Let’s face it: every superhero enthusiast has wasted far too much time arguing about what superpower they’d choose if the universe suddenly offered them a cosmic makeover. Would you choose the flashy ones—flying, laser-shooting, or flipping cars like The Hulk? Or something sneaky, like always knowing the correct answer in every language? The superhero multiverse is full of powers that span the spectrum from jaw-droppingly amazing to criminally underappreciated. Here are the 12 most coveted superpowers, listed by how much they’d really alter your life (and perhaps the world).
12. Healing Factor: The Wolverine/Deadpool Special
Brandon Sanderson, the fantasy worldbuilding king, has spoken: if he had a Marvel superpower to choose from, he’d choose the healing factor. Picture no more worrying about paper cuts, broken limbs, or even growing old. Sanderson suggests that the draw isn’t all about making it through grand battles—it’s about the dream of transcending mortality itself. Immortality tales may turn dark, perhaps, but most readers (Sanderson among them) would trade the risks for centuries of excitement and not a single sick day.
11. Probability Manipulation: The Power of Pure Luck
Why risk rolling the dice when you can rig them? Black Cat’s manipulation of probability allows her to bend every circumstance her way, from hitting the green light to winning the lottery. It’s the perfect life hack—never lose a bus, always spot a parking space, and perhaps even avoid disaster when it matters. This ability may seem deceptively weak, but it’s ludicrously powerful. Who requires super strength when you can simply ensure that you never require it?
10. Infinite Money: The Actual Superpower of Billionaire Superheroes
Don’t pretend otherwise—Batman and Iron Man’s real superpower isn’t gadgets, it’s unlimited bank accounts. Unlimited money allows you to construct satellites, pay for superhero squads, and never have to worry about rent. In the world we live in, this is what gets things done before they become problems. Forget about supervillains—picture never having to find out how much money is in your bank account.
9. Omnilingualism: Talk Any Language in an Instant
Thor refers to it as “All-speak,” Shazam simply does it, and the rest of us can but imagine. Omnilingualism is the ability to comprehend and speak any language upon hearing it once. No more cringe-worthy tourist interactions, no more language issues in the workplace, and you’d be the MVP of every global summit. It’s functional, formidable, and would make you the world’s greatest communicator.
8. Density Control: Vision’s Secret Weapon
Vision isn’t just a cool-looking guy—he can alter his density to walk through walls or weigh as much as a tank. Want to get out of a locked room? No problem. Want to be uncatchable in a fight? Just become intangible. This ability is the perfect combination of offense, defense, and sheer convenience. Who needs doors when you can walk through walls?
7. Multiple Lives: Wildcat’s Nine Chances
Immortality sounds intriguing, but what if you had just enough extra lives to be reckless, without the terror of living for all eternity? Wildcat’s nine lives allow him to come back from the dead, but just a predetermined number of times. It’s the best compromise—enough to be reckless, but not so many that you’re left here when the universe ceases to exist. Be reckless, live big, and know you have a couple of mulligans.
6. Dimensional Storage: Ramona Flowers’ Infinite Pockets
Do you ever dream of being able to have everything you need without having to carry a suitcase? Dimensional storage allows you to store anything in a pocket dimension—pull out a hammer, a snack, or a full-size bass guitar at a moment’s notice. No more worrying about packing, no more missing keys, and you’d never be caught off guard again. Mary Poppins would be green with envy.
5. Chi Manipulation: Iron Fist’s Spiritual Power-Up
There’s more to chi than just fighting movies, though. Iron Fist and Doctor Strange use the spiritual energy of the universe to cure themselves, increase their power, and even make illusions. It’s the ultimate body-mind boost—superhuman concentration, durability, and the odd mystical punch that breaks through walls.
4. Empathy and Emotional Control: The Ultimate Social Skill
Empaths such as characters in New Mutants don’t merely sense emotions, though—they can copy and manipulate them. Imagine being capable of soothing an angry crowd, winning any negotiation, or just knowing precisely how your friends feel. It’s not mind-reading, but close, and it would make you the world’s greatest therapist, poker player, or spy.
3. Reality Warping: When One Power Isn’t Enough
You just want everything sometimes. Characters such as Doom Patrol’s Crazy Jane possess an entire arsenal of powers due to their multiple personalities, each with a different set of abilities. Why have one superpower when you can have dozens? Instant teleportation, super strength, or whatever the situation requires—this is the wild card.
2. Super Strength and Speed: The Classics Never Die
Yeah, they aren’t the most unique, but who wouldn’t wish to run like Quicksilver or smash like The Hulk? They’re classics for a reason—flashy, fun, and make you the hero of any superhero battle. You sometimes just want to jump over tall buildings in a single bound.
1. Technomancy and Weird Powers: The Underrated MVPs
From liquid transformation to technomancy, the world of superheroes is replete with eccentric but strangely practical powers. Interested in communicating with machines, transmuting water to wine, or simply having a most cool party trick? These powers may not take center stage, but they’d make life a whole lot more interesting.
So, what superpower would you choose? If you’re longing to be immortal, have unlimited money, or simply never misplace your keys ever again, the superhero multiverse is for you.