Brandon Sanderson’s 5 favorite superpowers

While researching stuff for upcoming projects, I stumbled across an older YouTube video in which bestselling author Brandon Sanderson joins Wren Weichman from Corridor Crew to rank their favorite superpowers. 

Sanderson ranked the powers based on how cool they would be to have, and how fun to write and read about they were. Here’s a quick rundown:

#5 – Charging Objects (like Gambit from X-Men)

Exploding playing cards, anyone? Sanderson likes how creative this power can get. I agree. There’s a lot of potential for mischief and mayhem here.

#4 – Healing Factor (think Wolverine or Deadpool)

To quote one of my favorite songs: “Who wants to live forever?”

Having healing powers that and, thus, living forever sounds great ...as long as your body stays in or returns to peak condition. Think about that power when you’re in your seventies or older with joints that don’t cooperate…

#3 – Flight (Superman, Storm, Homelander, you name it)

It’s a fan-favorite power, and one Sanderson would like to have himself. It’d be fun to fly at will—unless you’re acrophobic and have a fear of heights. Then it will be more terrifying than thrilling.

#2 – Metal Manipulation (Magneto or Vin from Mistborn)

Sanderson loves the idea of a superpower that grants someone the ability to control metal. Controlling metal opens the door to combat tactics, transportation tricks, and more. As an author, this ability gives you many possibilities.

#1 – Portals (Doctor Strange)

Making portals is Sanderson’s favorite because they are so versatile. They’re useful, visually epic, and just plain cool. He even loved writing them into The Wheel of Time. “I’d love to have it. It’s fun to write about, and people have done interesting things with it.”

I agree, teleportation is a brilliant concept for a story. I’ve been toying with a few portal story ideas myself, and might turn one into a full series someday.

About the Author

Brandon Sanderson grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska. He lives in Utah with his wife and children and teaches creative writing at Brigham Young University. His bestsellers have sold 40 million copies worldwide and include the Mistborn saga; the Stormlight Archive novels; and other novels, including Tress of the Emerald Sea, The Rithmatist, Steelheart, and Skyward. He won a Hugo Award for The Emperor's Soul, a novella set in the world of his acclaimed first novel, Elantris. Additionally, he completed Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time.

Visit his website for behind-the-scenes information on all his books.

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