Editing Marvel Universe (section)

===Origin of superhuman powers===
Most of the superhumans in Marvel's Earth owe their powers to the [[Celestial (comics)|Celestials]], cosmic entities who visited Earth millions of years ago and experimented on their [[prehistoric]] ancestors (a process they also carried out on several other planets). This resulted in the creation of two [[Hidden races (Marvel Comics)|hidden races]], the godlike [[Eternals (comics)|Eternals]] and the genetically unstable [[Deviant (comics)|Deviants]], in addition to giving some humans an "x-factor" in their genes, which sometimes activates naturally, resulting in sometimes superpowered, sometimes disfigured individuals called [[Mutant (Marvel Comics)|mutant]]s. Others require other factors (such as [[Ionizing radiation|radiation]]) for their powers to come forth. Depending on the genetic profile, individuals who are exposed to different chemicals or radiation will often suffer death or injury, while in others it will cause superhuman abilities to manifest. Except for [[psionic]] abilities, these powers are usually random; rarely do two people have the same set of powers. It is not clear why the Celestials did this, although it is known that they continue to observe humanity's evolution. A Marvel series titled ''[[Earth X]]'' explored one possible reason for this: that superhumans are meant to protect a Celestial embryo that grows inside Earth against any planetary threats and have done so for eons. An X-Men villain that is known as [[Vargas (comics)|Vargas]] claims to be a new direction in human evolution, as he is born with superpowers even though his genetic profile said he was an ordinary human being. The majority of the public is unaware of what may cause superhuman powers.{{Volume needed|c=y|date=September 2014}}

Other possible origins for superhuman powers include [[Magic (paranormal)|magic]], [[Genetic engineering|genetic manipulation]], or [[Bionics|bionic]] implants. Some heroes and villains have no powers at all but depend instead on hand-to-hand combat training or advanced technological equipment. In the Marvel Universe, technology is considerably more advanced than in the real world; this is due to unique individuals of genius-level intelligence, such as Reed Richards ([[Mister Fantastic]]) of the Fantastic Four. However, most of the advanced devices (such as [[Artificial powered exoskeleton|powered armor]] and [[death ray]]s) are too expensive for the common citizen, and are usually in the hands of government organizations like S.H.I.E.L.D., or powerful criminal organizations like [[Advanced Idea Mechanics|A.I.M.]] One major company producing these devices is Stark Industries, owned by Tony Stark ([[Iron Man]]), but there are others. Advanced technology has also been given to humans by hidden races, aliens, or [[time travel]]ers like [[Kang the Conqueror]], who is known to have influenced the [[robotics]] industry in the past.{{Volume needed|c=y|date=September 2014}}

In superhumans, the energy required for their superpowers either comes from within using their own body as a source or, if the demand of energy exceeds what their body is capable to deliver, comes from another source.

Marvel tries to explain most superpowers and their sources "scientifically", usually through the use of fictional science-like concepts, such as:
* Energy absorption (the battery effect); the cells in the body have the same function as batteries, being charged with energy that comes from an outer source. This is most often seen in gamma ray-exposed individuals such as the Hulk, who get their powers from this stored energy. The powers will remain as long as the energy is present, and can even be increased by filling the "batteries" even more. If the energy is emptied, the powers will fade away.
* The [[Power Primordial]] is a leftover force from Big Bang and is controlled by the [[Elders of the Universe]].
* The [[Phoenix Force]] is an immortal, indestructible, and mutable manifestation of the prime universal force of life. Born of the void between states of being, it is the nexus of all psionic energy which does, has, and ever will exist in all realities of the Multiverse. It has been shown to favor [[Mutant (Marvel Comics)|mutant]] [[telepaths]] like [[Jean Grey]].
* Psionic energy is a form of magic associated with the Astral Plane, which is assumed to be an invisible, unknown form of energy generated by living brains that can manipulate other forms of matter and energy. Apparently, it creates the universal psionic field, which is present everywhere in the universe, but only those with abilities to connect to it can make use of its energy.
* The Enigma Force is suspected to be connected to the Microverse and is also the source of its counterpart on Earth the Uni-Power, which transforms an individual into Captain Universe.
* Extradimensional space that can be tapped to pull mass from (to add to objects on Earth) or taken away from those objects and be stored in "pocket dimensions" to be retrieved later. This is how characters like the Hulk can grow and shrink with no visible absorption of mass. A type of subatomic particles called Pym particles can be used for these effects (Note: many giant-sized characters have a limited ability to manipulate gravity to handle their increased weight). The change in mass can be in the form of a density change instead, allowing a character to become harder or [[incorporeal]]. Some characters can seem to "transform" themselves (or others) into unliving substances, or even pure energy, by storing their bodies in extradimensional space and replacing them with bodies made from matter or energy from that dimension, while their souls remain on Earth, controlling their new body. Travel into other dimensions can also be used as a way to "[[Teleportation|teleport]]" by re-entering the Earth dimension at a different point.
* The [[Darkforce]] is an unknown, dark substance from another dimension (known simply as the Darkforce Dimension) that can be summoned and manipulated in many ways: to create impenetrable darkness, to solidify it in various forms, and (most notably) to absorb the "life energy" from living beings (not all users can use all these effects). The Darkforce can also be used to travel to and from its home dimension, but this is dangerous to all except those with Darkforce powers. Some believe that the Darkforce is sentient and sometimes has an evil influence on those who use it.  Various heroes and villains have versions of Darkforce powers, including [[Darkstar (Marvel Comics)|Darkstar]], the first [[Blackout (Marcus Daniels)|Blackout]], [[Shroud (comics)|Shroud]], [[Cloak and Dagger (characters)|Cloak]], the [[Doorman (character)|Doorman]] and [[Quagmire (comics)|Quagmire]] (of the [[Squadron Supreme]] Universe). Cloak seems to be the prime 'portal' to the Darkforce, however.
* The [[Lightforce]] is the opposite of the Darkforce: a form of energy that resembles light and also comes from its dimension, but has healing effects on living beings (except ones made of darkness or the Darkforce). It is unknown if it might be sentient. Cloak's partner, [[Cloak and Dagger (characters)|Dagger]] seems to be the Lightforce's main [[avatar]].
* The [[Power Cosmic]] is a force that can alter reality, allowing the user to do whatever he or she wants (including bending the laws of physics), only being limited by how much cosmic energy the character can tap at a time. It seems to be part of the universe itself (as a kind of radiation) and is most prominently used by [[Galactus]] and his [[Heralds of Galactus|heralds]].
* [[Magic (supernatural)|Magic]] is a conceptual system that allows individuals to control the natural world by utilizing certain universal energies, whose nature is generally beyond the scope of science. These energies have their source in extra-dimensional beings or different realms and dimensions, which have different properties to the main Universe.<ref name=":0">''Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe'' (vol. 4) #7</ref> Magic has rules of its own to follow, which vary with the method of invocation, mainly in the form of spoken spells (which usually call certain extra-dimensional beings to borrow their power).<ref name=":0" /> It appears to be present in everything, even living beings. All humans in the Marvel Universe can use magic, but only if properly trained. Most people are unaware that magic works. Also, powerful magical beings from other dimensions have created specific, extremely powerful magical spells that they allow to be used (often indiscriminately) by those [[Magician (paranormal)|sorcerer]]s who invoke their names; one example is the trinity of beings called the Vishanti, who serve as patrons to heroic sorcerers. At any given time, there is a sorcerer on Earth tasked to protect the universe against extra-dimensional mystical invaders; this sorcerer is known as the [[Sorcerer Supreme]], an office left empty since the death of [[Brother Voodoo]], but most recently has been reinstated to [[Doctor Strange]].<ref>''New Avengers'' (vol. 2) #34 (November 2012)</ref>