Talk:Mimicry

A proposition

Clearly the lines have been extremely blurred as to where some powers end and others begin. We find ourselves at a crossroads where we have to figure out how to distinguish one power from another. One particular instance of this lies in the powers of Peter Petrelli and Gabriel Gray. Previously, their powers have been referred to as empathic mimicry and intuitive aptitude, respectively.

However, as we have discovered, Sylar has shown the ability to copy abilities almost identically to Peter, without having taken his power. The question lies therein: Are Peter and Sylar's powers actually different at all? So far the only difference we've seen is the method of using their power (similar to the difference between Niki Sanders and Knox).

Thus, I would like to propose this as a possibility: because neither empathic mimicry nor intuitive aptitude is explicitly named in the show (yes, both are named in near-canon sources, bear with me), we might choose to call the power, which both of them have, simply mimicry, while noting that Peter's use of the power is empathic mimicry and Sylar's use of the power is intuitive mimicry.

I would like to add to this proposal as argument for it that while yes, Sylar's ability has been called intuitive aptitude in a near-canon source, the point at which that file was written (in the Heroes universe) was before Sylar had unlocked his ability to mimic powers without seeing their brain.

Does anyone (particularly admins) think this is a plausible option?

- Ricard Desi 16:15, 25 November 2008 (EST)

PS. Due to the existence of other mimicries, this could also theoretically be listed as ability mimicry or otherwise. Ricard Desi 16:16, 25 November 2008 (EST)

• In my opinion, I think Sylar developed electricity through understanding what the power* is and how it manifests instead on how to reproduce it. Like seeing how to write a sentence and copy it. Peter copies like a sponge, Sylar is more like a xerox machine. If the lightning had a different color, it would confirm my theory. - Discipol
• Ricard Desi, I'll buy your proposal! I'll see if I can get anyone else to weigh in, too. --SacValleyDweller (talk) 23:00, 25 November 2008 (EST)
• I too have had thoughts along similar lines. I have developed my own ability homology which I am not yet ready to share, as I must work for a living ;) --Dumpster juice 23:19, 25 November 2008 (EST)