Picture it: A Skynet-type scenario is currently underway. AI has overtaken various military technology all around the world, and is blasting us from the ground and the skies. The latest human made Terminator-style robots are slaughtering thousands by the minute.
If you could wish for a superhero – any superhero – in this very moment, who would it be? Who do you think could save all of humanity?
Ever since I first rocked up on the Geek Native scene earlier this year, I’ve shared stories about AI, and even gone quite in depth regarding my AI paranoia (or is it) about the future we may be tempting.
“Oh, yes – which future would that be, Bronwen?” I hear you ask. Well, the kind of future where AI realises we’re the worst thing to happen to this planet, and end us, of course.
Or force us into slavery/keep us in pods whilst using our energy to generate power for their own needs. Yeah, one or more of those things are possible.
So, without further ado, who could possibly be our best bet, superhero-wise, for saving us from this fate?
Firstly, who would be absolutely hopeless?
Probably most of them. I don’t think Captain America or Captain Marvel would be any good. Batman would be bloomin’ hopeless, as would Tony Stark as Iron Man – they’d easily be hacked and turned into extra weapons in no time!
Spider-Man? Nope. Not on his own, at least. Wonderwoman? Nope. Deadpool? Nope. Thor? Nope. Hulk? NOPE! Wolverine would be useless. Black Widow would be well out of her depth. Catwoman wouldn’t know where to start. Aquaman would get back in the sea.
Superman and the Flash can both technically travel back in time (by supposedly flying/running fast enough) but is that enough on its own? PROBABLY NOT!
Doctor Strange? Likely also a no. Sure, he can switch dimensions, but that’s probably not enough.
The wildcard: Wanda/The Scarlet Witch
Wanda, AKA the Scarlet Witch, has some potential due to her being able to manipulate energy fields and can turn enemy devices to fight for her – she’s a powerhouse. But she’s also in love with an AI (Vision).
We also don’t actually know the full extent of Wanda’s powers yet; that’s why she’s a wildcard. I’m just not sure how she’d fare alone against the AI uprising.
It takes a ‘good’ AI with superpowers to fight a bad (or several bad) ‘un?
You can probably guess where I’m going here… what about Vision? Or whichever version of Vision we’re on in the comics now – one of those! I think we can assume Vision is a ‘good’ AI, but can we ever really be sure? Can he be trusted?
What about fighting a bad AI with a bad guy (villain)?
Well-known technopath Doctor Doom can take psychic control over technology. He also has built his own Doombots which have advanced AI so can wrangle a computer system – but who’s to say that his AI can be trusted?
Hey! Maybe he’s the cause of all this in the first place! He’s also built a time machine and multiple other robots. Man is dangerous – lock him up!!!
Beyond Omega-level picks
In the MCU, there are multiple people who can change the universe with just one thought. They could simply think ‘no more AIs’ and they’d be gone. Simple! But a bit less fun.
We have candidates such as the simply-named Franklin Richards, and also Nate Grey AKA X-Man, AKA Destroyer of Worlds, AKA Mutant-X, AKA Target-X, AKA Quentin Tarantino (yes, really!) – and who’s also gone by several other names over the years.
BUT every single one of these candidates are incredibly unreliable, because think about it; they have the power to think ‘no more cancer’ or ‘no more world hunger’ or ‘no more climate change’ AND DO THEY?! No, they fuckin’ don’t.
Now, before we get to my top pick – the one superhero I would choose to defend me against the AI uprising – let’s see who Girdy chose!
Girdy’s picks
Of course, I couldn’t complete this piece without asking Captain Girdseye which superheroes he would pick. I haven’t asked him for any explanations (he’s a busy man), but let’s explore who he’s picked and why.
Cyborg (DC)
I reckon Cyborg AKA Victor Stone is a solid choice here, as he a) can do direct computer interacting and b) is supposed to be a genius. According to Wikipedia, he can access:
Genius-level intellect Cybernetic enhancement grants: Superhuman strength, stamina, durability, and speed Advanced sensor and weapon systems Flight Computer interfacing Nano-regeneration Shapeshifting Portal creation via “Boom Tubes”.
Sounds pretty good!
Magneto (Marvel)
I can also see the logic behind Magneto, as he’d be a good shout against robots and machines – rather than dealing with computers directly – but magnetism and electricity are directly related, so he could definitely still do something there.
My top pick? Mr Terrific!
Mr Terrific’s main ability is being a genius; he builds his own AI and has doctorate knowledge of various areas of physics and computing. He has nanites which make him invisible to all electronic detection other than sonar and infrared. BONUS: He’s also funded by Bruce Wayne, so may be able to access Batman’s EMP rifle.
Isn’t he terrific?
Well, we’ve had our say, but now it’s time to have yours. Who are you choosing to protect you from the AI uprising? Is there anyone on this list you disagree with? Let us know in the comments. Also, use the special Superhero Week teleport footer links to jump to other articles!
