Only in the near past, James Gunn revealed the DCU’s definition for metahuman, writing on @Threads:
“In DC Comics, a metahuman is a human-like being with extraordinary, usually paranormal, skills. These powers can come up from a wide range of sources, together with science, magic, alien origins, mutation, divinity, proficiency, or expertise.” Subsequently 4 (Superman’s robotic) might be not a metahuman however Terrific arguably is. Krypto is meta however I will not say he is not human as a result of he would possibly learn this.”
In the DC Comics continuity, a “metahuman” particularly refers to a human being who possesses a Meta-Gene. This is not simply any energy; it is a genetic mutation, conceptually just like how mutants are portrayed within the Marvel Universe. As an illustration, if a daily particular person will get zapped by lightning, they’re lifeless, whereas somebody with a Meta-Gene might probably develop superpowers.
Regardless, it’s evident that Gunn has fastidiously thought of the idea. By increasing the definition of “metahuman” to incorporate just about anybody with superhuman skills, he introduces a contemporary perspective that might result in a wide range of compelling eventualities and surprising narrative twists.
In a current interview with EW, Gunn revealed that most people within the DCU is effectively conscious of the existence of metahumans as they have been a identified amount for 300 years.
In this world, humanity has been clued into the existence of metahumans (i.e., super-powered people) for 300 years, Gunn reveals. (“Should you noticed a shark-man strolling down the road, you’d in all probability vomit and s— your self to dying,” he says. “In the event that they noticed one, it might be extra like when you noticed Paul McCartney on the sidewalk in New York.”)
In different phrases, metahumans are virtually celebrities within the DCU.
Additionally in EW, Gunn commented on the truth that he is introducing audiences to a world that is already stuffed with metahumans.
Mentioned Gunn, “I grew up studying DC and Marvel comics and having worlds and universes of superheroes who had been interacting. I grew up watching Tremendous Pals on Saturday mornings. It is a very long time coming, to have the ability to be part of a world by which superheroes are actual. We do not have to elucidate everybody away. There’s a bit of little bit of magic on this world. There’s science past our understanding on this world. That is the sort of place the place there’s an island stuffed with dinosaurs that in all probability exists.“
Now {that a} Marvel Girl movie is formally in improvement inside the DCU, it raises intriguing questions on how deeply this fictional universe of metahumans shall be explored. Because the franchise expands, it will likely be fascinating to see how richly its characters, mythology, and world-building evolve.