It’s a common misconception that a great idea makes a great story. The truth is that most great stories come down to execution. A great idea with poor execution rarely works, but a great writer can breathe new life into even the most tired tropes. Like any writer, I have my own treasure trove of ideas that might end up in a story…someday. But why horde them? Instead, I’m opening the vault and setting them free.
Feel free to use these ideas as a weekly writing prompt, or come up with your own twist and reply in the comments.
Super Swap
Everyone was leery of the machine at first. Superheroes and supervillains already cause an awful lot of trouble. Why would we want a machine that transfers powers from one person to another?
Sure, heroes want to retire. Isn’t it better that they pass on their powers? Otherwise they’re destined to die in battle as they age, or simply fade into obscurity, hiding in their secret bases or behind their secret identities.
We all wondered if the machine would be used on heroes against their will. Or would the rich and famous simply buy their way into heroic powers? Does anyone really want Jeff Bezos with supersonic speed, or Elon Musk with laser eyes?
Surprisingly, nobody expected the Debt Villains: the people with good intentions taking out huge loans to get their super-powers. How do you expect the super-powered to pay off their debts? It’s awfully tempting to just rob a few banks or jewelry stores. It’s not villainy really. Just a few more heists before they can fully dedicate themselves to proper heroism. Just a few more…
Words Deferred 
It’s not villainy really. Just a few more heists before they can fully dedicate themselves to proper heroism – the refrain of my favorite superperson ever, Nightfist. I don’t read a lot of Superman stories, but I read one where Bane found out that the government keeps some kryptonite locked away just in case (an idea they stole from Batman I believe) so he stole it to be evil. The enswapenator would have to be very well protected. Also, plot twist, the machine actually does nothing, the guy who “invented” it has the power to swap people’s powers!
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Ha, I had a feeling you’d have something to say about this one.
I like the twist idea—it’s a nice way to avoid all the potential difficulties and plot holes that might come up with the machine.
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