

Marvel Heroes Amazing Powers

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Developing the superhero universe - The Origin and History

How did your hero or villain get their powers?
What motivated them to do what they do?

The second part is often important, as rarely does a person just decide to become a superhero for the heck of it. A villain might, but not a hero. They also don’t always go together, so keep that in mind. And if you’re using something similar to what has been done before, naturally put a different take or spin on it to make it fresh. (No copying, remember.)

Giving the superheroes and villains their Powers and Abilities

Think of what kind of powers and/or abilities your characters could have and how they would use them:

Powers often match with a character’s name: e.g.,
- Spider-Man - has the abilities of a spider
- Green Arrow - is an archer
Or they could have real-world abilities unrelated to their powers
- Martial arts
- Something related to their jobs
- More common types of super-powers

Giving them Challenges and Weaknesses makes for an exciting storyline

To keep your heroes and villains from being unbeatable, give them some limits on their abilities or weaknesses that can be used against them. It could be something that affects them:

Physically – like kryptonite with Superman
Psychologically – claustrophobia with Storm of the X-Men

It helps storylines by giving heroes a challenge to overcome or ways to beat a villain; however, don’t make that too easy... be creative in how it can be pulled off each time.

All superheroes and villains need Weapons and/or Equipment

Some superheroes and villains, even if they have powers, use specific weapons, gadgets or equipment. They can be:

Simple and common
- Computers
- Lab equipment
- Guns or knives
Specific – created by others or self-created - like Iron Man’s armor (see Iron Man's new armor in right image) â�º
Equipment made to follow a motif used by the character - like Batman’s ‘bat’-themed gear. In some cases, equipment can be tied into a character’s powers, maybe to the point of helping to control them.
Some weapons are unique in other ways, such in how they’re built, making them one-of-a-kind items (Captain America’s shield is made from a unique combination of metals), or can only used by certain people (Thor’s hammer can only be lifted by those who are worthy).

Like with the origin, try to put a spin on the powers in terms of how they work and how they’re used. Again, this will make your character both interesting and seem fresh to a reader.

One thing to keep in mind is that when you do start creating characters, you don’t have to do it in any set order. Anywhere can be a starting point, like thinking of a power, an ability, or a name first... and then going from there.