Jul 10 2012
Real-Life Superpowers: Immunity to Poisons
The Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins (a delightful concept for a scholarly publication, by the way) reported that American opossums produce a protein which leaves them immune to normally-lethal venoms, from sources such as:
- Cobras, taipans and rattlesnakes, including species they have not encountered in the wild.
- Ricin
- Congress
- Botulinum toxin
Since protein production is directed by genes, a capability like this might be interesting if you’re writing a genetically-engineered superhero or villain.
I call dibs on the Might Opossum!
Possum Man has the uncanny ability to play dead, and not be killed by snakes.
It’s an unconventional superhero, I admit.
I’m envisioning a scientist giving a super-soldier a highly-experimental DNA supplement* to help the soldier deal with a bio-themed terrorist.
SOLDIER: Side-effects?
SCIENTIST: Umm, yeah, about that. Please report any cases of coma or sudden onset death.
*Soldier gapes.*
SCIENTIST: They might be temporary!
*Probably on top of superpowers the character has already received. Immunity to toxins would be pretty niche by itself (unless the premise involved toxins in some way–for example, perhaps the setting is a post-apocalyptic Earth or alien planet with toxic air). Or perhaps the protagonist has been already injected with a lethal toxin of some sort and the genetic-engineering is part of a miracle operation to save him.
What about immunity to iocane powder? 🙂
That has to be built up over time.
Immunity to toxins might be pretty key if your premise is surviving the zombie apocalypse!
So would the ability to play dead if you’re the Mighty Opossum.
I think we have our next hit superhero.
Would the costume have a built-in prehensile tail, or would the possum-serum cause our hero to grow one?
Fun fact: Opossums are known for being immune to rabies. Thery’re not really immune, but they are highly resistant. Hmm…Possible raccoon nemesis?
(Did I mention I’m not a writer? Now you know why.)
“Would the costume have a built-in prehensile tail, or would the possum-serum cause our hero to grow one?” I think either might be too 1990s. Personally, I’d recommend approaching it more like Spider-Man or Batman (e.g. the character has some possum-themed capabilities but does not physically resemble the animal except for perhaps minor touches to the costume like the logo or the ears on Batman’s suit).
Congress, ha!
That my jocular question received a serious and even helpful answer just shows how awesome this blog is. Thanks, B, McKenzie!
This is an awesome idea for a superpower! Although it doesn’t have many offensive capabilities that I can think of right off the bat, it could set up a story pretty fast considering every mad scientist in the country would be after this poor venom-immune superhero.