Real People with Mutant Superpowers That Would Put the X-men to Shame – Part 2 of 3

Real People with Mutant Superpowers That Would Put the X-Men to Shame – Part 2 of 3

Continuing from Part 1… here are a few more genetic superheroes!

Run Forrest Run!! — Super Endurance

Finnish Olympic skiing champion Eero Mantyranta was born with a genetic mutation in his erythropoietin gene receptors that gives him the super ability of carrying over 50% more oxygen in his bloodstream than the rest of us — giving him a natural edge in endurance athletics without any performance-enhancing drugs. Super Endurance: now that’s a superpower.

Pain and Gain — Congenital Insensitivity to Pain

Meet Ashlyn Blocker — one of several superheroes with a rare genetic condition called CIPA (Congenital Insensitivity to Pain with Anhidrosis). CIPA “mutants” are unable to deliver messages of pain to the brain, rendering them completely unaware of any kind of physical pain. While this sounds like a superpower, not being able to feel pain or extreme temperatures leaves them highly susceptible to injury, burns, or hypothermia — since the alarm system simply doesn’t fire.

The Hunger Game(s) — Super Stomach

Michel Lotito, or Monsieur Mangetout (“Mr. Eats All”), was a French entertainer with an extraordinary genetic gift: a stomach lining twice as thick as that of a regular human being, allowing him to eat — and digest — metal, glass, rubber, and even toxic materials. His biggest achievement? He ate an entire Cessna 150 airplane. In parts. Over two years. But still — a whole airplane.

Total Recall — Hyperthymesia

Marilu Henner, the actress from the 70s sitcom Taxi, possesses a photographic memory thanks to a rare condition called hyperthymesia. These mutants have total, perfect recall down to the minutest details from every second of their lives. Every. Single. Detail.

Watch this space for Part 3 — featuring people who barely sleep, someone with the mutation every criminal wants, and Ozzy Osbourne!