In the DC Universe, a metahuman is a

human Humans (''Homo sapiens'') or modern humans are the most common and widespread species of primate, and the last surviving species of the genus ''Homo''. They are Hominidae, great apes characterized by their Prehistory of nakedness and clothing ...

with superpowers. The term is roughly synonymous with the terms '' mutant'', '' inhuman'' and '' mutate'' in the Marvel Universe and '' posthuman'' in the Wildstorm and Ultimate Marvel Universes. In DC Comics, the term is used loosely in most instances to refer to any human-like individual with extraordinary, often paranormal abilities or other attributes, regardless of whether or not they are cosmic, mutant, scientific,

supernatural Supernatural phenomena or entities are those beyond the Scientific law, laws of nature. The term is derived from Medieval Latin , from Latin 'above, beyond, outside of' + 'nature'. Although the corollary term "nature" has had multiple meanin ...

, skill-based or technological in nature. A significant portion of these are normal human beings born with a genetic variant called the "metagene", which causes them to gain powers and other paranormal qualities during freak accidents or times of intense psychological distress, effectively making them a subspecies of superhumans living within the population. The term was first used as a reference to superheroes in 1986 by author George R. R. Martin, first in the '' Superworld'' role playing system, and then later in his '' Wild Cards'' series of novels.

DC Comics

The term was first used by the alien Dominators when they appeared in

DC Comics DC Comics (originally DC Comics, Inc., and also known simply as DC) is an American comic book publisher owned by DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC is an initialism for "Detective Comics", an American comic book seri ...

' '' Invasion!'' mini-series in 1988. The Dominators use this term to refer to any human with superhuman abilities. In ancient times, the Vimanians and White Martians experimented on humanity and created the metagene.'' Son of Vulcan'' (vol. 2) #5 (December 2005) In '' Dark Nights: Metal'', the meta-gene is revealed to have also come from trace amounts of Nth Metal in the blood

Marvel Comics

The word "metahuman" is often attributed to the DC Universe, while superhuman beings in the Marvel Universe are referred to as either mutants or mutates. However, both DC and

Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...

have made use of the term "metahuman" and "mutant" in their universes. The first use of the term 'metahuman' in the Marvel Universe occurred in ''

New Mutants The New Mutants are a group of fictional mutant superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, generally in association with the X-Men. Originally depicted as the teenaged junior class at the Xavier Institute, sub ...

Annual'' #3 (1987), in which a Russian security officer describes the protagonists as "metahuman terrorists".''

'' Annual #3 (September 1987)

In other media

* In '' Birds of Prey'', metahumans included heroines the Huntress and Dinah Lance. They are treated seemingly as a race or species separate from humans. * In ''

Smallville ''Smallville'' is an American superhero fiction, superhero television series developed by writer-producers Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, based on the DC Comics character Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The series was produce ...

'', metahumans can occur naturally. However, the majority are the result of exposure to kryptonite, which can give humans superpowers. * In '' Young Justice'', the Kroloteans and Reach conduct experiments in triggering and manipulate the metahuman gene. In the third season, humans learn to detect and activate the metagene, resulting in widespread metahuman trafficking. The episode "Evolution" reveals that

Vandal Savage Vandal Savage (Vandar Adg) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is said to be a Cro-Magnon warrior who gained immortality and advanced healing abilities after encountering a strange meteorite during prehis ...

was the first metahuman and the ancestor of all other metahumans. * In the Arrowverse franchise, "metahuman" is used more narrowly than in the comics, typically referring to a human being who becomes transhuman and has uncanny abilities, often acquired by accident.

DC Comics

Marvel Comics

In other media

See also

References

External links