What's the difference between powers and abilities?

Question

In comic books, lots of "non-powered" heroes still have superhuman abilities, with Bullseye's aim being a good example. So what makes a superpower a superpower and not just an ability? Likewise, under what circumstances would you consider someone with extraordinary abilities powered? For instance, Cassandra Cain has a unique ability that's probably not a power, but Taskmaster's somewhat similar gift seems to me much more like a power.

Answer 1

in all true essence for comics, there is no real difference as those are both words used to describe many different superpowers and normal mundane talents depending on who is writing or saying the story.

However, it is generally accepted, that if you wish to classify each word as a seperate definition....then...

Power is some odd or real cool effect. Something that can effect the area around the user. Like flight, water breathing, superior strength, hulk-like jumps, weather/land/air/sea/elemental manipulation or energy blasts...you know the whole shibang of supertalents.

Ability is a skill. In comics usually, the character is the best of the best with that skill. Like feats of endurance or dexterity, aiming, slight of hand, hacking, cracking, pottery...you name it if you can do it as a normal everyday mundane human that is an ability. It's just the comic characters use those skills and are usualy really good at them. Sometimes even to the point where those abilities help with their powers and can almost be called a power itsself.

It all depends on how you wish to define the moment. If you don't think the talent needs to be defined as a superpower then call it an ability, if on the otherhand, this ability is just so grossly overmatched with an olympic athlete in the same regard, then think about calling it a power. All the same difference really

Answer 2

Abilities have to be trained. Super powers you have to be born with unless its bestowed upon you by Galactus or a powerful entity. Taskmaster is a mutant born with those gifts...he didn't have to train himself to do what comes naturally.

Captain America ..he was trained to movie faster and be agile in the army before he was giving powers of super strenght. soo abilities are worked on through out life. and humans can posses these abilites ..powers like cosmic blasts and shooting fire from your hands is a power ..cus no ordinary human can do that stuff.

Answer 3

I think a "Power" is something extraordinary that normal humans do not have... like "fire power".

An "Ability" is something that all humans can do but some can do it better than others. Some people have a "Natural Ability" like people who are athletic. Others can develop it with practice.

Answer 4

I would say an ability is one that has more to do with the body than the mind. For example: the ability to stretch your body or turn yourself into flame or the power to bend metal with your mind or control the weather
That's just my theory.

Answer 5

I would say that Powers are led towards things that you can get simultaneously from something else.
And as for abilities, they lead as far as having already had them in the first place.

Answer 6

Abilities gained when u where born
Powers are learned or reveal from itself or the help of others

Answer 7

Powers you are born with, abilities are learned(I guess)

Answer 8

Powers And Abilities

Answer 9

don't know