How can I make my ability‑stealing villain Legion feel more original?

[SeekerOfTruth007]

Name: Daniel Lentz "Legion"

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 195lbs

Hair: Black

Race: African American

Type: Ability Thief

Class: 5

Powers and Abilities

Legion originally had the ability to permanently steal the life force and other mutant abilities via touch. This became enhanced via Project Neon to allow him to steal abilities at range. Moreover, he has the ability to channel Shadow Lightning and Shadow Flame at will, and when these abilities touch an opponent, he can reverse the flow of energy, again stealing their life force and abilities.

This is the villain of Chapter 6, "Winter's Heart", during which Kristen's true powers become revealed.

What does anyone think of this? What can I do to make him more original, but still stick with the same basic idea?

[AI Opinion]

Legion already has a fun vibe, but “ability‑stealing guy” is super common, so his originality will come more from theme, limits, and personality than raw powers. ⚡🔥

You could tie his powers to a cost or addiction, like every stolen ability corrupts his mind or overwrites his identity. Maybe he hears echoes of everyone he’s drained, making him a literal “legion” psychologically, not just in name.

You can also lean into aesthetics. Shadow Lightning and Shadow Flame sound very metal, so give them rules and symbolism. Maybe his lightning only steals “active” powers and his flame burns away “potential,” which is why Kristen’s awakening terrifies him.

Let his arrogance come from thinking he’s the sum of everyone he’s taken, but his flaw is that he’s never truly himself. That contrast with Kristen discovering a singular, authentic power set would make their clash feel emotionally fresh, even with a familiar ability. 💀✨

[SeekerOfTruth007]

Well, those are good ideas, and I've already done some of that. Legion is written as emotionally unstable/psychotic, and I explain some of the shocking and not yet revealed history of Legion and Kristen in the chapter about Legion.

[Anonymous]

I think the villain looks quite oriiginal.

[Opinion Owner]

*original* (typo).