Marvel Comics has introduced a radical new theory of super-powers, with the potential to shake their universe to its core. Marvel has always liked to think their stories are set in "the world outside your window," albeit one with gods and monsters, aliens and mutants. As such, the comic book publisher has frequently attempted to establish pseudo-scientific explanations for various super-powers.
Unexpectedly enough, the latest attempt is in Chip Zdarsky and Terry Dodson's X-Men/Fantastic Four #1. Franklin Richards, the most powerful mutant of all, is losing his powers. The X-Men are deeply concerned, because Charles Xavier fears it could be a sign mutant powers can be used up. "[Franklin's] powers are depleting," a concerned Xavier observes. "Something is wrong, and we need to help him before they're gone. And also determine if this is something that could happen to other mutants."
What the X-Men don't know, though, is that Mr. Fantastic of the Fantastic Four has a theory of his own. If Reed is correct, then the mysterious depletion of Franklin's powers is evidence for a theory explaining super-powers - and its implications change everything. X-Men/Fantastic Four #1 includes an extract from Reed's research notes:
Ever since the accident that gave us our extra abilities, I've been trying to reconcile the high energy expenditure of each of our power sets with our seemingly unchanged individual energy intake. The most basic laws of physics make this seem impossible. At first I suspected we were absorbing energy from the air, possibly low-level radiation, but the numbers never added up.
Then I came across the research of Dr. Rachna Koul, who specialized in imperiumology, the science of super-powers. She posited that superhumans are each connected to one or more intradimensional sources of energy, which she dubbed "Godpower." A solid theory, though I'm still unable to find that conduit in my studies of the Fantastic Four's power sets.
Franklin's diminishing powers would appear to lend credence to the Godpower theory, as he seems to be running out of the energy needed to use his powers. If we were to believe there is a Godpower source, then it's possible that Franklin's connection to that source is broken.
Whether or not it can be repaired depends on first proving its existence.
Somehow.
The Godpower Theory is a fascinating one, and it dovetails with ideas that were published in various editions of the Handbooks of the Marvel Universe. If true, it has profound implications for the Marvel Universe. It explains why the numbers never add up; why Cyclops rarely runs out of the energy for optic blasts, where Bruce Banner gains additional mass when he transforms into the Hulk, and what constitutes the material the Invisible Woman shapes into force fields. Of course, the interesting question is whether or not there is only one source, a single Godpower that all superhumans connect with, or whether there are multiple. The latter is implied by the current Immortal Hulk series, which has revealed Bruce Banner's power is tied to a cosmic being called the One Below All; it's supported by various hints Spider-Man taps into an interdimensional energy, transforming him into a Spider Totem.
If proven, the Godpower Theory has profound implications for the Marvel Universe. The X-Men will find it particularly shocking; it would suggest there is no real difference between a mutant and a human who has gained their powers through a freak accident or a scientific experiment. One is linked to a power naturally, through evolution, and the other has gained this connection through different means; but they are both linked to the same thing. This goes completely against the X-Men's current isolationist philosophy, which stresses the difference between mutants and everyone else. The Godpower Theory further opens the possibility of finding new ways to create superhumans; after all, if the interdimensional links can be identified, then they can also be duplicated using some sort of scientific means. Indeed, the process may be key to helping Reed Richards restore his own son's abilities in the end. In contrast, however, it should also be possible to deplete powers or disrupt a person's connection to their Godpower. That may be what's really happening with the mysterious power-inhibition technology recently seen in the X-Men books.
Finally, it's possible the Godpower links are not coincidental; that they have been orchestrated by beings like the One Below All. If this is the case, then the development of the human race - indeed, evolution itself, given mutants are part of this - is being manipulated for unknown reasons. The story potential here is massive.
X-Men/Fantastic Four #1 is on sale now from Marvel Comics.