The Plausibility of Superpowers
Guest post
Does Plausibility Matter?
To most people, the idea of debating the possibility of superpowers might seem a bit odd. Is that really the point? The fun is watching the heroes use these powers in clever and interesting ways. As Stargirl battles her arch-nemesis Shiv, she is able to call on resources that make her the envy of those rooted in reality. She can ride her space vehicle, look good in spandex and avoid harm in ways that activate the minds of readers and watchers of this latest member of the Justice League.
Nonetheless, the question won’t go away: will there ever be a time when certain superpowers exist, either through the harnessing of advanced mental powers, the coincidence of an industrial accident or the development of new technologies? In an article that looks at superpowers we could have now or in the near future, CNN offers these possibilities:
- Super strength through the use of bionic technology
- Flight through the long-delayed use of jetpacks or similar machines
- Invisibility made possible by cloaks that shield objects from light waves
- X-ray vision through the use of augmented reality glasses
- Night vision helped along with either bionic contact lenses or chemical injections
- Superspeed with the help of a lightweight jet pack
Pretty much all of these accomplishments are or will be made possible through revolutionary technology. While this might be pretty cool, it is not nearly as exciting as someone who has amazing powers.
Does Technology Make a Super Hero?
Even if all of these new technologies bear fruit, they simply won’t make superheroes out of everyone. Individuals such as Stargirl are one in a million, brought forward by their history, their birth, their experience or some other event.
For instance, Stargirl is the stepdaughter to Pat Dugan, who emerged into the hero known as Stripesy. This connection allowed Stargirl an avenue into the superhero universe as she called herself the Star-Spangled Kid and wore a special outfit. She was pressed into action initially when criminals invaded her school dance. As she sprung into action, she discovered her special powers.
It is also pretty cool that she is a teenager. A good character with special powers will probably always be more interesting than a rich person paying a lot of money to use the latest technology.
