Metahuman

The term was first used as a reference to superheroes in 1986 by author George R. R. Martin, first in the Superworld role playing system, and then later in his Wild Cards series of novels. It was introduced in DC Comics in 1994. ==DC Comics==

The term "metahuman" was first used by the Dominators, an alien species who attacked Earth during the 1988 series Invasion! Origins DC Comics presents two conflicting accounts of the origins of the metagene. The 1995 Xenobrood mini-series shows the alien Vimanian race claim credit for the introduction of superpowered alien genetic matter into human DNA. The Vimanians forced their super powered worker drones to mate with humanity's ancestors Australopithecus afarensis and Homo erectus to create a race of superpowered slaves. Later, in Road to Dark Nights: Metal (2017), the Joker revealed to Duke Thomas that the term "meta" originated from a rudimentary hospital program used to automatically flag Nth Metal toxicity found in a person's bloodstream, similar to iron or zinc, with "meta" being short for "metal". This natural toxicity is the "variant" that changes the individual's DNA results in the metagene and its various heightened abilities and powers. Metahuman as classification The terms "meta" and "metahuman" do not refer only to humans born with biological variants. It can refer to anyone with intrinsic extraordinary powers, no matter the origins, and including those not born with such power. Superman and Martian Manhunter (aliens) as well as Wonder Woman (a near-goddess) and Aquaman (an Atlantean) are referred to in many instances as metahumans. According to Countdown to Infinite Crisis, roughly 1.3 million metahumans live on Earth, 99.5% of whom are considered "nuisance-level". The other 0.5% are what Checkmate considers alpha-, beta- and gamma-level threats. For example, Superman and Wonder Woman are categorized as alpha-level, while Metamorpho is considered a beta-level and Ratcatcher is considered gamma-level. In 2026, the DC Comics website stated that metahuman was a label rather than a stable taxonomic category: "If you’re looking for consistent parameters on what does or doesn’t count as a metahuman, you’re not gonna find them." Within the comics, the editorial stated that whether bneing a metahuman was defined by "the scope of the powers or their nature... depends who you ask". Specifically in relation to the films and TV series, it said "The line seems to be drawn at intrinsic powers versus extrinsic powers. If your powers come from an accessory you can take on and off, you’re not a metahuman. But if you have a cybernetic implant, that does classify you as a metahuman." Exo-gene The 52 miniseries introduced a toxic mutagen called the Exo-gene (also referred to as the Exogene). It is a toxic gene therapy treatment created by LexCorp for the Everyman Project, which creates metahuman abilities in compatible non-metahumans. The project was controversial, creating unstable heroes that gave Luthor an "off switch" for their powers, creating countless mid-flight deaths. ==Marvel Comics==

The word "metahuman" is often attributed to the DC Universe, while superhuman beings in the Marvel Universe are referred to as either mutants or mutates. However, both DC and Marvel Comics have made use of the term "metahuman" and "mutant" in their universes. The first use of the term 'metahuman' in the Marvel Universe occurred in New Mutants Annual #3 (1987), in which a Russian security officer describes the protagonists as "metahuman terrorists". == In other media ==

• In Birds of Prey, metahumans included heroines the Huntress and Dinah Lance. They are treated seemingly as a race or species separate from humans. • In Smallville, metahumans can occur naturally. However, the majority are the result of exposure to kryptonite, which can give humans superpowers. • In Young Justice, the Kroloteans and Reach conduct experiments in triggering and manipulate the metahuman gene. In the third season, humans learn to detect and activate the metagene, resulting in widespread metahuman trafficking. The episode "Evolution" reveals that Vandal Savage was the first metahuman and the ancestor of all other metahumans. • In the Arrowverse franchise, "metahuman" is used more narrowly than in the comics, typically referring to a human being who becomes transhuman and has uncanny abilities, often acquired by accident. • In Superman (2025), it is stated that metahumans have existed for 300 years within the new DC Universe continuity established by director James Gunn. Gunn quoted the definition used on the "metahuman" Wikipedia page to explain that Superman and Hawkgirl would be classed as metahumans, Mr Terrific "arguably" is, and Green Lantern is not. Krypto the dog similarly is "meta" but "not human". • Gunn's related DC Universe shows like Peacemaker and Creature Commandos establish that the term is used loosely; as in the comics it is inclusive of cyborgs like Sasha Bordeaux as well as mystics, mutated humans, revenants, humanoid aliens, and the otherwise enhanced. ==See also==