One of the coolest villains and anti-heroes among Marvel’s mutants is Magneto. Often appearing in the X-Men franchise and comics, he is a force to be reckoned with. I’ve wanted to write about him in depth for quite some time, but never found the right angle. Then today it hit me — his powers are more scientific than almost any other superhero or villain. So here we are, ready to dissect his powers and abilities. After a long search, I’ve narrowed it down and connected his powers to a scientific point of view.

Comic Version Magnito is different than Movie Version

Let’s clear the confusing air first — the comics version of Magneto is way more overpowered than his X-Men movie counterpart. They seem to rely on different powers and abilities. In the movies, he relies mostly on ‘ferromagnetism’ — meaning he controls metal within his reach. Stopping bullets, opening steel doors, moving bridges, and so on.

In the comics, the writers pushed his powers to a whole new level, like sucking metal out of a Celestial that was far away from Earth. (Celestials are basically Marvel’s god-tier beings.) In short, Magneto’s powers in the comics are some of the best there are. Only a handful of the most powerful Marvel characters can even hold their ground against him.

Science and Magneto’s Powers

First things first, Magneto’s powers are impossible to mutate in a human. Period! But we’re not here to solve string theory — Sheldon already got the Nobel Prize for that. So, let’s get to the fun part.

Ferromagnetism is real

Among Magneto’s powers, the obvious one is the control of metals due to his manipulation of electromagnetism. You’ve often seen him stopping bullets mid-air and deflecting them back toward the shooters.

Scientifically, metals like iron, cobalt, and nickel are strongly affected by magnetic fields. So, Magneto’s basic powers are really just an exaggerated form of a naturally occurring phenomenon — like bending steel, breaking bridges, rotating colossal dishes, and stopping bullets

Earth’s magnetic field

It has been proven by science that Earth’s magnetic field protects us from the sun’s radiation and helps compasses point north. Not long ago, entire trade routes and global navigation systems depended solely on it. If Magneto could manipulate the geomagnetic field, he could realistically cause blackouts, disrupt satellites, or even shift weather patterns.

Electromagnetic spectrum control

Electromagnetism is composed of two parts — electricity and magnetism. Theoretically, Magneto should be able to manipulate electricity as well. In Uncanny X-Men #150, Magneto disrupts the entire world’s communication by manipulating the planet’s electromagnetic field.

Blood and iron link

In X2: X-Men United (2003), Mystique injects iron into a guard’s bloodstream, which Magneto later manipulates to free himself from a non-metallic prison specifically designed to contain him. Human blood contains iron in hemoglobin. While it’s bound chemically and not ferromagnetic, under extreme control of magnetic fields he might manipulate blood flow or even induce clots — something that has been hinted at in the comics.

MRI-level magnetism

MRI machines use powerful magnets (about 1.5–3 Tesla). In X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), Magneto lifts and controls the Golden Gate Bridge. Scientifically, in order to do that, Magneto’s magnetic force would have to be thousands of times stronger than the most powerful MRI.

Space & solar flares

Solar flares are the strong bursts of energy from our sun caused by its magnetic activity. Magneto’s powers should be able to disrupt communications, interfere with satellites, and even cause global catastrophes by replicating a similar phenomenon.

Magnetism + quantum physics

In theory, manipulating magnetic fields at the atomic level could alter how matter itself behaves. The cosmic Magneto in comics accomplished feats like extracting metals from a Celestial, and shielding himself from psychic attacks.

Unknown Powers of Magneto

At first, we saw Magneto as an A-class mutant. Recently, he has been upgraded to an Omega-level mutant (powers beyond limit) – except he is still sane and totally in control. You’ve seen Magneto on the big screen, and also read about him in comics. But there are certain powers and abilities that are so shocking that even you would be surprised. Here they are:

• He can control the entire electromagnetic spectrum, including light.
• He is a genius and can understand over 7 languages.
• He can project magnetic force fields, even taking an attack from the likes of Galactus.
• He can use magnetic flight by manipulating Earth’s gravity. Yes, he can fly in any direction he desires.
• He can control the very gravity of Earth and cause catastrophic damage to lands in every corner. We caught a glimpse of this power when Apocalypse guided him.
• In comics, he can manipulate the iron in the bloodstream of humans, making him even more powerful.
• He can create wormholes due to his mutational growth and scientific achievements – making him a cosmic-level threat.
• He is resistant to telepathic control and can also cast his astral projections.
• He wielded Thor’s hammer, which none apart from Thor could lift (except Valkyrie, Captain America, and Vision).

My Thoughts on Magneto’s powers and abilities

The Marvel comic artists, and writers take a lot of inspiration from science and try to make sense of things. Although, it is impossible for a human to achieve such level of mutations. Still, Magneto’s powers are one of a kind, and make him the most powerful villain/antihero of the entire Marvel universe. If you ask me, he is one of the main reasons why X-Men franchise seems more interesting, and worthy of attention. Thoughts?