Erik M. Lehnsherr, also known as Magneto, is one of the world's most powerful mutants and the X-Men's most dangerous foe. His incredible ability to manipulate magnetic fields allows him to control all forms of metal by using his mind. Unlike Professor Xavier who dreams of peaceful coexistence between humans and mutants, Magneto believes the only way he can protect his fellow mutants from persecution is by conquering the earth. Magneto has formed the Brotherhood of Mutants that he now leads in his quest for world domination for homo superior. The only ones that can stand in their way are the X-Men, led by his old friend Professor X.
Powers and abilities
Magneto is able to manipulate metal, and has been seen to be able to affect even non-ferrous metallic objects. Magneto's resistance to mental attack does not stem from his own natural powers but is technological in nature; the helmet he took from Sebastian Shaw contains some kind of a psychic shielding component, able to completely negate both the telepathic abilities of Charles Xavier, and also the illusion-casting abilities of Mastermind.
Magnetism - Magneto is capable of mentally affecting magnetic fields, this allows him to perform various and powerful techniques. He can also generate electromagnetic pulses of great strength and generate and manipulate electromagnetic energy down to photons.
Magnetokinesis - Magneto has comprehensive control over all forms of magnetism and utilizes that control to manipulate ferrous metals. His power first manifested when he twisted a metal fence as he was being separated from his parents. He is shown in X-Men: First Class to be able to easily move small metallic objects, deflecting bullets, and later on being capable of turning a massive satellite, lifting an entire submarine, and redirecting multiple missiles. In the original X-Men films Magneto has been shown to easily catch the X-Jet and in The Last Stand he moves the whole Golden Gate bridge. Being surrounded by, above or below large amounts of metal also enables Magneto to defy gravity. It is revealed in X-Men: First Class that prior to meeting and training with Charles Xavier, Erik used anger to utilize his abilities, and thus couldn't perform to his full potential, however, it should be noted he was able to move a massive anchor and take down an entire ship while still using his ability through anger. But once Charles helped Erik realize he still had good memories and his control was better when he was between rage and serenity, Erik truly began to control his mutant power.
Organic Iron Manipulation - He is able to manipulate the metal within a person's blood, as seen in "X-2" when he extracted the iron that had been injected into the bloodstream of a security guard by Mystique.
Magnetic Flight - Magneto can fly by gliding on the Earth's electromagnetic field.
Abilities
Excellent Strategist - Magneto is an excellent strategist, tactician, and skilled leader.
Multilingual - As shown in X-Men: First Class, Magneto is fluent in several languages - including English, French, German, and Spanish.
Indomitable Will - Magneto will strive to complete his tasks, no matter what it takes.
Weaknesses
If he is in an area with no metal, Magneto is almost completely helpless. Between the first and second films, Magneto was confined in a cell constructed entirely in plastic.
Physical Condition - Magneto's ability to wield his superhuman powers effectively is dependent upon his physical condition. When severely injured, his body is unable to withstand the strain of manipulating magnetic energy. When his powers are not at their peak, he also appears to have greater difficulty utilizing his magnetism for great feats. He is also susceptible to physical and mental fatigue that can ultimately affect his ability to adequately use his powers, especially if he overuses or extends them in a short amount of time.
Arrogance - Magneto has displayed a degree of arrogance that has caused him to underestimate the circumstances and individuals in various situations. In X-Men, when Jean Grey and Storm attempted to warn him about the hazards posed by his conversion machine, he refused to believe them, still holding to the notion that his machine will covert the humans rather than kill them. Another notable example was in X-Men: The Last Stand, when Professor X and Callisto warned him on separate occasions that Phoenix's power was too unstable to control. Again, he disregarded their opinions, believing that he could control her. He later realized his failure when he witnessed Jean Grey destroying Alcatraz with her immense disintegration wave.
