Powers and Abilities
Caitlin was affected by her gen-factor causing her mass to increase and her muscle density to grow exponentially. (A letter column described her height as 6'5) This gives her incredible strength and durability as well as increased stamina and agility. She has confronted and been able to hold her own against some of the strongest heroes and villains in the Wildstorm universe.
In Gen 13 v3, Caitlin absorbed the shape-shifting powers of another "genie" (that reality's nickname for those with gen-factor powers). She gained the ability to melt into a purple liquid and reform in various shapes, somewhat similar in concept to the T-1000's abilities in Terminator 2. After expressing these powers, Caitlin's hair and lips turned purple. It is unknown whether she retained these new powers after the events of Gen 13 v3 #16.
In the relaunch by author Gail Simone, Caitlin Fairchild's origins are slightly different. The activation of her gen-factor (and subsequent physical appearance) were all the result of bold-faced manipulation since birth by Tabula Rasa, an offshoot of I.O., to create an attractive Gen-Active teen. The limits and changes to her traditional abilities of superstrength and invulnerability are unknown (she is able to best a saber-tooth tiger, for instance, but a blow to the head from a fall causes her to bleed and concuss), and apparently tied to her physical welfare: when infected by the Warhol virus, so with an overtaxed immune system, her invulnerability was almost completely lost, so that a simple knife could penetrate her otherwise impenetrable skin. Also, Caitlin seems to have superhuman reactions, catching a bullet fired from a sniper rifle before it can hit its intended target. Cailtin retains her notable traits of intelligence and attractiveness but is continually suspicious and unhappy about her appearance, given the prurient nature of her creators.
In the post-Flashpoint reboot of DC Comics, Caitlin is one of 13 genetically enhanced metahumans. She has the power to make her muscles grow, telepathy, and is shown to be immune to Superboy's telekinetic powers.
Read more about this topic: Caitlin Fairchild
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