10 Times Villains Stole Superheroes’ Powers
Guess Loki was more worthy than we thought.
For the vast majority of heroes, the superpowers they have define them. Doctor Strange's life revolves around being the Sorcerer Supreme, Professor X is defined by his struggles with his telepathic powers, Thor becomes the Odinson when he is deemed unworthy to wield Mjolnir - the list is endless.
It's made clear time and time again that most heroes would be totally different people without their powers, which is exactly why storylines revolving around heroes having their special abilities stolen are so engaging, especially when they are stolen to then be used by a villain.
There's something about seeing folks like Doctor Strange or Superman dealing with the loss of their powers that really makes you connect to them, as you get to see them still fight for good without any of their frills or cool eye laser beams.
On a similar note, these storylines are also interesting for seeing how the various villains involved use the powers that they've stolen - as there's nothing more surprising than seeing Doctor Doom with Daredevil's powers, or Red Skull with Professor X's telepathy. Combine together de-powered heroes, and the villains who've taken their powers, and it's scientifically impossible to not have some comic gold on your hands.
10. Loki Steals The Title Of Sorcerer Supreme - Doctor Strange #383
Proving that Loki truly is the God of Mischief, the villain once stole Stephen Strange's powers simply by convincing him to hand over the title of Sorcerer Supreme.
Loki manages this by creating an illusion of Vishanti - the team of celestial beings who grant the title of Sorcerer Supreme - and having this illusion inform Strange that his position is being replaced by Loki.
As such, Stephen reluctantly passes all of his powers onto Loki, as well as his house, his apprentice, and a good portion of his dignity. Unsurprisingly, Loki is a significantly worse Sorcerer Supreme than his predecessor, which only infuriates Strange more, until he finally decides to get his powers back by challenging the villain to a fight for them.
After a battle that involves some questionably moral tactics on both sides, the pair are forced to work together in order to beat The Void, which convinces Loki to tell his fellow magician the truth - for which he gets a swift magical punch to the face, quickly convincing him to give Strange back his powers.