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Contents 1 Magical powers 2 Manipulation of fundamental forces 2.1 Molecular Manipulation 2.2 Liquefaction 2.3 Energy manipulation 2.4 Lumokinesis 2.5 Gravitation Manipulation 3 Magnetism Manipulation 3.1 Probability Manipulation 3.2 Umbrakenesis 3.3 Space-time manipulation 3.4 Radiation manipulation 3.5 Density control 4 Knowledge-based powers 4.1 Eidetic memory 4.2 Intuitive aptitude 4.3 Reflexive memory 4.4 Omniscience 4.5 Omni-linguism 4.6 Superhuman intelligence 5 Object-based powers 6 Psychic powers 6.1 Astral projection 6.2 Dream manipulation 6.3 Empathy 6.4 Healing 6.5 Mediums 6.6 Precognition 6.7 Psychometry 6.8 Telekinesis 6.9 Telepathy 6.10 Mind Control 6.11 Illusion 6.12 Remote Viewing 6.13 Possession 6.14 Psionic Blast 7 Physical powers 7.1 Animal imitation 7.2 Bone Manipulation 7.3 Duplication 7.4 Echolocation 7.5 Enhanced Senses 7.6 Flight 7.7 Matter ingestion 7.8 Superhuman strength 7.9 Super Speed 7.10 Chemical production 7.11 Wall crawling 7.12 Water breathing 7.13 X-Ray Vision 7.14 Invisibility 7.15 Invulnerability 7.16 Immortality 7.17 Intangibility 7.18 Regeneration 7.19 Shape Shifting 8 Technology-based powers 8.1 Technopathy 8.2 Electronic Data Transception 9 Super power manipulation 9.1 Granting power 9.2 Mimicry or absorption 9.3 Power cancellation 9.4 Power sensing 10 Transportation powers 10.1 Dimensional Transportation 10.2 Electrical Transportation 10.3 Omnipresence 10.4 Teleportation 11 Powers relating to nature 11.1 Air-based powers 11.2 Fire/heat-based powers 11.3 Earth-based powers 11.4 Ice/cold-based powers 11.5 Water-based powers 11.6 Plant-based powers 11.7 Weather-based powers 12 Related Terms and Articles

This list may not be complete. Please add additional abilities under the appropriate sections with examples.

Various super powers are also listed under the super powers category

Super Powers are physical or mental abilities that go beyond that of ordinary humans. Some powers are innate and are an extension of what humans may already be capable of with limitations, such as enhanced sight, hearing, strength, and healing. Others may be new abilities to humans that may be witnessed in other creatures, such as flight, echo location, or the ability to breathe underwater. Of course there are also more unusual abilities that cannot be explained by science such as spell casting and the ability to manipulate magical forces and other abilities not seen in nature such as invisibility, molecular and energy manipulation.

Perhaps the abilities most familiar are extrasensory abilities, such as precognition, telepathy, telekinesis, and the ability to speak to the dead. But wherever there is an unusual ability, there are often equally unusual abilities able to counteract, manipulate, or sense them and those are powers unto themselves. Of course not all super human abilities come by nature, genetic manipulation or evolution, some are the result of technological enhancements, such as those abilities possessed by characters like Iron Man and the Bionic Woman.

Some specific abilities are extensions of others, or may be acquired by finessing an existing skill. Individuals with telekinesis, for example, may be able to manipulate molecules and atoms, as in the case of Jean Grey, granting them near-unlimited power. Their ability to levitate objects can be finessed into flight. Technopathy may take the form of Electronic data transception, or be so specific as to relate only to computers.

Magical powers

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Also see: Magic

Magic is the ability to manipulate the physical and/or spiritual world via non-scientific means. The use and capabilities of magics varies according to culture and is sometimes part of religious rites. In some fictional works and ancient belief systems, magic is a fundamental force of reality and only particular individuals such as witches, wizards, warlocks, or those who have learned special techniques such as sorcerers and other inherently magical beings such as fairies and leprechauns have the ability to manipulate this force, often through the casting of spells. Noteworthy fictional users of magic include the Charmed Ones, Harry Potter and Merlin the wizard.

For individual characters, please see the characters who use magic

Manipulation of fundamental forces

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The ability to manipulate fundamental forces of nature and reality are among the most common super powers and covers a large number of talents. The source of the ability may be magical but may also be innate abilities to exert force over matter, energy, and space time.

Molecular Manipulation

The ability to alter the properties of physical objects. Elemental transmutation, disintegration, liquefaction, and density control fall under this heading. Molecular Manipulation is an extremely flexible talent. A person with this ability could change the color of an object, or its density or even cause it to disintegrate or explode. Known characters with this ability include Isabel and Max Evans, Solar, and Mister M

Liquefaction

Liquefaction is related to molecular manipulation. It is the ability to transform solid objects into a liquid state without heat. On the series Heroes, the serial killer Sylar acquired this ability from Zane Taylor.

Energy manipulation

Energy manipulation is one of the more common super powers as various forms of energy exist in reality and fiction. These abilities include the ability to generate forces such as electricity, light, or nuclear power or to manipulate existing powers such as electricity. Some individuals such as Psylocke are able to create bursts of generic energy in the form of psionic blasts, others such as Cylops may have heat vision and yet others may be able to put on a fireworks show like Jubilee.

For individual characters, please see the characters who emit energy

Lumokinesis

Lumokinesis if the ability to control, generate, or absorb light particles such as photons. Individuals with this power can manipulate, gather or disperse light particles within limited distances. Lumokinetics are able to alter the color of light, control its brightness, quality, and saturation. Individuals with this ability such as Arthur Light and Kimiyo Hoshi can absorb light, bend it to become invisible, or display blinding bursts of light.

Gravitation Manipulation

Some characters like Gravity are able to alter the force of gravity for themselves or others.

Magnetism Manipulation

The character most associated with this ability is Marvel comics villain, Magneto. Magneto is able to manipulate all forms of metal granting him flight and powers that appear telekinetic.

Probability Manipulation

Having luck on your side is always a great feature. Being able to manipulate it at will, even better. Characters like Domino and Calamity King can cause unlikely events to occur by manipulating probability.

Umbrakenesis

Umbrakinesis is the ability to move shadows and darkness with the mind.

Space-time manipulation

Also see Time travel

A truly enviable power, individuals with this ability, such as Hiro Nakamura of Heroes are able to travel through time, and in Hiro's case, teleport. The ability has the added benefit of being able to freeze time for everyone, specific individuals, or to stop objects in motion. Piper Halliwell, of the series Charmed, had this ability via magic. The ability may also be used to give the appearance of moving faster than humanly possible as with the comics superhero Zoom.

For individual characters, please see the Time traveling characters category

Radiation manipulation

The ability to manipulate various forms of radiation can be a double edged sword. While individuals such as X-Ray, Captain Atom and Theodore Sprague may be able to direct the powerful forces, in Ted's case, a lack of control can result in the deaths of individuals close to them from radiation poisoning. Ted Sprague was also able to focus his ability to create an electromagnetic pulse (EMP).

Density control

Control over the density allows a person to control the substantiality of objects making them less dense so that they may be able to pass through solid objects or so dense they are as strong or stronger than diamond. This ability may also apply to an individual. Characters such as D. L. Hawkins and Martian Manhunter are able to pass through solid objects by manipulating their own molecular structure. The comics character Vision is able to increase his density to almost diamond-hard strength.

See Also: Intangibility

Knowledge-based powers

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Powers of knowledge are always highly valuable. The ability to intuitively understand or remember all information grants both flexibility and great power. Though Charlie of the series Heroes was unable to make full use of her eidetic memory, other characters such as Cypher are able to translate any language on in the case of Marvel Comics character Forge, have a level of genius surpassing normal high human intelligence.

Eidetic memory

Eidetic memory, more commonly known as photographic memory, is the gift of perfect recall. Individuals with this ability never forget anything which is a great gift but depending on what one has seen, can also be a curse. Eidetic memory is real human mental phenomenon but is taken to new levels in fiction allowing characters to learn new skills and languages in a fraction of the time it takes others. Known characters with this ability include Oracle (DC Comics), Bart Allen, Seven of Nine, Kyle Trager and John Doe.

Intuitive aptitude

Intuition is a rather general term for the innate capability to have skills or develop them without study or practice. Characters with this ability include Razorback who was able to operate any vehicle.

Reflexive memory

Reflexive memory also known as adoptive muscle mimicry, is a variation on intuitive aptitude but refers mainly to individuals who can replicate physical motions they've witnessed. Monica Dawson had this unusual ability to perform tasks she witnessed others complete.

Omniscience

Omniscience is a highly powerful ability, the capacity to know anything and everything. The ability is one typically associated with God but is also associated with fictional characters such as Infinity.

Omni-linguism

Omni-liguism is the ability to understand any language which includes computer language and written languages. Characters with this ability include Cypher and Starfire.

Superhuman intelligence

There are many geniuses among humans but their intelligence isn't comparable to the intelligence exhibited by characters such as Leader and Brainiac 5.

Object-based powers

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Some super powers are derived from inanimate objects, often powerful artifacts or technological inventions. The comic character, The Mask acquires his ability from a mysterious mask, the Green Lantern and Sinestro are granted their abilities by a ring. Some individuals have abilities of their own but are granted enhanced or additional abilities by objects of power.

Psychic powers

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see Psi powers

Psychic abilities refers to extra sensory perception, the ability to feel, know and perceive things others cannot. Psychic powers also covers spiritual abilities such as being able to communicate with the dead, project oneself unto another plane of existence or location and take possession of another's body.

Astral projection

see Astral projection

Astral projection is the ability to consciously control an out-of-body experience through meditation, lucid dreaming, or other means. The process involves projecting the spirit outside the physical body to travel in the physical or spiritual world. Individuals able to achieve this include Prue Halliwell of the series Charmed, Audrey Parker of The 4400, and the Marvel Comics characters Rachel Summers and Doctor Strange.

Dream manipulation

Individuals with the ability to manipulate dreams can control, alter or induce dreams in others. They may be able to enter a person's dreams or cause them to remain in a dream state against their will. Individuals with this ability include Sanjog Iyer and Isabel Evans.

Empathy

Empathy is the ability to sense emotions in others or share in or control their emotions. While this can allow an individual to be helpful as in the case of Counselor Deanna Troi of Star Trek: The Next Generation it has its drawbacks as Phoebe Halliwell of Charmed learned. Others with this ability include Emma DeLauro of Mutant X, Empath and Psycho-Pirate.

Healing

The ability to heal others is a much admired gift possessed by such individuals as Shawn Farrell and Daniel Linderman.

Mediums

Mediums are individuals able to communicate with people who have died by channeling, Séance , conjuring, and other means.

Precognition

See precognition

Precognition, or Clairvoyance is the ability to discern the future. Isaac Mendez of Heroes was able to paint the future. The ability is also associated with Phoebe Halliwell, and Maia Skouris.

Psychometry

See psychometry

Psychometry is the ability to touch an object and gain knowledge of its past, present, or future. The ability is particularly useful for solving mysteries and crimes as in the case of Johnny Smith. Michael Curry of Anne Rice's witch series, and Dark Horse Comics character Abe Sapien also possessed this ability.

Telekinesis

See Telekinesis

See Levitation

Telekinesis or pscyhokinesis is the ability to move objects with the mind. This also encompasses levitation. Telekinesis is one of the most extensive super powers as it can be refined into molecular manipulation. Individuals with this ability include Jean Grey, Richard Tyler, and Isabelle Tyler.

Telepathy

See Telepathy

Telepathy may be better known as mind reading. Individuals with this talent can hear and/or see the thoughts of others. Telepathy may also include the ability to project one's thoughts for the purpose of communication without speech. Matt Parkman possesses the ability to hear other people's thoughts. Some vampires, notably those in Anne Rice novels have this ability as well. Other characters include Saturn Girl, Emma Frost and Professor X.

Mind Control

See Mind control

Mind control is a form of telepathy that allows a person to alter another's perceptions and force them to actions they would not commit themselves. Mind control can also be expressed as the ability to erase memories or induce false memories and also to leave suggestions preventing a person from action.

Individuals with such abilities include The Haitian able to erase memories, Tess Doerner able to induce others to commit actions even to their detriment, and Eden McCain able to persuade individuals to do her bidding.

Illusion

see Illusion

Individuals with illusory abilities specialize in a form of mind control or other manipulation that allows them to alter others' perceptions or create images and sounds that do not truly exist. Candice Wilmer was able to create complex illusions of sound and image indistinguishable from reality. The ability also grants her the ability to shape-shift. Individuals with similar abilities include Jason Wyngarde, and Princess Projectra.

Remote Viewing

See remote viewing

Remote viewing, or nonlocal awareness, is the ability to garner information about people, objects, or events in distant locations. Remote viewing may be a form of astral projection but is typically not seen as such. John Doe was able to access remote viewing abilities with moderate training. Remote viewing is differentiated from clairvoyance because it is trained, rather than natural. Molly Walker had a specialized form of remote viewing allowing her to locate any individual just by thinking about them.

Possession

See Possession

While possession is often associated with demons and supernatural forces, some characters are able to take control of another through astral projection, as seen in the Anne Rice novel, The Tale of the Body Thief, or by mind transference.

Psionic Blast

The ability to overcome another's mind causing severe pain even to the point of catatonia or death.

Physical powers

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Physical powers fundamentally affect an individual's body granting them physical abilities beyond those of ordinary humans. Some are enhancements of natural abilities such as sight and hearing, others are abilities no other human possesses.

Animal imitation

Some characters are able to imitate abilities possessed by animals. This is not directly related to shape-shifting which requires a physical change into the creature. Rather, an animal imitator may gain the strength of animal, its enhanced smell, agility, speed or ability to crawl on walls as in the case of Animal Man and Vixen.

Bone Manipulation

Not an ability guaranteed to make one popular, being able to manipulate one's bones has its uses. Characters are able to generate new bone mass, project bones from their skin or rearrange their existing skeletal structure. Marvel comics mutant Spike has bony protrusions which he can project and brandish as weapons.

Duplication

Duplication is the ability to duplicate ones self without the use of cloning technology. Individuals with this ability include Triplicate Girl, Jed Garrity and Multiple Man

Echolocation

Echolocation is a talent normally associated with whales. Individuals with this talent can get knowledge of their location or navigate by refracting sound waves.

Enhanced Senses

Many characters have enhanced senses of hearing, vision, taste, smell and even touch. Many vampire characters have enhanced senses. Some characters only have a single enhancement such as telescopic vision, or the ability to see in the dark like The Owl. Characters like Superman and Power Girl also have enhanced senses.

Flight

The ability to fly is attributed to many comic superheroes. Some have it as an unexplained power, like Superman others gain flight from their telekinetic abilities as in the case of Jean Grey. Flight can also be accomplished by controlling the wind as with Marvel.

For individual characters, please see the Characters that fly

Matter ingestion

A very unusual ability, matter ingestion allows Matter-Eater Lad to bite and swallow anything from sashimi to iron bars.

Superhuman strength

See main article: Superhuman strength and category characters with superhuman strength

Super strength is absolutely necessary if you ever get the urge to throw a car at someone as Superman, Hulk and Niki Sanders may be inclined to do. It also comes in handy for rescuing damsels in distress and the occasional metal bending.

Super Speed

Being able to move faster than average is the realm of track and field runners but they can't begin to compare to Superman's "faster than a speeding bullet" reputation or the equally speedy Flash and Quicksilver.

Chemical production

Typically the result of a mutation, some individuals are able to produce chemicals in their bodies that they can project or use to manipulate others or even kill. Marvel Comics character The Anarchist can generate and project blasts of acid. The villainous Poison Ivy can secrete plant toxins while Wallflower and Crimson Fox are able to manipulate pheromones. On the series Heroes Maya Hererra secretes a substance that can kill almost instantly.

Wall crawling

This ability is associated with spiders and other insects and those with their abilities such as Spider-man and the Marvel Comics character, Cobra

Water breathing

The ability to breathe underwater immediately brings to mind the DC comics hero, Aquaman. Others with this ability include Namor the Sub-Mariner.

X-Ray Vision

X-Ray vision is a power oft associated with Superman who has the ability to see through solid objects. Others able to do the same include Peepers, and Lar Gand.

Invisibility

see Invisibility

Invisibility is the often envied and highly valuable power to disappear from sight or cause an object to do so. The methods for accomplishing this vary. It is a skill oft associated with gods, fairies and other magical beings but can also be acquired through technology as in the case of H.G. Wells'The Invisible Man, and the film Hollow Man. There are individuals who have the innate ability to render themselves invisible such as Heroes, Claude, Matrix, and Fatale.

For individual characters, please see the Invisible Characters Category

Invulnerability

Invulnerability is the inability to be harmed. This particular feature has given Superman the title, "man of steel". Supergirl and Champion of the Universe also had this feature.

Immortality

see Immortality

Humans have sought eternal life for millennia. Few have been able to achieve it though vampires are said to be able to live forever if they can bear the years. The immortals of the Highlander universe live forever after their first death, provided they manage to keep their heads. Some individuals achieve their immortality by taking the lives of others, others are cursed with what others see as a blessing.

For individual characters, please see the Immortal characters category

Intangibility

Intangibility is the ability to achieve a ghost-like state allowing a person or object to pass through solid objects at will. This gift is related to density control. D.L. Hawkins had this ability. The Tollan of Stargate had technology that allowed them to walk through walls. Phantom Girl had this ability as did Kitty Pryde.

Regeneration

See Regeneration & Invulnerability

The ability to recover from any injury like Claire Bennet of Heroes comes in handy when one is in constant danger or if one should ever decide to remove a body part. Marvel comics hero Wolverine also has this ability. Unfortunately, these people still must feel the pain of their injuries as Painkiller Jane knows well.

Shape Shifting

Shape shifters sometimes referred to as mimics, can transform their appearance, causing them to appear as new people, creatures or even inanimate objects. Methods vary. Some undergo a physical transformation while some achieve this through illusion, mind control or technology. Shapeshifting has been oft associated with vampires, and werewolves as well as gods and goddesses.

Technology-based powers

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With the ever increasing dependency on technology it's only natural that some individuals develop a particular affinity for various technologies, particular computer-based technologies.

Technopathy

Technopaths are individuals able to connect to technology with their minds, give them commands or alter their purpose. Individuals with this ability include DC comics character, Drummer, Micah Sanders, and Jake Foley who could connect to computers

Electronic Data Transception

Electronic Data Transception is a refined form of technopathy. Individuals such as Hana Gitelman, and Black Box are able to intercept electronic data transmissions, alter, redirect them. They can send emails without computers and communicate with satellites and similar devices.

Super power manipulation

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The ability to bestow, counteract or stimulate abilities of the gifted can be highly useful in a team setting. An individual with such an ability would be valuable in any training setting.

Granting power

Some characters such as Synergy and Sage have the ability to bring out latent abilities in others. After taking promicin, Danny Farrell developed the ability to spread promicin, stimulating abilities in those able to withstand promicin production.

Mimicry or absorption

Used properly, being able to absorb the abilities of others can make a individual extremely powerful as Rogue, Black Alice and Peter Petrelli

For individual characters, please see the characters who absorb abilities

Power cancellation

While being able to cancel out another's abilities does not necessarily grant one real power, it can come in handy. Scrambler, Leech and The Haitian have this unique skill.

Power sensing

Some individuals are able to determine what, if any, unusual abilities another person may have. This may be a form of telepathy or something else altogether.

Transportation powers

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Dimensional Transportation

The ability to open up windows to other dimensions for your own travel or to trap individuals in another dimension is the ability of such characters as Darkseid, and Spot.

Electrical Transportation

With power lines an ubiquitous feature of the modern world, the ability to move along them or other energy transmissions is a special talent of DC comics super heroes Atom, and Air Wave.

Omnipresence

A feature normally associated with god, the ability to be all places at once is an example of true power. Marvel Comics' Eternity represents the universe and like it, he is always around.

Teleportation

See Teleportation

While most people may think of transporting oneself across great distances, a particular feature of Star Trek transporters, some characters are able to do this at will, without the aid of technology. Several charmed characters, angels and demons have this talent, as does Hiro Nakamura of Heroes. Others with the ability include Blink, Nightcrawler, and Bolt.

Powers relating to nature

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Air-based powers

The ability to manipulate air gives an individual control over wind elements and the movement of air which can allow them to pick up sound waves, carry objects, fly, or amplify vibrations. Individuals with this ability include Wind Dancer, and Red Tornado.

Fire/heat-based powers

See Pyrokinesis

Control over fire is a talent that allows one to light a bonfire without match, set one's hair on fire or heat a cup of tea. Kes from Star Trek: Voyager developed this talent, others with the ability include Meredith Gordon, Pyro and Rei Hino of Sailor Moon.

Earth-based powers

The ability to control earth grants power of sand, stone, rock, and, dirt and minerals allowing the person with his ability to cause earthquakes, levitate and reshape earth components at will. Characters with this talent include Petra and Terra.

Ice/cold-based powers

Manipulating the cold involves reducing the kinetic energy of atoms to reduce their temperature. Sylar stole this ability while Iceman and superheroine Ice, and Sailor Moon's Ami Mizuno acquired theirs naturally.

Water-based powers

Michiru Kaioh, Hydro-Man and Garth all have the ability to manipulate water. They can generate, absorb, manipulate and on some occasions heat or freeze water at will.

Plant-based powers

DC Comics villain, Poison Ivy is among those characters able to manipulate plants, controlling their growth and movement.

Weather-based powers

Many individuals have claimed the ability to make it rain but only a few characters control the full force of the weather. Storm is able to create blizzards, typhoons, thunder storms and lightning at will. Sarah Rainmaker and Typhoon also have this talent.

Related Terms and Articles

• Super Powers category: individual articles on super powers can be found here
• Characters by Ability category