"The Ace" and Superheros

How should one approach "The Ace" trope and superheroes? These are characters that are practically defined by their superpowers. Is it acceptable to list off their powers, abilities and accomplishments in this trope?

the main thing about The Ace is that it's about a character who's the best at one thing in particular, not just that they have superpowers. i think as an example, superman is considered The Ace not just for being a Flying Brick with tons of superpowers, but because he's the most idealistic and courageous hero out of everyone in the DC universe, and that makes him the best at being a leader. this is especially true in contrast to batman; while they're both usually written as a Jack of All Trades, batman is portrayed as a flawed Badass Normal while superman's willpower and heroism usually keeps him firmly as The Ace

Being The Ace is a relative thing. Having superpowers could make someone The Ace, but if other people in their setting also have powers, then not necessarily.

I remember another thread about The Ace that said the trope was supposed to be about In-Universe reputation. So if one superhero has the reputation of being the best, then they're The Ace.

Yeah, The Ace often gets misused for people who are really good at what they do, but that's not the trope. It's for someone who is so ridiculously good at what they do and everyone knows this — either admiring them or envying them for how good they are at what they do, and often not knowing much about the real person because it's the person's reputation that everyone knows and reacts to.

So, it's very much a reputation trope rather than a base skills trope — they've got to have the skills to back up the reputation, but if they don't have the reputation, the trope's not in play.

Edited by Wyldchyld on May 21st 2023 at 4:41:12 PM