When All You Need Is Your Brain
We all know about the superheroes with awesome strength, like Superman and the Hulk, but what about the quieter characters that don't need to put on a visual show? From Professor X to Martian Manhunter and Maxwell Lord, there are tons of heroes and villains from comic books that need only their minds to defeat the strongest of foes. These telepaths are more vicious and dangerous than meets the eye. Here are 20 of them, all who flex their brains instead of their muscles.
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1. Professor X
While being called the "most powerful telepath" is often up for debate, it's safe to say that Professor X is the most popular. When you think of comic characters with amazing mind abilities, he's the one people think of first. Better known as Charles Xavier, his ability to read minds, project illusions, manipulate others, alter memories, and so much more, makes him an opponent worth fearing.
2. Jean Grey
With a teacher like Professor X, it only makes sense that Jean Grey would go on to become arguably the strongest mutant alive. Though she has many powers, her telepathy is one of her greatest assets. From being able to speak with animals, manipulate numerous minds at once, and project her own thoughts, to being granted cosmic-level skills when turned into the Phoenix, she deserves every title thrown her way.
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3. Martian Manhunter
With even the invincible Superman scared to go toe-to-toe with Martian Manhunter, that's all you need to know to understand how strong this character is. His telepathic powers seem endless, but his range might be the most impressive; he's able to connect with minds on Earth even while he's on the moon and vice versa!
4. Sentry
With the new hit Marvel movie, Thunderbolts, introducing the raw power of Sentry to the world, many are starting to realize this character as a powerful telepath. The scariest aspect of Sentry isn't just his connection to The Void, but the fact that the full extent of his powers are still unknown. And with his ability to already manipulate memories and invade others' minds, we're scared to learn more.
5. Franklin Richards
The baby of incredible heroes Sue Storm and Reed Richards? You already know he's born with unbelievable powers. Franklin Richards is an incredible telepath, even though it's often overshadowed by his many other astounding abilities. Though his reality-warping is pretty awesome, you can't forget how strong he is when he gets into the minds of others.
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6. Raven
One of the most powerful members from the Teen Titans, Raven is a beloved DC superhero (and strong telepath) known for her angsty, emo personality. She just gives off the impression that you don't want to mess with her! And given that she has immense power from being able to control emotions and minds, you're absolutely right in thinking that way.
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7. Rachel Summers
As the daughter of Jean Grey and Cyclops in an alternate universe, Rachel Summers possesses strength that matches her parents. Taking after her mother's telepathic abilities, she wields impressive powers like erasing memories, mental paralysis, mind control, and even being able to see into the past. Just like Jean, you don't want to get on her bad side.
8. Emma Frost
Though she was once considered a supervillain, we're lucky that Emma Frost traveled to the light side to become a superhero. And given that she's one of the most powerful telepaths, everyone in the comic universe is grateful. Often labeled as an "Omega-level telepath," her ability to match even Professor X solidifies her as one of the strongest.
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9. Doctor Strange
Marvels' most beloved sorcerer, Doctor Strange may have tons of flashy moves, but his telepathic skills aren't to be overlooked. From masking his presence to reading minds and communicating telepathically, his impressive intelligence allows him to use these abilities to their highest degree.
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10. Doctor Fate
Speaking of doctors, DC's Doctor Fate doesn't pale in comparison. With his telepathic abilities often being compared to the likes of Martian Manhunter, it only makes sense he makes it on this list. He possesses all the usual powers, except he makes them even stronger thanks to the Helmet of Fate.
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11. Mantis
Though Mantis is often seen as a comedic hero thanks to the Marvel movies, she possesses much more power than people realize. Her telepathy is truly amazing, with emotion, sleep, and memory manipulation being some of her greatest assets. This alone makes her a worthy hero and a strong telepath.
12. Aquaman
Aquaman is often looked down upon for having "boring" superpowers, but did you know he's also a strong telepath? Being able to communicate with creatures of the sea doesn't come naturally, you know! His ability to connect, speak, and control marine life alone makes him a more powerful being than he's often seen as.
13. Nate Grey
Though a lesser-known character than others on this list, Nate Grey is an X-Man that demands acknowledgement. He's easily up for discussion as one of the most powerful telepaths on this list after all! Another child of Cyclops and Jean Grey from another universe, the only difference is he was genetically modified by Mr. Sinister to become even stronger.
14. Legion
The son of Charles Xavier, Legion is quite the complicated character. Not quite good but not quite evil, this anti-hero-like mutant has the power to manipulate reality and time. Sounds scary already, right? But when you throw in his skilled telepathic abilities, you now have a truly terrifying opponent should one of his multiple personalities be evil.
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15. Cable
Born with his telepathic abilities, Cable is a mutant that is able to harness his powers to do incredible things. Reading and controlling minds, creating telepathic shields, and manipulating others are just the tip of the ice berg. More often seen as an anti-hero than a straight-up superhero, this high-powered being has the potential to do a lot of good (or bad) depending on his beliefs.
16. Maxwell Lord
Sadly, superheroes aren't the only ones granted gifts of telepathy. Maxwell Lord, though seemingly a weak opponent, shines in true evil fashion when his overpowering mind control and persuasion are unleashed. This ability alone allows him to be a constant thorn in Wonder Woman's side.
17. Shadow King
Also known as Amahl Farouk, this supervillain is constantly battling Professor X with his otherworldly telepathic skills. Using his powers for evil, he's often seen using his mind abilities to bring out the worst in people. Drawing from dark emotions and thoughts, he uses others' weaknesses to manipulate them.
18. Doctor Manhattan
Let's throw one more doctor on this list! Coming from the hit DC series, Watchmen, Doctor Manhattan was once a man named Jon Osterman. But after a laboratory experiment went wrong, he gained highly powerful and dangerous abilities that garnered his nickname. Though his telepathic skills are at the weak end of his abilities, his powers seem limitless, meaning his potential is too strong to leave off this list.
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19. Starro
The idea of a giant starfish acting as a supervillain doesn't seem all that threatening, that is, until you realize its amazing feats of telepathy. As its main source of power, Starro uses its mind to communicate telepathically with other parasites, controlling them in attempts to take over the world.
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20. Stryfe
If Cable is an immensely strong telepath, it only makes sense that Stryfe is too. After all, he's Cable's clone! Able to go as far as project his consciousness into other bodies to possess them, he's often viewed as being even stronger than Cable. That alone says a lot about his power levels as a telepath.
