Methods
Examples of methods by which a character generates an effect.
| Type | Examples | See also |
|---|---|---|
| Energy sourcing | Nexus; Ray; Apollo, Ultraman | |
| Ability to draw power from large or small but abundant sources of energy, such as turning kinetic energy into physical blasts or converting solar energy into other forms. Sometimes based on proximity to source, sometimes stored for future use. | ||
| Chi | Iron Fist; Krillin, Kenshiro | Qi |
| Many characters who train in martial arts gain superhuman capabilities by learning to harness chi or some form of life energy. This type of method generally provides extraordinary strength, speed, durability and reflexes. Also often used for superhuman awareness, energy blasts, elemental powers and sometimes invulnerability. | ||
| Magical powers | Supernatural: Doctor Strange; Doctor Fate; Ganon Pseudo-supernatural: Mister Mxyzptlk; Impossible Man; Wizardmon |
Magic in fiction |
| This is the ability to use magical forces to varying degrees. Often used to simulate other powers, such as mind control and elemental attacks. Not all "magical" superpowers are actually supernatural, but are based on alternative or futuristic "science". For instance, Moon Knight's strength, endurance and reflexes are enhanced depending upon the phases of the moon. Uncle Sam has his powers in proportion to the people's belief in the ideals of America. | ||
| Technopathy | Black Box; Cyborg Superman; Drummer; Micah Sanders; Rex Salazar | |
| Ability to manipulate technology. Manifested as a special form of electrical/telekinetic manipulation, a special form of "morphing" which allows physical interaction with machines, or even a psychic ability that allows for mental interface with computer data. | ||
| Telekinesis | Jean Grey; Maxima; Battalion; Billie Jenkins; Sylar; Silver the Hedgehog; Prue Halliwell | Psychokinesis |
| Ability to manipulate and control objects with the mind, often in ways not visible to the naked eye. | ||
Read more about this topic: List Of Superhuman Features And Abilities In Fiction
Famous quotes containing the word methods:
“A woman might claim to retain some of the child’s faculties, although very limited and defused, simply because she has not been encouraged to learn methods of thought and develop a disciplined mind. As long as education remains largely induction ignorance will retain these advantages over learning and it is time that women impudently put them to work.”
—Germaine Greer (b. 1939)
“Commerce is unexpectedly confident and serene, alert, adventurous, and unwearied. It is very natural in its methods withal, far more so than many fantastic enterprises and sentimental experiments, and hence its singular success.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“How can you tell if you discipline effectively? Ask yourself if your disciplinary methods generally produce lasting results in a manner you find acceptable. Whether your philosophy is democratic or autocratic, whatever techniques you use—reasoning, a “star” chart, time-outs, or spanking—if it doesn’t work, it’s not effective.”
—Stanley Turecki (20th century)