Hypnosis

Hypnosis is the ability to mentally manipulate the subconscious mind of others. Those who practice this ability are called hypnotists or mentalists. It is commonly found amongst psychiatrists, occultists, mystics, carnival performers, stage performers and practitioners of alternative medicine. It may also be found amongst certain alien races or supernatural creatures such as vampires.

Hypnosis generally requires direct contact with the intended target, who must be in a state of total relaxation in order for the effect to take hold. This can usually be achieved by speaking softly to them, capturing their attention through a meditative instrument such as a metronome or a dangling pendant and/or maintaining direct eye contact with them in the case of some super-powers. A hypnotist can compel their target to follow simple rudimentary commands. More complex instructions usually involves a greater form of the ability, such as possession or mind control. They can tap the subject's subconscious mind, bringing forth repressed or forgotten memories. They can alleviate phobias and in some cases, permanently alter aspects of a person's lifestyle, such as getting them to quit smoking. A hypnotist can also plant subliminal ideas into the minds of their subject in the form of a post-hypnotic suggestion. These are mental instructions that lie dormant within the subject's mind and may be triggered at a later date either through a predetermined auditory stimuli or visual cue.

An example of hypnosis can be found in the DC Comics character Ophidian, who is a member of the mutant sub-race known as the Un-Men. Ophidian once used his powers of mesmerism against the Swamp Thing, forcing him to remain stationary in a single spot, thus allowing the rest of the Un-Men the chance to capture him.