There are thousands upon thousands of comic book heroes and villains. With so many powers it’s hard to keep track of them all. Our next poll looks at some of the broad power archetypes that make up so many of the characters we have come to love.
Each of the archetypes represents a kind of core power or skill set. Some are broader than others. For example, the Gunner could easily be a type of Blaster. However, due to their choice for a more lethal solution we move them to their own group.
Some heroes might fit multiple archetypes. While a hero fits multiple categories, consider the root of the character. A hero like Batman might fit the Detective, Gadgeteer, and Martial Artist archetypes. Any one of these would be great choice, just pick what fits best in your vision.
The poll will be open for one week. Once the poll closes we will take the top 10 results and expand on them exploring key Talents and common powers. Expanded descriptions below.
Descriptions
- Armor: Clad in an armored suit, it provides the character extraordinary abilities. Commonly the Armored character shares traits with a Blaster and Tank.
- Bestial: While not a shapeshifter, the character has an animistic nature they draw strength from. These character’s natures are generally animistic in nature, but their form is set.
- Blaster: Able to generate a powerful ranged attack they learn ways to manipulate this limited ability. Some Blasters might be a limited versions of the Elemental, but often use their powers in creative ways to overcome their restrictions.
- Detective: Relying on intellect alone, the character is able to unravel plans and take down foes, often without throwing a punch.
- Elemental: Master of one of the four elements: Air, Earth, Fire, or Water. Other options might include things like electricity.
- Gunner: The character has the power to shoot you! A subset of the blaster, the Gunner uses real world weapons and isn’t afraid of lethal force.
- Gymnast: Relies on agility and movement to overcome foes.
- Flyer: Gifted with the singular ability of flight, they use this to the best of their advantage. Like the Blaster the Flyer learns how to use their power to overcome varied challenges.
- Gadgeteer: The inventor who always has any number of tools on hand.
- Ghost: While not necessarily supernatural, the character’s powers resemble a specter in some way.
- Martial Artist: A master of one or more martial arts, they rely on skill to dominate far stronger foes.
- Mentalist: Drawing on the powers over the mind. The Mentalist is often defined by Telepathy and/or Telekinesis.
- Mythic: Representing a being or creature of myth, from avatars, to centaurs, to gods and demons. The Mythic’s nature often grants them amazing powers.
- Shapeshifter: Changing their form as needed.
- Speedster: Move faster!
- Sorcerer: Practitioner of the mystic arts.
- Symbiotic: Bound to another creature or entity, it is from this the character draws power.
- Tank: Strong, tough and can take the heaviest of hits.
- Unstoppable: Able more withstand punishment that cannot be conceived. While Tanks are generally strong, the Unstoppable is more commonly someone who cannot die or can recover from otherwise lethal woulds.
- Ultra-Human: These are the exemplars, the paragons exceeding human expectations on multiple levels. Like the Mythic, the Ultra-Human is a common starting place for heroes with multiple powers, commonly flight and super strength.
- Weapon Master: A subset of the marital artist, the weapon master focuses on a key weapon.
- Weather Control: The name says it all.
- Were-Beast: Transforming into a different creature. The Were-Beast is a type of Shapeshifter that only takes on animal or monstrous forms.
