Aren't you impressed with this epic intro? Nod your head, go on, I know you are. You can't wait to scroll down and rip that upvote button into two, can't you? As much as possible, please don't abuse the rewards pool by pouring all of your 100% votes on this post. Yes, how generous of me, thank you for noticing. Now, sit back down, read until the end and do what I say. Why? Because it's Thought Bubble Fucking Thursday!
Reality warpers. Can't live with them, can live with them (if they so wish it). Out of all the over-the-top powers that comic book creators have thought of, reality manipulation has to be the laziest. I'm sorry, I just can't get behind it. People often think that telepathy and telekinesis are already overpowered, but what about those characters who can destroy whole universes in a blink of an eye? You wouldn't want to be on their bad side.
Deus Ex Machin-I told you not to piss them off!
Image Source
Legion, The Beyonder, Doctor Manhattan, Doctor Doom (that one time), Dream (Sandman), the Living Tribunal, Enchantress (DC) Scarlet Witch, Mister Mxyzptlk, Galactus, Molecule Man, Eternity, The Sentry, and, of course, the most overpowered being of them all, Franklin Richards, just to name a few, are some of the worst characters ever. I mean that with all due respect, of course. With the convoluted nature of the comics, it's hard to fault writers to create characters that can manipulate reality to how they choose. Heck, even Superman has been hypothesized as having limited reality manipulation abilities. But, do they have to give tens of characters the ability to bend reality to their will?
It's a convenient way to do retcons or change established history, bring characters back to life, or explain away any continuity change that's too hard to leave to imagination. These characters are living, breathing (well, you get what I mean) cheat codes. They have a direct line to the source code of reality, and they have write-access to do whatever the fuck they want with everything. Basically, they're the avatar of comic book writers who are too lazy to think of a more probable solution to any given problem.
Sure, they'll reason that one character is stronger than the other, and that the range of manipulation is more limited, but it's still a pretty lazy power to have. It's much lazier than unexplained magic even, at least magic can be reasoned to having a price to pay. Manipulating reality doesn't have any sort of side effect. They can kill, revive and reconstruct anything they want. Truth be told, they could end any problem by just snapping their fingers.
The usual limitation that writers give is almost always a mental disorder. Legion (of FX's Legion), the son of Professor X, has multiple personality disorder, effectively splitting up his powers into however many personalities he has. Scarlet Witch has had a storied history of mental instability. Her hex powers also give an unpredictability to how effective her powers are. But, by just saying "No more mutants" she had effectively removed the collective powers of an entire species in one go. Now, that's fucked up.
Image Source
Some have the convenient excuse of overexerting themselves, as if their powers are dependent on a physical muscle that they're using too much. While others are inhibited somewhat and accessing it would require tremendous amounts of red tape. Really though, if people want to limit these reality warpers' powers, then they should've just limited the number of reality warpers.
I guess one of the only ones I'm fine with is one of the OG, Doctor Manhattan. The way his powers are explored and how his characteristics are fleshed out has got to be a masterclass in storytelling. Sure, I hate that there's a being powerful enough to wipe out all of existence when he so wishes, but he's so unabashedly aware of his absurdity, that it almost makes complete sense. The way he distances himself to his former species was so superbly written that I don't even mind if he just up and decides to create humans because he feels like it.
Image Source
If they're going to create godlike characters, then the least they could do is commit to it and not make the characters try to fit in with the everyday crowd.
Back to life, back to reality
Image Source
Now, translating these characters to the big and small screen is an entirely different beast. On one hand, they run the risk of a collective eye roll whenever a character is too powerful that they can basically finish a movie in under a minute. But, when done right, they could make for very compelling stories.
Take for example, Legion (again, of FX's Legion). Let me reiterate how terrible a comic book character he is. Sure, his actions have led to major storylines (and alternate realities) like Age of Apocalypse and Age of X. But yeah, he could alter the course of reality whenever he pleases. FYI Age of Apocalypse in the comics starts because Legion travels back in time with the intention of killing Magneto. Unfortunately, it was in a time when Professor X and Magneto were still friends, so Xavier dies while trying to protect Magneto, effectively wiping Legion from existence as well. Because how can one exist when one's father is killed before one is born. Best not to think about these things too much. Anyway, I digress.
Noah Hawley (creator of the TV adaptation of Fargo) adapted Legion for TV as well. At first, I thought that it was almost impossible to do, and I have to admit, I slept through the earlier episodes. Don't get me wrong, I love Fargo, but I just couldn't get through Legion (slept through the pilot episode of Game of Thrones too). I was wrong though. After I watched it again, I have to say that it's positively brilliant!
Sure, Legion (the character) is still unstoppable, but it was done in a way that played well with his mental instability. Mr. Robot's the only other show that I could think of that compares. It's visually stunning, and it plays on the quirks of his condition. Unfortunately, the same can't be said of other adaptations.
Scarlet Witch (of The Avengers), for example, had her powers significantly reduced just so she could be bearable to watch. Imagine if when she says "Die Thanos" and the Mad Titan bites the dust, there wouldn't be any need for Infinity War, would there? It's like she's effectively saying "No More Marvel Movies". I'm sure the DCU wants to have someone like that on their side.
Oh wait...
Death would be meaningless, there would be no stakes, and there would be no compelling stories. Legion is an exception, but reality manipulation will cause a superhero movie extinction.
Have you clicked on the upvote button yet? You know what, I changed my mind. Go on and click it. That is, because you want to, don't you?
Vote for @lukestokes.mhth as a STEEM witness! I command you.
You were right, that intro was epic. And I will not give you a 100% upvote just because you told me not to....
As for the content, I am not up to date on all my comic books....
Damn my immense and overwhelming power to influence people!!!
I've always thought that because there is no villain really villain to give emotion to one chapter or another, sometimes I think that the super heroes exaggerate them or is that the villains are so bad that they beat them so fast? the superhero endures in every chapter and the villains do not? hahahahaha not that I like the villains, but the fact that the good always win make us know the end of the story ... hahaha I liked this post!
That's why when I write superhero stories, I always make it a point to keep things balanced. That way, the reader never knows who will win haha! I think they mostly just want to send a message of hope that even when there are challenges in life, good will always triumph in the end. Thanks for stopping by!
A very interesting read. It’s been a while I came around here but very happy I chose an awesome post to read (super sure anyone I picked would have fit that description)!
I’m not big on comics but I guess I know a little about storytelling and I think creating characters with all that power kills the “interesting” in the story. There’s a part of me that cheers for “free and fair”, not some cheat code creature 😀
Hey, hey, hey, man! Long time no hear! I'm happy to see that you've been doing splendidly with your posts and initiative. A testament to the work you put in.
Oh definitely, this applies to any story with characters that can do just about anything. It does remove that fear factor because you already know they're capable of finishing the story by themselves. Having characters that have severe limitations provide a more compelling read for sure. Nice of you to stop by! I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment :D
It's fucking thought bubble Thursday, Huzzah!
I'm trying to think of something clever to say, but I am krunk. No, I didn't spell that wrong, no alcohol involved, only kava tea, haha. If you've never heard of it, check it out, it's all natural, mostly good for you, and it gives you a high that is a bit like a wine buzz combined with a pot high- sort of.
Infinity war looks AWESOME. lol
I'm still waiting on the Mama Dreemit Kava post haha! Wine buzz with pot, and it's mostly good for you? Sign me up! I tried looking for some, and this seems available here:
Do you think it'll give me the same buzz, or is it too distilled?
Infinity War does look awesome! But, I'm looking forward to watching Black Panther next week. Gotta have the complete experience haha!
Too distilled unfortunately. Real kava is made fresh, they grind the root, mix it with water and serve it cold. You can have it straight (which tastes exactly the way you would expect, like bitter dirt and water haha) with pineapples on the side to chase it, or you can get flavored kava which is pretty tasty, but not as strong :)
Ach! >.< That's what I feared. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem like any kava is grown locally. It's a shame, considering other Pacific countries have native supply. Bitter dirt and water is alright by me!
Howie found some ground kava online that has excellent ratings, he's ordering me a pound of it along with a neat little cup. I'll get the link, maybe you can get some too :)
If your letter without any questionable substance hasn't reached me yet, I don't know how long kava root would take to get here haha! Customs are a bit iffy about medicinal stuff.
If you saw that other comment it was meant for me boom haha
Haha! I figured as much!
She's gone full on stone bonker on the kava. I've heard of this. It's calledcrocodile over here and they turn into reptiles and bask in the sun all day or something!! :0D
You sound like my grandma and her 'marijuana madness' lolz!
HEhehe, the sound I was going for!
Hahaha! So that's what it is! A kava convert if I ever saw one!
If Fables ever gets the TV/movie treatment, it would interesting how they tackle all the reality manipulation throughout the story. One can dream...
Oh definitely! But, I think some other shows and films have already set a precedent, that's why I have no doubt that it's totally doable. I feel like when more interest gets drummed up, we might be seeing an adaptation sooner rather than later.
I have never been a big fan of this type of plot device because dress it up as whoever and that is still what it is! I liked the comparison to magic. There is not worse than a wizard who can just do as they please and yet when it comes to fighting an event they just can't seem to kill them
Right!? It's like a "Get out of jail free" card for when they write themselves to a corner. I'm not a professional, but that's some pretty lazy shit if you ask me.
ABRA CADABRA! ALAKAZOOM! POOF!!
"Your money is now gone, I'm a couple of bucks richer and all of the time you spent reading is now worthless. You're welcome." -> Is what I imagine those writers think.
legion as a show it was quite good although it let me down at the end, the visuals were amazing too. I am pretty easily bored when i see overpowered characters like that, that can use their powers or make stupid moves while on other hand you got some guys that have let's say the simplest super power as to create a small fireball but they are so smart on how to use it that can kick some ass :P
It let you down at the end? Wow. Hmm.. I haven't finished the first season, and I'm surprised that the season finale is a let down. I'll reserve my judgment until I watch it. But yeah, right!? What's the use of watching them if they can finish the entire story with just one flick of the wrist. Takes the suspense out. I'd rather take my chances on characters who have seemingly useless powers yet still find a way to save (or wreck) the day.
haha it wasn't a complete let down in terms of thinking that i waste my time, but i think it started out pretty damn well and during the final episodes it became a little bit boring, or we could foresaw the outcome something like this. Yes having ''useless'' characters that build their powers along the way and use them cleverly is amazing and we bond with them. i think we feel closer as humans beings to someone that looks like us instead of someone who can destroy the world instantly
Oh well in that case, I didn't particularly enjoy it at the beginning, so we might have an opposite reception to the final episodes haha!
now i am curious so when you finished it let me know what you thought about it!
Most definitely!
Reality manipulation is what we're doing when we write, anyways, though, isn't it? Sometimes we give ourselves restrictions, but they're self-imposed. It becomes an allegory about the writer's responsibility to their work, to some extent.
That's right, that's why I made sure to point it out that characters who can manipulate reality seems like they act as avatars for the writers. It's one thing to become a representation of the responsibility, it's another to be a kind of panacea whenever people write themselves into a corner. I would rather see people try to think of more innovative ways to get around the problem instead of using the tired deus ex machina.
Yes. I think we're agreeing.
Indeed we are!
Is nice sometimes when I wind down the business side of things, to revisit what I like most about steemit, the writing, the stories, and looks like some fun comics.
Cheers Jedau!
Hey, hey, man! Long time no hear! Awesome of you to stop by :D
Great post!
Thanks!! I appreciate the compliment!
You got a 9.34% upvote from @postpromoter courtesy of @jedau!
Want to promote your posts too? Check out the Steem Bot Tracker website for more info. If you would like to support the development of @postpromoter and the bot tracker please vote for @yabapmatt for witness!
Awesomesauce!