this post was submitted on 31 Aug 2025
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[–] WoodScientist@lemmy.world 132 points 4 days ago (7 children)

That could be a fantastic superpower. Imagine a superhero called Middle Man. What would his powers be? He would have to have powers relating to connecting and engaging with people.

In my head canon, Middle Man has a form of psychic power. Come to him with any problem, no matter how strange or obscure. He will instantly be able to know the most qualified person on the planet to help with that problem and how to get in contact with them. And using his super power of persuasion, he'll be able to contact them up and always be able to convince them to help or advise you.

[–] Rhaedas@fedia.io 54 points 4 days ago (1 children)

That was my take from the comic. He did his job flawlessly.

Until you learn that previously someone had come to him asking how to get revenge on their boss and company in that building for firing them, and Middle Man got the world's best arsonist on the job.

[–] WoodScientist@lemmy.world 19 points 4 days ago

Maybe the arsonist was recruited by Middle Man's arch nemesis. They're basically the same abilities-wise; the only real difference is alignment. Middle Man uses these powers to help the innocent, his nemesis uses them to obtain power and wealth.

Not sure what his nemesis should be named though. Maybe Middle Manager, and he uses his powers for petty control? Middle Man once convinced a cosmetic surgeon for rich celebrities to fly to a war-torn country and help land mine victims. Middle Manager once convinced Martha Stewart do his laundry for a season.

[–] SethranKada@lemmy.ca 14 points 4 days ago
[–] prole@lemmy.blahaj.zone 10 points 4 days ago

Sounds like the perfect premise for a "monster of the week" type serial TV show.

[–] TheHotze@lemmy.world 8 points 4 days ago

Absolute King.

[–] Lost_My_Mind@lemmy.world 4 points 3 days ago

I'm imagining them not so much as a super hero. More like someone who switches the line.

Sometimes good, if it benefits them. Sometimes evil, if it benefits them.

The key here is, they don't give a shit if the job gets done. They know that anyone coming to them for help is already desprate to know HOW to fix things.

So superman might ask how to overcome kryptonite. And Batman might ask who would have the answer to a riddle (as in, Batman knows the answer, but the answer requires additional materials to complete, and thats where Middle Man could come in.)

But also, Catwoman might ask where she could obtain blueprints for the building of city hall. And the penguin would ask where he could find the best bomb making materials. Because despite his whole thing is that he's a penguin, he uses an awful lot of bombs. And nobody ever assosiates that with him. Most people think The Joker.

[–] NaibofTabr@infosec.pub 5 points 3 days ago

"I'm a people person... I have people for that."

[–] NoForwadSlashS@piefed.social 5 points 3 days ago

That sounds like a middle manager but actually useful.