Definition for DC Comics
Flight is the ability to resist the pull of a planet's gravity and navigate through either outer space or a planetary atmosphere. Some characters possess this ability naturally, either as a function of their race, or because of some genetic abnormality, such as in the case of Metahumans. Other characters require external sources in order to fly. Members of the Green Lantern Corps for example, can fly through the use of their Power rings. Likewise, members of the Legion of Super-Heroes can fly through the use of their Legion Flight Rings. Some characters, such as Thanagarians, can fly by way of anti-gravity Nth Metal wing harnesses.
Superman specificity
Flight refers to the ability in Kryptonians and Daxamites to defy gravity and fly at will through planetary atmospheres and through open space. This ability is gained through the Photonucleic Effect.
Some Kryptonians, before they develop the ability to fly, can jump and leap incredible heights and distances due to their incredible muscular structure in addition to their low weight. This Leaping can be considered a precursor to flight, but is not entirely due to the Photonucleic effect.
Definition for Marvel Comics
Flight - ability to lift off the ground, to ride air currents or to fly self-propelled through the air. This ability is attained through different means.
Applications of Flight
- A passive aspect, most commonly used, is a means to evade attacks or escape capture.
- Usually, a character with flight has a certain amount of speed to utilize whilst airborne. This can be used as an alternative to getting to places on foot in a lesser amount of time.
- In combat, flight and aerial speed can be used to divebomb/tackle enemies or engage in aerial hand-to-hand fighting. This is commonly seen with characters with mainly physical powers and abilties, such as Angel, Rogue, The Vulture, Morbius, Deathbird, etc.
- Aerial reconnaissance.
- Rescuing a falling ally.
- Carrying an enemy while airborne to either intimidate them, or cause them harm.
Flight is a capability many mechanoids and no few Transformers have, whether through rocket boosters, propellers, or even flapping wings. It has proven quite useful strategically in many continuities.
Jet-powered flight
The most common means by which Transformers fly is some variation on jet-propulsion engines, rocket engines, or similar. Transformers such as the Seekers have such thrusters built into their legs, while other individuals such as Sideswipe and Sunstreaker possess removable jet-packs which strap to their backs.
Transformers with jet-powered flight
- Dinomode Grimlock
- Inferno (BW)
- Transmetal Megatron
- Optimus Primal
- Starscream (Movie)
Propeller-powered flight
Sometimes, by virtue of a Transformer's alternate mode, they can fly by means more primitive than they might be accustomed to on Cybertron. Using airplane propellers, helicoptor rotors, or other similar technologies they can fly at speeds comparable to native aircraft on the worlds they are residing upon.
Transformers with biological flight
- Airazor
- Divebomb (G1)
- Transmetal 2 Megatron
- Nightscream (BM)
- Fuzor Silverbolt
- Terrorsaur
- Waspinator
- Anybody named Swoop
Transformers with levitation
- Shockwave (G1)
- Sky-Byte
- Transmutate
- Soundwave (G1)
Robot-mode flight
Robot-mode flight powers are an innovative power that allows Transformers without a flight-based alternate mode to fly while in robot mode. The Decepticons make good use of this power.
Sometimes the Autobots have them....sometimes they don't. Most often they display them early in Season 1 of the US cartoon, particularly the pilot. It is uncertain if they require external equipment to fly; several times the Autobots use strap-on jet packs or rocket packs, but sometimes they don't.
Robot-mode flight was prevalent in the post-movie episodes, in which the focus was shifted to space (perhaps, taking a hint from the Gundam franchise.) Although some characters could not fly under the influence of a planet's gravity, everyone seemed to possess the power of flight in deep space.
Definition for Image Comics
The power of Flight is the ability to lift off the ground, to ride air currents or to fly self-propelled through the air.
Forms of Flight
- Avian (with feathered wings)
- Bat-like wings
- Telekinetic (mind over matter)
- Projection of an energy aura enabling flight
- Cosmic energy
- Thermochemical reactions
Characters with the ability of flight
- Spawn
