X-men-esque mutant universe, except all the mutants are rich like Batman. There’s something like Xavier’s mansion, but it’s a prep school and parents of mutants pay out the ass to attend. The prevailing theory is that most mutants die in utero unless they get extensive medical care, which the rich can afford.
Our story follows the only poor mutant in existence. This kid will make Peter Parker look rich. After all, Peter can usually afford a one-bedroom apartment in NYC and is rarely shown missing a meal. Gotta get our hero some badass powers too. Open to suggestions here.
This kid runs into some trouble trying to hide their powers and gets picked up by some local kids and dragged to an abandoned building. When they come to, they’re freaking out at first but realize they’ve got a blanket around they. They’re in a bed. And on the table in the room there’s a sandwich wrapped in newspaper, a juice pouch, and a snack bag of Cheezits. The kid who dragged them away apologies and begins to explain.
There are actually no disparities in mutant births, at least not any more than the general population. There are disparities in mutant deaths because the government has systemically tracked and murdered them. These are the kids who got away. This warehouse is where they live. And they are organized.
You can imagine a lot of the rest. Mutants were involved in the Battle of Blair Mountain, in civil rights struggles, getting murdered during COINTELPRO, etc. All covered up and omitted from history books.
Basically, I want the Brotherhood of Mutants, but based and not fashy
It would help to get an idea of upper and lower levels of power scale. Not necessarily knowing the main character, but just what makes an average power.
Do you know what that might be?
I think your protagonist's power can fit thematically depending on how blatant you want to be.
Gifting powers to others temporarily or coordinating people to work on a team could be useful. Maybe a natural intuition on using powers that would be overlooked?
Being frugal or clever could mean that the character is good at using whatever opportunities they can. Copying powers and making them useful through smart application can show that the flashy powers wielded by uncreative elites won't compare to legit effort.
Or it could be that empathy or connection is a catalyst or source for that power.
Or maybe their power isn't glamorous at all, so it's particularly embarrassing to be defeated by them.