Superpower (ability)

A superpower is a special or extraordinary ability far greater than what is considered normal, possessed by those of superhuman status. Superpowers are typically displayed in science fiction and fantasy media such as comic books, TV shows, video games, and film as the key attribute of a superhero. The concept originated in American comics and pulp fiction of the 1930s and 1940s, and has gradually worked its way into other genres and media.

There is no rigid definition of a "superpower" beyond the general idea of them being a set of capabilities and traits exhibited by characters in fiction that are considered beyond the limits of normal beings or are paranormal to some degree. In popular culture, it is often associated with unusual abilities such as flight, super-strength, super-speed, invulnerability, etc. However, it can also describe natural abilities that reach the peak of human potential, such as advanced intelligence or weapon proficiency.

Characters like Batman and Iron Man may be classified as superheroes even though they have no actual superhuman abilities beyond their exceptional talent and advanced technology, yet their capabilities are still considered far superior to that of the average individual and even comparable to overtly paranormal beings with explicitly supernatural capabilities.

In fiction and fantasy, superpowers are often given scientific, technological, pseudoscientific, or supernatural explanations. They come from sources such as magic, technology, or the character's own physiological nature (being an alien, a supernatural being, or a mutant.)

Superpowers are commonly used in animated television.

In shows such as Ben 10, American Dragon: Jake Long, and Danny Phantom, young protagonists are bestowed with transformative powers which lead them to live a double life. Winx Club and He-Man and the Masters of the Universe feature characters who adventure in fantastical worlds which put their inherent superpowers to the test. In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Road Rovers, and Street Sharks, the characters' superpowers are the result of being transformed into anthropomorphic animals (either from animals or humans) combined with combat training.

Other examples include: Biker Mice from Mars, Toxic Crusaders, Samurai Pizza Cats, Loonatics Unleashed, Darkwing Duck, Gargoyles, Drak Pack, Ghostforce, El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera, The Mighty B!, Three Delivery, Teamo Supremo, Mummies Alive, Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go!, The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest, Totally Spies!, Code Lyoko, Storm Hawks, Zevo-3, Chop Socky Chooks, Butt Ugly Martians, Kung Fu Dino Posse, etc.

Superpowers are a commonly used concept in manga and anime — particularly in the shonen genre.