Superpowers

I'm not going to make this blog about how I should have superpowers or which I desire (though, if there's any barrels of nuclear radiation out there looking to create a technopath, I'm your guy). No, this one is more about me being pedantic.

A lot of superheroes can't physically have only one superpower. They just can't. Look at OnfireMan (it's easier to explain with brand new characters). To be on fire for long amounts of time, he would need to produce a massive amount of energy. Energy production is a second power.

Even further, OnfireMan can manipulate his inferno into a weapon. Flame manipulation is a third. He would require this power to not die from it.

All powers require additional powers in order to co-exist with the owner. Human limitations fall short at most useful abilities, so a super-healing power without a massive pain threshold and a body-shape memory would be pointless in any and all superhero situations.

Some writers do find clever ways of dealing with only one ability. Take Mr. Burly (again, made up on the spot). He only has super-strength, not super-durability or super-centring, so he would be open to being easily wounded and knocked about due to his ow acts. However, with heavy armor to both protect and weigh down, he can take hits without flying off or dying off.

I personally prefer movies with superheroes where they comment on the additional requirements the powers would need or the flaws that need to be avoided. Big bang theory discussed superman's impossibility assuming the concept of superman was possible, focusing on Superman's catching of Lois Lane effectively slicing her to bits.

I also like in one film where the hero malfunctions at high altitudes, so alters the suit accordingly to win against others with a similar issue.

What I like to see, in a thrilling action perspective, is an underpowered superhero with a relatively simple power using it strategically enough to become a worthy opponent. This would be a better thing to watch as he's not so overpowered that it's one sided, but he could still win because he's using his power wiser.

Example: Who would win between Iruleeverythingman and Papercutman? Therefore, it would be a great ride to see papercutman use his power so cleverly that he manages to win, admittedly taking a number of knocks. Also, Iruleeverythingman is a bit of a Marty Stu.

And my final bit of proof that there's nearly always more than one superpower, look up 'Most common superpower' on Tvtropes. Case and point.