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Comics like Watchmen and Kick-Ass explore the question: What if superheroes were a reality? Watchmen proposed that we'd end up with sociopaths. Kick-Ass suggested they’d be eccentric individuals balancing between neighborhood patrol and vigilante justice. In the real world, some people do dress up and patrol streets, sometimes engaging in crime fighting. But could an actual comic book hero ever exist?
Here are 10 comic book heroes who could potentially exist now or in the future. (Some of these might be far-fetched, but that's to be expected. Otherwise, we'd already have superheroes.)
10. Cyclops
Cyclops, a leader of the X-Men, fires a powerful beam of energy from his eyes. While this may seem like pure science fiction, a pair of physicists at Massachusetts General Hospital have modified human cells to emit light on their own.
The team transformed human kidney cells to produce the green fluorescent protein responsible for making jellyfish glow. These glowing cells are easier to track, offering potential benefits for cancer treatment.
The researchers suggested this might one day allow people to shoot beams from their eyes. Unfortunately, it’s likely to resemble a flashlight rather than a destructive ray.
9. Swamp Thing
Alec Holland, a scientist working secretly in the marshes, was transformed into Swamp Thing after a bomb exploded in his lab. The explosion didn’t kill him, but instead turned him into a half-plant, half-man creature. He possesses super strength and the ability to communicate with plants. While the idea of communicating with plants or gaining strength from them isn't possible, a human-plant hybrid—specifically, humans harnessing energy from the Sun through photosynthesis—could theoretically occur.
While most animals, including humans, don’t use photosynthesis for energy, scientists have recently identified a small group of animals that do. These include the pea aphid and the oriental hornet. The only vertebrate known to photosynthesize is the spotted salamander.
In 2011, a synthetic biologist at the University of California injected zebra fish embryos with photosynthetic bacteria. Though the fish didn’t start photosynthesizing, they incorporated the bacteria as they grew. This experiment gives hope that other organisms, including humans, might eventually adapt to using such bacteria.
However, humans would still need a leaf-like organ or something similar to maximize solar energy absorption. To harness solar power, whether as a plant or using solar panels, a large, flat surface is required. Humans just aren’t built that way. So while becoming plant-like is theoretically possible, it would be a rather impractical superpower.
8. Captain America
When World War II began, Steve Rogers was determined to fight the Nazis. Though he was small and frail, his heart was full of courage. As a result, he was selected for the Super Soldier project and received a serum that transformed him into the mighty Captain America.
While it’s not possible to grow taller through a serum like Steve Rogers did, bones can't grow in that manner. However, a person can increase their height through painful surgery. This involves breaking the bones and inserting telescoping rods that gradually stretch the bones by about 1 millimeter (0.04 in) per day. One individual was able to gain 15 centimeters (6 in) after two surgeries.
In addition to growing taller, Rogers became much stronger with just one injection, which is actually possible. A team at the Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, created a shot that can boost muscle mass with a single injection. The shot uses a virus that produces the protein follistatin, which blocks a gene called myostatin, responsible for limiting muscle growth. The project’s lead researcher refers to myostatin as the “brakes” and explains that the virus simply releases those brakes.
The shot is intended for patients with muscular disorders. Muscle growth doesn’t happen instantly as in the comics. Instead, it takes about six months for muscles to develop. Although this particular injection doesn’t lead to super soldiers just yet, it proves that muscle growth from a single injection is within the realm of possibility.
7. Wolverine
Wolverine is famous for a few key traits. His incredible healing ability is the first, followed by his nearly indestructible adamantium-enhanced skeleton. Lastly, he has retractable claws that are as deadly as they are iconic.
A Harvard researcher stumbled upon a gene that could potentially aid in rapid regeneration. While conducting cancer research, he created small holes in the ears of mice genetically engineered with a gene that promotes stem cell renewal. Shortly after, the holes healed on their own, and when he clipped the mice’s toes, the toes regenerated. This gene could lead to breakthroughs in rapid regeneration.
Other researchers are exploring the idea of combining organic materials with metals. Two scientists at the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics in Halle, Germany, have created a method known as atomic layer deposition. They directed beams of iodized metal onto spider silk. Some of the metal particles embedded themselves into the organic fibers. This technique might eventually be used to strengthen bones.
Although adamantium remains a fictional substance, researchers are continuously working on creating stronger metals. In 2008, scientists at North Carolina State University developed an iron alloy made from nanoscale crystals that is stronger than any other known alloy and can retain its form even at extremely high temperatures.
While creating retractable, internal claws may be a challenging feat, individuals like YouTube creator Colin Furze have had fun designing their own external claws.
6. Spider-Man
Peter Parker’s transformation into Spider-Man is one of the most iconic origin stories in comic book history. After being bitten by a radioactive spider, his genetic makeup was altered, granting him extraordinary abilities like superhuman strength and the power to scale walls.
Is it even possible to have your genetics modified by a spider? In theory, yes, but it’s highly improbable. The spider would need to inject a retrovirus, which carries genetic information. This information would then need to modify the DNA within cells. For it to work, nearly every cell in the body would have to be infected, and it would also have to trigger an increase in actin and myosin proteins, which affect muscle contractions and could theoretically enhance strength.
If the genetic change resulted in spider-like hairs on the hands and feet, it might be possible to climb walls. However, the person’s hands and feet would always be covered in these hairs. These sensory hairs might also explain Spidey’s sixth sense, but the person would only feel vibrations and air pressure changes nearby.
An alternative to the hairy hands and feet might be DARPA’s Gecko Paddles. Modeled after the way geckos scale surfaces, these paddles adhere to walls, enabling vertical climbing. Currently, the paddles are too large for humans and are still undergoing trials.
One of Spider-Man's most distinguishing abilities (at least in the Sam Raimi films) is his power to shoot webs. Spider silk is extraordinarily complex and has evolved over millions of years. The human body doesn’t possess the proteins necessary to replicate it, meaning we’d need a significant biological change beyond a retrovirus. However, if someone were able to shoot webs from their wrists, the webbing would be strong enough to enable them to swing. Spider silk is five times stronger than steel of the same diameter.
In the comics, Peter Parker creates a web shooter attached to his wrist, which is entirely feasible. German inventor Patrick Priebe developed a similar web shooter using an electromagnet. Additionally, a team led by Uri Gat at Hebrew University in Jerusalem engineered a genetically modified spiderweb fiber. It might not be long before these two technologies are combined.
5. Groot
Groot is a massive, tree-like creature who can feel, move, hear, and speak (although his vocabulary is limited). This is not purely fiction. Plants on Earth do have sensory capabilities—for instance, they can sense when they’re being touched. They also have an awareness of orientation, which prevents most plants from growing if planted upside down. They sense vibrations, triggering a defensive reaction. In fact, plant experts believe that animals and plants share similar sensations, as both go through a chemical process when they respond.
The one thing that Groot does that no real plant-animal hybrid could is walk or move with speed. While plants do exhibit movement, like growing toward sunlight, they lack the ability to form muscles due to their cellular structure.
Being responsive to stimuli while remaining stationary is far from what Groot can do. However, Groot is an alien, and these limitations only apply to Earth plants. On alien worlds, plants might have the capacity for independent thought. These thinking plants wouldn't necessarily need to be anchored to the ground either. Animals developed the ability to think to find food, so if plants evolved the same ability, they could potentially become thinking, mobile beings—just like Groot.
4. Aquaman
Arthur Curry, raised on land, always believed he was just another ordinary human—until he discovered that he was the rightful king of Atlantis. He possessed two remarkable abilities: the power to breathe underwater and the ability to communicate with sea creatures.
While communicating with all sea creatures may seem implausible, some fish do communicate using vibrations in the water. Additionally, for many years, scientists have worked to establish communication with dolphins. These highly intelligent and social animals use “signature whistles” to interact. Researchers are attempting to create artificial whistles to converse with dolphins, which shows that scientists are actively working toward bridging the gap with ocean life.
Another major power of Aquaman is his ability to breathe underwater. Incredibly, in 2014, scientists developed a substance that could one day allow humans to do the same. Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark created a cobalt-based crystal that absorbs oxygen and releases it in small amounts when heated.
The crystal, named the “Aquaman Crystal,” is remarkably potent. A single bucketful can absorb all the oxygen in a room. This means a diver could bypass traditional scuba gear and instead use just a few grains of the crystal. Though it will take time before divers can use it, the scientists behind the discovery are confident it will one day replace scuba tanks.
3. Batman
Batman is often seen as the most plausible superhero because he doesn’t possess any supernatural abilities. However, when you take a closer look at the details of the Caped Crusader’s life, things get more complex.
To begin with, Batman and Bruce Wayne would face difficulties coexisting. If Batman were involved in physical confrontations every night, it would quickly drain him. He’d need to sleep during the day, which would interfere with his ability to manage Wayne Enterprises. A financial website calculated the cost of Batman’s lifestyle post-Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, estimating that Batman spent about $648 million, plus ongoing expenses for maintenance, gadget repairs, and Alfred’s salary.
In addition to his immense fortune, Batman is highly intelligent. To reach his level of expertise in chemistry, forensics, engineering, and computer programming, he would need extensive education. Let’s assume he fast-tracked each degree in two years; even then, he would require a minimum of eight years of schooling. He would also need to continuously update his knowledge and innovate in order to build and maintain his gadgets.
If a highly educated billionaire decided to become Batman, his physical abilities would be critical. He would need to train in speed and martial arts, striving to be one of the world’s top fighters. Moreover, Batman adheres to a no-kill rule, so immense self-control would be required in addition to his physical prowess. Factor in the time spent training in the bat suit, and it’s clear that nearly 20 years of physical training would be necessary.
After all that preparation, Batman’s crime-fighting career would likely be short-lived due to the toll it would take on his body. Some estimates suggest that his career could last just two or three years due to the injuries he would inevitably suffer.
Although Batman lacks superpowers, for him to exist in real life, he would need to be an expert in multiple disciplines, possess hundreds of millions of dollars, and be physically as capable as a professional athlete. Even then, his crime-fighting career would be short-lived.
2. Iron Man
Some elements of the Iron Man suit are purely fictional. A suit like that couldn’t fly vertically, shoot Repulsor Beams, or contain an arc reactor. However, take a look at Raytheon’s XOS 2 exoskeleton suit. This exoskeleton can help wearers carry up to 90 kilograms (200 lb) without tiring. Additionally, other exoskeletons in development aim to improve speed, jumping ability, and climbing skills.
The aspect that truly sets Iron Man apart is the durability of his suit. This concept is similar to the Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (TALOS) being developed by the US military. The suit will be equipped with a computer to provide battlefield data, monitor health, and halt severe bleeding. If a bullet manages to penetrate, the suit is designed to be bulletproof from head to toe. The TALOS suit is expected to be combat-ready by 2018.
1. Cyborg
Vic Stone, introduced in 1980, was once a top athlete until a devastating accident left him gravely injured. His scientist father replaced more than half of his body with cybernetic enhancements. These modifications granted him enhanced strength and the ability to interact with computers using only his mind.
Although Cyborg was created over three decades ago, he is among the most plausible superheroes today. For instance, cybernetic limbs now connect directly to the human nervous system, allowing for natural movement. Muscle reinnervation surgeries enable muscles to communicate with artificial limbs. It is projected that in the near future, 50 percent of the human body could be upgraded with cybernetic enhancements.
One of Cyborg's unique traits is his mind's ability to interface with computers. This is becoming more achievable, as researchers at the University of Washington have succeeded in electronically transferring thoughts. By attaching electrodes to participants' scalps, they were able to create a scenario where one person thought about pressing the “fire” button, and the other’s finger involuntarily pressed the space bar to execute the action.
